Sky-high views, open-air streetscapes and converted heritage buildings—there's a fresh architectural aesthetic to be found that embraces the city's native light. Further afield, you’ll find more breathtaking sights— from rugged coastlines to subtropical islands.
Home to a wealth of homegrown creatives—and welcoming with open arms those from further afar—Brisbane’s no stranger to genre-blending, world-class acts. With a rolling calendar of cultural festivals and performing arts throughout the year, there’s an event to feast your eyes and immerse your soul nearly every night of the week.
Enveloped in subtropical warmth and river breezes, Brisbane’s fragrant jacarandas and frangipanis fuse with the rich aroma of freshly brewed coffee, baked goods, and sizzling street food.
Shoppers and streetside diners on Fish Lane and James Street bask among sprawling monsteras, following the balmy breeze and its aromas from one venue to the next. Distilleries, fine-diners and day spas welcome guests with a cloud of enticing scents, a single whiff forming instant memories and instilling a deep sense of calm. A stone's throw away, Moreton Island's salty sea air clears away the cobwebs.
Sprawling along the river and permeating every urban pocket, the city hums with an underlying current of energy—the pulse of a DJ, strum of a guitar, the roar of a stadium and ripples of laughter. Behind it all, the whispers of nature.
The city has built a rep for producing next-level talent and bands, with a gig to catch or a DJ set to stumble upon at bars and venues across Brisbane. Listening bars serve up beats with eats, cafes transform into late-night dancefloors, and beer halls play host to pop-up festivals and high-energy trivia nights.
Letting its diverse flavours do the talking, there’s buzz around Brisbane’s food scene for a reason. From Agnes’ fire-fuelled mastery claiming it the title of Australia’s best restaurant for 2024, to the fresh arrival of dazzling bars and eateries like August, Central and +81 Aizome Bar, bold flavours and culinary prowess are always on the menu here.
Brisbane,
Redefined
We’re taking you on a sensory deep dive into what makes Brisbane, well, Brisbane.
Defining Brisbane requires no comparison—the city stands on its own, offering something new, something fresh and something bold for travellers seeking a laid-back yet buzz-filled city escape. With top-tier hospitality, world-first gigs and gallery exhibits, al-fresco architecture and globally-celebrated wellness spaces, Queensland’s capital immerses visitors in a journey of the senses.
Looky Here
Behind
The Beat
Breathe It In
Eat Your Heart Out
Sights to stop you in your tracks.
From the hum of the river to the thrum of the Valley.
Follow your nose to Brisbane’s best.
Find mouthfuls of magic at every turn.
Looky Here
Behind
The Beat
Breathe
It In
Eat Your
Heart Out
9 / 10
Queen's Wharf is the new entertainment hotspot that’s embraced Brisbane with open arms. As you wander through this vibrant precinct, let the stunning architecture and breathtaking river views captivate your senses. Delight in an array of culinary adventures at new and renowned restaurants, from opulent fine dining to casual eateries and sky-high rooftop bars.
Queen's Wharf
5 / 10
Named after the celebrated Aussie poet and activist, Judith Wright, JWAC is a breeding ground for the development of original, innovative contemporary performance. Offering up an eclectic program of cabaret, circus, dance, music and contemporary theatre, there’s always something magical inhabiting this creative arts hub.
Judith Wright Arts Centre
4 / 10
Also known as Queensland Art Gallery and the Gallery of Modern Art—both spaces constantly mix it up with experimental exhibitions and a dynamic program of events. An absolute artist’s playground, they showcase a huge range of paintings, sculptures, installations, and multimedia wonders.
QAGOMA
3 / 10
A citywide celebration of the arts, theatre, music and dance, Brisbane Festival dominates the events calendar in September—serving up hundreds of performances, installations and unmissable parties. The huge festivities kick off with Riverfire, a dazzling after-dark display of lights that illuminate Brisane’s skies.
Brisbane Festival
2 / 10
Brisbane’s leading classical dance company, the Queensland Ballet is renowned for its talented choreographers, immersive, world-leading productions, and brilliant dancers. Each new season brings beloved ballet classics and new, contemporary stories to the city—like the reimagining of Coppélia in sun-soaked regional Australia, and the narrative ballet masterpiece, Dangerous Liaisons.
Queensland Ballet
8 / 10
From quaint bayside towns to lush hinterland retreats and sparkling swimming holes, Moreton Bay Region is teeming with stunning natural sights and hidden treasures. Explore the idyllic Samford Village with al fresco cafes and old-school country bars or discover seaside towns like Redcliffe.
