Best 9 Things to do in Brisbane

Many people are skipping Brisbane on their visits to Australia as Sydney seems to steal the show but there is a lot to see and do in Brisbane.

Brisbane is the capital and most populous city of the Australian state of Queensland.  The Brisbane central business district is situated within a peninsula of the Brisbane River about 15 km from its mouth at Moreton Bay, a bay of the Coral Sea.

Ever wondered that old nickname for Brisbane was “Queen City”, and from the city’s topography of hills and a great river, was styled Later Rome.

Brisbane is known for its distinct Queenslander architecture, its spring Jacaranda blossoms, and its outdoor dining and cuisine culture. A transportation hub, Brisbane is served by a large suburban rail network and popular bus and ferry networks, as well as Australia’s largest and busiest airport and the third-largest seaport.

Brisbane is a popular tourist destination. Major landmarks and attractions include South Bank Parklands and the Queensland Cultural Centre, including the Queensland Performing Arts Centre and Queensland Art Gallery and Gallery of Modern Art, the City Botanic Gardens, King George Square and City Hall, the Story Bridge, the Mount Coot-tha Botanic Gardens and Lookout, Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, Howard Smith Wharves, New Farm Park, D’Aguilar National Park, and Moreton Bay and its islands, such as Moreton and St Helena.

Brisbane is worth spending some time and enjoying rather than just using Brisbane as a connecting point on the way to the Gold Coast, the Sunshine Coast, Noosa, or Byron Bay.

Top 9 things to do in Brisbane

1. Cruise on the Yarra River

A riverboat cruise is not only a relaxing way to see the sights,  but it’s also an insight into the history of the Yarra River. Many cruise companies can be found along Southbank, and it’s a fun way to get your bearings before you set out to explore the city on foot.

While you’re gliding down the river, keep an eye out for Birrarung Marr, originally called “Birrarung,” meaning “river of mists and shadows,” a waterfront parkland celebrating Aboriginal ties with the Yarra River.

2. Brisbane River Walk

Here you can also have long river walks on both sides of the river but the Southbank is especially attractive. You also get free pools for the summer months. There are many playgrounds for the kids, markets, and street performers to keep you engaged.

3. Visit Fortitude Valley

You can also hang out in Fortitude Valley with the hip young people, which has many boutique shops and several restaurants, bars, and nightclubs.

Australian Zoo is yet another great place for your family including your kids. If you cannot make it to Australia Zoo on the Sunshine Coast then Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary will you’re a similar experience.

4. South Bank Museums

Do not forget to visit the Queensland Museum, Brisbane’s (free) State Museum where you get a chance to learn about Queensland’s history, geography, and native people through their displays and beautiful exhibits.

5. Visit the Science Center

The Science center is close to the Queensland Museum and is a great place in case you have kids also. Although you have to pay the entry fee it’s worth it as it’ll allow several times as the kids will want to stay and play all day.

6. Explore Kangaroo Point

Kangaroo Point is yet another great green space with amazing views of Brisbane’s city center and impressive structures that includes Story Bridge and natural sandstone cliffs, both of which you can climb on tours.

7. Enjoy Events and Festivals in Brisbane

The biggest festival is the Brisbane River festival in September where you can catch a flotilla of boats crushing down the river as well as a fireworks display. You also get to witness plenty of other events including arts festivals, film festivals, and fashion events in the entire year. You can grab some free local passes which you can usually find in your hostel or hotel.

8. Explore Shopping and Markets in Brisbane

Queen Street Mall is Brisbane’s most popular shopping area with lots of boutiques, chain stores, and department stores to suit all pockets. The Southbank markets on Friday evenings and weekends have a lot of fun. You can also visit the Powerhouse Farmers Markets in New Farm which are open on the 2nd and 4th Saturday of each month.

9. Treasury Casino Brisbane

If you love to play casino games, pokies and Keno then you should visit Treasury Casino Brisbane.

Treasury Casino Brisbane is located in the heart of Brisbane and is a resort plus casino by The Star Entertainment Group that offers players a first-class entertainment experience 24 hours a day.

Launched in 1995 it boasts a 5-star heritage hotel, 6 restaurants, 5 bars, and a wonderful casino complex. As the proud custodian of the state-owned Treasury and Land Administration Buildings, $57 million has been spent on repurposing, restoring, and maintaining these historic assets, including $5.6 million spent on stonework preservation which won the 2008 and 2014 Queensland Heritage Council Gold Awards.

Games to enjoy at Treasury Brisbane

At Treasury Brisbane, there are over 1,600 gaming machines to enjoy in Brisbane that  includes both traditional poker or Spinning Reel Machines or the ‘Pokies’ and Hyperlink Machines. Treasury Casino has exclusive access to a large range of premium machines, with an extensive range of high-limit options available throughout the venue.

Some of the popular latest games and linked jackpots to enjoy are Lightening Cash, Cash Adventures, Double Shot, Golden Dollars, Dino might, and others.

Treasury Brisbane offers a variety of table games for your enjoyment 24/7. You can play Blackjack, poker games, Roulette, Sic Bo, Craps, Baccarat, and other casino games.

These are some of the best places in Brisbane that you should not miss out on visiting if you happen to plan your next tour to Brisbane.