Top sights in Brisbane

From botanic gardens in the heart of Brisbane City to heritage trails that take you back in time, there are plenty of sights to fill your days in Brisbane.

City Botanic Gardens, Brisbane City

A short walk from Queen Street Mall or the QUT ferry terminal, Brisbane's City Botanic Gardens are a wonderful spot to start your sightseeing adventure in Brisbane. Let the kids run off some energy at Baldwin Lawn Playground, relax in the Bamboo Grove, or do a self-guided walk. 

City Hall, Brisbane City

Built between the 1920s and 1930s, Brisbane City Hall is one of Brisbane's must-see buildings. Snap a photo of this Brisbane icon from King George Square and discover the secrets of this heritage-listed building with a free guided tour. While you're there, visit the Museum of Brisbane to explore exhibitions telling the stories of our city. Don't leave before taking a free ride up the Clock Tower. 

Story Bridge, New Farm and Kangaroo Point

Spanning the river from New Farm to Kangaroo Point, the Story Bridge is a Brisbane icon. Boost your steps with a walk across its steel frame, or take in the view while enjoying lunch or a bite to eat at Howard Smith Wharves. Take a trip on one of our CityCats to get a fantastic view of the Story Bridge - perfect for an Insta snap. 

Howard Smith Wharves, Brisbane City

Want a spot to take in both the Brisbane River and the Story Bridge? Howard Smith Wharves gives you just that! Stop by this dining and entertainment precinct which boosts 13 restaurants, cafes, bars, event spaces and a hotel.

Gallery of Modern Art, South Bank

The Gallery of Modern Art, or GOMA as its know by locals, is renowned for its architectural design and its exhibitions featuring local and international artists. The State Library of Queensland, Queensland Art Gallery and Queensland Museum  are all a short walk away.

Feeling hungry after taking in all that art? South Bank Parklands is a stone's thow away! Refresh and refuel here and then continue your sightseeing.

Mt Coot-tha Lookout, Mt Coot-tha

Take in all of Brisbane's skyline from the glorious Mt Coot-tha Lookout. See an outline of the city's skyscrapers during the day, or the twinkling of the city's lights at night. 

If you have the time, head down the mountain and check out the other attractions, including the Brisbane Botanic Gardens Mt Coot-tha and Sir Thomas Brisbane Planetarium.

Mount Gravatt Outlook Reserve, Mount Gravatt

Venture out of the city to Mount Gravatt Outlook Reserve to take advantage of a lesser-known, yet equally impressive, summit lookout of our city skyline. The lookout provides spectacular views of Brisbane and surrounding suburbs. On a clear day, you can see the Moreton Bay islands, D’Aguilar Ranges and Glasshouse Mountains. If you like bushwalking, there are a variety of walking tracks.

Heritage trails

Take a self-guided walk back in time with Council's heritage trails.

Step through the updated Sandgate Heritage Trail - a 3-kilometre trail with 24 stops including Sandgate Beach. You can also find the 21-stop  Shorncliffe Heritage Trail nearby. Don't worry, there are plenty of places to get a bite to eat while you explore the history of Brisbane's 19th Century seaside resort towns!

Want more ideas to explore Brisbane?

Download the Brisbane app to find more places to explore, events and activites to do and guides written by locals.

Related links

• 12 things to do with kids in Brisbane for under $10
• A guide to Brisbane's best bike rides
• E-bike your way around Brisbane City and surrounds