Vacation rentals in Brisbane

Australia’s third-largest city, Brisbane has long been the gateway to Queensland, the home of famous beaches along the Sunshine Coast, Gold Coast, and Whitsunday Islands, not to mention the Great Barrier Reef. Modern Brisbane offers sophisticated shops and restaurants, world-class museums, and plenty of sporting, music, and other performing arts events. A visit to Brisbane’s buzzing central business district includes intimate cafes and innovative eateries, while new venues like the Brisbane Powerhouse provide cutting-edge entertainment. For outdoor activities, visitors can climb the heritage-listed Kangaroo Point Cliffs, visit nearby parks like Mowbray Park on the river, and relax at Suttons Beach, one of many local beaches.

The best time to visit Brisbane is autumn, when temperatures remain warm and there’s little rainfall. The city's winter and spring seasons are also popular times to visit, thanks to mild conditions and dry days. In August, Brisbane hosts both a marathon and the Bridge to Brisbane running race. Also in August, Ekka is a festival of rides, entertainment, agriculture, and entertainment that attracts locals and visitors alike. The Brisbane Festival — the largest performing arts festival in the city — takes place throughout September and draws crowds. Summer in Brisbane can be wet and humid, however thanks to its subtropical climate, the city sees an average of eight hours of sun per day during the summer.

Museum-hopping

Known by their shared acronym QAGOMA, the Queensland Art Gallery and Gallery of Modern Art are located next to each other and boast world-class collections. The Gallery of Modern Art features three floors of often interactive exhibits. Collections highlight modern and contemporary Indigenous Australian and Australian artists, as well as several centuries of works by international artists.

South Bank Parklands

The South Bank Parklands are located south of the Cultural Centre, linked by a beautiful bougainvillea-clad arbour. The first stop is the Queensland Maritime Museum, one of Australia’s largest maritime museums and home to the restored Diamantina, a Royal Australian Navy frigate built in 1945. Housed in a building used for the World Expo 88, there are historic sailing ship models, early cargo ships, modern container ships, tankers, and cruise liners. Nearby, there’s also a 60-metre wheel which affords 360-degree views over the city.

Brisbane River

Running right through Brisbane, the Brisbane River offers a different perspective on the city. Take a dedicated river tour or ride on the free inner city ferry service. You can freely board or exit at six stops between North Quay and Sydney Street, New Farm. Alternatively, you could rent your own boat or hop in a kayak.