Blessed with abundant sunshine, stunning surroundings and a distinctive downtown buzz, Brisbane welcomes you to get curious and explore, or kick right back into holiday mode. 

Unwind in the relaxed, subtropical lifestyle that Brisbane offers, enhanced by a lively riverside location. Fun is on the agenda with surprising twists. Discover an aquatic playground in the heart of the city at iconic Streets Beach; dine or take high tea on a Kookaburra paddle-boat cruise; jump on the Wheel of Brisbane for a panoramic spin; join the locals at the many open-air markets; or crank up the exhilaration on the Story Bridge Adventure Climb.

The weather’s warm, the people outgoing, and the pace laid-back. So you’ll want to take advantage of the many alfresco eateries scattered around South Bank, through the exciting tapestry of Brisbane’s laneways, and at the latest go-to spot, the Howard Smith Wharves. 

There’s something for everyone in ‘Brissie’. The shining capital of the Sunshine State has been rapidly gaining a glowing reputation as a cutting-edge cultural destination to rival its southern cousins, Sydney and Melbourne. Nightlife and entertainment are also a breeze. Skirting Brisbane’s CBD is Fortitude Valley, where the venues are plentiful, and Brisbane’s renowned live music scene has found a thriving home in the precinct’s various nightclubs like the Zoo and the Fortitude Music Hall. Choose your groove – there’s a style for all tastes! 

After a great night, daytime in downtown Brisbane offers shopping, sporting events, river cruises and experiences galore. And when you’re ready to explore beyond the metro, there’s a sweep of places to see the sights and enjoy your downtime to the max. 

Embrace the energy in this fast-growing city. With your hire car at the ready, you’ll have plenty of chances to discover what makes beautiful Brisbane such a popular place to touch down and embark on  weekend trips or longer memorable visits.

Enjoy the delights of downtown Brisbane in your hire car

Let’s start your Brisbane odyssey right at the centre. Head downtown for retail excursions, a great coffee and best bites. Popular shopping spots include the Queen Street Mall, heritage-listed arcades selling antiques and gifts, cool designer boutiques in James Street, or scour the vibrant territory of laneways for records and unexpected treasures.

Worked up an appetite yet? Chow down over in Fortitude Valley where Chinatown and a swag of acclaimed restaurants will cater for your tastes, or head further along into leafy New Farm (a popular alternative). Cross town and try inner-city West End for a fusion of your favourite flavours, if you’re looking for something Greek or unique beyond the South Bank hotspots.

Look no further than the city’s Cultural Precinct for your art fix. The Queensland Art Gallery and neighbouring GOMA (the Gallery of Modern Art), the Queensland Museum and Performing Art Centre, are all set in the lush South Bank parklands overlooking the banks of the Brisbane River. Head over the river to the Powerhouse to witness the latest arts innovation. Or wander through Brisbane’s urban streets and alleys – from the laneways into the Valley – and see the best street art for free.

As a dynamic city with a quest for pleasure, there’s always a festival or major event on at any given time or season in Brisbane. A must for sports fans is The Gabba grounds: join the crowds with other cricket or Aussie Rules devotees. If you’re a festival goer, keep an eye out for the Brisbane Festival, the Laneway and Brisbane Comedy Festivals, and the Brisbane Asia Pacific Film Festival. There’s also Ekka (or the Royal Queensland Show) and Oktoberfest to round out the celebrations.

Venture further in your Brisbane Downtown hire car

Winding down is also easy. Explore the Botanic Gardens, get close to a koala or a cassowary at the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, or drive up the forested slopes of Mount Coot-tha to the look-out. Take a moment there to savour the tranquillity of Brisbane’s highest vantage point.

If you’re looking to play more in nature, try the Brisbane Forest Park in D'Aguilar National Park, and head up to the charmingly named Mount Glorious. Stretching through the city’s western edge, it offers easy opportunities for bushwalking, hiking, picnics and scenic drives among lakes, waterfalls, rainforest and eucalypts.

And last but not least, we recommend exploring the sandy beaches and natural wonders of the Moreton Bay Marine Park. Hop on a 75-minute ferry to Moreton (Mulgumpin) Island, or glide along the glistening Redlands Coast to North Stradbroke Island. Be captured by the shimmer of white sands and stunning waters. Visit bayside villages or challenge yourself on a range of heart-pumping outdoor activities. 

Take all the time you need to make your Brisbane adventure a journey you’ll never forget.