12 Must-Visit Tourist Attractions Around Brisbane
Brisbane offers a mix of iconic photo spots, lookouts with river and city views, coastal walks, and wildlife experiences. Whether you're after a quick visit to a famous landmark or a longer outdoor adventure, these attractions showcase what makes Queensland's capital worth exploring.
1
Tourist Attractions South Brisbane1. Brisbane Sign
The classic Brisbane photo spot. This oversized lettering is instantly recognisable and makes for a quick, popular stop to grab a tourist pic with the city backdrop.
View venue4.7(1,566)· Google68Spot ScoreWorth a Look2
Lookouts Toowong2. Mount Coot-Tha Summit Lookout
For panoramic views of Brisbane and the surrounding landscape. The elevated vantage point is one of the best spots to see how the city spreads across the river and hills.
View venue4.7(14,893)· Google68Spot ScoreWorth a Look3
Tourist Attractions South Bank3. Streets Beach
A lagoon-style swimming spot in the heart of South Bank parklands. Perfect if you want to cool off without heading to the coast, and it's surrounded by gardens and cultural venues.
View venue4.7(1,370)· Google67Spot ScoreWorth a Look4
Tourist Attractions Paddington4. Walkabout Creek Discovery Centre
A wildlife facility where you can see native Australian animals up close. Ideal for families or anyone wanting to learn about local fauna in an accessible setting.
View venue4.6(1,914)· Google67Spot ScoreWorth a Look5
Tourist Attractions Manly5. Spit to Manly Walk
A scenic coastal trail connecting two beachside suburbs. Stretches about 10 kilometres and offers ocean views, rock pools, and access to several beaches along the way.
View venue4.8(662)· Google67Spot ScoreWorth a Look6
Tourist Attractions Brisbane CBD6. Howard Smith Wharves
A riverside precinct in the CBD with heritage buildings, waterfront dining, and event spaces. Good for a stroll, meal, or to catch live entertainment in a restored industrial setting.
View venue4.6(1,982)· Google67Spot ScoreWorth a Look7
Lookouts Hamilton7. Mount Gravatt Lookout
Another elevated viewpoint offering city and valley perspectives. Less crowded than Mount Coot-Tha, it's a quieter option if you want views without the bustle.
View venue4.6(1,536)· Google66Spot ScoreWorth a Look8
Tourist Attractions Wynnum8. Wynnum Mangrove Boardwalk
A raised timber walkway through mangrove wetlands. Lets you explore a natural coastal ecosystem without getting wet, and you may spot local birdlife.
View venue4.7(825)· Google66Spot ScoreWorth a Look9
Tourist Attractions Wynnum9. Wynnum Wading Pool
A shallow, protected swimming area popular with families and those who prefer calmer water. Located in the beachside suburb of Wynnum, handy if you're exploring the bay side.
View venue4.3(2,553)· Google63Spot ScoreWorth a Look10
Tourist Attractions Manly10. Shelly Headland Upper Lookout
A clifftop viewpoint with ocean vistas. Part of the broader coastal walk network in Manly, it's useful if you want a short stop to take in the seascape.
View venue4.8(233)· Google63Spot ScoreWorth a Look11
Tourist Attractions Fortitude Valley11. Submariners Walk Heritage Trail
A heritage walk through inner-city Fortitude Valley with historical plaques and stories of the area's past. Suits anyone interested in Brisbane's social and military history.
View venue4.7(190)· Google61Spot ScoreWorth a Look12
Tourist Attractions Manly12. Norfolk Point
A coastal headland with views and access to the foreshore. Useful as a landmark or stopping point if you're exploring the Manly beachside area.
View venue4.6(262)· Google61Spot ScoreWorth a Look
At a glance
| Venue | Spot Score | Price | Suburb | Top feature | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brisbane Sign | 68/100 | 4.7(1,566) | — | South Brisbane | — |
| Mount Coot-Tha Summit Lookout | 68/100 | 4.7(14,893) | — | Toowong | — |
| Streets Beach | 67/100 | 4.7(1,370) | — | South Bank | — |
| Walkabout Creek Discovery Centre | 67/100 | 4.6(1,914) | — | Paddington | — |
| Spit to Manly Walk | 67/100 | 4.8(662) | — | Manly | — |
| Howard Smith Wharves | 67/100 | 4.6(1,982) | — | Brisbane CBD | — |
| Mount Gravatt Lookout | 66/100 | 4.6(1,536) | — | Hamilton | — |
| Wynnum Mangrove Boardwalk | 66/100 | 4.7(825) | — | Wynnum | — |
| Wynnum Wading Pool | 63/100 | 4.3(2,553) | — | Wynnum | — |
| Shelly Headland Upper Lookout | 63/100 | 4.8(233) | — | Manly | — |
| Submariners Walk Heritage Trail | 61/100 | 4.7(190) | — | Fortitude Valley | — |
| Norfolk Point | 61/100 | 4.6(262) | — | Manly | — |
Frequently asked questions
Are these attractions free to visit?+
Most are free, including all the lookouts, walks, and beaches. Walkabout Creek Discovery Centre is a paid venue, but entry cost is not specified here. Check directly with each venue for current admission prices or parking fees.
Which attractions are best for families?+
Streets Beach, Walkabout Creek Discovery Centre, Wynnum Wading Pool, and the Wynnum Mangrove Boardwalk are family-friendly. The walks and lookouts suit families with older children or good fitness.
Can I visit multiple attractions in one day?+
Yes. The city-based attractions (Brisbane Sign, Howard Smith Wharves, Submariners Walk) can be combined. The Wynnum attractions are close together. The Manly spots (Spit to Manly Walk, Shelly Headland, Norfolk Point) cluster on the coast. However, the lookouts (Mount Coot-Tha, Mount Gravatt) are more spread out.
Which attractions have the best views?+
Mount Coot-Tha Summit Lookout and Mount Gravatt Lookout offer the widest city and valley perspectives. The coastal lookouts (Shelly Headland, Norfolk Point) and the Spit to Manly Walk offer ocean and headland views.
Are there parking facilities?+
Parking information is not provided in the source data. Assume most suburbs have street or nearby parking, but check ahead for lookouts and popular coastal spots, which can fill during peak times.
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