Things to Do in Brisbane

Brisbane's oldest public park, with mature fig trees, bamboo groves, and a small lily pond. Good for a quiet stroll or a shady lunch break close to the city core.

🕐 Open 24 hours

💡 Bring food from the nearby Queen Street Mall markets (open Wed–Sun) for a picnic. The toilets near the river entrance are usually clean.

A long stretch of riverfront park with a man-made swimming lagoon, cycle paths, and picnic areas. You can swim for free in the lagoon, which is patrolled by lifeguards.

🕐 Park open 24 hours; lagoon open daily 7am to 7pm (later in summer)

💡 Head to the Streets Beach area early on a weekday morning to avoid crowds. Bring your own towel and sunscreen; lockers cost a few dollars.

A bushland reserve with a lookout offering city skyline views (especially at sunset). The nearby botanic gardens are separate and have themed sections like a tropical dome and Japanese garden.

🕐 Lookout open 24 hours. Botanic gardens open daily 6am to 6pm (until 5pm in winter).

💡 Take bus 471 from the city to the lookout (costs about $4 each way). The gardens have free guided walks on Sunday afternoons. Bring insect repellent.

Two connected galleries showing Australian and international art, from Indigenous works to contemporary installations. The permanent collection is free; ticketed exhibitions cost around $20.

🕐 Daily 10am to 5pm (closed Good Friday, Christmas Day, and Boxing Day)

💡 Check their website for free guided tours, usually daily at 11am. The riverfront cafe has decent coffee and a view of the water.

Historic sandstone building topped with a clock tower. You can tour the interior, including the auditorium and the tower (free but limited tickets). The square out front often has markets or events.

🕐 City Hall: Mon–Fri 8am to 5pm, Sat 9am to 3pm, Sun closed. Tower tours: daily 10am–4pm, limited to 6 people per 15-minute slot.

💡 Book a free clock tower tour online in advance, as slots fill up quickly. The tour includes a lift ride and views over the city.