Moreton Bay Region
7 / 10
This two-hour tour ascends 80 metres above sea level to the top of the iconic Brisbane Story Bridge, with 360-degree panoramic views across to Moreton Bay, the Glasshouse Mountains, Mt Coot-tha and Lamington National Park. While you can climb any time of day (and any time of year), the twilight tour is breathtaking, when the city transforms from a golden hue to a glittering skyline.
Story Bridge
Adventure Climb
6 / 10
Straddie—as the locals call it—is the perfect island escape just off the Redlands Coast. Think wildlife spotting, 4WD tours, surfing, snorkelling, bushwalking, guided tours, art trails and cultural festivals. Better still, the ferry to North Stradbroke Island/Minjerribah is no more than 40 minutes from Brisbane.
North Stradbroke Island/Minjerribah
10 / 10
Staging their productions at Billie Brown Theatre and QPAC, Queensland Theatre has gained global recognition for their yearly rotation of classic, contemporary, international and Australian works. In 2025, expect an eclectic array of performances set in outback towns, saloons and the corridors of power, with Calamity Jane hitting the stage in April, and Dear Son—a reflection from First Nations fathers and sons—landing in July.
Queensland Theatre
1 / 10
An open access festival of Queer art and culture, Melt transforms the entire city into a vibrant adult's paradise every year from late October to early November. With a dazzling lineup of venues and artists, it's an expansive showcase of queer art, artists, allies, icons, sport and ideas. Expect parades, dance parties, drag shows, performance art, all against a backdrop of Brisbane awash with glitter, rainbows and flair.
Melt
6 / 11
Just a stroll away from South Bank, this state-of-the-art performance auditorium is an absolute jewel in the crown of Woolloongabba’s emerging entertainment and lifestyle precinct. With four bars, private event spaces, and an outdoor courtyard—along with a stacked calendar of world-class music, this gem has something to perk up everyone’s ears.
The Princess Theatre
7 / 11
A former power station on the edge of the Brisbane River, the Brisbane Powerhouse is an arts centre serving up cutting-edge cultural events and experiences with panache. Hosting over 1,250 performances a year, it's also home to groundbreaking events like Vertigo—Brisbane's first vertical dining experience, Melt Open—an open-access festival of Queer art and culture, plus Night Feast and Brisbane Comedy Festival.
Brisbane Powerhouse
5 / 11
Australia’s leading artist showcase—and Brisbane's answer to SXSW —this annual music gathering brings together a global assembly of musicians, industry, brands, media and music lovers each year in September. Some of the nation’s greatest exports have cut their teeth on the Bigsound stage, with the likes of Flume, Courtney Barnett, Gang of Youths and Rufus Du Sol.
Bigsound
4 / 11
The Tivoli has long been considered one of the best live music venues in Brisbane, playing host to both big and up-and-coming acts. Known for its intimate atmosphere and regal decor, if your favourite band is playing in Brisbane, there's a good chance they'll be playing at The Tivoli.
The Tivoli
3 / 11
With an epic line-up of musical acts, this 3000-person venue bridges the gap between the Valley's smaller live music venues and the Brisbane Entertainment Centre. Lit by chandeliers, the main auditorium features mezzanine levels and retractable curtains—with a smaller space dubbed the Outpost for more intimate gigs—and five scattered bars scattered to satisfy all your drinking needs.
Fortitude Music Hall
2 / 11
Sitting on the banks of the Brisbane River within the Howard Smith Wharves precinct, sling back good brews at Felons Barrel Hall and take in some of the best views going around. It’s a 1000-square-metre 500-seat monster serving up beers brewed with Brisbane’s climate in mind. Swing by on a Friday night for frothy brews, live music and oh-so-many German steins.
Felons Barrel Hall
5 / 12
Rothwell’s offers a timelessly designed space of cosy green leather booths, sparkling chandeliers and a massive U-shaped marble bar in the main dining area. Choose to snack on oysters drizzled in mignonette or steak tartare with potato crisps, go for a main affair of Beef Wellington to share, or just drop in for a drink—their house martini is one of the best in town.
Rothwell’s Bar & Grill
4 / 12
Bringing sleek Euro vibes to Fortitude Valley, this small but mighty restaurant and wine bar makes the most of its space with a mezzanine level tucked under a domed ceiling. Stop by for a drop of orange wine at the bar, or upgrade to a full Italian feast with risotto milanese with seared scallops and rabbit raviolo with broad bean and almond.
