Brisbane holidays and package deals

Where to stay in Brisbane

Where you stay can shape your Brisbane holiday, and the best area for you will depend on the kind of trip you're planning. Stay in Brisbane City for central sightseeing and easy access to public transport, choose South Bank for culture, dining and family-friendly attractions, or head to Fortitude Valley, New Farm, Kangaroo Point or West End for a different take on city life.

Brisbane's inner-city areas are relatively compact and well connected, so choosing a neighbourhood that suits your interests can make it easier to get the most from your stay.

Brisbane City – for first-timers and city sightseeing

Stay in Brisbane City to be close to Queen Street Mall, Queen's Wharf, City Botanic Gardens, Howard Smith Wharves, museums, dining and entertainment. With major train stations and other public transport options nearby, the CBD is a practical base for a first Brisbane holiday or a short city break.

South Bank – for families, culture and the river

South Bank puts you close to South Bank Parklands, Streets Beach, the Queensland Cultural Centre, galleries, museums and performance venues. It's particularly well suited to families and travellers who want to combine outdoor space with Brisbane's arts and culture scene.

Fortitude Valley – for nightlife, food and entertainment

Fortitude Valley is Brisbane's dedicated entertainment precinct, with live music venues, bars, nightlife, restaurants and designer shopping around James Street. It's a natural choice for couples, food lovers and anyone who wants to stay close to Brisbane's after-dark action.

New Farm – for a more relaxed neighbourhood stay

New Farm offers a laid-back riverside setting with cafés, weekend markets, New Farm Park and Brisbane Powerhouse. Stay here for a quieter neighbourhood feel while remaining close to Fortitude Valley and the city centre.

Kangaroo Point – for river views and outdoor experiences

Kangaroo Point combines riverside and clifftop views with easy access to the Story Bridge, Brisbane River and outdoor activities. It's a good option for couples, active travellers and anyone who wants to stay close to the city without being in the middle of the CBD.

West End – for food, culture and a local feel

West End sits close to South Bank but has a distinct character, with multicultural food, independent shops, live music, cafés, breweries and markets. Choose West End for a more relaxed, creative base with plenty to explore close to home.

Read our guide to where to stay in Brisbane to find the area that best suits your holiday.

Things to do in Brisbane

Brisbane's best experiences bring together the river, green spaces, art and culture, wildlife, food and a lively calendar of events. Spend time around South Bank, explore the city's parks and gardens, get out on the river or venture further afield for a change of scenery.

Spend a day at South Bank

South Bank is one of Brisbane's most popular precincts, with South Bank Parklands, Streets Beach, the Queensland Cultural Centre, museums, galleries, restaurants and riverside walks. It's an easy place to spend several hours or make the centrepiece of a full day out.

Explore Brisbane's art, culture and history

Visit QAGOMA, Queensland Museum and the State Library of Queensland in the Queensland Cultural Centre, catch a performance at QPAC or learn more about Brisbane's history and people at the Museum of Brisbane. The city also has a strong program of exhibitions, performances and cultural events throughout the year.

See Brisbane from the river

The Brisbane River is at the heart of the city. Cruise along the waterfront, take a CityCat between riverside precincts or get out on the water with a kayaking experience from Kangaroo Point. A sunset on the river or around the Story Bridge is another easy way to see Brisbane from a different angle.

Explore Brisbane's parks and gardens

Brisbane's subtropical climate makes its green spaces a big part of city life. Wander through City Botanic Gardens or Roma Street Parkland, spend time in New Farm Park or head up to Mount Coot-tha for city views and walking trails.

Meet Australian wildlife

Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary is a popular choice for getting close to Australian wildlife, with koalas, kangaroos, wombats, dingoes, reptiles and other native animals. It's especially appealing for families and anyone looking to add a classic Australian wildlife experience to their Brisbane holiday.

Explore the Story Bridge and Kangaroo Point

The Story Bridge is one of Brisbane's most recognisable landmarks, while nearby Kangaroo Point offers panoramic views across the river and city. For something more active, you can kayak on the Brisbane River, climb the Story Bridge or explore the Kangaroo Point cliffs.

Take a trip beyond the city

Brisbane is also a useful base for exploring South East Queensland. Depending on your interests and how long you have, you can head to nearby islands and beaches, explore the Scenic Rim or venture into the surrounding national parks and hinterland.

Discover more things to do in Brisbane and top Brisbane attractions.

When is the best time to visit Brisbane?

