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Brisbane

Brisbane travel guide

Capital city of Queensland, Australia

Things to do35 experiences
Best time to visitJune and September
Nearest airportBNE · 8 mi from centre
Time zoneUTC+10
Population2,706,966

About Brisbane

Brisbane is the capital and most populous city of the Australian state of Queensland and the third-most populous city in Australia, with a population of about 2.8 million. Brisbane lies at the centre of South East Queensland, a bio-geographical and urban region with an estimated population of 4.1 million as of 2024. The central business district is situated within a peninsula of the Brisbane River approximately 15 kilometres (9 mi) from its mouth at Moreton Bay. Greater Brisbane sprawls across the hilly floodplain of the Brisbane River Valley between the Pacific Ocean and the Taylor and D'Aguilar mountain ranges, encompassing several local government areas (LGAs). The City of Brisbane LGA forms the inner area of Greater Brisbane, and is the most populous local government area in Australia. The demonym of Brisbane is Brisbanite.

Things to do in Brisbane by type

35 tours, tickets and experiences across 8 categories. Pick a type to see what is available for your dates.

How long
  • 1-3 hours 11
  • 3-6 hours 3
  • Flexible 2
  • Over 6 hours 2
Ways to go
  • Small group 11
  • Private 1
  • Wheelchair accessible 1
Browse all things to do in Brisbane

Top experiences in Brisbane

Tours, tickets and experiences you can book with Destina Holidays, from 35 available.

See all things to do in Brisbane

Where to stay in Brisbane

Popular hotels in Brisbane, out of 395 properties you can book.

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Best time to visit Brisbane

Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Brisbane is June and September, when average daytime highs are around 69–78°F and rain falls on about 5 days a month.

MonthTemperature (°F)Rain days
Jan 69° – 85° 19
Feb 70° – 85° 15
Mar 68° – 81° 19
Apr 62° – 78° 13
May 57° – 73° 13
Jun 50° – 69° 5
Jul 49° – 68° 7
Aug 53° – 73° 8
Sep 55° – 78° 5
Oct 62° – 82° 10
Nov 66° – 83° 19
Dec 67° – 85° 16

Average daily low and high temperatures and days with at least 1 mm of rain, from recent weather records. Highlighted months are the most comfortable for sightseeing.

Know before you go

Currency
Australian dollar (AUD)1 US dollar ≈ $1.43
Language
English
Calling code
+61
Driving
On the left
Time zone
Australia/BrisbaneUTC+10
Capital
Canberra

Upcoming public holidays in Australia

  • Christmas Day
  • St. Stephen's DayBoxing Day
  • New Year's Day
  • Australia Day
  • Good Friday
  • Easter Monday

Banks, offices and some attractions may close on public holidays, and flights and hotels often fill up early around them.

Getting to Brisbane

These are the airports closest to central Brisbane. Compare fares into each one, as a slightly longer transfer can sometimes mean a much cheaper flight.

  • BNE Brisbane Airport8 mi (13 km) from the city centre
Search flights to Brisbane

Getting around Brisbane

Translink is responsible for all trains, buses, ferries and trams in South East Queensland and regional urban buses. The website and app can be used to plan a journey, including full navigation and real time updates. Apple Maps and Google Maps provide a similar experience.

Fares

A 50-cent flat fare applies to any journey, regardless of mode or distance, with a limit of 3 transfers. The only exception is an Airtrain journey to or from Brisbane Airport which costs $22.30 (June 2025), with a 15% discount for booking online. Refer to the website for other discounted fares. You can be fined $261 for travelling without a valid fare.

Trains

Brisbane has a sizeable rail network. Most services are through running, travelling from one side of the city to the other. All trains stop at Bowen Hills, Fortitude Valley, Central and Roma Street, regardless of their origin or destination. Interurban services run between Brisbane and the Gold Coast, with connecting tram services at Helensvale. Interurban services also run between Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast, with connecting bus services at Landsborough.

Buses

Brisbane has a large, interconnected network of bus routes that serve the whole city. The bus fleet is the most modern in Australia and can be identified by the vibrant blue and yellow colouring within the Transport for Brisbane service area. All buses have a digital display of their route number and a brief description of the terminus and/or areas served. Most routes run frequent services from 6AM to 11PM at a minimum.

Brisbane travel FAQ

When is the best time to visit Brisbane?

Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Brisbane is June and September, when average daytime highs are around 69–78°F and rain falls on about 5 days a month.

What is the weather like in Brisbane?

January is usually the warmest month in Brisbane, with average highs of 85°F (30°C). July is the coolest, with average lows of 49°F (10°C). The wettest month is typically March, with about 357 mm of rain.

Which airport is closest to Brisbane?

Brisbane Airport (BNE) is the closest airport, about 8 miles (13 km) from the centre of Brisbane.

What currency is used in Brisbane?

Brisbane uses the Australian dollar (AUD). At the latest exchange rate, 1 US dollar ≈ $1.43.

What time zone is Brisbane in?

Brisbane uses the Australia/Brisbane time zone (currently UTC+10). Remember to check for daylight saving changes when planning connecting flights.

How do I get around Brisbane?

Translink is responsible for all trains, buses, ferries and trams in South East Queensland and regional urban buses. The website and app can be used to plan a journey, including full navigation and real time updates. Apple Maps and Google Maps provide a similar experience.

What are the top things to do in Brisbane?

Popular experiences you can book in Brisbane include Moreton Island Get Wrecked 1-Day Tour from Gold Coast, Moreton Island Get Wrecked - Full-Day Tour and Brisbane Private Custom Walking Tour - Highlights and Hidden Gems. Destina Holidays offers 35 tours and activities here.

What kinds of tours and activities can I book in Brisbane?

The most popular types of experiences in Brisbane are outdoor activities & adventure (8), city tours (7), cruise & water tours (7) and gastronomy & nightlife (5). Filter by type when you search to compare prices and availability for your dates.

Where should I stay in Brisbane?

Popular areas for hotels in Brisbane include Brisbane CBD. Well-reviewed options include Oaks Brisbane Festival Suites and Adina Apartment Hotel Brisbane.

How many hotels can I book in Brisbane?

Destina Holidays currently lists 395 properties in and around Brisbane, from budget stays to luxury hotels. Search your dates to see live prices and availability.