Mosconi
3 / 12
Occupying a heritage-listed building at Howard Smith Wharves, Stanley dishes up epic Cantonese fare with a generous side of extravagance—with caviar station and oyster bar to boot. Overlooking the river from the ground floor, their outdoor terrace and bar provides the perfect breezy spot for long lunches and boozy catch-ups.
Stanley
2 / 12
Any diner worth their salt has heard whispers of Gerard’s Bistro, and with Executive Chef Adam Wolfers at the helm, this Middle Eastern spot is leading foodies into their densest fever dreams. Changing regularly, the menu features an array of flavour-packed dishes made for sharing, epic house-made breads, and next-level cocktails.
Gerard's
10 / 12
Central is a moody, low-lit, 80-seat spot hidden underneath the storied Piccadilly Arcade building on Queen Street. The menu combines a myriad of Hong Kong flavours with classic Cantonese food and a touch of Western influence. Here, the humble dim sum takes centre stage, closely followed by decadent bites like drunken chicken, wagyu beef tartare, and ginger and shallot lobster.
Central
1 / 12
Fortitude Valley's dark and moody ESSA comes to us from Phil Marchant, ex-head chef of South Brisbane’s iconic Gauge, and Angela Sclavos, owner of nearby The Green, and is an ideal spot for date night, especially if you can nab a seat at the bar overlooking the open kitchen. Expect harvest-driven dishes in gloriously intimate, stripped back interiors.
ESSA
6 / 12
Contro Wellness's private and bespoke services include float therapy (with both open and pod options available), infrared therapy and traditional saunas paired with ice baths for contrast therapy, mineral soakers, steam rooms, red light therapy and salt therapy. Here, all the service rooms are totally private, meaning whether you’re floating, having contrast therapy or a good steam, you won’t have to share your moment of bliss with a soul.
Contro Wellness
5 / 12
At Merse Wellness Spa, it’s not just the spas that leave visitors feeling relaxed—the stunning interiors and state-of-the-art facilities are an oasis of calm in themselves. Once you’ve had a long soak, you can hit the traditional and infrared saunas, magnesium float pools, compression therapy room, or book in for a massage.
Merse Wellness
4 / 12
With Japanese-style ganbanyoku, massages, facial acupoint and reflexology, this is one of the best day spas in Brisbane for an indulgent day out. Housed within Emporium Hotel's beautiful rooftop, kick back with a tipple and enjoy the hotel amenities after your treatment’s wrapped.
The Healing Stone
3 / 12
An elemental bathhouse hidden away within ancient green forests, SOL is the latest luxury wellness offering to arrive in Tamborine Mountain. Opening June 2025, it will feature traditional Japanese onsens, float therapy rooms, cold plunge pools, a Himalayan salt cave and infrared saunas.
Sol Elements
2 / 12
Located within the stunning grounds of Verandah House Country Estate in Tamborine Mountain, this unique day spa is relaxation at its finest—breathtaking views, picturesque grounds and peaceful quiet. Verandah House offers a range of body rituals and massage treatments, facials and add-on treatments like scalp massages, decompression and magnesium elixirs.
Veranda House Spa
1 / 12
This stunning rooftop bathhouse boasts no fewer than seven spas, an indoor/outdoor warm mineral pool, sauna, steam room and cold plunge pool—plus sweeping views of the city—making it just the place to wind down and engage in a little self-care.
Soak Bathhouse
8 / 12
With over 40 different class types and 170 classes scheduled per week, Total Fusion Platinum is a mix of all your favourite fitness classes under one slick as hell roof. Featuring a fully heat-controlled, 5-studio building, a Himalayan salt wall to purify the air, a health bar with kombucha on tap, a bone broth and tonic stations.
Total Fusion Platinum
7 / 12
Featuring a heated vitality pool, cold plunge, ice bath, steam room, float room, traditional and infrared saunas, The Bathhouse Albion has been designed by award-winning architects Hogg & Lamb to look and feel like an ancient Roman bathhouse—complete with lofty ceilings, walls and floors lined with natural stone, moodily lit spaces, and meditative scents and sounds.
The Bathhouse Albion
8 / 10
Nestled in Ada Lane next to The Calile, Same Same is an airy, minimalist space serving up a modern take on traditional Thai. The restaurant has its fair share of cult classics—the betel leaf snacks, prawn tacos and duck and lychee red curry all make our list of drool-worthy feeds. The centrepiece of the venue is its long share table, positioned beneath a towering arched ceiling for a sleek, sophisticated feel.
sAme sAme
1 / 10
Looking for New York-style cookies, the chunkier the better? You'll find them at Fortitude Valley’s Brooki Bakehouse in the form of signature milk chocolate chip and walnut—with a soft, chewy centre and crunchy exterior. Other sweet treats include red velvet, Biscoff, white chocolate raspberry and Nutella Bueno.
