Choosing Brisbane
When planning a trip to Australia, most people instinctively aim for Sydney or Melbourne. And hey, I get it — they’re iconic. Sydney has the Opera House, and Melbourne has the hip laneways in their CBD. But work brought me to Brisbane where our client was and I am so glad that it did. Now I got to enjoy some of the city while I was there but did not take many photos. (We were producing a large bike ride and that took all my creative energy.)
But Brisbane surprised me in the best way. It’s warm (literally and metaphorically), creative, easy to navigate, and full of character. If you’re the kind of traveler who likes discovering under-the-radar gems that feel authentic but still have plenty to do — Brisbane is calling.
So What Makes Brisbane So Good?
First off, the weather. Brisbane (point of note here: tourists say “Briz-bane” and locals say “Bris-ben” and some even say “Brissie” but don’t try that) has that warm, sunny, subtropical climate that makes it feel like summer even in winter. I visited in August and was walking around in a T-shirt and shorts as it was in the 70s, while Melbourne would have been layering up in the 50s and Sydney might have been dodging rain showers and 60s. August is at the height of their winter.
More than that though, Brisbane has this really laid-back, livable energy. It’s a big city that doesn’t try too hard. The people are friendly, the streets feel safe, and the river that cuts through the middle of town gives the whole place a breezy, relaxed rhythm.
Exploring Brisbane’s CBD
Brisbane’s Central Business District (CBD) isn’t just about suits and office towers — it’s actually a really walkable area with a mix of heritage architecture, public art, and modern design.
Highlights in the CBD:
- City Hall in King George Square is a gorgeous old sandstone building that you can actually go inside. The Museum of Brisbane (right upstairs) has some surprisingly cool exhibitions, and you can take a lift up to the clock tower for free city views.
- Queen Street Mall is the main shopping street — pedestrian-only, full of shops, buskers, and people-watching at its best. It feels more laid-back than Melbourne’s CBD, less crowded than Sydney, but still lively.
- Eagle Street Pier has some of the best riverfront views, especially around golden hour. There’s a nice cluster of restaurants here, and the Story Bridge lights up beautifully at night.
- Architecture fans: keep an eye out for the MacArthur Chambers, The Old Windmill, and the art deco touches around Ann Street. Brisbane’s not a city of skyscraper show-offs — it’s more subtle, but there’s personality if you look for it.
South Bank & Cultural Must-Sees
Just across the river, South Bank is where Brisbane really shines. This area is like the city’s backyard — a long stretch of parks, gardens, restaurants, and even a man-made beach (yes, an actual beach) called Streets Beach, right in the middle of the city.
You’ve got the Queensland Art Gallery and Gallery of Modern Art (QAGOMA) side by side, with rotating exhibitions that are world-level. You can spend a full afternoon wandering through them, and then grab a drink nearby and watch the city light up across the river.
Where to Stay
I stayed in Fortitude Valley, and I’d highly recommend it. It’s got that urban-cool vibe — (but definitely not hipsterish) think boutique hotels, record shops, rooftop bars, and hidden cafes — all just a 10-minute walk from the CBD. It also has a subway stop making getting to other parts of the city much easier.
Top picks: (note, these are two I found through reviews)
- The Calile Hotel – Super stylish, with mid-century resort vibes and a pool that practically demands an Instagram post.
- Spicers Balfour in New Farm – Smaller and more personal, with a rooftop bar that feels like a hidden secret.
If you’re on a tighter budget, there are great hostels and co-living options near South Brisbane and Roma Street too.
Where to Eat & Drink
The food scene in Brisbane is thriving. Not pretentious, but creative and fun — with a strong emphasis on local produce and multicultural flavors from around the world. Just be open to new things (for me that was a fried egg and a slice of beet always on my hamburgers)
A few spots you may love:
- Agnes – Everything cooked over a fire, dim lighting, kind of mysterious. Go hungry and let them recommend a wine.
- Happy Boy – Casual Chinese with bold flavors and a cool industrial vibe. Go with friends so you can order too much.
- Julius Pizzeria – Legit pizza, great service, perfect for a casual night out near South Bank.
- Eat Street Northshore – A weekend-only street food market made from shipping containers. It’s lively, colorful, and has food from literally everywhere.
Beaches? You’ve Got Options.
Brisbane doesn’t sit right on the ocean, but you’re never far from sand and surf.
- Moreton Island – Take a ferry and spend the day snorkeling around shipwrecks, sand-boarding dunes (yes that is a real thing), or hand-feeding dolphins at sunset.
- North Stradbroke Island (Straddie) – Beautiful beaches, great walks, and a slower pace. You might think about staying here for a few days.
- Shorncliffe or Redcliffe – These are quieter seaside suburbs with boardwalks, calm water, and nice local cafes — perfect for a half-day trip.
Don’t Skip the Gold Coast
Only an hour south, the Gold Coast makes for an easy side trip. Sure, Surfers Paradise is the headline act — full of nightlife and flashy resorts — but don’t forget Burleigh Heads and Coolangatta, where the surf is great, and the vibe is more chill than a club.
Rent a car, head down for the day (or stay a night or two), and explore the coast, the hinterland, and all the spots in between. The Gold Coast has gone through a building explosion in the last few years, you will see many of Australia’s newest and highest buildings on this strip of the coast.
Final Thoughts
Brisbane might not be as famous as Sydney or as artsy as Melbourne, but that’s part of its charm. It’s welcoming, warm, and unpretentious — with a creative pulse that’s quietly gaining momentum.
It is also a great middle-ground: go north to see the Great Barrier Reef; go south an hour and a half plane ride and you are in Sydney, which in turn is only an hour plane ride from Melbourne. Most tourists only see the eastern side of Australia and anything else in the country/continent is a long trip.
If you want an Australian experience that feels local, relaxed, and still full of great things to do, Brisbane is a smart (and sunny) choice.
Thank you for reading my article. If you would like to read about other travel posts you can go to Articles to see all posts, or to Destinations to see them grouped by location. General travel tips can be found here.
