Welcome to Brisbane
(Indigenous) Meanjin (meen-jn) – A point in the river which means ‘the spearhead’ in Yuggera Turrbal Country
Australia’s third largest, sub tropical and most liveable city
Population: 2.7 million (2023)
Warm, friendly and authentic
Latitude: 27°28′08.29″ South
Longitude: 153°01′24.60″ East
Our Team recommends:
Before you meet the locals the team at Brisbane Unexpected recommends you:
Read
- Johnno | David Malouf, Literary Laureate
- Brisbane | by Matt Condon
- Boy Swallows Universe & Love Stories | by Trent Dalton
- Zig Zag Street | by Nick Earls
- Pig City | by Andrew Stafford
Watch
- Bluey
- Harrow
- Boy Swallows Universe
Follow
- @tony_elsom | Award winning Brisbane based photographer
- @brizzypix | Local photographer
- @broadsheet.brisbane | Broadsheet is Brisbane’s leading city guide
Listen
The Saints | Punk rock pioneers, originally a three-piece band
The Bee Gees | Iconic pop and disco trio of brothers
The Go-Betweens | Indie rock duo turned band with poetic lyrics
The Riptides | New wave/pop rock band with surf-inspired sound
Powderfinger | Alternative rock band, five-piece lineup
Savage Garden | Pop duo known for melodic ballads and synth-pop
Ball Park Music | Indie rock/pop band with five core members
Waveney Yasso | Lead artist, drummer & composer. Writing music to preserve language and culture in remote communities
Kate Miller-Heidke | Classically trained singer-songwriter blending pop and opera
Regurgitator | Genre-defying icons with a wicked sense of humour. Also released a children's album.
Brissie-isms
(how to sound like us)
BRISBANE (Bris-buhn) (it’s not pronounced Briz-bain)
MEANJIN (meen-jn) Brisbane
TURRBAL (tur-a-bul), YUGGERA (yug-er-a) Local First Nations Peoples
QUANDAMOOKA (kwon-duh-moo-kuh), GUBBI GUBBI (gu-bee gu-bee) Neighbouring First Nations Peoples around Brisbane
MAIWAR (may-wah) the Brisbane River
WOOLLOONGABBA (Woo-lun-ga-bah) Inner city suburb name
TOOWONG (Tuh-wong) Inner city suburb name
INDOOROOPILLY (In-dra-pilly) Inner city suburb name
THE VALLEY Fortitude Valley
NO WORRIES Australian saying for all occasions (used instead of “you’re welcome”)
FLAT WHITE Australian designed coffee of espresso shot and warmed milk
THE EKKA The Exhibition (or Royal Agricultural Show held every August in Brisbane – when the country comes to the city)
BROWN SNAKE The Brisbane River
STRADDIE Minjerribah / Stradbroke Island (a must see)
GOLDIE / THE COAST / DOWN THE COAST Gold Coast
UP THE COAST Sunshine Coast
FNQ Far North Queensland
OUTBACK QUEENSLAND/OUT WEST the rest of Queensland
QUEENSLANDER Characteristic architectural house style common to this state (can also be a rallying cry yelled at sporting events)
When you arrive
To travel on South East Queensland’s public transport systems simply use your bank card or payment-enabled mobile phone to tap on and tap off at the start and end of each trip. Be sure to call out "thanks" to your bus driver as you get off, to sound like a local.
Public Transport fairs in Brisbane are only 50 cents!
Be sure to look out for the FREE City Loop buses that run in the CBD, Spring Hill and South Brisbane.
You can get around Brisbane via:
- Walking
- Public Transport - bus, train or ferry
- Taxi (book online or flag down)
- Book a ride share car via an App,
- Rent a scooter or Ebike using your mobile phone – make sure you wear a helmet – it’s the law!
