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brisbane unexpected | Guided tours of discovery

Brisbane the River City

Discover the unique history of Brisbane city through the river (Maiwar) and the people who have sought to tame it. This walking tour is an ideal introduction to why the river is such an integral part of our identity. You will learn about the arrival of convicts and free-settlers, the transformation of the river itself, floods, urbanisation and expansion, through to the city's arrival on the world stage. Explore the people, stories and places that made Brisbane the complex and beautiful Australian city it is today.

Brisbane the River City
Statue of an elephant on a ruck, turned to 90 degrees so that it's head is against the ground, in a park with city skyline in the background.
A Brisbane Unexpected guide showing two women something outside of GoMA and Queensland State Library.
Grand old government house with columns, made in the Greek Revival style, set against a lush green lawn.
Decorative stone archway outside the carved Nepalese Peace Pagoda at South Bank, with a large bronze bell Hanging inside the archway.
A view of Brisbane city skyline with the Brisbane River in the foreground featuring a City Cat ferry.
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Immerse yourself in Brisbane's culture and history.

A River walk telling the stories of Brisbane and its people.

Tour Highlights

Start your tour at Kurilpa point in front of the beautiful Gallery of Modern Art, then wander into South Bank to immerse yourself in an inner city rainforest before crossing the Neville Bonner Bridge to the city where tough convict beginnings make way for prosperity and change.

On past some of our most iconic buildings as we delve into the river's ebbs, flows and floods, then through the Botanic Gardens to hear about some of the crazy inhabitants and how we have altered the shape of the river over time. We end our tour taking in the breath-taking views from the Kangaroo Point bridge, looking out to the cliffs and the iconic depression-era Story Bridge.

At the end of the walk, guests are provided with a tour-specific QR code detailing recommendations of additional luxury activities and venues to visit, all featured on an interactive digital map that also marks out nearby dining, drink and shopping options. 

Venues: No venue interiors are visited during this tour

Curated by: Sarah Zini
Start Location: Next to 'GOMA Cafe' on the Terrace, Stanley Place, GOMA 
Tour Language: English
Tour Duration: 2 hrs
Tour Grade: Easy to moderate (some steps and inclines)
Tour Distance: 4.2 kilometres.
Tour Start Time (Nov-Apr) : 4pm
Tour Start Time (May-Oct) : 10am
Tour Days: Daily
By booking this tour, you agree to our Terms of Service
$250.00
Brisbane the River City
Brisbane the River City
$250.00
Tax included.

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Brisbane the River City

SOME MORE TOUR INFORMATION:

What is included in this tour?

Expert guide and unique local knowledge.

At then end of each tour, guests receive access to a curated digital guide and interactive map of additional sightseeing, dining, drink, shopping and exploration recommendations.

What are the tour requirements?

No entry fees required during the walk. We do not visit venue interiors.
What do I bring?

We strongly recommend you bring a hat, water bottle and apply sunscreen prior to starting the walk. Wear comfortable walking shoes.

Please also bring a bank or credit card, contactless payment activated mobile phone or smart watch, or a Brisbane public transport go-card in the event that we take a City Cat ferry on your tour.
What is the group size?

All walks/tours are a maximum of 8 guests
Can I take a private tour?

Yes, guests can book a private tour. Please visit our Private Bookings page to make an enquiry.
Will there be toilets on the tour?

All walking tour routes will go past a public toilet. Please let your guide know if you require a stop.
What is the best way to travel to the start location?

You can find your way to the inner city (and the located start of our walks) via public or private transport.

All Brisbane public transport is only 50 cents, and you can tap on and off with your credit or debit card.
Can I see a map of where the tour starts?
What can I do at the end of the tour?

We make sure to end each of our walks close to dining, drink, shopping and transport options.

All guests on our tours receive a curated digital map that allows you to continue your local experience of Brisbane, including a hand-picked list of designers, makers and luxury encounters, as well as recommended premium dining and drink venues.

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