The Top Attractions of Brisbane

• By: Editor
• On: 14/Oct/2009
• In: Australia Travel Tips

The city itself has plenty of shopping centres, charming country markets, and fabulous restaurants that will suit all tastes and budgets, plus a great nightlife. However, for those holiday attractions (to be taken on photos or video) that you will always remember, check out the following:

Brisbane City Hall
The city hall was constructed in the neoclassical style, and was constructed over a 10-year period from 1920 to 1930. One of the highlights is the Florentine styled clock tower. Why not take the lift to get to the top of the tower and get a great view of the city skyline? Check out the City Gallery, that has a wonderful collection of 19th century art and photographs.  Find out more about Brisbane City Hall.

Brisbane City Botanic Gardens
Open to the public from September to March, the Brisbane Botanic Gardens offer a wonderful insight into wonderful Australia foliage. They are located in an area called Gardens Point, on the Brisbane River, across from the city’s Central Business District. It has been listed as a Public Park since 1828, and covers an area of 20 hectares. 

The original gardens were subjected to flooding in the 1970’s, which unfortunately led to the destruction of several plant species there, so a decision was made to create a second Botanic Garden. This is located at the foot of the tallest mountain in the Brisbane area Mount Coot-tha. This new garden area features a wonderful dome made out of glass that houses over 2,000 species of trees and plants. The Japanese Gardens here are fantastic, and a visit to the Sir Thomas Brisbane Planetarium is highly recommended. Read more about Brisbane's Botanic Gardens.

Early Street Historical Village
The Early Street Historical Village near Norman Park will give you an insight into the make up of early Queensland buildings in former colonial times – which include recreations of an old shop, public drinking house, and a remarkable colonial house, all of which are housed in a stunning garden setting.

South Bank Parklands
The South Bank Parklands are to be found on the south bank of the Brisbane River, straight across from the Brisbane CBD. The parklands are joined to the CBD by Victoria Bridge to the north of the park, and the Brisbane City Botanic Gardens to the south of the park. The renowned international exhibition Expo 88 was held at the South Bank Parklands.

There are many attractions to be found at the South Bank Parklands, chiefly:

· The Wheel of Brisbane: Erected in 2008 for the 20th anniversary remembrance of Expo 88. A 15-minute ride on the Wheel of Brisbane will give you a journey to remember, as you see the city from a 60-metre wheel ride.
· There is a man made beach at the South Bank Parklands called Streets Beach. Almost half of this lagoon area (which is great for swimming and bathing) is made up from reclaimed land.
· South Bank Arbour has replaced the artificial water canal, and is a natural purple bougainvillea plant walk that crosses the whole length of the parklands, and it has an artistically created steel support barrier.

Find out more about the South Bank Parklands.

Treasury Building Brisbane
The Treasury Building at Brisbane is a former Government building that is now a visitor attraction. It runs for a whole block between four streets in the city. It is located on North Quay, close to the Victoria Bridge. The site was originally the military barracks in the convict settlement, and is built in the style of an Italian Palazzo. Now home to the Conrad Treasury Casino, a marked contrast from its former political glory days!  Find out more about the Treasury Building in Brisbane. 

Brisbane Skyneedle
The Brisbane Skyneedle is a prominent part of Brisbane’s skyline and was constructed for Expo 88. It was going to be relocated to Disneyworld in Japan but it was purchased by local businessman Stefan Ackerie, and his hairdressing business is now located below the Skyneedle.  The light of the Skyneedle is capable of emitting a lightbeam that can be seen over 60km away. However this is rarely turned on because it may interfere with flights to Brisbane Airport. New and spectacular lights were assembled to the existing structure and switched on in May 2009. Find out more about the Brisbane Skyneedle.

The Brisbane Windmill
The Brisbane Windmill was constructed by convicts around 1828 and was originally used for grain grinding. Throughout the years it has been used as a museum, signal station, fire brigade and place for research. It is now used as weather observatory. Find out more about Brisbane Windmill.

There are plenty more attractions that you can discover in Brisbane, read more about Tourism in Brisbane.

So, have we tempted you to take a tour of the city’s fine attractions? The best way to get around is to hire a car, so check out our Car Hire in Brisbane page.

Have you been to Brisbane? What did you think of the various attractions in the city? If you have any tourist information tips or travel advice for your fellow readers please let us know. As always we appreciate your comments.