Here's why Brisbane is one of the best destinations to visit in 2023

Riverside dining doesn’t get any more pleasant than a balmy night out at Howard Smith Wharves (HSW), a communal dining and live music hub for people to gather. They’ve got 13 restaurants and cafés at HSW – everything from a traditional Cantonese restaurant to Greek fare. But for the first stop? We’ll be making a direct beeline to Felons Brewing Co. for its ice-cold beers on tap. Here, order the watermelon and mint seltzer (from AUD$7.50) for its refreshingly fruity palate. But if you’re in the mood for a hearty meal, it’s safe to say that HSW has plenty of options with the likes of Ciao Papi’s gourmet pizzas or Mews’ sharing plates. 

Over at Eat Street Northshore lies a “night market” – but not the type we’re used to from Bangkok or Taiwan. Instead, this pet-friendly space makes the most of 180 repurposed shipping containers and is chock full with food, drink, and dessert stalls. There is an entrance fee of AUD$5 per person, but it’s well-worth a visit since you’ll be sampling some of Brisbane’s best street food. Tuck into the likes of spicy dumplings, fresh oysters, or even doughnut fries. You can also pick up some unique souvenirs, like local biltong or even wholesome pet treats. Eat Street Northshore also often showcases local and touring bands too, with a headlining show every weekend.

As one of Brisbane’s most popular cultural precincts, the Southbank Parklands is worth a visit for its scenic riverside views and laidback cafés. Go for a leisurely stroll on a sunny afternoon to enjoy its many walking routes, and stop by one of the free barbecue pits for a picnic. Make sure to pop by the kilometre long arbour – the star of the show here is the  bougainvillea, a stunning sight when in full bloom. You can also easily walk down to other attractions like the Wheel of Brisbane and the Queensland Art Gallery.

Not only is Brisbane’s Story Bridge one of the only three bridge climbs in the world – it also boasts some of Brisbane’s most breathtaking views. This family-friendly activity isn’t just for thrillseekers either, since kids climb for free on Sundays*. Prices start from AUD$99, and you can choose from various climbing experiences, ranging from a full moon night climb to a classic daytime climb. Once you climb up to the top, besides the city’s skyline, you’ll also see panoramic sights of the Glass House Mountains all the way to the Scenic Rim Mountains. 

*One free child with one full paying adult.

While Brisbane itself is a bustling city, nearby Moreton Island is just over an hour away by ferry. With the island’s sandy white shores, you can easily spend a lazy afternoon basking in the sun. But for those seeking once-in-a-lifetime experiences, Moreton Island is also a treasure trove of wildlife sights and nature spots. Whether it’s feeding wild bottlenose dolphins or snorkelling amidst the Tangalooma shipwrecks, it’s bound to be a memorable day out. There’s even a night kayaking experience where you can paddle a glass-bottomed kayak out in pitch black darkness – for a rare glimpse of marine life at night. 

Once you’ve gotten your fair share of adrenaline rush and outdoor adventure, take some off time to browse Brisbane’s best shopping spots. Over at James Street, you’ll find a mix of local designer labels and well-known international brands. Fashion names like Sass & Bide, Zimmerman, AJE have their flagship stores along this street – after all, it’s the “it” place to treat yourself. You’ll also want to make a detour to Queen Street Mall that’s smack bang in the middle of Brisbane city, since this open-air pedestrian shopping mall has more than 700 stores. Once night falls, hit up Brisbane’s hottest bars and clubs for a night out. Rooftop bars, beer gardens, or nightclubs – this city’s got it all.