Duration: 1-2 hours
Price Guide: $0
Last Reviewed:

South Bank – Brisbane’s number-one tourist destination – attracts a staggering 11 million visitors with its unique cosmopolitan mix of both entertainment and culture. It is located just beyond the city centre, over Victoria Bridge, and can be reached by walking or by ferry.

If the weather is warm and you’d like to swim, this tour will take you to a swimming spot at Streets Beach.

Start at Central Train Station. (If you’re already in the city centre, go from Queen Street Mall – directions 3)

Exit the station via the main entrance and turn left down Edward Street.

Edward Street is host to some of Australia’s most renowned designers, including menswear stores, high-end fashion and, for those who need pampering after shopping, day spas!

Continue walking downhill for about five minutes; then turn right onto Queen Street Mall (after Adelaide Street)

Queen Street Mall – originally part of Queen Street and named after Queen Victoria – is said to be Brisbane’s ‘premier shopping destination’. It was closed to traffic in 1982 and since then has become home to over 700 specialty stores and six centres, including: Broadway on the Mall, MacArthur Central, Queens Plaza and The Myer Centre – all of which are home to highly sought after fashion retailers, from high street stores to exclusive designers. Whether it’s banking, boutiques, film, entertainment, fashion, food or shopping you’re after – look no further.

Continue straight up Queen Street Mall until you reach the end, on George Street. Cross the road. You are now standing in Brisbane Square.

The Brisbane Square consists of the Treasury Casino, the City Council Library and the Brisbane Square building. It is also home to various artworks, which look like giant metal spheres. The ‘Brisbane Square’ building, is a new addition to Brisbane’s high-rise buildings and is home to Brisbane City Council. It was completed in late 2006, after long construction delays. It has 38 floors and rises to 151 metres. Its use is not particularly exciting, as it mainly used for office space and retail. It is, however, the largest commercial office building in Australia to have won a 5-star Green rating. FDirectly beneath it lies the new Brisbane City Council central library. There is one hour of free internet access per day per person to be had here, but only if you sign up (proof of address needed). There is also a large selection of magazines (vintage and new) to be read, if you can’t afford to keep buying your trashy (but much loved) gossip magazines.

Cross Brisbane Square and cross the road onto Victoria Bridge (keeping to the left hand side)

Victoria Bridge is the fifth crossing of the Brisbane River, and Brisbane’s first permanent bridge. It connects the Brisbane central business district (CBD) to South Bank. It can be walked, driven or cycled across. The original bridge, built here in 1865, lived an extraordinarily short life of two years before collapsing due to a marine wood worm infestation. A replacement was built in 1874, lasting slightly longer before being washed away in the floods of 1893. A third bridge was built in in 1897 and lasted until 1969, when the current bridge was opened. The stone abutments at each end were designed by Arthur Midson. On the southern side of the arch there is a marble memorial tablet, placed in remembrance of 11-year-old Hector Vasyli, who was tragically killed in a road traffic accident on the site in 1918 when welcoming returning soldiers.

The Brisbane River flows right through the city and empties itself into Moreton Bay. It is dammed by the Wivenhoe Dam, which forms the main water supply for Brisbane. Sea Cat passenger ferries and boat cruises operate daily along the river and are undoubtedly a superb way to see the city’s sights.

At the end of Victoria Bridge, turn left. The Performing Arts Centre is to your right, which makes up part of the Queenland Cultural Centre.

Queensland Cultural Centre consists of: the Queensland Museum, the Queensland Art Gallery, the Queensland Gallery of Modern Art, the State Library of Queensland and the Performing Arts Centre. The Centre itself was established in 1974. Its aim is to keep all the city’s major cultural buildings in close proximity. The newest addition is the Queensland Gallery of Modern Art, which opened in 2006. Established in 1862, the Queenland Museum is the oldest, but has had many homes and has only been at South Bank since 1986.

The Grand Arbour runs centrally through South Bank and takes you to the other side; however if you continue straight along any of the paths they all lead to the same point, so it’s near impossible to get lost!

Both Stanley Street Plaza and Little Stanley Street run parallel through the centre of South Bank, hosting lively bars, restaurants and cafes.

At the far end of South Bank is the Goodwill Bridge, which takes you over to the Queensland University of Technology campus and Botanical Gardens.