Brooki Bakehouse
Tactile Tales
Let it all go as Brisbane takes hold.
The warm sun on your skin as you stroll the streets, the icy release of a cold plunge, the plush, comforting feel of a fluffy robe—Brisbane is a city that envelopes you the moment you step off the plane.
Float from lush hotel rooms bathed in warm sunlight to rejuvenating facials, steam rooms and onsens, before spending slow afternoons sifting through delicate crafts and textiles in high-end boutiques and hidden treasure troves across the city.
1 / 11
For music lovers, head to Newstead’s Ruby, My Dear—a neighbourhood vinyl bar with live music, records, and a menu stacked with tasty bites and cracking wines. Inspired by Japanese jazz cafes, this cosy, dimly-lit venue serves up izakaya-style eats, tasty cocktails, and sweet sweet tunes for your ears.
Ruby, My Dear
9 / 11
An old commercial hangar, The Triffid is a Brisbane icon for live music. The baby of Powderfinger bassist John Collins, they've welcomed plenty of the international elite over the years, alongside local and up-and-comers—with a rep for fostering emerging bands. The massive 800-capacity space is known to sell out for a good band, but you can always hit the beer garden for chilled tunes on any given night.
The Triffid
8 / 11
A huge maze of open-air spaces perched on the edge of the Brisbane River, Howard Smith Wharves is an ever-evolving dining and entertainment destination with community at its core. Sample local frothies at Felons Brewing Co, slurp oysters and sip spritzes with river views at Mr Percival’s, or kick back in sustainable luxury at the five-star Crystalbrook Vincent Hotel.
Howard Smith Wharves
11 / 11
A cafe, record store, bar and event space all at once, you'll find everything you need at Echo & Bounce. When they’re finished slinging food and selling records for the day, the space transforms into a nighttime wonderland where they host regular events like Ramen Night (every Thursday), and local DJs in their bar’s basement for Refuge on Friday nights.
Echo & Bounce
10 / 11
Operating out of a 130-year-old heritage building on Montague Road, It's Still A Secret has solidified itself as a local fave, serving up wine and cheese in between incredible live acts in their dedicated band room. With an eclectic rotation of comedy nights, DJs and live bands, grab a drink and set yourself up for a night of epic entertainment from homegrown and overseas talent.
It's Still A Secret
2 / 10
Inside Fish Lane’s Southside, you'll find a sleek, two-level venue with interiors that sit somewhere between a ruined jungle temple and a concrete industrial warehouse. Expect to wine and dine on a mix of dishes and flavours from across Asia, starting with classic dim sum bites and moving on to share dishes like coral trout with sea herbs and fried pork belly with candied chilli and macadamia.
Southside
5 / 10
Dreamed up by the hospitality heavyweights at Anyday, Agnes was tapped as top restaurant for its impeccable service and primal, stripped-back cooking. And with no electricity or gas, everything is masterfully prepared over coals, woodfire and smoke. The menu is entirely dependent on what’s local and in season—but unfailingly, jaw-droppingly good.
Agnes
4 / 10
There’s more to Moreton Island/Mulgumpin than meets the eye. Not only is it the third largest sand island in the world, it is a protected piece of paradise that has to be seen to be believed. Think crystal clear aqua seas, jaw-dropping snorkelling sites or impressive sandy deserts.
Moreton Island/Mulgumpin
9 / 10
Inspired by the culinary flavours of Guatalajara, Maya Mexican is a striking destination eatery with one-of-a-kind city centre views. Champions of local produce, their polished menu of Mexican street food and artisanal tequila are perfect for sunny arvos in the courtyard that merge into balmy Brisbane nights.
Maya Rooftop
6 / 10
The Scenic Rim is a huge natural paradise in South-East Queensland, just 60 minutes from Brisbane. Home to six national parks, world heritage-listed rainforests, a bounty of incredible produce, colourful characters and loads of adorable animals, the Scenic Rim is the ultimate outdoor adventurer’s playground.
Scenic Rim Rainforests
10 / 10
Crowned by Luxe Global as the Best Luxury Beauty Spa globally, KAILO Spa offers an incredible range of cutting-edge treatments in a super chic, light-filled space—hidden away within the walls of the world-renowned Calile Hotel. From their BBL laser treatments to skin needling, IV vitamin infusions, aromatherapy massages and exclusive Biologigue Recherche body treatments, there's something for every skin type and requirement.
