Top Places to Visit in Brisbane Australia

Oprah is coming! John Travolta is coming! Are you coming to Brisbane too?

Brisbane is a fantastic city that you really must visit. It is known as the river city because the Brisbane River passes right through the city centre. When you travel to Australia you must include Brisbane in your itinerary. The people are friendly, the food is delicious and the weather is awesome. How do I know? I have lived in Brisbane for 34 years and here are the top places you must see during your visit.

#1 – Southbank Parklands

The Southbank Parklands are located in the heart of the city on the Brisbane River on the old site for Expo 88. It has been redeveloped into wonderful parklands where you can relax by the public swimming pools and watch the boats cruise up and down the Brisbane River. If you are lucky you will see the fireworks spectacular called “Riverfire” and the amazing dump and burn by the F111 fighter jets over the Brisbane city. The sky is on fire. Surrounding the parklands are some of the finest restaurants and eateries in Brisbane so check them out.

#2 – Story Bridge Climb

The most physically rewarding challenge you can complete during your visit. In the morning you will see schools of bull sharks and river dolphins cruise the river. In the evening the bright lights from the Brisbane city skyline dance on the river. Stunning! The whole time you are safely secured to the bridge and the tour guide shares with you some dark secrets from the underbelly of Brisbane’s history. You also cross the shortest highway in Australia, the Bradfield Highway, which is the length of the bridge. Great fun and the views are brilliant.

#3 – Treasury Casino

Located on the old Treasury Building on the corner of George Street and Queen Street the Treasury Casino provides first class gaming facilities, fantastic entertainment, great eateries and a 5 star hotel. It is perfectly positioned between the Southbank Parklands and the Queens Street Mall. Try your luck but please gamble responsibly. Be sure to check out the statue of Queen Victoria in the adjacent park. When we stay in the city we stay at the Treasury Casino.

#4 – Queen Street Mall

The home for serious shoppers, you have everything from K-Mart to Tiffany & Co. There is no limit to what you can buy or how much you can spend. The Queen Street Mall is a shopping institution and you can spend days here if you are a shopaholic. There are fantastic eateries for you to enjoy and plenty of ATMs because you will always get better deals for cash.

#5 – Performing Arts Centre

The cultural hub of Brisbane, it is a world class facility with many major Broadway productions performing there including Mamma Mia, Cats and Chicago. You will enjoy the shows and be totally consumed by the wonderful visual and musical experiences. It is centrally located on the Brisbane River in the Southbank Parklands precinct. Definitely check it out.

#6 – Queensland Museum

When you walk in you will be greeted by massive Humpback Whales   suspended  from the  ceiling . Don’t worry they will fall on you. In the museum you will see many examples of Australian flora and fauna as well as historical artefacts from Australia and around the world. Just take your time and enjoy the experience. This is great for families and conveniently located in Southbank Parklands precinct.

#7 – Queensland Art Gallery and Gallery of Modern Art

These wonderful galleries exhibit some the finest collections of local and international paintings and sculptures in the world. If you are an art lover you will not be disappointed. This opportunity should not to be rushed as there is much to appreciate. Take your time and really enjoy the wonderful art on display.

#8 – Sciencentre

This is a fantastic for families and anyone interested in Science. The Sciencentre is totally interactive and enjoyed by everyone. It is educational and fun even for the Mum and Dad. You can spend hours playing with the experiments and the children just love it. It is well positioned near the Queensland Museum and Queensland Art Gallery so include it in your itinerary.

#9 – Suncorp Stadium

Home to the National Rugby League team the Brisbane Broncos. It is a first class facility that is easily accessible by public transport and within walking distance if you are staying in the Brisbane CBD. Arguably it is the best stadium in Australia for sporting events and concerts. Recent performers include Robbie Williams and Andre Rieu. If you want the absolute best experience you must attend the Rugby League event called “State of Origin”. The biggest local sporting event each year where two state Rugby League teams, one from Queensland and one from New South Wales, do battle at Suncorp Stadium. Two words BRUTALLY AWESOME!

#10 – Surfers Paradise

Board the train from Brisbane to Surfers Paradise on the Gold Coast. There you will find some of the best beaches in the world. It is also home to the tallest building in Australia called Q1 which stands over 320 metres. If you are brave take a ride in the elevator to the top of Q1 and enjoy a meal, have you photo taken hanging off the side of Q1 and watch a movie in the highest cinema in Australia on the 80th floor. The 360 degree viewing deck is unbelievable. You can actually look down on the helicopters flying pass. The shopping on the Gold Coast is world class and there is an abundance of quality accommodation and entertainment available. I love staying at the Marriot Surfers Paradise.

Wherever you go and whatever you do during your visit to Brisbane Australia you can be assured it will be an enjoyable and memorable adventure. If you are travelling to Australia check out these sites for the best Brisbane Accommodation Deals and Gold Coast Accommodation Deals.