The Goodwill Bridge is a pedestrian/cyclist bridge that was opened by former Premier Peter Beattie on 21st October 2001. Although its construction was straightforward and quick (three months) it still managed to cost a whopping $23 million in government funds. It’s a short walk (less than 500m) but is an enjoyable way to see views of both the city and South Bank without the disturbance of traffic. The Maritime Museum, which is on the South Bank side of the bridge on the right hand side – is interesting, but not free. So if you’re feeling stingy, you can have a good look from the bridge – its main attraction is the HMAS Diamantina, a restored 1945 naval frigate, which you can see perfectly.

The main path through the Botanic Gardens will take you to Albert St which, followed all the way up to Ann St, will allow you to turn right and get back to Central Station where you began.

Duration: 1-2 hours
Price Guide: $0
Last Reviewed:

Start from Central Station.

As you exit the station via the main entrance, cross the road and immediately turn left onto Edward Street.

Edward Street is host to some of Australia’s most renowned designers, including menswear stores, high-end fashion and, for those who need pampering after that shopping, day spas!

Continue right down to the end of Edward Street; this should take you about 15 minutes. Edward Street ends and, if you turn right, you’ll find yourself in Alice Street, which runs parallel to the Botanic Gardens. There are several gates along the fence that allow you to enter.

There are various artworks in the gardens; for example the ‘Jemmy Morrill and the Brolgas Sculpture’ – this represents the story of 22 year old James Morrill, who was shipwrecked on the Great Barrier Reef. Aboriginals found him and cared for him for 17 years – he eventually returned to the Bowen district and went on to be hugely influential in improving the relationships between the early settlers and Aboriginals.

To the far right of the park is the Parliament House and the Queensland University of Technology.

The interior is very grand; adorned with sweeping staircases, stained glass windows and Minton tiled floors. There are free guided tours around the house. Opening hours: 9am-5pm

Duration: 1-2 hours
Price Guide: $0
Last Reviewed:

Since opening in 1991, Brunswick Street has modestly flourished into an appealing shopping precinct within Fortitude Valley, mainly concentrated in Brunswick Street Mall. Its stylish bars and funky restaurants are relaxed on weekdays, but are transformed on weekends when they become the hub of Brisbane’s nightlife.

It takes around 15-20 minutes to reach Brunswick Street from the city centre, but you can also catch a bus, or a train to Brunswick Street Station.

Start from Central Station

As you exit the station (via the main entrance) onto Ann Street, turn left. Continue down for 15-20 minutes. Turn left onto Brunswick Street Mall (after Duncan Street)

The Brunswick Street Markets attract hoards of visitors on the weekends, selling a wide selection of arts, crafts, fashion and food.

Duration: 1-2 hours
Price Guide: $0
Last Reviewed:

The Story Bridge is Brisbane’s answer to Sydney’s Harbour Bridge – it can be walked, cycled or driven across and is a popular route for runners.

Start at Central Station.

As you exit the station (via the main entrance) turn left onto Ann Street. Take the next right onto Creek Street, then the next left onto Adelaide Street.

Upon quick passing Adelaide Street seems dull, unexciting, with little to offer except mundane views of office buildings. Do not be so hasty to dismiss it – for those who are dedicated enough to seek it out, there is a heritage strip on the west end of the street (near South Bank) which features some one-off speciality shops.

Continue north-east on Adelaide Street for around 10-15 minutes. Turn right onto Ivory Street. Follow the road up and around (the Quay Terraces to your right). You can cross the bridge from either the east or west side – if one side is closed for maintenance (as it was when I tried to cross) there is an underpass taking you to the other side. It is free to cross and takes about 10 minutes to walk from one side to the other.

For those who like adventures, bridge climbs are available ($130) which last around 2-3 hours. The bridge is also illuminated at night.

To get back to the city from the opposite side, you will have to follow the walkway around Kangaroo Point and cross Goodwill Bridge.

Duration: 1-2 hours
Price Guide: $0
Last Reviewed:

Since opening in 1987, Brisbane’s very own Chinatown has become firmly established as a major centrepoint for Asian cultural and commercial activity.

Start from Central Station.

