Are you thinking about visiting Brisbane, Australia? Here's what you need to know before planning your trip.
Is Brisbane worth visiting?
Yes, it's worth visiting this coastal city for two to three days because of the many great activities. Brisbane is the capital of Queensland. It's also a cultural city with many museums and a vibrant nightlife scene. The city makes a good base for exploring the many nearby beaches and outdoor parks. There is plenty of green space and a great setting for soaking up the atmosphere and beautiful climate. It's often mentioned as one of the best places to visit in major publications, such as in Frommer's Best Places to Go in 2024.
Brisbane skyline
Reasons to Visit Brisbane
Museums
The Cultural Centre is where you'll find many of the city's museums. It sits on the banks of the Brisbane River and is home to the State Library of Queensland, the Queensland Museum and Sciencentre, and Queensland Art Gallery & Gallery of Modern Art. This is also where you'll find the Queensland Performing Arts Centre. Also popular is the Brisbane Botanic Gardens and the Wheel of Brisbane.
Nightlife
Fortitude Valley is the entertainment district in the city, and it really comes to life at night. There are also many venues that take advantage of the beautiful weather with outdoor and rooftop bars.
Beaches
For the best beaches, you'll want to take a day trip out of town, but there are also some nice beaches right by the city. About 30 minutes from town is family-friend Suttons Beach, or you can stay in the city center and check out the man-made Streets Beach. Shorncliffe Beach is another option that's less than a half hour from town.
Shopping
It's one of the most popular cities for retail therapy in Queensland. Queen Street Mall is an open air shopping mall and James Street is a favorite shopping street in town.
Food
You'll find all of the standard eateries around town, with casual cafes, family-friendly restaurants, and some fine dining experiences to choose from.
Scuba Diving & Snorkeling
There are some good snorkeling and diving spots near the city. One of the best is the Tangalooma Wrecks off Moreton Island.
Hiking
There are a number of hikes outside of town that you can enjoy as a day trip. Check out the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail, Keperra Bushland Reserve, or D'Aguilar National Park to the north of town. To the south is Toohey Forest Park, Springwood Conservation Park , and Venmans Bushland National Park.
Authenticity
Brisbane has an authentic vibe where you can experience local culture, cuisine, and activities without the large tourist crowds of other popular destinations.
Is Brisbane worth visiting in the Summer?
Summer is the high season for travel in Brisbane, so expect more visitors and higher prices. This destination is fairly touristy, and in the high season it's busier than usual.
The weather in Brisbane is fairly warm during summer, and stays around 25°C (77°F). But it can get as warm as 29°C (85°F) at times, too. It's also quite rainy during this season, so be prepared.
Visiting the nearby beaches is one of the most popular things to do this time of year, so spend some time enjoying the waves and sand. You'll also find it quite easy to get around on foot, because this is a very walkable coastal city, especially in the nice weather. You'll find plenty to do during summer, as you'll be able to lounge on the beach, take a hike, and browse through museums. Also, you can experience the big city activities and the nightlife.
Summer Weather in Brisbane
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| January | 25°C (77°F) | 169 mm (6.7 in) |
| February | 25°C (77°F) | 152 mm (6 in) |
| March | 24°C (75°F) | 146 mm (5.7 in) |
Is Brisbane worth visiting in the Autumn?
This is the shoulder season for travel in Brisbane. Even though Brisbane is fairly busy with tourists, in the shoulder season there will be smaller crowds and better prices.
The weather in Brisbane is fairly warm during autumn, and stays around 22°C (71°F). But it can get as warm as 26°C (79°F) at times, too. It's also quite rainy during this season, so be prepared.
Autumn is a great time of year to explore the numerous museums and landmarks around town. They are fun for the whole family as well great for couples. During this season it's fun to experience the famous sights and museums, the big city activities, and the hiking.
Autumn Weather in Brisbane
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| April | 22°C (71°F) | 112 mm (4.4 in) |
| May | 19°C (66°F) | 104 mm (4.1 in) |
| June | 16°C (61°F) | 77 mm (3 in) |
Is Brisbane worth visiting in the Winter?
You'll find the weather to be very nice here during winter with average temperatures around 15°C (59°F).
The low season for travel in Brisbane is during the winter. This destination is fairly touristy, but in the low season you can find fewer crowds and better deals.
This is a great time of year to browse the museums, taste delicious cuisine, and enjoy the evening activities. Also, you can check out the big city activities.
Winter Weather in Brisbane
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| July | 15°C (59°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) |
| August | 16°C (61°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) |
| September | 18°C (65°F) | 33 mm (1.3 in) |
Is Brisbane worth visiting in the Spring?
Spring is the shoulder season for travel in Brisbane. Even though Brisbane is fairly busy with tourists, in the shoulder season there will be smaller crowds and better prices.
The warm weather in spring is one of the reasons people visit at this time of year. Temperatures average around 21°C (69°F) with daily high temperatures often more than 26°C (78°F).
You'll find plenty to do during spring, as you'll be able to find the best deals at the shops, spend time at the museums, and take advantage of the local nightlife.
Spring Weather in Brisbane
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| October | 21°C (69°F) | 93 mm (3.7 in) |
| November | 23°C (73°F) | 107 mm (4.2 in) |
| December | 24°C (76°F) | 127 mm (5 in) |
Things to Consider Before Visiting Brisbane
Not As Romantic
For couples, this destination does not have a great vibe for romance compared to other places.
The Cost
Depending on your budget, schedule, and travel style, Brisbane might be an expensive destination for you. You can find out the travel costs for Brisbane here or see if Brisbane is expensive here.
Related
What is Brisbane most famous for?
Brisbane is most famous for its sports culture, beautiful weather, and outdoor areas. People visit this impressive coastal city for its great museums, nightlife, beaches, and shopping. Also, it's known for food, scuba diving & snorkeling, and hiking. It is often described as cultural, active, relaxed, and diverse.
What is the most famous sight in Brisbane?
The most popular sight in Brisbane is the Cultural Centre. You can see prices and costs for this and other sights in Brisbane on our travel costs page.
Or, see tickets, activities, and tours for the Cultural Centre and other attractions here.
How touristy is Brisbane? Is it a popular coastal city to visit?
Brisbane is more popular with local tourists than with international visitors. Here are some of the most popular activities and tours. (Prices in US Dollars)
- 2hr Animal Tour: $73
- Afternoon Moreton Bay Sailing Tour: $69
- North Stradbroke Island Private Tour with Pickup: $165
- 3-Hour Walking Tour in Brisbane: $56
- Bloody Brisbane Crime Tour by Coach - Crime Tours Australia: $43
- Minjerribah Cultural Experience: $106
- Mt Tamborine 8-hour Guided Tour by Minivan in the Scenic Rim: $109
- Brisbane City Highlights Sightseeing Tour: $116
How long should I spend in Brisbane?
The ideal length of time for a trip to Brisbane is two to three days. Since Brisbane has activities such as shopping, museums, nightlife, and beaches, many visit for up to three days.
If you have a specific amount of time for your trip, see our advice about how much time to spend here: Should I spend 1, 2, or 3 days in Brisbane?, Should I spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Brisbane?, and Should I spend 1 or 2 weeks in Brisbane?.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.