Brisbane is a lively, cosmopolitan city with excellent restaurants, beautiful riverside parks, a busy cultural calendar and a great nightlife. Its fantastic weather year-round has allowed outdoor activities to thrive and develop a vibrant café culture.
The city is surrounded by some of the state’s major tourist attractions, and there is an abundant choice of day trips whether it be to the coast for the golden beaches, or inland for some of Queensland’s serene bushland, there is something for everybody. View all of the great Brisbane beaches here.
Weather – When to Visit Brisbane
Sun seekers flock to Brisbane. The Queensland capital enjoys a subtropical climate, defined by warm or hot weather for most of the year. The best time to visit Brisbane is from March to May – autumn in the Southern Hemisphere. Temperatures during this season hover between the high 50s and mid-80s with little rainfall later in the season. The city’s winter (June to August) and spring (September to November) are also popular times to visit thanks to the mild temps and dry days. But these two seasons are also the busiest, especially in September during the Brisbane Festival. If you’re planning to visit during this time, arrange your accommodations well in advance. You’ll find better airfare and hotel room deals during Brisbane’s wet, humid season, which spans from December all the way to early March. Just note that the soggy weather might put a damper on your outdoor activities.
What Should You Pack?
When figuring out what to pack for the beach, there are two tips to keep in mind. First, forgetting an item isn’t the end of the world. Unless you’re heading for a remote, deserted island, chances are you can find a store where you can pick up the extras. Second, don’t stress out over making a packing list when there’s a stress-free beach travel essentials list for you below:
- Sunglasses and hats offer much-needed sunscreen and flip flops are perfect for navigating hot, sandy beaches. Go pack them now so you’re not kicking yourself later.
- What about those little items that make beach visits so much more enjoyable? For a little extra comfort on your trip, make sure you pack: Lip balm, sunscreen, bug spray.
- Beach toys and goggles are a must for kids. Building sandcastles and viewing the underwater wonders are perennial favorites.
- Take a first-aid kit with you. Hopefully you’ll only have to worry about a few minor scrapes from seashells, but having your own kit handy is a good precaution.
- Beach Bag – Your beach bag will likely contain a few of the items mentioned above. For a well-rounded bag, consider tossing in sunscreen, lip balm, bug spray, first-aid kit and water-proof baggies.
- Beach Gear – No matter who’s supplying the gear, look to have the following items on hand: beach bag, beach chairs, beach towels, beach umbrella or tent, beach cart and a cooler.
- Remember: Don’t wait until you’re parched to drink. When you’re out in the heat and sun, it’s important to stay hydrated by drinking regularly. So take along a water bottle as well.
Best Brisbane Beaches
Tangalooma Beach
Calm, crystal clear aqua waters, squeaky white sand and a stunning reef just off the shore on Moreton Island. You can hire SUPS, kayaks and snorkels while you’re over there, and even book a guided reef snorkeling tour with Tangalooma Island Resort’s day trip options if you’re new to the game and unsure of the currents.
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Suttons Beach
You’ll love the family friendly Suttons Beach with gentle waves, perfect for those wanting a gentle paddle or afternoon float, while a massive playground and BBQ facilitates. If swimming isn’t really for you, then why not kick back with a good book underneath one of the many trees dotting the beach.
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Cylinder Beach
Cylinder Beach has calm, slightly protected waters with a wide stretch of golden sand, making it a favorite among regulars to the island. Pack yourself a beach umbrella, an cooler full of drinks and snacks and set yourself up for a blissful day of lazing in the sun before heading back to your hotel.
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Nudgee Beach
A dog-friendly beach with just a 30 minute drive. Nudgee Beach has a generous stretch of sand made for walking that is bordered by protected wetlands full with bird. The muddy sand banks don’t scream ‘sun bathing,’ but is great for a seaside stroll or crab-hunting. A favorite spot among locals, the nearby wetlands also make for a gorgeous sunrise picture.
