Brisbane has a lot more to offer than warm weather and a river running through the city. During our two-day stay, we discovered interesting neighbourhoods, plenty of public art, green spaces, good food and a city that's well worth exploring beyond the main shopping streets.
We had visited Brisbane years ago, but this time we wanted to get to know it properly. Two guided tours turned out to be an excellent way to do just that.
Getting to know Brisbane with a local guide
Our first morning was spent with Cheryl from Urban Tours Brisbane. As luck would have it, we were the only guests on the sightseeing tour, which made for a very personal experience.
We explored the City Botanic Gardens, drove up to Mount Coot-tha for views across the city and visited Kangaroo Point before heading out to New Farm.
One of the things I appreciated most was seeing parts of Brisbane beyond the CBD. At Brisbane Powerhouse, a former power station now used as an arts and entertainment venue, I could easily imagine returning for dinner or a show. It's right beside the river and has a very different feel from the city centre.
Cheryl was full of local knowledge, from Brisbane's history to its wildlife. At Mount Coot-tha, she introduced us to Australia's tiny native stingless bees and explained their importance to the environment. Not something you'd necessarily discover on your own!
The weather was a little damp that morning, but a few showers didn't spoil the experience. Morning tea was included, and sitting down for a chat with Cheryl was a lovely way to get to know both her and the city.
History, street art and some very tiny doors
After lunch at Brisbane City Markets, we joined Matt for Urban Tours Brisbane walking tour.
This was a real highlight. Over approximately 5 km of walking, we explored historic buildings, laneways, public art and places we would almost certainly have missed on our own.
Matt had a story for just about everything. At the former Regent Theatre, now home to Brisbane's Visitor Information Centre, he pointed out bullet holes left from a 1962 shooting incident. Elsewhere, we discovered quirky sculptures made from old car parts and miniature doors hidden in the streets.
The tiny doors particularly caught my attention. They're small street art installations that reward you for looking closely, and Urban Tours now offers a dedicated walking tour exploring them.
We also visited the Sky Deck at The Star Grand Brisbane. It's not particularly high compared with some city lookouts, but its position beside the river gives you lovely views across the water and the city. Access is free, making it an easy stop if you're exploring the area.
The walking tour involves some hills and steps, so it's worth bearing that in mind if you have limited mobility. For anyone reasonably comfortable walking a few kilometres, though, I'd highly recommend it.
In fact, if you have a full day in Brisbane, combining a sightseeing tour with a walking tour gives you two quite different perspectives on the city.
A city best explored at your own pace
We also made time to explore independently.
South Bank was a favourite for a relaxed wander along the river, with time for a gelato and a visit to the art gallery. We enjoyed being able to walk between different parts of the city, stop when something caught our attention and return to our apartment for a break when we needed one.
Staying centrally made this particularly easy. We had a two-bedroom apartment at Oaks Brisbane on Charlotte, on the 43rd floor, with lovely views across the river. Having space to spread out and the flexibility to come and go was a real bonus.
For anyone staying in an apartment, I'd also recommend looking out for shops selling local produce. I found Mumbleberry on Ann Street, which stocks food and gifts from Australian producers and makers. It's the sort of place I'd visit early in a stay, rather than discovering it just before heading home!
Brisbane after dark
One evening, we walked to Fortitude Valley for dinner on Brunswick Street before continuing down to Howard Smith Wharves.
The two areas offered quite different atmospheres. Brunswick Street felt casual and local, with plenty of bars and restaurants, while the riverfront was buzzing with people dining, enjoying a drink and making the most of the evening.
We finished the night with a ferry ride back towards the city centre. Brisbane's regular public transport fares were just 50 cents, although the airport train is excluded from that fare.
Seeing the city lights reflected across the river was a lovely way to finish our stay.
Is Brisbane worth a visit?
Definitely. Two days gave us a good introduction, but there's plenty more to explore.
What stood out was the variety: green spaces, interesting architecture, neighbourhoods with their own character, a lively riverside and plenty of art and history tucked away in unexpected places.
My biggest recommendation would be to include a guided tour early in your stay. A knowledgeable local guide can help you understand a city in a way that simply wandering around rarely does. You'll also come away with ideas for places to revisit and recommendations you might not find in a guidebook.
Planning an Australian holiday?
Brisbane can be a great addition to a wider Queensland trip, whether you're combining it with time on the coast or making it part of a longer Australian adventure.
At Harbour City Travel, we can help you work out how to fit the right places and experiences into your trip, based on what you enjoy and how you like to travel.
Get in touch, and let's talk about your plans.
Photo credit: Maria Whitehead, Harbour City Travel
