Introduction
Brisbane has bright, sunny days and some balmy nights as it is a subtropical city. It's quite warm in summer and mild in winter and there is really no 'bad' time to visit, though physically most locals prefer the Spring when the city is in full bloom.
Our staff can help you with any information you might need. Feel free to ask any of our friendly staff for local information and tour advice.
Check out Dolphin Wild to organise cruises to show you the abundance of wildlife in Moreton Bay including dolphins, turtles, dugongs and humpback whales.
Goanna Adventures also offers great tours of the city, Moreton Island and Fraser Island.
Below are just a few more suggestions!
The Tin Bar
Gigs and festivals
There is a range of alternative and mainstream gigs in Brisbane each week. You will find electronic, rock and acoustic gigs across the city at good prices. Spring and summer is the big festival season so keep an eye out for some great dates.
The Zoo
Where: Fortitude Valley Brisbane
Brisbane's longest standing live music venue/nightclub. In any one week you could see from hip hop, Jazz rock & pop to acoustic folk, Dub & reggae!! If you wanna see a live gig with a kick this is the place for you!
The Tivoli
Where: Fortitude valley Brisbane
This art deco style venue has everything a live venue needs - a great open space, top quality sound and great acts all year round. Check out our gig guide for this month's shows.
The Hi-Fi Bar
Newly opened the hi-fi bar has earned its place on the Brisbane music scene. Chilled out venue and entices some really big acts. Definitely worth a look!
Southbank
A man-made beach and lagoons open all year for swimming - perfect for the hot Queensland weather. Shops, bars and eateries make for a great afternoon. Visit Cold Rock for an ice cream you WON'T forget!
Get there: Southbank is on the opposite side of the river to the CBD so just walk across Victoria Bridge and turn left.
Brisbane Botanic Gardens
This is the place to chill out with a good book or a game of football. It's always busy with people exercising and enjoying the sun. Take a stroll along the Mangrove boardwalk.
Get there: Walk (east) straight down George St to find it.
Roma Street Parklands
Located just across the road from us, Roma Street Parklands is the city's newest parkland with free use of BBQ's - great for picnics or hanging out in the sun.
Mount Coo-tha
Visit the look out for a view of the whole of Brisbane. During the day you can see right out to the islands, or at night you can see the brilliant city lights.
Get there: Catch the 471 bus from Adelaide St. Great to also have an ice cream at the cafe!
We run a (direct) pick-up service to most of the theme parks around Brisbane. Ask at reception or come to one of our Tour Talks, held each morning in the common room to find out more.
Alternatively, public transport details are provided for each park.
With all these day trips come see our expert travel staff and we can organize the whole thing for you!!
Australia Zoo
Home of the late Crocodile Hunter - Steve Irwin - Australia Zoo has a great range of animals including elephants, koalas, kangaroos and of course CROCS!
Get there: The Croc Connections tour is $90 (incl. entry) and is the best way to see the zoo and the beautiful scenery of The Glass House Mountains. Chris (our driver) will also take you to some local fruit shops to try a sunshine coast pineapple! The tour picks up at 9am and you get back approx 5pm
Underwater World
Get there: The Nambour train from Roma St will get you to Landsborough station. From there, catch the number 615 bus into Maroochydore and get off at the Wharf. Follow the signs and you will arrive!
Dreamworld
Get there: Get the Gold Coast line and get off at Coomera. Buses run between the station and theme park.
Wet & Wild
Get there: Catch the Gold Coast train and get off at Helensvale station. Wet & Wild is a short bus ride from the station.
Sea World
Get there: Catch the Gold Coast train and get off at Helensvale. Seaworld is a 25min bus ride from the station.
Movie World
Get there: Catch the Gold Coast train and get off at Helensvale station. Movie World is a short bus ride from the station.
Australian outback spectacular
The Powerhouse Brisbane
Located by the beautiful Brisbane river and right by new farm park is the Powerhouse. Brisbane's funky art's centre has it all. Whether it's photography exhibitions to free music there's always something to see.
