Touring Brisbane Australia

Touring Brisbane Australia can be overwhelming, take all the hassle and question marks out by using my guide to where to stay, dine, and enjoy for an incredible Australian adventure!

Touring Brisbane Australia with Family

I recently had the trip of a lifetime down under to Brisbane and Sydney Australia. The 13 days we spent both went incredibly fast, and far too short- my mom, dad, cousin and I headed down for my brother’s wedding.

It was tough trip though, because I decided not to bring my kids. I am still confident in my decision to not bring them since traveling with a 2 and 4 year old for over 30 hours sounded pretty much awful.

Visiting Brisbane with my mom and dad was an unforgettable experience, filled with beautiful sights and warm, sunny weather. We explored the vibrant South Bank, enjoyed delicious meals at riverside restaurants, and marveled at the stunning views from the Brisbane Wheel. The lush parks and friendly locals made our stay even more enjoyable, creating cherished family memories. From the bustling markets to the serene river cruises, every moment in Brisbane was simply amazing.

I have broken my suggestions down into three sections: where to stay, where to eat, and where what to do so you can plan an incredible trip to Brisbane too!

Where to Stay in Brisbane

The Calile Hotel

• Why: Located in the trendy Fortitude Valley, it offers a luxurious experience with its stylish design, rooftop pool, and easy access to boutique shopping and vibrant nightlife.

Ovolo Inchcolm

• Why: This boutique hotel combines historic charm with modern amenities, offering unique rooms, a cozy library bar, and a central location near the city’s cultural attractions.

Emporium Hotel South Bank

• Why: Situated in the heart of South Bank, it provides stunning views of the Brisbane River, luxurious suites, and proximity to cultural landmarks like the Queensland Performing Arts Centre and Gallery of Modern Art.

W Brisbane

• Why: Known for its chic design and vibrant atmosphere, W Brisbane boasts riverfront views, a rooftop bar, and is within walking distance of the city’s best shopping and dining districts.

The Point Brisbane Hotel

• Why: Located in Kangaroo Point, it offers panoramic views of the city skyline and Story Bridge, with spacious rooms and a tranquil setting away from the hustle and bustle.

Stamford Plaza Brisbane

• Why: Positioned along the Brisbane River, this hotel offers luxurious accommodations, riverside dining, and close proximity to the Botanic Gardens and Eagle Street Pier.

Rydges South Bank

• Why: Perfect for both leisure and business travelers, it features modern rooms, a rooftop pool, and is adjacent to the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre.

Art Series – The Fantauzzo

• Why: Nestled under the Story Bridge, this art-inspired hotel offers contemporary rooms with river views and a focus on local art, providing a unique and culturally rich stay.

Where to Eat in Brisbane

Gerard’s Bistro

• Why: Located in Fortitude Valley, Gerard’s Bistro offers innovative Middle Eastern cuisine in a chic setting, perfect for foodies seeking unique and flavorful dishes.

E’cco Bistro

• Why: A Brisbane dining institution, E’cco Bistro serves modern Australian cuisine with a focus on fresh, locally sourced ingredients, providing a sophisticated dining experience.

Otto Ristorante

• Why: Overlooking the Brisbane River, Otto offers contemporary Italian cuisine with stunning views, making it an ideal spot for both casual and special occasion dining.

Julius Pizzeria

• Why: Situated in South Brisbane, Julius Pizzeria is known for its authentic wood-fired pizzas and bustling atmosphere, making it a favorite for casual and family-friendly dining.

Gauge

• Why: This trendy South Brisbane café and restaurant serves inventive, modern dishes with a strong emphasis on seasonal produce and creative presentations.

GOMA Restaurant

• Why: Located within the Gallery of Modern Art, this restaurant combines art and dining with contemporary Australian dishes inspired by the museum’s exhibitions, offering a unique cultural experience.

Rogue Bistro

• Why: Rogue Bistro in Newstead is known for its ever-changing degustation menu, providing a surprise culinary journey with each visit, ideal for adventurous eaters.

Aria Brisbane

• Why: Overlooking the Brisbane River, Aria offers fine dining with an emphasis on Australian produce, crafted by renowned chef Matt Moran, perfect for a luxurious dining experience.

Stanley

• Why: Located in Howard Smith Wharves, Stanley serves up authentic Cantonese cuisine with a modern twist, paired with breathtaking river views and a lively atmosphere.

Honto

• Why: This hidden gem in Fortitude Valley offers contemporary Japanese dishes in a sleek, intimate setting, ideal for those seeking a stylish and flavorful dining experience.

What to Do in Brisbane

Explore South Bank

• Why: This vibrant cultural precinct offers lush parklands, restaurants, and the iconic Streets Beach, making it perfect for leisurely strolls, dining, and family fun.

Visit the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary

• Why: The world’s first and largest koala sanctuary allows you to cuddle a koala, feed kangaroos, and learn about Australian wildlife up close.

Climb the Story Bridge

• Why: Experience panoramic views of the city and the Brisbane River by climbing this iconic bridge, offering a unique and thrilling perspective of Brisbane.

Cruise the Brisbane River

• Why: Take a relaxing river cruise to see the city’s skyline and landmarks from the water, with options ranging from daytime sightseeing to evening dinner cruises.

Stroll Through the Brisbane Botanic Gardens

• Why: Located at Mount Coot-tha, these gardens provide a peaceful escape with diverse plant collections, walking trails, and stunning city views from the nearby lookout.

Visit the Queensland Art Gallery & Gallery of Modern Art (QAGOMA)

• Why: Explore world-class exhibitions and collections of modern and contemporary art in these twin galleries, offering cultural enrichment and artistic inspiration.

Shop at the Queen Street Mall

• Why: This bustling shopping precinct in the heart of the city offers a wide range of retail stores, dining options, and entertainment, making it a must-visit for shoppers.

Hike in the D’Aguilar National Park

• Why: Just a short drive from the city, this park offers scenic hiking trails, wildlife spotting, and beautiful lookouts, ideal for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.

Visit the Brisbane Powerhouse

• Why: This dynamic arts venue hosts live performances, exhibitions, and markets, providing a lively hub for contemporary culture and entertainment.

Enjoy the Nightlife in Fortitude Valley

• Why: Known for its vibrant nightlife, Fortitude Valley offers an array of bars, clubs, and live music venues, perfect for those looking to experience Brisbane’s energetic after-dark scene.

Taste of Australia At Home

Besides some of the interesting protein choices – kangaroo, Australian cuisine is very similar to American cuisine. In Brisbane they eat a lot of fish and seafood, check out some of my favorite seafood recipes inspired by my trip to Australia below.

Try these recipes:

Avgolemono Salmon

10 Minute Pan Seared Thai Chili Scallops

Pan Fried Salmon Filets

Salt and Pepper Shrimp