Brisbane, Queensland © Clive D'Silva/Tourism and Events Queensland
Brisbane suburb guide
Whether you base yourself north or south of the Brisbane River, the Queensland capital’s pulsing food and art scenes are within easy reach.
By Natasha Dragun
Brisbane’s snaking river is a landmark throughout its central suburbs. On the north bank, the city centre nestles alongside some of Brisbane’s most happening areas for wining and dining. South of the river, leafy residential streets and parklands reveal surprising cultural and sporting attractions. Find your favourite spot for a stay in this fun-loving city.
Central Brisbane
Streets Beach, South Brisbane, Queensland © Tourism & Events Queensland
Where: City centre, South Bank
Central Brisbane is home to some of the city’s oldest buildings as well as some of its most vibrant developments. On a deep bend of the north bank of the river, grand colonial-era buildings now housing museums, shopping malls and offices sit beside futuristic skyscrapers in the city centre. Just across the river, the more relaxed South Bank precinct is home to the bulk of the city’s cultural institutions, with dining and entertainment options aplenty surrounding a lush man-made beach. Linked by the pedestrian-friendly Victoria Bridge, these neighbourhoods are easily explored on foot.
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South of the river
Kangaroo Point picnic, Brisbane, Queensland © Brisbane Marketing
Did you know?
You can climb the Story Bridge at twilight – when you reach the top, watch the city come to life in a flicker of lights.
Where: West End, Woolloongabba, Kangaroo Point
Surrounding the South Bank precinct, these neighbourhoods feel both residential and eclectic. Large Greek and Vietnamese communities contribute to multicultural restaurants and shops, while weekend markets and live music venues attract visitors through the day and well into the night. If you’re a sporting fanatic or outdoors enthusiast, this area is an ideal base – it’s home to the main sports stadium, the Gabba (Brisbane Cricket Ground), and is a great place to try urban abseiling and rock-climbing.
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Travel guide to Brisbane
Northeast of the city centre
Howard Smith Wharves, Brisbane, Queensland © Tourism and Events Queensland
Fun fact
The Howard Smith Wharves were originally built in the 1930s and used by shipping companies on the Brisbane River. They’re now heritage listed.
Where: Howard Smith Wharves, Fortitude Valley, New Farm
If you want to be surrounded by the city’s most happening wining and dining establishments, this pocket of Brisbane is for you. The Howard Smith Wharves precinct – beneath the Story Bridge on the Brisbane River’s north bank – is packed with arty hotels, restaurants and bars with water views. Neighbouring suburbs of Fortitude Valley and New Farm, to the north and east, are equally buzzing.
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