As you exit the station (via the main entrance) turn left down Ann Street. Continue walking for around 15-20 minutes. Turn left onto Duncan Street (after Gipps Street)

Brisbane’s Chinatown is just one street long – and what a lively, cultural, beautifully decorated street it is. From end to end it is rammed with Chinese restaurants, massage therapists, acupuncturists and herbalists. The stone lions placed at both the Ann Street and Wickham Street entrances represent cultural respect and friendship, also warding off evil spirits. There is also a large supermarket selling everything you would ever need for cooking Asian cuisine.

The Valley Markets in Chinatown Mall run on Fridays (3pm-late) and weekends (8am-4pm) These fresh produce markets are popular amongst both locals and visitors. There are also free tai chi classes every Sunday morning at 11am!

Duration:
Price Guide: $0
Last Reviewed:

You can get on the Loop at Central Station; alternatively if you’re already in the city you can catch it from Adelaide Street, William Street, Margaret Street, Eagle Street, George Street and Wharf Street. The Loop’s bus stops are bright red, so are easy to spot.

Wharf Street

If you’re after something a bit more informative, there are official tour buses called ‘City Sights Tours’; these take your through the Central Business District, South Bank area, Chinatown, Spring Hill and Milton – tickets are $25 (or $20 concession) and can be purchased from the bus driver.

Duration: 1-2 hours
Price Guide: $0
Last Reviewed:

The Riverside Centre is easily accessed by walking or catching a CityCat ferry.

Start from Central Station.

As you exit the station (via the main entrance) turn left onto Ann Street. Cross the road. Pass the war memorial and take the next right onto Creek Street.

After five minutes or so you will come to an unusual roundabout with a giant fig tree in the middle. Cross directly over the roundabout to Eagle Street. Continue straight through the high-rise buildings you see in front of you towards the river.

The Riverside Centre itself is actually a skyscraper designed by Harry Seidler in 1986. It is easily recognisable by its size and the prominent water feature in front of it. Surrounding it are a number of prestigious bars and restaurants, all located on the river’s edge, making them a superb spot to enjoy drinks or dinner.

Riverside has its own ferry wharf where CityCat ferries run regularly.

Turn right (when facing the river) and follow the path along, soon you will reach Eagle Street Pier.

Within walking distance of Riverside is Eagle Street Pier. The main attraction here lies with the Kookaburra River Cruises; these are authentic paddle steamers that offer lunch, afternoon tea or dinner cruises along the river (prices start from $20). Eagle Street Pier is also host to award-winning restaurants and bars – the weekends are much livelier here.

Duration: 1-2 hours
Price Guide: $0
Last Reviewed:

The Pontoon River walk can either be reached by foot or by ferry – it seems more sensible to catch a ferry to the wharf at the start of the walk and walk back to the city as opposed to walking there and backtracking on yourself.

All prices were correct at the time of publication.

Start from Queen Street Mall.

When you get off at Sydney Street, follow the path to your left up and take the first left onto Griffith Street. Follow this for about 300m, then turn left onto Riverview Crescent. The road ends here; the entrance to the Rover Walk is on your right.

At the end of the pontoon the path continues alongside the river all the way back to the city; eventually taking you to Riverside, which is a ten minute walk from the city centre. Altogether, the walk takes about half an hour, if you’re walking leisurely.

Duration: 1-2 hours
Price Guide: $4.60
Last Reviewed:

All prices were correct at the time of publication.

You can start at any of these, depending on what you want to see.

. (Basically head away from Victoria Bridge and go in the direction of Story Bridge.)

A nice alternative to ferrying it back is to walk along the River Walkway, which starts from Sydney Street and finishes alongside the city, and includes the Pontoon River Walk (see Pontoon River Walk tour).

Duration: 1-2 hours
Price Guide: $0
Last Reviewed:

The Queensland Art Gallery and Gallery of Modern Art form part of the Queensland Cultural Centre, which also include the Queensland Museum, the Performing Arts Centre and the State Library of Queensland. The galleries are symbols of the State’s artistic and cultural development, and are great places for all to see.

Start at Central Station (alternatively, if you’re already in the city, start from Queen St Mall – skip to section 2 directions).

Exit via the main entrance onto Ann Street. Cross the road and walk right, taking your first left down Edward Street. Continue walking for around 5-10 minutes; soon you will see Queen Street Mall to your right.

