About Brisbane

Welcome to Brisbane, the city that effortlessly blends urban sophistication with a laid-back charm, creating a truly captivating destination for holiday seekers. Brisbane beckons you with its warm climate, breathtaking natural beauty, and a vibrant cultural scene.
 
This capital city of Queensland sits amidst towering skyscrapers and embraces the iconic Brisbane River at its heart. Picture the Brisbane River as the city's shining ribbon, snaking through its core. Gliding along this watery path aboard one of the popular Brisbane cruises, you'll find a treasure trove of famous icons including Story Bridge, Kangaroo Point Cliffs, South Bank Parklands, and the botanic gardens. 
 
A multicultural metropolis with easy access to popular destinations like the Moreton Bay Island and Great Barrier Reef, Brisbane was once a business precinct. Infused with new energy, now the city invites people from all over the world to work, play and create unforgettable memories.
 
Brisbane is a cultural hub, boasting world-class galleries, museums, and theatres. Immerse yourself in art at the Queensland Art Gallery and Gallery of Modern Art, catch a show at the Queensland Performing Arts Centre, or wander through the South Bank Cultural Precinct.
 
The city has a flourishing food culture, offering a diverse range of culinary experiences. From fine-dining restaurants to bustling food markets, you can indulge in a variety of cuisines and flavours. And for those seeking retail therapy, Brisbane delivers with its vibrant shopping precincts, including the Queen Street Mall and the James Street precinct, where you can find everything from boutique fashion to local designs.

Brisbane Cruise Experiences

Moreton Bay Cruises

5 Cruises

From $99

River Cruises

15 Cruises

From $49

Dolphin Watching cruises

2 Cruises

From $199

Lunch Cruises

4 Cruises

From $61

Whale Watching Cruises

3 Cruises

From $150

Featured Cruises

21 Cruises

3.5Hr Brisbane River Cruise To Lunch Tour

Two Brisbane city signature activities in one package – cruise on Brisbane River for an hour, before enjoying a tasty lunch at Breakfast Creek Hotel.

Duration 3hr

From $89

5Hr Round-Trip Koala River Cruise - Park Entry Included

See the Brisbane waterfront, 130+ koalas, hand-feed a roo, or check out a Platypus House with this river cruise & sanctuary visit combo. Ticket incl.

Duration 5hr

From $95 $110

1.5Hr Brisbane River Twilight Sightseeing Cruise

Experience the illuminated side of Brisbane on this twilight cruise with music, free snacks & a licensed bar. See Story Bridge, Kangaroo Point etc.

Duration 1hr

From $55

1Hr Mirimar River Cruise & Entry to Koala Sanctuary - One Way Cruise

One-way Brisbane River cruise to the world's largest Koala Sanctuary – entry included. Perfect for those who wish to enjoy the park at their own pace.

Duration 1hr

From $85

1.5Hr Brisbane River Morning Tea Cruise

Relax on the scenic Brisbane River aboard the MV Neptune – enjoy morning tea, listen to informative commentary & cruise past famous city attractions.

Duration 1hr

From $49

5Hr Mirimar River Cruise & Koala Sanctuary - VIP Combo Package

Cruise & sightsee like a VIP on this river cruise to explore Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary – entry incl. Enjoy morning tea, cheese plate & beer/wine on board.

Duration 5hr

From $145 $155

5Hr Moreton Bay Sailing Cruise

Adventure cruise to the Moreton Bay Marine Park. Visit Horseshoe Bay at Peel Island – boomnetting, paddleboarding, beach games and more. Lunch incl.

Duration 5hr

From $119

2Hr Bribie Island Lunch Cruise - From Bongaree

Relaxing lunch cruise from Bribie Island with views of Skirmish Point, Gilligan's Island & Deception Bay, along with Captain’s candid commentary.

Duration 2hr

From $49

1.5Hr Brisbane River Midday Sightseeing Cruise

An informative sightseeing tour on Brisbane River running year round – see Story Bridge, Kangaroo Point Cliffs, City Centre etc. on this guided cruise.

Duration 1hr

From $49

8Hr Bribie Island Day Cruise

Follow the legendary S.S Koopa trail en route to Bribie Island, cruising past Deception Bay, Woody Point & more. BBQ lunch, & museum entry included.

Duration 8hr

From $89

8Hr Moreton Bay Day Cruise From Hamilton

Cruise to the popular Moreton Bay Island on the 100ft ‘Lady Brisbane’ – swim off the boat and encounter incredible marine life. BBQ lunch included.

Duration 8hr

From $99

5hr Moreton Bay Morning Sailing Cruise

Action-packed sailing adventure on a large catamaran to explore the pristine beauty of Moreton Bay Marine Park – beach games & wildlife spotting.

Duration 5hr

From $115 $129

7Hr Bremer River Junction Cruise With Lunch

Relaxing cruise to the famous Bremer River ‘junction’ past Lone Pine, Indooroopilly Island, & other vistas only accessible by boat. BBQ lunch incl.

Duration 7hr

From $95

5Hr Whale Watching Adventure Tour

Luxury whale watching expedition to Moreton Bay with Capt. Kerry, the only woman who owns & operates a whale watching venture in the South Pacific.

Duration 5hr

From $150

2024 Brisbane to Gladstone Yacht Race Cruise

Catch all the thrills and spills of the annual Brisbane to Gladstone Yacht Race from the spacious decks of the ‘MV Eye Spy’ – lunch included!

Duration 4hr

From $99

8Hr Whale Watching Adventure- Ex Brisbane CBD

Join Captain Kerry aboard Brisbane’s only purpose-built whale watching vessel to see the Humpbacks whales. Guaranteed sightings from June-Nov!