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Woorim Beach
Woorim Beach is the perfect place to learn how to surf or to crack out the fishing rods, but the white-sand beach and surf life also makes it ideal for a great beach experience. Go for a swim and get some fish and chips from the local restaurants. Make sure to swim between the flags as water here can get rough.
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Best Brisbane Restaurants
Allium $101 & Over
This quaint restaurant hosts an ever evolving menu with a range of dining options to please. Their dishes exhibit familiar, comforting flavors. Allium is a favorite with the locals, delivering a relaxed fine dining experience in a comfortably cozy space. Telephone: (07) 3254 0595 Web: Allium
Urbane $101 & Over
Urbane is an icon in the Brisbane dining scene with numerous awards and a substantial reputation. From the outside you will see a screen of bronze expanded mesh designed to give privacy during dining with sneaky glimpses of what lies beyond. Go inside to experience their fine dining degustation menu and exceptional service. Telephone: (07) 3229 2271 Web: Urbane Restaurant
Gerard’s Bistro $75 Avg.
Gerard’s Bistro is a hidden treasure and an indulgent experience. Combining the flavors of the Maghreb and Middle East, Gerard’s Bistro’s menu offers a modern take on classic dishes using locally sourced ingredients with traditional technique. Gerard’s menu is designed to be shared along with their carefully curated wine list to enhance the experience. Telephone: (07) 3852 3822 Web: Gerard’s Bistro
Aria $101 & Over
Located on Eagle Street Pier, with striking views of the Story Bridge across the Brisbane River. Here their passion for performance and delicate touches are presented in a perfectly balanced seasonal menu, featuring only the best produce, sourced locally and internationally with an award winning wine list and served by a dedicated and talented team. Telephone: (07) 3233 2555 Web: Aria
Guage $16 – 35
Open daily for breakfast and lunch and four nights a week for dinner, this timber minimalist space across the street from the Queensland Museum slips easily between avocado toast and innovative multicourse meals. At brunch, Coffin Bay oysters come sluiced with fermented rhubarb juice and diced golden shallots, and brioche toast is topped with pork Bolognese, cabbage and a fried egg. At night, things get serious. It’s here that you’re privy to wildly creative dégustation dishes. Wine pairings, chosen from the mostly Australian list, are deeply considered, and you’re unlikely to find staff anywhere more thoughtful or committed. Telephone: (07) 3638 0431 Web: Guage
Top Brisbane Food, Wine & Nightlife Tours
Top Brisbane Nightlife
Laruche
As soon as you walk in the door to Laruche, you find yourself conveniently in the middle of their dance floor, so you know this place means business (of the dancing variety). Laruche is the ultimate nightclubs in Brisbane, with hot-to-trot DJ sets that will have you letting loose as soon as you arrive. Be sure to make your way to one of their LOLA nights for the ultimate night of self-expression and busting shapes. Telephone: (07) 3666 0880 Web: Laruche
Barbara
Not only is this a hipster hot-spot, but they also host one hell of a theme night and guest DJs to get you swaying (did someone say Rihanna appreciation night? YAS). They’ve also got Vinyl Nights where you can bring and play your own vinyl (noice), as well as ‘Cover to Cover’, where the team at Barbs will play a complete album from legends like Stevie Wonder or Prince for a night. Telephone: 61 423 976 895 Web: Barbara
The Press Club
If old school RnB is what it takes to get you out of your seat then make a beeline for The Press Club in Fortitude Valley. Soon enough, booths that were meant for sitting become overrun with dance-aholics cutting shapes like a grade three class and screaming the universal party chorus: ‘from the windoooow, to the wall’. Telephone: (07) 3852 5000 Web: The Press Club
The Flying Cock
Live music, all the energetic youngsters of the town, some headache-inducing cocktails, and a HUGE dance floor—we’re talking about The Flying Cock. They’re open until 3 am on Friday and Saturdays which is one of the reasons why they’re one of the best nightclubs in Brisbane and a quintessential venue to end your night on the right note. Telephone: (07) 3172 6109 Web: The Flying Cock
Lefties Old Time Music Hall
Do-si-do to the live rockabilly sounds thumping at Lefty’s on Caxton Street. Drop those inhibitions and let your inner country music fan out! When you need a breather, be sure to head to the front bar where you can get a bag of popcorn and sample the house cocktail: a whisky apple made with Sailor Jerry’s and fresh apple juice. Web: Lefties Old Time Music Hall
Top Brisbane Food, Wine & Nightlife Tours
Australia. Australia. My Australia. I have wanted to go to Austalia since 2008. I even wanted to work here. The Spicers Balfour and Ovolo Inchcolm look like places that would suit me to stay. The Ovolo look like a similar place as in Ms. Fisher’s Mysteries.
