Top Things to Do in Brisbane

South Bank Parklands: Enjoy the Riverfront, Beach and Food Scene

Dubbed the playground of Brisbane, South Bank Parklands is a bustling destination with a dynamic food scene, gorgeous river views and top cultural hotspots.

Family members, big and small, will be captivated by the Queensland Museum, a celebration of the state’s natural history, and its cultural and scientific achievements. Fascinating exhibitions – like one featuring the world’s largest dinosaur, Patagotitan – make for a day of unforgettable adventure.

For art lovers, the Queensland Art Museum and Gallery of Modern Art (QAGOMA) is a bit of artsy heaven. Featuring compelling works from Australia and beyond, QAGOMA also houses an interactive Children’s Art Center and an international film cinema.

In addition to its cultural richness, South Bank is home to Australia’s only inner-city, man-made beach, an oasis of powdery white sand surrounding a sparkling lagoon. Enjoy a swim in Streets Beach, then go for a stroll along River Quay, a picturesque riverfront flanked by some of Brisbane’s premiere dining establishments, including OTTO, Aquitaine Brasserie and River Quay Fish. For more mouthwatering options head to Little Stanley Street and Grey Street, where a cornucopia of cuisines – from American to Vietnamese – will seriously tempt your tastebuds!

Cap a standout day hopping onboard the Wheel of Brisbane, an Insta-worthy 60-metre-high landmark offering incomparable city views!

Botanic Gardens: Experience the Diverse Ecosystems

Brissie, as Brisbane is affectionately called, boasts not one but two magnificent botanic gardens. The first, the City Botanic Gardens, dates back to 1828 when Brissie was a penal colony and the gardens were established as a farm. Remnants from its storied past pepper the Gardens, including the iron gates rescued from the Petrie Terrace Gaol.

The City Botanic Gardens opened to the public in 1855 and Walter Hill, its first curator, beautified the gardens, also introducing to Queensland such staples as mangoes, pineapples and coffee. Keep an eye out for the Walter Hill drinking fountain which commemorates the trailblazer.

A short drive from the city-centre, Brisbane Botanic Gardens at Mt Coot-tha is a wonderland that will have you traversing desert landscapes, rainforests, African glades, bamboo groves, and a tropical dome – all in one visit!

The stunning Japanese Garden, designed by the renowned Kenzo Ogate to a theme of “mountain-pond-stream”, is a magical haven of serenity and peace.

Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary: Wonder at the Wildlife

If you’ve ever wanted to cuddle a koala, get close to a kangaroo, or encounter roughly 70 species of Aussie wildlife, head to the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary! Founded in 1927 with only two koalas (Jack and Jill), today Lone Pine is the world’s largest koala sanctuary, housing and protecting 130 of the beloved marsupials.

At the sprawling sanctuary, nestled along the Brisbane River, animal presentations and shows – such as the Free Flight Raptor Show – are scheduled throughout the day. You can also choose to book a tour: options range from the two-hour All Stars Tour to the daylong Platinum VIP experience.

Queen Street Mall: The Shopping and Lifestyle Destination

With more than 700 stores – from luxury and international brands to home favourites – as well as great restaurants and cultural offerings, the open-air pedestrian mall is touted as Brisbane’s city heart. Peruse Balenciaga, Saint Laurent and Dior; Australian labels like Lorna Jane, and Cue and Seed; and such fashion stores as H&M and Zara, to name a few. There is so much to explore, we suggest spending a full day before or after your cruise from Brisbane.

For a respite from the intensive retail therapy, refuel at the various on-site food courts, teahouses (Room With Roses serves a memorable high tea) or delicious restaurants (Jimmy’s on the Mall and the Pig ‘N’ Whistle are local favourites). And be sure to swing by the Visitor Information Centre for a listing of Mall special events.

Royal Caribbean® Cruises From Brisbane: Auss-some Adventures at Sea

Vibrant Brissie is also a gateway for some of Royal Caribbean’s best cruises from Australia – including sailings to the South Pacific, New Zealand and throughout Queensland. Whether you choose a weekend escape, a two-week cruise or something in-between, you’ll likely be sailing onboard Quantum of the Seas®, a ship packed with next-level experiences.

Discover deck-defying adventures, like Ripcord® by iFly®, the only skydiving simulator at sea. Take your tastebuds on a global tour savouring delicious international dishes. Get dazzled by showstopping entertainment, sip a drink crafted by robots at the Bionic Bar®, or ride bumper cars at Seaplex® – the possibilities are wonderfully endless! And of course, young family members have their own award-winning children’s programs, so Mum and Dad can snag some me-time.

Few things can top a Brisbane holiday – except a Brisbane holiday combined with a getaway on the cruise line voted Best Overall 20 consecutive years by Travel Weekly readers! Come sail away with us, epic adventure awaits!