Brisbane was the final stop of our first unforgettable Australia journey, and honestly, we couldn’t have asked for a better ending. After soaking up the laid-back surf vibes of Byron Bay, we made our way north into Queensland – ready to explore a new kind of energy. Brisbane welcomed us with sunshine, riverside walks, kid-friendly adventures, and just the right mix of city buzz and relaxing spots.
In this Brisbane travel guide, we’re sharing everything we experienced as a family of four – from must-see places and helpful travel tips to plant-based eats and our favorite sunset views. Whether you’re planning a quick city trip or using Brisbane as a base to explore more of Queensland, this guide is packed with honest impressions and practical ideas to make your visit smooth and memorable.
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Brisbane Travel Guide Highlights: What You Can’t Miss
South Bank & Streets Beach
We spent our last full day in Brisbane soaking up the sun at South Bank, and honestly, it was the perfect way to wrap things up. The highlight? Streets Beach, Australia’s only inner-city man-made beach. It’s free, clean, and incredibly kid-friendly. Our little ones had the best time playing in the splash zones while we chilled out on the sandy edges, knowing we had just enough time before heading to the airport. Nearby, you’ll find everything you need – supermarkets, cafés, and tons of casual dining spots, which made grabbing a quick bite stress-free.
River Quay Green, South Bank
Just a short walk from Streets Beach is River Quay Green, a spot we randomly stumbled across and instantly fell in love with. We visited in the late afternoon and stayed through sunset, and wow – what a view! It’s hands down one of the best places in the city for skyline photos. Locals were lounging on picnic blankets, a few groups were playing music, and the vibe was super relaxed. Bring your camera and don’t leave without snapping that golden-hour skyline.
Queen Street Mall
We’re not really the shopping type when we travel, but we still wanted to check out Queen Street Mall – and we’re glad we did. It was way more relaxed than we expected. No pressure to buy anything, just a nice spot to take a break and people-watch. The kids were getting a bit tired, so we treated them (and ourselves!) to some ice cream, found a shady bench, and just enjoyed the easy vibe. It’s a good stop if you’re in the area and looking for a little downtime between activities.
Glass House Mountains (Day Trip)
One of the best decisions we made was taking a day trip to the Glass House Mountains, about an hour’s drive from Brisbane. The scenery is incredible – lush green hills, dramatic volcanic peaks, and peaceful lookouts. We didn’t go on a long hike (kids were too tired), but we stopped at Glass House Mountains Lookout, which gave us postcard-worthy views with zero effort. If you’ve got a rental car and a free day, this is 100% worth adding to your Brisbane travel guide.
Brisbane Travel Guide Tips: What We Wish We Knew Before
Don’t underestimate the ferries
Yes, they’re public transport – but they’re also a sightseeing highlight! The CityHopper is completely free and takes you along the Brisbane River with epic views of the skyline. We used it like a scenic tour and the kids loved it way more than any bus ride.
The weather can be sneaky
Brisbane looks sunny and mild on paper, but the UV index is no joke, even in winter. We got caught out once with too little sunscreen and learned fast. Always carry it, and don’t forget hats – even in cooler months.
South Bank is a destination on its own
We knew it was popular, but we didn’t realize you could spend a whole day there without getting bored. Splash areas, playgrounds, grassy picnic spots, and even art spaces—it’s one of the most family-friendly zones we’ve experienced in any big city.
Everyone talks about the Gold Coast—but we loved the hinterland more
Most travel guides push beach day trips, but we’d say don’t skip the Glass House Mountains or hinterland trails. They’re calmer, easier with kids, and filled with panoramic views and picnic spots.
Don’t expect wild nightlife
Unless you’re staying near Fortitude Valley, Brisbane’s nightlife is pretty chilled – especially midweek. That was perfect for us as a family, but if you’re looking for big city buzz after dark, manage expectations.
Weekends can get packed – go early
Locals love their parks and riverside areas, so weekends around South Bank or New Farm Park get super busy. We found it way better to visit popular spots in the morning and use late afternoons for quieter places or walks.
Brisbane Travel Guide to Vegan & Vegetarian Food
Traveling with kids and eating plant-based can be a tricky combo – but Brisbane made it surprisingly easy. We didn’t have to hunt down obscure cafés or sacrifice taste just to find meat-free options. Whether you’re vegan, vegetarian, or just looking for a few healthy meals during your trip, these are three places we tried and truly enjoyed:
Yavanna – Comfort Food, But Make It Vegan
Located in Paddington, Yavanna is a cozy spot with a fully vegan menu that even our kids got excited about. Think burgers, loaded fries, mac ‘n’ cheese, and plant-based fried “chicken.” It’s indulgent but so worth it – especially after a long day of walking. Bonus: the staff were super friendly and didn’t mind our slightly chaotic table situation (you know… kids).
