5 Compelling Reasons To Visit Brisbane, Australia

Brisbane, Australia’s third largest city, has shed its country town image for a more cosmopolitan edge, intriguing Aussies and travellers alike. In plain sight, the Queensland capital is blossoming into a destination rife with culture, chic hotels, world-class developments and a ‘one to watch’ foodie scene, commanding serious respect (at last) from its big sister cities Melbourne and Sydney.

If Brisbane isn’t already on your Australia must-see list, these five compelling reasons might prompt you to take a trip.

1. The Burgeoning Brizzy Food Scene

While Sydney and Melbourne’s restaurants have dominated ‘Best of Australia’ rankings, Brisbane’s growing culinary flex has forced these lists to start making room. The current culinary heat map leads to Fortitude Valley; chefs from around the country are flocking here to showcase flavours beyond the standard Australasian fare.

• Joy: A nationally-acclaimed 10-seater supper club-style restaurant dishing Nordic and Japanese plates.
• Hellenika: A scenester restaurant-bar and Gold Coast outpost serving fresh Greek classics like spanakopita, grilled octopus, and cypriot meatballs.
• Za Za Ta: Offering Middle Eastern flavors with bold twists, including fried goat’s cheese pretzel with Iberico jamon and yolk aioli as the star starter.

Across the river in the South Bank area is where Brisbane’s perennial favourites reside. The Gallery of Modern Art’s light-filled GOMA Restaurant offers exquisite, artfully-arranged plates complemented with a Queensland-focused wine list. Stokehouse Q affords handsome river and city views as diners tuck into European/Mediterranean-inspired selections.

2. Street Art & Culture

Melbourne ought to take notice of the city up north, as Brisbane is quickly nipping at its heel as Australia’s place to be for excellent street art and culture. From the funky laneways in Fortitude Valley to the grand variety of murals and mixed-media artwork lining the CBD’s Burnett Street, the public art trend is giving Brisbane’s formerly hum-drum cityscape a welcomed facelift.

The Brisbane Street Art Festival has evolved from a modest movement into a two-week festival featuring live ‘art battles,’ cycling tours, and exhibitions by notable street artists.

The culture-rich South Bank hosts the Gallery of Modern Art (QAGOMA), Australia’s largest public gallery of modern art, showcasing both local talents and international artists.

3. Revitalised Riverfront

Brisbane’s geography has always been defined by the serpentine Brisbane River, and recent waterfront developments have given locals and tourists a reason to congregate closer. The once-derelict Howard Smith Wharves has been newly transformed into an entertainment district with walk/jog-friendly promenades and lively dining spots.

There’s also a popular brewery, Felons Brewing Co., offering complimentary ‘Beer Yoga’ on a grassy lawn overlooking the waterway and skyline. The Brisbane Riverwalk, a half-mile long path floating above the river, is perfect for walkers and cyclists alike.

4. Gateway to the Sunshine Coast

To the south of Brisbane lies ‘Australia’s playground,’ the Gold Coast, while to the north unfolds the lesser-known, back-to-nature adventure of the Sunshine Coast. This stunning destination is less than an hour and a half away by car and provides a perfect escape to explore natural wonders like the Great Sandy National Park and the breathtaking Glass House Mountains.

5. Hot New Hotels

Exploring all of this means you’ll need some plush accommodations to relax in. Brisbane’s hotel reputation has transformed from dull to dazzling after a fresh influx of smart boutique beds. At the forefront of this renaissance is Fortitude Valley’s The Calile, dubbed Australia’s first ‘urban resort,’ offering a geometric design with 175 pastel-coloured rooms.

Another standout is Ovolo the Valley, a vibrant hotel featuring 80’s decor and generous guest amenities such as happy hour drinks, a ‘freemium’ breakfast, and a fun-filled rooftop pool experience.

Lining the Brisbane River is The Fantauzzo – Art Series, a unique gallery-with-rooms that offers stunning skyline views and an artistic ambiance throughout the hotel.

Travis Levius travelled to Brisbane with the support of Tourism and Events Queensland. GoTravelDaily contributors do not accept freebies in exchange for positive coverage.