Best Brisbane attractions and landmarks
Discover Brisbane's top attractions and landmarks, from the serene City Botanic Gardens to the iconic Story Bridge. Explore the city's rich history and vibrant culture.
Brisbane offers many sights to explore, from beautiful botanic gardens to historic heritage trails. Discover iconic landmarks in Brisbane with this guide.
City Botanic Gardens, Brisbane City
Brisbane's City Botanic Gardens are a wonderful spot to start your sightseeing adventure in Brisbane. You can reach the gardens with a short walk from Queen Street Mall or the QUT ferry terminal. Let the kids run off some energy at Baldwin Lawn Playground, relax in the Bamboo Grove, or do a self-guided walk.
City Hall, Brisbane City
Built between the 1920s and 1930s, Brisbane City Hall is one of Brisbane's must-see buildings. Take a photo of this Brisbane icon from King George Square and explore its secrets on a free guided tour. While you're there, visit the Museum of Brisbane to explore exhibitions telling the stories of our city. Don't leave before taking a free ride up the Clock Tower.
Story Bridge, New Farm and Kangaroo Point
Spanning the river from New Farm to Kangaroo Point, the Story Bridge is a Brisbane icon. Boost your steps with a walk across its steel frame, or take in the view while enjoying lunch or a bite to eat at Howard Smith Wharves. Take a trip on one of our CityCats to get a fantastic view of the Story Bridge - perfect for an Insta snap.
Fun fact: The Story Bridge gets a fresh coat of paint every seven years, requiring 17,500 litres of paint for each repainting.
Howard Smith Wharves, Brisbane City
Want a spot to take in both the Brisbane River and the Story Bridge? Howard Smith Wharves gives you just that! Stop by this dining and entertainment precinct which boosts 13 restaurants, cafes, bars, event spaces and a hotel.
Gallery of Modern Art, South Bank
The Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA) is famous for its architecture and exhibitions of local and international artists. The State Library of Queensland, Queensland Art Gallery and Queensland Museum are all a short walk away.
Feeling hungry after taking in all that art? South Bank Parklands is a stone's thow away! Refresh and refuel here and then continue your sightseeing.
Mt Coot-tha Lookout, Mt Coot-tha
Take in Brisbane's skyline from the glorious Mt Coot-tha Lookout. See an outline of the city's skyscrapers during the day, or the twinkling of the city's lights at night.
Travel back down the mountain via bushwalking tracks to admire this natural landmark. Once at the bottom, check out the Brisbane Botanic Gardens Mt Coot-tha and Sir Thomas Brisbane Planetarium.
Mount Gravatt Outlook Reserve, Mount Gravatt
Venture to Mount Gravatt Outlook Reserve for a lesser-known but stunning view of the city skyline. The lookout offers amazing views of Brisbane's skyscrapers and surrounding suburbs. On a clear day, you can see the Moreton Bay islands, D’Aguilar Ranges and Glasshouse Mountains. If you like bushwalking, there are a variety of walking tracks.
Heritage trails
Take a self-guided walk back in time with Council's heritage trails.
Step through the 24-stop Sandgate Heritage Trail or the 21-stop Shorncliffe Heritage Trail. While sight-seeing throughout Brisbane's 19th-century seaside towns, stop at one of the many nearby places to grab a bite to eat.
Want more ideas to explore Brisbane?
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