Attractions

Tin Bar

Night life in Brisbane starts at the tin. With live music, open mic nights and Dj’s guaranteed to get you moving, its all at the Tin.

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

This is one of Brisbane’s best live venues and has been showcasing local and international talent for over 15 years. No matter what your musical preferences, The Zoo can provide.

The Tivoli

This art deco style venue has everything a live venue needs - a great open space, top quality sound and great acts all year round.

South Bank

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 st parklands

Located just across the road from us it’s the city’s newest parkland with free use of BBQ’s – great for picnics or hanging out in the sun.

Mount Coo-tha Lookout

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 café!

Lone Pine

Lone Pine has over 130 koalas plus other native and exotic animals. It costs approx $22 per adult.

Get there: Catch the bus (route 430) from Platform 4 under the Queen St Mall. The journey will take approximately 20mins.

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.

Australia zoo

Home of the late Crocodile Hunter - Steve Erwin - 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

Alternatively, you can catch a train from Roma St, just across the road.

UnderWater World

This ocean park is in Mooloolaba on the Sunshine coast. They have seal shows, stingray feedings, shark tours and more.

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

Dream World is the largest theme park in Australia and now has got a water park White Water World so you get the best of both worlds. Dream world also has an animal sanctuary with white tigers and you can hold a koala. The wipe out and the tower of terror are must do rides.

Get there: Get the Gold Coast line and get off at Coomera. Buses run between the station and theme park.

Wet & Wild

Wet & Wild is the best place to cool off from the humid Queensland weather! They have heaps of slides, a HUGE wave pool and an outdoor cinema in summer. A must do is the dry and wet ride the including a zero gravity sensation! Food available at cafes or bring an esky!

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

Sea world has everything from penguins to polar bears. There are rides and you can even swim with sharks or dolphins!

Get there: Catch the Gold Coast train and get off at Helensvale. Seaworld is a 25min bus ride from the station.

Movie World

Queensland’s functioning film studios! See live shows, go on scary rides and hang out with Batman and Cat woman. Must do’s are the newest ride the Batwing and a tour of the studios – you might be lucky enough to see some filming!

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

Experience the outback with a three course dinner and live show with horses! You can have a drink at the Aussie pub before the show! You’ll feel like you’re in the outback. It’s right next to Movie World and bookings are essential.

Valley Markets

Located in the heart of China town (Brunswick St) the valley markets are worthwhile going to. If you’re into one-offs/vintage clothes and jewelry then this market is for you!

When: Sat-Sun from 8am - 4pm

Riverside Markets

Riverside market is located on Eagle St Pier this market has also a good place for jewelry and artwork.

When: Sundays 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. 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

If you’re looking for cheap groceries then this market is for you! You can get great organic veggies here and funky jewelry/clothes. Located in west end near the rowing club. You can catch the bus from Adelaide St No. 196 from stop 43. If you’re feeling enthusiastic, you can walk. It’ll take you about 30mins.

When: Saturday mornings 5:30am – 12noon

Museum of Brisbane

Learn about Brisbane’s history, present and future. It is a social history museum with an art space. There are always creative exhibitions and events utlising art, photography and learning. It is located in City Hall.

City Hall

City hall is one of Brisbane’s main attractions. Admission is free unless you visit the clock tower, which is only $2 for a nice view of the city. This is worth a visit.

Queensland Cultural Centre

With many great things going on such as plays and activities, keep an eye out for what’s on next.

Queensland Museum

Also located at Southbank; the Queensland museum has exhibits covering dinosaurs, indigenous history and more. You will find the museum on Grey St.

Power House

This is one of Brisbane’s funkiest art houses. They run plays, exhibits and workshops all year round, including an outdoor cinema in summer. Located in New Farm Park you can get there on the city cat from north quay.

St John’s Cathedral

This is one of Brisbane’s oldest churches built in the 1900’s the best way to get there and see all its glory is on foot. It’s about 20mins away on Ann St.

Anzac Square

Built in honor of the Anzacs; this is one of Brisbane’s more reflective sites. ANZAC Square contains the Shrine of Remembrance and the ‘Eternal Flame’ as well as the World War II Shrine of Memories. It is accessible 7 days a week and located in the centre of town, on Adelaide St.

Old Naval Stores

Located just past the parklands of South bank start on Kangaroo Point these buildings were used for weapons maintenance and storage built in the 1800’s.

As well as the larger complexes listed here, you will find small boutique shopping throughout the Valley, New Farm and West End.

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

The designer factory outlet is located next to the airport at 1 Airport Drive. You can catch the train to Toombul and then a bus to the outlet. The outlet includes surf brands, Billabong, Rip Curl, Roxy and heaps more.

Chermside Shopping Centre

Chermside is one of Brisbane’s largest shopping centers with stores like David Jones, a huge Myer and two food courts! To get there you can catch a bus from Roma St number 333.

In Brisbane city there are three main cinemas. The cheapest one is at South Bank for approx $7 on Grey St. The other two are located on Queen St Mall one in the Myer center and the other is The Regent an old classic cinema. Cost are approx $15.

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.

What’s on in Brisbane – Everything you need to know about what’s on in Brisbane from food to football.

Queensland Holidays – The official tourism site for QLD. Detailed travel information for the islands, outback and rainforests.

Backpacker Tours – provides online confirmation of tours, activities and hostel accommodation.

Backpack Brisbane – a complete online resource for anyone traveling into Brisbane.

Moon light cinema – Run in summer, the outdoor cinema is a MUST for visitors. See what’s showing.

South bank cinema – the cheapest cinema ticket in town! Find out what’s showing and when.