Queen Street Mall – originally part of Queen Street and named after Queen Victoria – is said to be Brisbane’s ‘premier shopping destination’. It was closed to traffic in 1982 and since then has become home to over 700 specialty stores and six centres, including: Broadway on the Mall, MacArthur Central, Queens Plaza and The Myer Centre – all of which are home to highly sought-after fashion retailers; from high street stores to exclusive designers. Whether it’s banking, boutiques, cinema, entertainment, fashion, food, or shopping you’re after, look no further.

Turn down Queen Street Mall and continue straight until you reach the end, cross the road into Brisbane Square.

In this small square are a variety of things – you will notice various artworks (they look like giant metal spheres – good for taking photos on!) scattered around. To your left is the former Treasury Building, now a Conrad Casino – erected in three stages between 1865 and 1928; it was designed by architect John James Clark. It was said that the notion in the design brief was: ‘to express the majesty of government and the dignity of public service’. The exterior walls are sandstone ashlar, whilst the inner walls of the arcade are imitate ashlar – the architecture itself is compared to that of 16th-century Italian works. In the 1890s and early 1900s the building hosted patriotic displays and was widely seen as a symbol of self-government – to this day it is still an important representation of the progress in Brisbane’s political history. It wasn’t until 1905 that the Premier’s Department of the Queensland Government Cabinet moved into the Executive Building (subsequently known as the Lands Administration Building) in George Street. Soon they were followed by more departments and eventually no longer formed at the Treasury Building. Subsequently, it was sold and is now a Conrads Casino; a huge contrast in ulitisation when compared to its once political aspirations. Now, it is a place of vibrance and entertainment – with five bars and six restaurants to choose from, not to mention 80 gaming tables and 1300 (!) gaming machines (more than anywhere else in Queensland) – it’s a 24/7 party if you’re gambling inclined. Opposite the Casino is the ‘Brisbane Square’ building – a new addition to Brisbane’s high rise buildings; it is home to Brisbane City Council and was completed in late 2006, after long construction delays. It has 38 floors and rises to 151 metres. Its use is not particularly exciting; mainly used for office space and retailers. It is however the largest commercial office building in Australia to have won a 5 star Green rating. Directly beneath it lies the new Brisbane City Council central library. There is one hour of free internet per day to be had here, but only if you sign up (proof of address needed) There is also a large selection of magazines (vintage and new) to be read, if you can’t afford to keep buying your trashy – but much loved – gossip magazines.

Cross the square and head over Victoria Bridge (keeping to the right hand side)

Victoria Bridge is the fifth crossing of the Brisbane River and is celebrated as Brisbane’s first permanent bridge. It connects the Brisbane central business district (CBD) to South Bank. It can be walked, driven or cycled across. The original bridge built here in 1865 lived an extraordinarily short life of two years before collapsing due to a marine wood worm infestation. A replacement was built in 1874, lasting slightly longer before being washed away in the floods of 1893. A third bridge was built in in 1897 and lasted until 1969, when the current bridge was opened, which has lasted til this day (hurrah). The stone abutments at each end were designed by Arthur Midson. On the southern side of the arch there is a marble memorial tablet, placed in remembrance of 11-year-old Hector Vasyli, who was tragically killed in a road traffic accident on the site in 1918 when welcoming returning soldiers. The Brisbane River flows right through the city and empties itself into Moreton Bay. It is dammed by the Wivenhoe Dam, which forms the main water supply for Brisbane. Sea Cat passenger ferries and boat cruises operate daily along the river, which are undoubtedly a superb way to see the city’s sights.

When over the bridge, immediately turn right. You will see the art gallery to your left.

The Gallery also has a children’s art centre, an innovative program that aims to develop youths for visual arts.

Opening hours: Monday-Friday 10:00-17:00. Weekends: 09:00-17:00

The Gallery of Modern Art is located just 150m from the Queensland Art Gallery – exit via the sculptures and gardens side – and it is directly in front of you.

The Gallery of Modern Art is a more recent addition to the Cultural Centre; having been opened in 2006. Inside are varied displays of significant indigenous art, including ‘Urban Dingo: The Art and Life of Lin Onus 1948-1996′ and ‘Balance 1990: View, Visions, Influences’.
The artworks mainly focus around the twentieth and twenty-first century, and Queenslanders are encouraged to see them – there are even travelling exhibitions that tour to remote regional areas to ensure all can see them.