Kaplan City Guide: Brisbane

Davy Hidayat

14 July, 2017

It’s always warm and sunny in Brisbane, the beautiful capital city of Queensland. No wonder so many people are drawn there each year! Brisbane offers a well-balanced range of activities, known for its vibrant arts and culture scene, shopping, and nightlife, with a touch of nature at your doorstep.

We asked students studying at our English school in Brisbane to share some of their favorite things to do in the city. Take a look at what they had to say!

Go for a scenic stroll

“I love taking walks on the riverside at sunset.”

Tip provided by:

Eduardo Espinel, Venezuela

Take a riverside stroll and discover the many bars and restaurants that make up this city’s thriving nightlife, or explore the many art galleries and museums within the city. Only a short ferry ride away is Moreton Bay, offering a tranquil paradise of sandy beaches and lagoons. It's also the third largest sand island in the world!

River walk Brisbane — Go for a relaxing walk by the river

Experience some local culture

“There are always free events that you can go to like festivals or markets.”

Tip provided by:

Maria Larrain, Chile

Brisbane is a popular destination for festivals both big and small. There is bound to be a festival for you, with some well-known events such as the Ekka, Woodford Folk Festival, and the Brisbane International Film Festival. There are also all different kinds of markets for you to explore, with some of the most popular being the Powerhouse Farmers Markets and the Riverside Markets.

Brisbane culture — From festivals to markets and sports, there are tons of things to do in Brisbane!

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Discover the South Bank

“The river is amazing, but South Bank is the best place.”

Tip provided by:

Luis Onate, Colombia

South Bank is a hub for everything cultural, educational, and recreational. Located on the southern bank of the Brisbane river, it features a wide range of restaurants, lavish parklands, and river views, and it plays host to an array of events throughout the year.

South Bank Brisbane — Discover Streets Beach – a great manmade swimming spot right in the heart of the city!

Explore more of Australia

“The city is very varied. You have not only the city, but also the Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, Great Barrier Reef, and a lot of different national parks.”

Tip provided by:

Bjorn Groening, Switzerland

Most of what Queensland has to offer is located conveniently close to Brisbane. You can spend one weekend driving down to the theme parks on the Gold Coast, and the next exploring the beauty of the Great Barrier Reef, only a short plane ride away.