Well Lane, you need to take time for yourself and take a vacation to Brisbane! The Ovolo is wonderful!
Hi! Brisbane is a good destination to go with all the family. I wanted to go but there are a couple of things I have read in your post that have encourage me even more.
I didn’t know about the river sightseeing cruise. And that has made me make up my mind because I want some good family pic by the river side. And the lone pine koala sanctuary will be a thrill for the kids.
What Brisbane beach would you recommend for kids under 5 years old? A place with calm waves.
Hi Henry, I would take the family and head to Suttons Beach. This will be perfect for the little ones and they will have a blast! Of course they will love the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary as well! Thanks for stopping by to read my Brisbane Travel Guide.
Hello Leahrae,
It’s really amazing! I really benefited by reading your informative and comprehensive post entitled ‘Brisbane Travel Guide!’ I got married for just eight months. But due to work pressure and other activities, we have not been able to travel anywhere. Hope we can go to Honeymoon in the next September / October. We are both excited to see the natural views and landscapes of Brisbane on the charming video. I’m very excited to enjoy Springbrook National Park and Rihanna appreciation night as well. I’ll look for details about a good motel with your given link.
Thank you sincerely for the excellent post.
Warm wishes,
Ranao.
You are very welcome and congratulations on your wedding. Yes, I think Brisbane will be a great destination for your honeymoon! Please let me know if you need any additional information.
What an great comprehensive guide to this beautiful location of Brisbane. It makes me want to investigate further.
I loved the video and the information of when is the best time, isto visit Brisbane. The temperatures, scenery are very appealing and it’s fairly understandable why this city is so popular.
In the list of attractions, my favorite one is the “Whale Watching Cruise”. The “What Should You Pack ” section is well put together and I an essential list for families. I also liked “Things to do in Laguna Beach “, especially “Temecula Wine Country Tasting” as I do like my wine.
The list of Restaurants is another great help to families, especially the listed price ranges.
Dave
Glad you enjoyed Dave, and I can tell you that the whale watching cruise is awesome, you will love it. Thanks for visiting my Brisbane Travel Guide.
Apart from the stunning beaches it looks like there is a lot of lovely things to do in Brisbane. I love the sound Springbook National park, I would like to visit there.
As much as I love a beach holiday it is good to see other places too, are there any public gardens that you know of in the area? I am a keen gardener and visiting them in other countries is so inspiring for me.
Hi Louise and thank you for visiting beach travel destinations. Yes, you will want to visit the Brisbane Botanical Gardens for sure while you are in Brisbane
Hi,
This is a great travel guide for Brisbane. It’s really full of information that I definitely can use when planning my vacation here. I love the beach and looks like there are quite a few that are close to the area. It’s going to be great for my friends and me to get busy and plan our trip. We are planning on visiting a few different areas in Australia. So now I am really excited! Thanks for the great information.
Hi Rony, glad you found what you are looking for. Sounds like you and your friends are going to have a great vacation! Please let me know if I can provide you with any additional information.
Great post and this looks so beautiful! Looks like the best time to go definitely coincides with when I can take my vacation. From the packing list to the hotel and restaurants you suggested, along with the things to do and see, I should have a great vacation and an easy time planning. Thank you!
Glad you enjoyed Emmanuel. thanks for visiting my Brisbane Travel Guide. Let me know if you need any help with your vacation planning.