Brisbane is a year-round destination, but the best time to visit depends on what you want to get from your holiday. October is generally considered the best month overall, with warm temperatures, lower humidity and relatively little rainfall. March to May is another strong option for comfortable weather and fewer crowds.

It's also worth considering what you want to do while you're there. Summer is best for beach and water activities, while the cooler, drier winter months are well suited to sightseeing, hiking and exploring Brisbane's outdoor spaces.

Brisbane in summer

December to February is hot, humid and wetter than the rest of the year, with average daytime temperatures around 21°C to 30°C. It's a popular time for swimming, beaches, water activities and the Christmas and New Year period, but expect greater humidity, summer storms and larger crowds during school holidays.

Brisbane in autumn

March to May brings warm, comfortable conditions and generally less rain as summer eases. It's a good time for exploring Brisbane on foot, enjoying outdoor dining and seeing the city's parks, gardens and riverside precincts without the peak summer heat.

Brisbane in winter

June to August is Brisbane's mildest and driest period, with plenty of sunshine and lower humidity. Winter is particularly well suited to hiking, sightseeing and exploring the city's outdoor attractions or heading into the surrounding hinterland.

Brisbane in spring

September to November brings warmer days and relatively dry conditions, with October standing out as one of the best times to visit overall. Spring is also a good time for outdoor activities, markets, festivals and exploring Brisbane's parks and neighbourhoods.

Planning your trip around your holiday style

For a beach holiday, summer offers the warmest water and hottest temperatures. If you're more interested in hiking and outdoor exploring, winter is a particularly comfortable time. For a balance of weather, crowds and activities, consider October or the March to May shoulder season.

Read our guides to the best time to visit Brisbane and Brisbane climate and weather for more information.

Where to eat and drink in Brisbane

Brisbane's food scene has grown well beyond the CBD, with different neighbourhoods offering their own mix of cafés, restaurants, bars, markets and breweries. From riverside dining and multicultural food to coffee and casual weekend markets, eating and drinking is a big part of the Brisbane experience.

CBD and riverside dining

Brisbane City and the riverside precincts around Howard Smith Wharves offer everything from casual cafés and lunch spots to restaurants, bars and rooftop venues. South Bank adds another concentration of restaurants and dining close to the river and cultural precinct.

Fortitude Valley

Fortitude Valley is one of Brisbane's key food and nightlife destinations, with fine dining, contemporary restaurants, bars, live music and late-night venues. It's a good place to head for dinner and stay on for drinks and entertainment.

West End

West End's multicultural community is reflected in its food scene, with a mix of independent restaurants, cafés, bakeries, bars and casual eateries. It's a good neighbourhood to explore if you want something less polished and more local in feel.

Markets and casual eats

Brisbane's markets are a relaxed way to sample local produce and food from different cultures. Queen Victoria-era markets may not be Brisbane, but the city has regular farmers markets, food markets and Eat Street Northshore for a more casual evening of eating and entertainment.

Drinks by the river

Brisbane's warm climate lends itself to alfresco drinking, with breweries, wine bars and cocktail spots clustered around places such as Howard Smith Wharves, South Bank and Fortitude Valley. Look for a riverside table or rooftop venue to make the most of the city's outdoor lifestyle.

Wherever you stay, Brisbane's different neighbourhoods make it easy to build food and drink into your holiday.

Getting around Brisbane

Brisbane is relatively easy to explore without a car, particularly if you're staying in the CBD or inner city. The city's buses, trains and ferries connect the main precincts, while walking is often the best way to see the centre and riverside areas.

Walk around the city

Brisbane's central attractions are close enough to explore on foot, particularly around the CBD, South Bank and the riverfront. Walking is a good way to take in the city's parks, public art, restaurants and riverside paths at your own pace.

Use buses, trains and ferries

Brisbane's public transport network connects the CBD with the surrounding suburbs and wider South East Queensland. Buses and trains are useful for longer journeys, while ferries offer a particularly scenic way to move between riverside precincts.

Getting around the river

The Brisbane River is part of the city's transport network as well as one of its main attractions. CityCat and ferry services connect destinations along the river, making them useful for travelling between places such as Brisbane City, South Bank, New Farm and other riverside precincts.

Taxis and rideshare

Taxis and rideshare services are available throughout Brisbane and can be useful when you're travelling late at night, carrying luggage or heading somewhere less convenient by public transport.

Hiring a car

You generally won't need a car for a city break in Brisbane. A hire car becomes more useful if you're planning to explore beyond the city, particularly the hinterland, national parks or other parts of South East Queensland.

Read our getting around Brisbane guide for more information on public transport and getting around the city.