Tourism in Brisbane

Tourism in Brisbane is an important industry for the Queensland economy, being the third-most popular destination for international tourists after Sydney and Melbourne.

[5][6] The Brisbane City Hall contains the re-established historic Tudor-style Shingle Inn restaurant, with its original 1936 Tudor furnishing and fittings restored.

[9] The Valley experienced an urban renaissance in the 1980s and 1990s, when young people flocked to new nightclubs, some in place of the brothels and illegal gambling joints of an earlier era.

[citation needed] The Queensland Gallery of Modern Art has a total floor area of 25,000 square metres (269,098 sq ft).

[citation needed] Also located within the Entertainment District of South Bank, the Queensland Performing Arts Centre has a number of theatres and auditoriums showcasing various famous shows and operas annually.

Some of the most recognized shows featured at the centre include Mamma Mia!, The Phantom of the Opera, Wicked, Jersey Boys, and International Gala.

[citation needed] There are many national parks surrounding the Brisbane metropolitan area which are popular recreational attractions for hiking and bushwalking.

[20] The parkland features a variety of themed gardens and recreational areas, with a web of pathways and boardwalks traversing cascading waterways and rocky outcrops, and in situ artworks by 16 local artists.

Tangalooma resort on Moreton Island is popular for its nightly wild dolphin feeding attraction, and for operating Australia's longest running whale watching cruises.

Beachside suburbs such as those on the Redcliffe Peninsula, as well as Shorncliffe, Sandgate, Wynnum, Manly and Wellington Point are also popular attractions for their bayside beaches, piers, and infrastructure for boating, sailing, fishing and kitesurfing.

Suburbs adjacent to the CBD such as Fortitude Valley (particularly James Street), South Brisbane and West End are also a major inner-city retail hubs.

[citation needed] Located in the centre of the city, the Queen Street Mall and its nearby surrounds is Queensland's premier shopping destination.

Officially opening its doors in August 2024, this multi-billion-dollar project, situated along the Brisbane River, has integrated the Star Casino, luxurious hotels, premium dining options, diverse retail spaces, and a signature sky deck with captivating city views.

Queen's Wharf Brisbane aims to become a bustling hub, offering a dynamic mix of entertainment and leisure experiences for both locals and visitors.

[22] Howard Smith Wharves along the New Farm Cliffs below the Story Bridge is a stretch of riverside parkland which incorporates numerous entertainment and restaurant venues.

[citation needed] CityCat Ferries are catamarans, and are a pleasant way to travel past such Brisbane icons as the Story Bridge, Howard Smith Wharves and South Bank Parklands.

The most popular cuisines by number of dining establishments are Japanese,[29] Chinese,[30] Modern Australian,[31] Italian,[32] American,[33] Indian,[34] and Vietnamese.

[39] Whilst technically still within the boundaries of Brisbane City Council, Tangalooma is a resort town on the sheltered western side of Moreton Island that is a well-known tourist attraction for both day trippers & overnight visitors.

The Tangalooma Wrecks, are a cluster of ships scuttled by the Queensland Government between 1963 and 1984 to provide safe anchorage spot for recreational boat owners on the eastern side of Moreton Bay.

[45] Wildlife in the sanctuary includes koalas, kangaroos, Tasmanian devils, wombats, echidnas, various species of reptiles, as well as many types of Australian birds.

[citation needed] Eagle Farm and Doomben Racecourses stand as iconic landmarks in Brisbane's horse racing scene.

Eagle Farm, established in 1865, holds a prestigious reputation, hosting major events like the Stradbroke Handicap and showcasing its heritage-listed grandstands.

Mount Tempest, the highest coastal sand dune in the world,[48] provides a challenging hike with rewarding panoramic views.

Cape Moreton Light is Queensland's oldest lighthouse at Cape Moreton, a panorama that affords a great vantage point for spotting migratory whales Mount Mee, nestled in the D'Aguilar National Park, offers misty forests that provide a refreshing contrast to the coastal heat, and its scenic lookouts offer breathtaking views of the surrounding landscapes.

[49] The historic Mount Mee lookout, built in the 1930s, provides a glimpse into the area's past and offers panoramic views of the Glass House Mountains and the Moreton Bay region.

The region is also dotted with charming towns and villages such as Boonah, Kalbar & Rathdowney, offering opportunities to experience local produce, art, and culture.

The Gold Coast is a strip of urban areas and beaches located about 78 kilometres (48 mi) south of Brisbane, about an hour's travel by car or train.

[citation needed] The Gold Coast hinterland features rainforests and wet sclerophyll forest with walking tracks and picnic areas.

Attractions include the recently opened Bribie Island Seaside Museum, Passage cruises, and birdwatching at Buckley's Hole Environmental Park.

[51][citation needed] Named after the spectacular Kondalilla Falls, where Skene Creek drops 90m into a rainforest valley, this park is a cool mountain retreat and an important refuge for many native animals and plants.