Australia has been one of my favorite countries which I would love to visit. Reading your review on Brisbane travel guide has quicken my desire to fast track my family vacation to Australia and Brisbane beach would be the perfect place to go. The list of items to pack is cool and really helpful. Good job!
Thank you Felicity! I am glad you enjoyed my Brisbane Travel Guide. Thanks for stopping by.
Hi Leahrae,
Brisbane Australia seems like a lot of fun It’s surprising that their winter time falls into the summer time for most of the world and their wet season falls in December which is the coldest and driest time of the year where I come from.
That means that I have a great place to run to when I need to escape the terrible weather some seasons come with here in my country.
Yes you do Peace
Plus what a great way to vacation! Thanks for visiting beach travel destinations.com
Wow! What a beautiful and interesting holiday beach travel destination it is. i am definitely going to get in touch with your company and plan a beach vacation trip this summer. Thank you so much for sharing this great adventurous opportunity with us. I love vacations, i love traveling…. i am glad your shared this article.
I will look forward to hearing from you David. Sounds like you are going to have a wonderful time in Brisbane. I will help you have a dream vacation! Thanks for visiting my Brisbane Travel Guide.
Thank You Leahrae
I an very impressed about your Review of Brisbane, a place that has been on my holiday bucket list. The places to visit and the Australian hospitality makes this an ideal location. I would visit Brisbane for one reason above all else and that is the Gabba, as I am a huge cricket fan. I would like to watch an one day international.
I appreciate all your efforts
Thanks
Antonio
Great Antonio, Glad you enjoyed reading my Brisbane Travel Guide! Thanks for visiting.
What a great informative post. I have always wanted to go to Australia but haven’t gotten that far yet, but is still time. After reading your post about Brisbane has definitely reignited that desire, and including the beach guide was a great idea. I love the beach and live near them here in Florida, but I always seek out the beaches when I travel. I am also a foodie as was a chef for 30 years or so, I am guessing is some amazing food on offer in Brisbane?
Now i might just have to reorganize my bucket list LOL. But that isn’t a bad thing.
Once again thanks for an easy to read informative post.
Peace
Kevin
You are very welcome Kevin, and yes you will find some great cuisine in Brisbane as well as everything else they have to offer. Glad I added a bucket list item for you!
This article is absolute gold,
This really is the best travel guide that I have come across all the information necessary. I’m super impressed. I love Brisbane because of its wonderful weather. I have decided to visit Brisbane in September during spring because this is one of the best periods to enjoy myself at the beach. I cant wait to visit such a lovely place. Thanks!
I am glad you enjoyed Tracy and have a wonderful time!
Never heard of Brisbane before but I think catching the sight of a kangaroo or koala ain’t bad, lol. Stradbroke Island is one place I’ll love to be though, this review is really making me change my plans for my next vacation. I think I’ve found a nice place to spend my holidays at last. Nice job pulling all these information together. Have a nice day
Great Salim, I am glad you have a new and wonderful vacation destination! I hope you can vacation here soon! Thanks for stopping by.
Hi Leahrae,
Awesome article!
I’ve never been to Brisbane, but after reading your article, I will put this place on my bucket list. I am planning a trip in September, so this is perfect! The packing list you have provided is fantastic. I never know what to pack when I go on vacation. I either bring too much or not enough:) Is there something you would suggest not to bring? For example, I would love to take my hair drier, is this will be OK?
Thank you !
I would most certainly check with the hotel. I would say most hotels have a hair dryer on hand for you. I know I just check ahead of time, as that is something kind of bulky you can probably leave at home. Glad you enjoyed my Brisbane Travel guide.
Kangaroos and koalas are the main reasons I always wanted to visit Australia. But Brisbane seems a great destination for two reasons : not only its beaches are stunning but the nightlife sounds exciting. I was wondering if the prices are in Australian or US dollars.
Hi Effie and great question. All the prices I list are going to be in U.S. Dollars
Kangaroos and Koalas are my top reason as well….well right behind the fact that I can visit beautiful beaches!