Brisbane – Queensland’s River City
A Little History, Plenty to See and Do, and No Shortage of Places to Wet the Whistle!
Brisbane, Queensland’s sunny capital, is a city that has grown from a colonial penal settlement into a modern, bustling metropolis with a relaxed Queensland attitude. Sitting on the winding Brisbane River, it combines history, heritage buildings, leafy parks, cultural attractions, waterfront dining and enough places to eat and drink to keep The Thirsty Tourists occupied for quite some time!
And let’s be honest, any city that combines sightseeing with riverside restaurants, good coffee and somewhere to put your feet up deserves a closer look.
A Brief History of Brisbane
Long before European settlement, the area now known as Brisbane was home to Aboriginal peoples, including the Turrbal and Yuggera peoples. The region has a rich First Nations history, with deep cultural connections to the river, surrounding land and waterways. The traditional name for Brisbane is Meanjin, often translated as “the place of the blue water lilies”. <Cite refs={[“turn711967search7”]}/>
European settlement began in 1824 when a penal colony was established at Redcliffe. It was moved to the banks of the Brisbane River in 1825, where the settlement developed around what is now the city centre.
Originally intended for convicts who had committed further offences in the colonies, the settlement operated under harsh conditions. Brisbane later opened to free settlers in 1842, and when Queensland separated from New South Wales in 1859, Brisbane became the capital of the new colony.
From there, the city grew into an important port and commercial centre. Its development wasn’t always smooth sailing, however. Brisbane has had its fair share of major floods, including the devastating floods of 1893 and 1974, which left their mark on the city and its people.
Today, Brisbane is a modern city with a strong outdoor lifestyle, a growing cultural scene and a waterfront that has become one of its biggest attractions. It’s also preparing to take centre stage when Queensland hosts the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Not bad for a place that started out as a penal settlement!
Things to See and Do Around Brisbane
1. South Bank Parklands – Brisbane’s Riverside Playground
If there’s one place that deserves a spot on the Brisbane sightseeing list, it’s South Bank.
Located across the river from the CBD, South Bank is home to lush parklands, riverside walking paths, restaurants, cafés, galleries and one of Brisbane’s most unusual attractions: Streets Beach, an inner-city swimming beach complete with sand and a lagoon.
The area received a major makeover for World Expo 88. The Expo attracted millions of visitors and helped transform the former industrial precinct into the popular public parklands we know today.
You can wander along the river, enjoy the gardens, visit the cultural precinct or find somewhere to sit and watch the world go by.
And when the sightseeing starts making you peckish, there’s no shortage of cafés and eateries nearby. Funny how that always seems to happen!
2. Brisbane City Hall and the Museum of Brisbane
For a dose of history, head to Brisbane City Hall in King George Square.
This impressive heritage building opened in 1930 and remains one of the city’s best-known landmarks. Visitors can explore its historic interiors, and guided Clock Tower Tours offer a chance to see more of the building’s fascinating features.
Inside, the Museum of Brisbane explores the city’s people, history, art and changing identity through exhibitions and displays.
It’s a good stop for anyone wanting to understand how Brisbane developed from its early colonial days into the modern capital it is today. <Cite refs={[“turn711967search2”]}/>
3. Ride the CityCat on the Brisbane River
One of the easiest ways to see Brisbane from a different perspective is to hop aboard a CityCat ferry.
The Brisbane River winds through the city, and travelling by water gives you views of the skyline, riverfront homes, bridges and busy waterfront precincts without having to negotiate city traffic.
You can make the journey part of your sightseeing rather than simply treating it as transport. Hop off at different stops, explore an area and catch another ferry when you’re ready to move on.
It’s a relaxing way to see the city, and your feet get a break. That’s a win in our book!
4. Howard Smith Wharves – Food, Drinks and Story Bridge Views
Now we’re talking The Thirsty Tourists’ language!
Nestled beneath the iconic Story Bridge, Howard Smith Wharves has transformed a historic riverfront area into a lively destination for dining, cafés and waterfront relaxation.
The setting is a big part of the attraction. You can enjoy views of the river and bridge while exploring the restaurants and bars in the precinct.
It’s particularly appealing later in the day when the city starts to wind down and the bridge and skyline provide a memorable backdrop.
Of course, this is where the famous Thirsty Tourists dilemma arises: do you keep sightseeing, or do you find a comfortable seat and enjoy the view a little longer?
We suspect we know which way that decision might go!
5. Mount Coot-tha Lookout and Botanic Gardens
For a bird’s-eye view of Brisbane, make your way to Mount Coot-tha Lookout.
The elevated position provides sweeping views across the city and surrounding landscape. On a clear day, it’s an excellent place to appreciate just how much Brisbane has grown.