Tipping: by no means compulsory in Australia but 5-15% appreciated
Emergency: for all emergencies dial 000
Shopping: generally, retail hours are 9.00am – 6pm and 8pm Thursdays but will vary
Dining: generally, serving hours are lunch: 12 – 3pm and dinner: 5pm – 9pm but will vary
Drinking: you must be over 18 and be able to show identification
Toasting: Toast drinking companions by clinking glasses and saying 'Cheers!'
Walking and Driving: On the left! Beware scooters and bicycles
Visitors' Favourites from Brisbane Unexpected
Discover Brisbane’s past and present along the River that shaped it.
Explore Brisbane’s WWII history and the American-Australian alliance on this powerful city walking tour.
A street art lover’s dream — local legends and global talent in one epic Brisbane tour.
We Recommend: Day Trips beyond Brisbane
Looking to experience more of Queensland’s natural beauty? Brisbane Unexpected recommends these unforgettable day trip suggestions just beyond Brisbane, where pristine beaches, rich culture, and breath-taking landscapes are mere hours away.
Visit Moolgumpin (Moreton Island) – Explore one of the world’s largest sand islands, perfect for snorkelling, sandboarding, and dolphin spotting.
Visit Minjerribah (North Stradbroke Island) – A peaceful escape with rich Indigenous heritage, stunning beaches, and coastal walks.
Visit the Scenic Rim – A lush region of rolling hills, vineyards, national parks, and charming country towns just a short drive away.
'Must Do' in Brisbane
From scenic river walks to hidden laneway gems, Brisbane is full of surprises waiting to be explored. At Brisbane Unexpected, we’ve rounded up our favourite experiences to help you uncover the unexpected!
Clock Tower Tour
Take a ride up Brisbane City Hall’s historic clock tower for panoramic city views and a dose of local history.
City Hall Tour
Step inside Brisbane’s grand City Hall and explore its stunning architecture and cultural significance.
QAGOMA
Discover cutting-edge contemporary and traditional art across two iconic galleries by the river.
Queensland Museum
Engage with natural history, science, and cultural exhibits for all ages in this family-friendly museum.
South Bank Precinct
Relax at the city’s cultural and leisure hub with restaurants, gardens, and a man-made beach.
Fish Lane Arts & Dining Precinct
Explore vibrant street art, laneway bars, and some of Brisbane’s most exciting dining spots.
City Parks & Gardens
Unwind in beautiful green spaces like the Botanic Gardens, Roma Street Parklands and New Farm Park.
River Walks & City Views
Stroll or cycle scenic river paths linking the city, Kangaroo Point Cliffs, and South Bank.
See a Show at Brisbane’s Arts Venues
Catch live performances at QPAC, La Boite, Powerhouse or Queensland Theatre Company.
Live Music in Fortitude Valley & Beyond
Experience Brisbane’s buzzing music scene at The Tivoli, Princess Theatre, Fortitude Music Hall or Brisbane Jazz Club.
Let's Go Shopping
Celebrate local creativity and craftsmanship with unique souvenirs and design finds. Brisbane Unexpected recommends these standout spots for discovering Brisbane’s artistic flair and meaningful mementos.
Delvene Cockatoo-Collins - original artworks, ceramics, and handmade homewares by Quandamooka woman, Delvene.
Artisan – A showcase of contemporary Queensland makers, featuring handcrafted ceramics, jewellery, textiles, and more.
Museum of Brisbane Shop – Find locally inspired gifts, books, and art that reflect Brisbane’s creative spirit and culture.
QAGOMA Store – Stylish and thoughtful design pieces, art prints, and children’s items inspired by the gallery’s exhibitions.
Adina Watches – Proudly Australian-made timepieces blending function, craftsmanship, and classic design.
Brisbane Arcade, Queen St Mall – Heritage-listed arcade filled with boutique designers, milliners, and jewellers.
Burrunga Gallery – A vibrant space showcasing Aboriginal art, prints, and gifts that celebrate Indigenous culture and storytelling.
