MUSEUMS
QAGOMA
The Queensland Art Gallery and Gallery of Modern Art (QAGOMA) should be a must see, whether just visiting Brisbane or living in the sunshine state. This gallery has become an institution in Brisbane and is one of the leaders of contemporary art in Australia, Asia and the Pacific. With an impressive permanent collection, constantly changing exhibitions, a children’s art centre, cinema and cafes, it’s a one-stop cultural experience.
Queensland Museum
Known as a museum of natural history, cultural heritage, science and human achievement, the Queensland Museum promises an educational experience for all ages. Home to the famous World Science Festival and living and fossil species, Queensland Museum has ever changing collections sure to engage the mind.
Surfworld
A huge part of Australia’s heritage is its surf culture. The perfect way way to learn more about this Aussie sport is a visit to the iconic Surfworld, situated on the Gold Coast, followed by an actual surf (or surf lesson) at nearby Currumbin Beach. Filled with Australia’s largest collection of surfboards, Surfworld also holds photography exhibitions and a range of iconic surfing memorabilia.
Metro Arts
Metro Arts Brisbane displays contemporary art in many forms across five stories of a heritage building in Brisbane’s CBD. Here you’ll find local artists in residence, exhibitions, events, performances, forums and more. It’s a melting pot of creativity and the gallery is open to the public to come in and enjoy, for free. While you’re there, pop in to Metro Arts Espresso and enjoy their coffee and popular treats, with funds from the cafe supporting Australian art.
North Stradbroke Island Historical Museum
The award-winning North Stradbroke Island Historical Museum (NSIHM) is a humble museum, located in the small North Stradbroke Island town of Dunwich. Only accessible by boat from Brisbane, it’s worth the trip over to ‘Straddie’ to explore this cultural island and its quaint museum. Filled with permanent displays about the Quandamooka people, convict history, shipwrecks and maritime history, the story of sandmining, as well as island memorabilia including photos of iconic fishing shacks, boats and buses that played a part in early tourism on the island. After a visit to the museum, there is a whole island to explore including lakes, parks and stunning beaches.
Brisbane Powerhouse
Located along the Brisbane River in New Farm, the Brisbane Powerhouse hosts more than 1250 events year round, including live acts, workshops and visual art displays. Brisbane Powerhouse is home to Brisbane Comedy Festival, Australian Performing Arts Market, World Theatre Festival, Queensland Cabaret Festival, MELT Queer Cultural Festival, Wonderland and Brisbane Queer Film Festival. Tip: pack a picnic to enjoy at neighbouring New Farm Park, or enjoy Italian fare and river views at Bar Alto, located inside Brisbane Powerhouse.
PARKS
South Bank Parklands
South Bank, located on the edge of the Brisbane River, is a popular spot for anyone looking to relax and get some vitamin D. Visitors can walk through the lush gardens, have a picnic overlooking Brisbane’s Central Business District (CBD), or have a dip at Streets Beach. There’s also a selection of restaurants and cafes, in case you forgot to pack lunch, or you can treat yourself to a view of the river and a cocktail at Stokehouse Q or The Jetty South Bank.
New Farm Park
Located along the banks of the Brisbane River, New Farm is arguably the city’s most popular park. Most days you’ll find it filled with locals exercising, children running around the playgrounds and friends enjoying picnics or strolling through the beautiful rose garden. On Saturdays, visitors can peruse the plentiful food stalls in Brisbane Powerhouse Farmers Market, which opens just outside of the park. While there, look for the iconic jacaranda trees scattered throughout, which turn the park a vibrant violet in spring.
Newstead Park
You’ll find Newstead Park perched on a hill with sweeping views of the Brisbane River and the city skyline. This leafy park links up with the Newstead Riverwalk. Visitors are also welcome to explore Newstead House, Brisbane’s oldest surviving residence dating back to 1846.
Mount Coot-tha
Whether you’re searching for views of Moreton Bay or a leisurely walk through the subtropical gardens, Mount Coot-tha is a must-visit spot. Filled with walking trails, gardens and cafes, at Mount Coot-tha, it’s easy to fill the day with the great outdoors.
Brisbane City Botanic Gardens
Located in the heart of Brisbane’s CBD, the City Botanic Gardens are an oasis amongst the hustle and bustle of Queensland’s capital city. The park is on the Queensland Heritage Register and is filled with ancient trees and exotic species. Visitors can enjoy free guided tours to learn about the history while they walk along the banks of the Brisbane River.
MARKETS
Eat Street Markets
The brainchild of four popular Brisbane personalities, Brisbane market guru Peter Hackworth, TV producer John Stainton, retail entrepreneur John Harrison, and veteran TV personality Jacki MacDonald, the Eat Street Markets are situated down by the river at Hamilton’s North Shore within 80 colourful shipping containers selling street food, cocktails, arts and crafts, clothes and other quirky trinkets. On Friday and Saturday nights fairy lights shine down on alleyways of global food, pop-up bars and live music.
Boundary Street Markets
Nestled within the warehouse, factories and outdoor garages of the former Peter’s Ice Cream Factory, now the Absoe site, these varied markets are one of the hippest scenes in Brisbane. On Saturdays and Sundays in the daytime, stalls offer vintage and future fashion, pop-up cafés like the West End Tea Company, and global artisan foods.
Finders Keepers Markets
For only two days every July the historic Old Museum plays host to this mini festival of art, fashion, food and music. 85 talented artists and designers will be displaying their various wares, from jewellery to design objects and clothes, in individually curated stalls. Outside on the lawns, coffee and food are amply provided for gastronomic accompaniment to live grassroots musical acts playing over the weekend.
Jan Powers Farmers Markets/Powerhouse Farmers Markets
Brisbane market maverick Jan Powers has franchised out her community style farmer’s markets to locations in the City, Manley, Michelton and here in New Farm Park under the auspices of Brisbane’s old power station. Food is the star attraction at this market, and at the Powerhouse you can beat the supermarkets at their game by buying similarly-priced, higher quality goods, all of them grown, picked, caught, handcrafted or sourced by the sellers.
BrisStyle Indie Markets
Take shelter in the art deco halls of Brisbane City Hall to reap the rewards of the Saturday morning lifestyle markets. On sale are the eco-friendly, the handmade and the downright fabulous, from fashion, jewellery and accessories to children’s wear, gifts and decorative home décor pieces.