KAILO Spa
7 / 10
Home to tasting rooms, a bar, café, event spaces and retail, West End's BY.ARTISANS is not your average gin distillery. Not only do they create everything from scratch right there in the venue (using Queensland ingredients), they also incorporate and repurpose all waste into something new. Their first collaboration gin (which you can buy there by the bottle), utilises unwanted eucalyptus sourced from Lone Pine, which is also distilled into oil, while other leftover products are turned into exfoliating soaps.
BY.ARTISANS
3 / 10
With a distinctly Parisian feel—complete with dark timber interiors and elaborate pendant lighting—you'll find Libertine in New Farm, one of Brisbane's most sought-after neighbourhoods. Specialising in perfumes, home fragrance and body products, a visit here is a feast for the senses. Browse shelves carefully arranged with world-class fragrances from around the globe, or book in for one of their perfume masterclasses.
Libertine Parfumerie
6 / 12
A stunning eatery draped in lush vegetation, The Green is part plant store, part cafe and restaurant. But while the plants and rich pink interiors grab your focus upon entry, the Middle Eastern menu is what holds it—whether you visit for breakfast, lunch or weekend dinners.
The Green
7 / 12
Harveys serves up classic, produce-driven, bistro-style meals in a chic dining space encased by expansive glass windows and an abundance of hanging vines. The bar and evening tapas menu attracts in-the-know locals, while the famed breakfasts have wooed food lovers from across Brisbane for over twenty years.
Harveys Bar + Bistro
9 / 12
Specialising in perfectly cooked steaks, fresh seafood and smooth martinis, SK Steak and Oyster is the brainchild of Hellenika's Simon Gloftis. Channelling an airy, Palm Springs vibe, decadently dine within a light-filled space with long rows of circular, cushioned booths, a curved, marble-topped bar and a baby grand piano.
SK Steak & Oyster
11 / 12
A historic church turned elegant diner, August's menu offers innovative-yet-classic European eats—think foie gras stuffed chicken crown, asparagus vinaigrette with hazelnut and hollandaise, and blue cheese cheesecake with Pedro Ximenez jelly. The space is bathed in stunning natural light through delicate stained-glass windows, while drinks are served from a pulpit-like wooden bar, with a list packed with funky orange wines and chilled reds.
August
12 / 12
With relaxed European vibes and views to match, this riverside terrace bar boasts enviable views of the Story Bridge. Expect an elevated menu of casual eats from ex-Attica and Stokehouse chef Jason Barratt, with stracciatella, anchovy and pistachio on toast, and beef carpaccio on the menu. To drink, there's a tailored list of classic cocktails along with an extensive wine selection, all poured from a stunning curved bar inside.
Bar Miette
9 / 12
Known for its throwback '60s motel charm and imposing brutalist aesthetic, this pioneering hotel from Richards & Spence is cemented on the map as a hotspot for luxe travel. With its killer pool, decadent spa, and eateries like Hellenika and SK Steak & Oyster Bar, The Calile is turning heads and making waves in the world of upscale getaways.
The Calile Hotel
12 / 12
A slice of luxury in the heart of South Bank, Emporium offers up Parisienne decadence in Brisbane's entertainment precinct. Here, you'll find 143 suites of chic comfort, plus a rooftop infinity pool and bar with incredible views of the city, multiple eateries, sauna, steam room, and the luxurious Healing Stone Day Spa.
Emporium Hotel
10 / 12
In this flagship boutique on James Street, you'll find stunning pieces designed and handcrafted in Australia, with fine materials and natural stones sourced from all over the globe. Schweitzer's high-end jewellery line combines '70s vibes with fresh modernity—it's a wearable combo that's earned this luxe label a spot in many a glossy.
Natascha Schweitzer
11 / 12
One of the best fashion boutiques on James Street, Camargue is the go-to shopping destination for Australian fashionistas thanks to their quirky mix of casual cool labels and lust-worthy designer wares. Expect everything from Bassike’s wardrobe must-haves, to cult labels Haider Ackermann, Dries Van Noten and Stella Jean.
Camargue
8 / 12
Housed on the rooftop of The Calile and overlooking the hotel’s open-air pool, Hellenika is peak summer hangs—giving off serious Greek island vibes. With a fresh Mediterranean menu and extensive poolside cocktail list, It’s the perfect drinking and dining haunt for revellers looking to take their festivities from day to night.
Hellenika
Tactile Tales
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