While you’re in the area, visit the Brisbane Botanic Gardens at Mount Coot-tha. These extensive subtropical gardens feature native and exotic plants, themed garden areas and plenty of walking paths.
It’s a welcome change of pace from the city streets and a great opportunity to enjoy Brisbane’s green side. Just remember that Queensland sunshine can be rather enthusiastic, so take water, wear a hat and plan your outdoor wandering accordingly.
6. The City Botanic Gardens
You don’t need to leave the CBD to find a bit of greenery.
The City Botanic Gardens sit beside the Brisbane River at the edge of the city centre. Established as a botanic reserve in the 1850s, they’re Queensland’s oldest heritage garden and feature mature trees, native and exotic plants, winding paths and historic features.
It’s an ideal place for a leisurely stroll, a picnic or a breather between city attractions.
For history enthusiasts, there’s also a reminder of Brisbane’s early development: the gardens’ land was once used to grow crops for the early penal settlement.
7. Queensland Museum and QAGOMA
South Bank is also home to Brisbane’s major cultural precinct, including the Queensland Museum, Queensland Art Gallery and Gallery of Modern Art (QAGOMA).
The Queensland Museum explores Queensland’s natural and cultural history, with exhibitions covering everything from prehistoric creatures to the state’s people and heritage.
QAGOMA offers a different experience, with Australian and international art across traditional and contemporary styles.
Even if art galleries aren’t usually at the top of your touring list, these are worth considering. And with several attractions close together, you can spend a good part of the day exploring without travelling all over town.
8. New Farm Park and the Brisbane Powerhouse
For a more relaxed neighbourhood experience, head to New Farm.
New Farm Park is one of Brisbane’s best-known green spaces, with sprawling lawns, heritage features and enormous fig trees providing welcome shade. It’s a lovely place for a walk or picnic.
Nearby, the Brisbane Powerhouse occupies a former power station that has been repurposed as an arts and entertainment venue. It hosts a varied program of performances, comedy, music, theatre and cultural events.
It’s a good example of Brisbane’s ability to give old industrial buildings a new lease on life.
9. Explore Brisbane’s Heritage and Maritime Past
Brisbane’s river location has played an important role in its history, so it’s worth exploring some of the city’s heritage attractions.
The Queensland Maritime Museum, near the southern end of South Bank, explores Queensland’s maritime history and sits beside the historic South Brisbane Dry Dock. One of its highlights is HMAS Diamantina, a former Royal Australian Navy frigate.
For those who enjoy old buildings and Queensland’s political history, Parliament House and Old Government House are also worth considering.
These stops offer a different perspective on Brisbane, beyond the modern skyline and waterfront dining.
Where to Eat, Drink and Take a Break
Brisbane has plenty of options when it’s time to put the sightseeing on hold.
Howard Smith Wharves: Riverside dining beneath the Story Bridge, with a lively atmosphere and plenty to look at.
South Bank: A broad choice of cafés, restaurants and places to stop for a meal or coffee.
Fortitude Valley: A lively neighbourhood known for restaurants, nightlife, laneways and entertainment.
West End: A relaxed area with a diverse food scene, cafés and local markets.
Brisbane’s subtropical climate lends itself to outdoor dining, although summer heat and sudden downpours can occasionally remind you who’s really in charge of the itinerary.
Our advice? Leave some breathing room in the schedule. The best travel memories don’t always come from ticking off a list of attractions. Sometimes they’re made over a long lunch, a good coffee or an unexpected discovery down a side street.
A Few Tips for Visiting Brisbane
Allow time to explore. South Bank alone can occupy a good chunk of a day if you visit the gardens, galleries and waterfront.
Use the river. CityCat services can make getting between several riverside destinations part of the experience.
Plan for the weather. Brisbane can be hot and humid, especially in summer, with storms possible.
Mix history with modern attractions. City Hall, the Botanic Gardens and maritime heritage sites offer a nice contrast to the contemporary waterfront precincts.
Don’t overdo the itinerary. There’s plenty to see, and rushing from one attraction to the next can take the enjoyment out of touring.
Final Thoughts – Brisbane Is Worth More Than a Quick Stop
Brisbane has plenty going for it. Its history reaches back well before European settlement, its river has shaped the city’s development, and its modern attractions make it an enjoyable destination for a short break or a longer stay.
Whether you’re exploring South Bank, admiring the skyline from Mount Coot-tha, learning about the city’s past or settling in for a meal beside the river, there’s enough variety to keep most travellers happy.
And for The Thirsty Tourists, a city that combines interesting history, scenic wandering, good food and inviting places to stop for a break ticks plenty of boxes.
So, next time you’re in Brisbane, don’t just drive through or head straight for the next destination. Give the River City a chance.
Just remember to leave a little time in the itinerary for refreshments. After all, touring is thirsty work! 🍻
— The Thirsty Tourists
Touring is thirsty work!