Insiders tip: Check out the powerhouse on a Sunday. Kick off with some free music from Brisbane's up and coming bands followed by free comedy session at 6! Enjoy with a couple of drinks perfect day out!!
G.O.M.A
The Gallery of modern art is really upping its game of recent! G.O.M.A is hosting more and more unique exhibitions including Andy Warhol designs to Valentino creations. Always something new going on so come see us and we will give you the monthly low down.
Explore all the best tasty treats the River City has to offer,
Here are a few hotspots to get you started!
Lazy afternoon @ the 3 monkeys
An iconic west end gem. The theme Mediterranean & Greek meets the east! A hit with students, locals & Tourists. Amazing toasties and yummy smoothies.
Insiders tip: Spend the afternoon with a banana smoothie, a good book in the comfiest chairs you will find in Brissy. You won't want to leave!
Dinner @ Verve
So I might be biased but this is my favorite restaurant in the world! Tucked away in a secret underground basement below the metro arts centre. As you can imagine is quite the hit with the creative of Brisbane. Amazing modern/ Italian food, great vibe and delicious cocktails what's not to like mains from under $15!
Insiders tip: Check it out on a Thursday when with your dinner you will also get a free gig! Live music and a happy hour... Treat yourself!
Coffee & Cake @ Park Road
Before you leave Brisbane a trip to the Eiffel tower is in order! Yep Brissy has its own slice of Paris!
Insider's tip: Don't fancy a night on the tiles? Check out le dolce vita for late night coffee and delicious desserts till 1am and watch the world go by!
Brisbanes Shopping Hotspots
From the freshest food to the funkiest of fashion,
There is a huge range of shopping & fun @ your front door
Valley Markets
Located in the heart of China town (Brunswick St) the valley markets are definitely worth a look. If you're into one-offs/vintage clothes and jewelry then this market is for you! Also every week live indie music to get you in the mood!
Hint: Cheap designer sunnies and vintage accessories are the bargains!
When: Every Sat-Sun from 8am - 4pm
South Bank Markets
Located in the heart of South bank this market is on all weekend. It has an exciting range from arts and craft to exotic foods and local designers wine tasting and live music!.
I recommend the chocolate banana man at the center at the end of the market - they are AMAZING!!
When: Fridays 5pm - 10pm; Weekends 10am - 5pm
West End Markets
Tip: Head to the big fruit and veg stalls at the bottom of the markets and stock up on a weeks worth of the good stuff for under $10 honestly it's amazing!!Also they have awesome organic yogurts for under $3- apple and cinnamon is my fave but lots of choice!! Not to be missed!
When: Saturday mornings 5:30am - 12noon
As well as the larger complexes listed here, you will find small boutique shopping throughout the Valley, New Farm and West End.
The Queen St Mall
Queen St mall is Brisbane's main high street. Located in the heart of the city, it has everything you need from basics to designer. Major centre include the Myer center, Broadway, Winter garden and Queens Plaza. It also has a bowling bar, restaurants, pubs and cinemas. Stores open late on Friday night till 9pm! Just walk straight down George St and turn left when you see the Casino!
DFO Factory Direct Bargins
Paddington Chic
A must for those cool cats out there. Paddington is home to the many retro clothes stores of Brisbane. I strongly recommend checking out 'Retro Metro' their discount stalls outside always boast many treasures! Not only that Paddington has a couple of op shops for vintage shopping on a budget!
Movies
In Brisbane city there are three main cinemas:
Southbank cinemas: The cheapest of the lot approx $7 a movie. All the latest movies and don't miss Tight-Ass Tuesdays where the movies are only $5!
The Barracks: Closest cinema to us only a 10 min walk. Brand new cinema and the bonus..... there's a bar there! So enjoy your movie with a cold beer!
If you are into Arthouse, foreign films or documentary, head to the Dendy cinema at Portside. The number 300 bus (to Toombul) will get you there in about 15mins. Just get off at Brett's Wharf and enjoy! Alternatively you can try the Palace Centro on James St, Fortitude Valley.
