Why Brisbane Is The Top Aussie City To Visit Right Now
Welcome to the river city
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Melbourne and Sydney might hog the spotlight, but Brisbane – the sun-soaked heart of Queensland – is quietly becoming Australia’s must-visit capital. Ask around, and you’ll hear the same thing: Brisbane’s having a moment.
With a food scene that keeps levelling up, good weather basically 365 days a year, and more things to do than you’ll fit into one weekend, Brisbane doesn’t need to shout about itself. It just does its thing – and people are noticing. Whether you’re a local or someone who pops in regularly, you know the vibe: Brisbane isn’t trying to copy anyone, it’s carving out its own lane.
So why is everyone suddenly talking about Brisbane?
A dining destination
For years, Melbourne was the undisputed foodie capital. Meanwhile, Brisbane was quietly plotting. Now? The plot is thickening and fast.
In the CBD alone, you’ve got Central, Golden Avenue, and Naldham House serving serious flavour. Head to Howard Smith Wharves, and it’s a full culinary playground with Greca, Yoko, and Stanley. And in South Brisbane’s Fish Lane? Good luck picking between their lineup of spots – think Marlowe, Bar Rosa, and Maeve Wine.
Stay somewhere central like Oaks Brisbane River City Suites or Oaks Brisbane Aurora Suites, and half the city’s best restaurants are within walking distance (or a very short Uber ride).
Even our more casual dining scene is top tier – Zero Fox, Baja, and Flying Colours nail the sweet spot between cool and relaxed.
Fancy a drink? Brisbane’s bar scene is just as delicious as its dining. Start riverside at Howard Smith Wharves with Stan’s or Mr Percival’s, then wander into the CBD for Bar Miette, Death & Taxes, or the moody vibes at Alice Bar. You can easily bar-hop your way through the night – dinner optional.
Across the river, Fish Lane is stacked with must-sips like Bar Brutus and Maker, while West End comes alive after 5 PM with locals spilling into Bar Francine, Cobbler, The Boundary, and By Artisans.
A city that loves a stroll
Brisbane people are big walkers – partly because our riverfront trails are ridiculously pretty, partly because we like to pretend that a long walk cancels out last night’s pasta.
The river wraps around the CBD, so you can get almost anywhere with a scenic stroll. Wander along Eagle Street to Howard Smith Wharves, cross the Kangaroo Point Bridge to the iconic cliffs, or take the Neville Bonner Bridge from Queen’s Wharf straight to South Bank. And you’ll pass at least three great coffee spots on the way, which definitely helps.
Eagle Street Pier
Stay at Oaks Brisbane River City Suites, Oaks Brisbane Aurora Suites, or the new Avani Living Queen’s Wharf Residences, and you’re basically stepping straight onto these trails.
A coffee culture that runs deep
Queenslanders take coffee seriously – almost emotionally. Iced in summer, hot the moment it drops below 20°C. And our roasting scene is truly impressive.
Local favourites like Fonzie Abbott, Elixir, and Coffee Supreme keep the city buzzing, roasting their coffee right in the city. Meanwhile, cafés like Mulga Bills (CBD), Salt Coffee Roasters (Newstead), Coffee Anthology (CBD), GoodGood (West End), and Third Space (Woolloongabba) turn a simple caffeine run into something more memorable.
If you’re staying at Aurora Suites, River City Suites, or Avani Living Queen’s Wharf Residences, you’ll never be more than a few minutes from a great brew.
Let’s talk shopping
What’s a city without its shopping scene? Dedicate a day to Queen Street Mall, and it will find a way to empty your wallet. From Zimmermann and Oroton at QueensPlaza to Zara, Country Road, and all the cult favourites along the Mall, you’ll find all your favourite stores in spades.
Just nearby, Edward Street brings plenty more with designer stores, luxe menswear, and exclusive streetwear.
Prefer something more eclectic? West End’s second-hand fashion scene is thriving. Neo-Generalist, Cupid’s Vintage, Brik Market, and Y3K are our top picks for the best finds that you won’t see anyone else in. Prefer this artsy, eclectic side of town? Oaks Brisbane Woolloongabba Suites puts you right near West End and South Brisbane for maximum cultural experiences.
Tourist mode (but make it cute)
If you’re visiting Brisbane, you absolutely have permission to go full “tourist mode” – just not the cringe, Dad-itinerary kind. We’re talking the cool, stylish, actually fun things that help you get a real feel for the city.
Start strong with the Story Bridge Adventure Climb for unbeatable city views (and a smug sense of achievement). Then head to the Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA) – between the seasonal blockbusters and the always-on favourites, it’s the perfect mix of culture (and it’s airconditioned).
If you’re here over a weekend, don’t skip our market scene. Brisbane Powerhouse Markets, West End Markets, and Milton Markets are always buzzing and full of great food, local makers, and classic Brisbane characters.
And for the easiest, breeziest way to see the city? Hop on the CityCat. It’s fast, it’s scenic, it’s cheap, and honestly, it might be the most enjoyable touristy thing you’ll do.
So… where should you stay?
Brisbane is spread out, but your stay doesn’t need to be complicated. If you want easy access to dining, shopping, walking trails, and the city’s biggest attractions, staying in the CBD is your safest bet. Oaks Brisbane River City Suites, Oaks Brisbane Aurora Suites, and Avani Living Queen’s Wharf Residences all hit that sweet spot between convenience and comfort.
Oaks Brisbane Aurora Suites
If you’re leaning towards the more creative, cultural side of Brisbane, Oaks Brisbane Woolloongabba Suites puts you close to West End and South Bank — a great base for food lovers and gallery-goers.
Did we mention you can save 20% off if you stay two nights in any of these hotels? Book between 8 December and 30 June 2026 to claim.
Brisbane might not have asked for the spotlight, but it’s here, and honestly, it suits the limelight. Warm, fun, easy-going, and full of surprises, Brisbane is the kind of place you come for a weekend and immediately start planning your return.
