Over the years I have struggled to find words to write about my home city of Brisbane in Queensland, Australia. It is likely a stage many locals go through when looking at their city. Where the city just seems a little bit plain and uninteresting due to familiarity. But in reality, there is a lot to see and explore in Brisbane, and I thought it was time to share some of it with you.
In this post, I wanted to focus on some of the spots in and near the Brisbane CBD. I will also be looking to share some more posts with other locations around Brisbane as well shortly.
1. Brisbane City Botanical Gardens
Brisbane City Botanic Gardens is a beautiful garden area that covers 49 acres right next to the Brisbane CBD. To the north of the gardens is Alice Street and the south-west is the Queensland University of Technology with the rest hugging the Brisbane River.
The gardens are a beautiful place to escape the hustle of the city and take a walk. With many different garden areas and grass areas just right for a picnic.
One of the prominent features of the gardens is the Brisbane Riverstage which hosts local, national and international concerts each year. In addition to the various events and concerts at Riverstage, the gardens have a whole also hosts many different events throughout the year.
If you are visiting at the right time, you can take a free volunteer guided walking tour around the gardens. Through the walk, you can find out about the plants and features of the gardens. Walking tours leave from the Rotunda near the main entrance near the intersection of Albert St and Alice St, twice daily. More Information is available here.
2. Southbank
Southbank Parklands are an extensive park, restaurant and shopping precinct located on the southern bank of the Brisbane River opposite the CBD. The area welcomes some 10+ million visitors each year.
Southbank does contain some attractions that might be of interest. There is a beach for swimming, The Wheel of Brisbane, Queensland Performing Arts Centre, Maritime Museum, over 50 restaurants, many shops and accommodation options.
The area also hosts some 150+ events per year including the Brisbane Festival in September where it is the focal point. While also hosting The Collective Markets on a weekly basis from 5 pm – 9 pm Friday night, 10 am – 9 pm Saturday, and 9 am – 4 pm Sunday. More Information about Southbank here.
3. Queen Street Mall
If shopping is your thing while you are visiting the Brisbane CBD, the Queen Street Mall is the spot for you. With over 700 stores in and around the Queen Street Mall, you are bound to find something that catches your eye.
Queen Street Mall is a two-block long pedestrian mall which runs between George & Adelaide Streets. Numerous arcades run off the mall including Wintergarden, Brisbane Arcade & Tattersall’s Arcade. Along with a number of shopping centres including the Myer Centre, Queens Plaza & MacArthur Central nearby. More Information is available on the Queen Street Mall Website.
4. GOMA
If you enjoy taking a look at some art the Queensland Art Gallery & Gallery Of Modern Art would be a great spot to visit. The collection of QAGOMA holds over 17,000 pieces and works to deliver a dynamic program of both Australian and International exhibitions. The gallery is also home to the Australian Cinémathèque, the only dedicated cinema facility in an Australian art museum.
You can find the Queensland Art Gallery & Gallery Of Modern Art in the Stanley Place Cultural Precinct at South Bank. A short walk from the City Centre across either the Victoria Bridge or Kurilpa Bridge. The galleries are open daily from 10 am – 5 pm, except Good Friday, Christmas and Boxing Day. With a later opening time of midday on Anzac Day to show respect for the fallen soldiers remembered on this day. For the most part, visiting the gallery is free, except for some special events and exhibitions.
In addition to the galleries, you can also find a store where you can purchase related merchandise. Along with cafes and restaurants when you need a bite to eat or coffee to keep you going on your visit. More Information is available on the GOMA website.
5. Roma Street Parklands
Roma Street Parklands sits on the northern fringe of the Brisbane CBD. Offering another parkland option to escape the concrete footpaths of the CBD. The gardens are said to be one of the two best examples of contemporary display gardens in Australia.
There are some areas to explore and discover within the gardens. There is the Spectacular Garden, Rainforest and Fern Gully, Lake Precinct and Upper Parkland. Even I found parts that I did not know were here while out getting some photos for this post.
Like the City Botanic Gardens, you can take daily guided walks around Roma Street Parklands. The walks leave at 11 am and 1 pm except for public holidays. For more information visit the Roma Street Parklands Website.
Enjoy Brisbane
I hope whether you are local to Brisbane or a visitor that you enjoy seeing some of the city. If you are a Brisbane local why not take some time and visit one of these locations. If you have visited one, I would love to hear your experience in the comments below.
My Other Brisbane Posts
If you would like to read more about Brisbane you can find my Brisbane Photowalk Post or my Brisbane Night Photography Post. If you would like to see more of Brisbane let me know in the comments below.
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