Duration 8hr

From $195

5.5Hr VIP Lounge Whale Watching Adventure Tour

Cruise like a VIP with priority service on the ‘MV Eye Spy’ to see the Humpback whale migration – exclusive lounge behind Captain’s wheelhouse.

Duration 5hr

From $190

Dolphin & Tangalooma Wrecks Moreton Bay - VIP Cruise

A private Captain’s Lounge cruise on the ‘Spirit of Migaloo II’ to discover the Tangalooma Wrecks. Enjoy snorkelling, kayaking & dolphin sightings.

Duration 8hr

From $239

Dolphin & Tangalooma Wrecks Day Cruise

Snorkel and discover the 15 shipwrecks of Tangalooma. Enjoy kayaking and lunch, keeping an eye out for the bottlenose dolphins of Moreton Bay.

Duration 8hr

From $199

3.5Hr Australia Day Dinner Cruise from Hamilton

Gather your friends and family for an unforgettable Australia Day celebration on Brisbane River. Enjoy a fireworks show (TBC), commentary & dinner.

Duration 3hr

From $79

3Hr Australia Day Lunch Cruise from Hamilton

Watch the riverside activities & other national day celebrations on Brisbane River from the decks of Lady Brisbane, along with live commentary.

Duration 3hr

From $61

See All Cruises

Know Before You Go

Best Time To Visit

Brisbane truly shines during the summer months, attracting sunseekers in search of idyllic weather. As temperatures and humidity rise during this season, locals often retreat to the coastal areas. However, the advantage of Brisbane's subtropical climate is its mild winter, characterised by abundant blue skies and moderate temperatures.

Public Holidays

National Public Holidays:
Sunday, 1 January: New Year's Day
Monday, 2 January: Additional public holiday for New Year's Day
Thursday, 26 January: Australia Day
Friday, 7 April: Good Friday
Saturday, 8 April: Day following Good Friday
Sunday, 9 April: Easter Sunday
Monday, 10 April: Easter Monday
Tuesday, 25 April: Anzac Day
Monday, 25 December: Christmas Day
Tuesday, 26 December: Boxing Day

Other public holidays declared by the state and territory governments:
Monday, 1 May: Labour Day
Wednesday, 16 August: Ekka Wednesday*
Monday, 2 October: King's Birthday

Events & Festivals

Brisbane Festival
This month-long celebration in September features a diverse program of performances, music, theatre, dance, and visual arts, attracting artists from around the world.

Ekka
The Royal Queensland Show, known as Ekka, takes place in August. It is Queensland's largest annual event, offering agricultural displays, animal exhibits, live entertainment, thrilling rides, and delicious food.

Paniyiri Greek Festival
Celebrating Greek culture, Paniyiri Festival is a lively event held in May. Enjoy traditional Greek food, music, dance performances, cooking demonstrations, and cultural displays.

School Holidays

TERM 1 SCHOOL HOLIDAYS 2023
Queensland: 1 April to 16 April

TERM 2 SCHOOL HOLIDAYS 2023
Queensland: 24 June to 9 July

TERM 3 SCHOOL HOLIDAYS 2023
Queensland: 16 September to 2 October

TERM 4 SCHOOL HOLIDAYS 2023 - 2024
Queensland: 9 December 2023 to 21 January 2024
 

Accommodation

Choosing an accommodation in Brisbane is a breeze. Brisbane’s Central Business District is brimming with world-class hotels, but venture out of the centre and you can find heritage-listed estates.  There are also numerous apartments and private properties carved onto the riverfront with incredible views of the city’s top attractions. If you’re up for some adventure, you can try sleeping under the stars in one of the biggest sand islands on Earth.

Dining

With the perfect tap on sunshine and clear skies the norm, Brisbane was made for al fresco dining. The most recognised restaurants sit within the city centre, along the riverfront. You can find top-notch restaurants, world-class cafes and a population of decadent dining experiences, all offering impeccable views of the city's unique skyline. You can also check out the city’s  only beachside beer garden at South Bank for some classic beer and steak.

Transport

Getting around Brisbane is easy with its extensive system of buses, trains and ferries. All you need to do is purchase the TransLink Go Card. Ride sharing platforms like Uber, Ola, DiDi & GoCatch operate in Brisbane. The best way to see the attractions of the city is aboard a river cruise.

Brisbane Tourist Information

Public Conveniences

Brisbane offers free wifi and public toilet facilities in many locations throughout the CBD. There are dedicated apps to find the services offered in your preferred location.

Shopping & Market Hours

Brisbane’s shopping culture is just as burgeoning as the entire city. While the city offers the best retail therapy within the CBD like in Queen Street Mall, dwell into the suburbs and find a whole new world. The inner suburbs are dotted with chic retail strips, bustling street shops, and hidden shopping destinations which are arguably some of Queensland’s best.

Medical Services

There are over fourteen public hospitals and six private hospitals in the Greater Brisbane Region. Some of the prominent ones are Brisbane Private hospital, Mater Private Hospital & Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital.

Blogs & Articles

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Koala-Ty Time: The Ultimate Lone Pine Koala Experience

Say G’day to the first and largest koala sanctuary in the world, the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary in Brisbane, Australia. What first started out as a safe refuge for the sick and injured koalas back in the 1920s, has now blossomed into one of the best tourist places in Brisbane.

The Only Weekend Getaway Itinerary In Brisbane You Need

Brisbane is blooming. If there was even the slightest doubt that Brisbane is a global metropolis, it’s been put to sleep with the news that the 2032 Olympics will be hosted here.