Veganyumm – Sweet Treats for Everyone
This one’s more of a hidden gem. Located in Everton Park, Veganyumm is Brisbane’s first all-vegan bakehouse – and it ended up being the perfect pre-adventure stop for us. We made a quick detour here before heading out on our Glass House Mountains day trip and grabbed some snacks for the road, including a couple of their famous cookie dough cheesecakes (yes, they made it into the backpack). From cupcakes and brownies to slices and take-away goodies, everything is 100% plant-based. If you’re heading north, this spot is a must.
Cool Brisbane Facts to Impress Your Travel Buddies
We always love learning a few random and surprising things about a place while we’re there – especially the kind you can drop into a convo and sound like a total travel pro. Here are some cool Brisbane facts we picked up during our trip that might surprise you too:
Brisbane has a man-made beach right in the middle of the city
Yep, Streets Beach isn’t just a fun photo op – it’s the only inner-city beach of its kind in Australia. It’s free, beautifully maintained, and feels like a mini escape without leaving downtown.
The Brisbane River is actually brown – on purpose
Don’t let the color fool you. The brown tint of the river isn’t pollution – it’s natural sediment stirred up from the riverbed. Locals call it the “brown snake” with a mix of affection and sarcasm.
The city is older than you think
Brisbane was officially declared a town in 1834 and later a city in 1902. It may feel modern and new, but it’s got layers of colonial history – just walk through some of the older buildings in the CBD to spot it.
Brisbane gets more sunshine than any other east coast capital
We didn’t know this before our trip, but Brisbane gets an average of 283 days of sunshine a year! It totally explains the chilled outdoor lifestyle and all the riverside parks.
It’s one of the few major cities without daylight saving time
While most of Australia changes the clock, Queensland doesn’t. That means in summer, Brisbane sunsets feel early compared to places like Sydney or Melbourne.
Our Brisbane Travel Guide: What You Asked Us Most
Brisbane is great year-round, but the best months are April to October – mild temps, less rain, and perfect for outdoor activities.
Two full days are perfect to explore Brisbane’s city highlights – especially if you’re traveling with kids. But if you want to see more of the amazing spots nearby (like the Gold Coast, Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, or day trips to nature), we’d recommend staying 4 to 5 days. That way, you can enjoy the city without rushing and still have time for some unforgettable adventures just outside Brisbane.
Public transport is easy (bus, ferry, and train), but we also used rideshares and walked a lot in the South Bank and CBD.
Yes, we felt safe the entire time – just follow normal travel precautions, especially at night or in crowded areas.
Our faves: South Bank Parklands, City Botanic Gardens, the State Library play area, and riding the free CityHopper ferry.
Subtropical! Warm most of the year with hot summers and mild winters. Pack sunscreen, even in winter.
The Airtrain is super convenient and takes around 20 minutes. You can also use rideshare apps or a shuttle, but we liked the train for its simplicity.
Brisbane is in AEST (Australian Eastern Standard Time) and doesn’t use daylight saving time, so keep that in mind if you’re coming from another Aussie city.
No, unfortunately you can’t use the Opal card in Brisbane. Brisbane has its own system called Translink, and you’ll need a go card instead. You can buy a go card at most train stations, convenience stores, or even at the airport. It works on buses, trains, ferries, and trams – and it’s cheaper than buying single tickets every time.
Yes, you can fly a drone in Brisbane, but there are strict rules you need to follow. You must keep it under 120 meters, in daylight, and away from people, buildings, and airports. Some popular spots – like South Bank, Kangaroo Point Cliffs, or Story Bridge – are in restricted airspace, so drone use there is not allowed. We used the OpenSky or CASA drone safety app to check where it’s safe to fly. If you’re just getting travel shots, stay on the safe side and double-check the rules before takeoff.
You can, but don’t get your hopes too high. We visited the Koala Bushland Reserve, which is a peaceful and lovely walking area just outside the city. While it’s one of the few places where koalas still live in the wild, spotting them is pretty rare – they’re great at hiding and usually high up in eucalyptus trees. We didn’t see any during our walk, but the trails were beautiful, quiet, and perfect for a nature break with kids.
Yes, but it depends on what you want to do. If you’re just heading to Tangalooma Island Resort, you won’t need a 4WD – the ferry drops you right there, and everything is walkable. But if you want to explore the rest of the island, like Blue Lagoon or Cape Moreton, you’ll need a 4WD and a permit. We stayed near the wrecks and still had an amazing time without needing a car.
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