AU · Queensland · 27.47°S 153.03°E

brisbane

River ferries, South Bank gardens and galleries in a warm, walkable city centre.

Best time
April–October is warm and dry, with clear skies. December–February is hot and humid, with afternoon storms that can be fierce.
How long
2–3 days
Getting there
About 8 hours direct from KL on Malaysia Airlines, which brought the route back in late 2025. The Airtrain reaches the city in about 20 minutes. Brisbane is 2 hours ahead of KL all year.
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AU · Queenslandbrisbane27.47°S 153.03°Egowherelah.com
Dear group chat,River ferries, South Bank gardens and galleries in a warm, walkable city centre.— gowherelahTo: whoever’s drivingBrisbaneAU, Queensland
KLbrisbane
≈ 6,462 km from KL, as the crow flies
Brisbane CBD, Kangaroo Point Bridge seen from Kangaroo Point, Brisbane, 2024

Photo: Chris Olszewski · CC BY-SA 4.0

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Photos: Wikimedia Commons, credited on each.

Brisbane curls around its river, so the ferries double as sightseeing cruises. It's warm, relaxed and easy to walk, and a good start to a Queensland trip.

Makan

  1. Moreton Bay bugsA Queensland favourite: flat, lobster-like shellfish, usually grilled with garlic butter.Map ↗
  2. Café breakfastWest End and New Farm have the best café streets.Map ↗
  3. LamingtonSponge cake dipped in chocolate and coconut, said to be named after a Queensland governor.Map ↗

Things to do

  1. South BankRiverside parkland with a free man-made beach lagoon, the Wheel of Brisbane and the city's museums.Map ↗
  2. CityCat ferryFast catamarans running the length of the river, past riverside suburbs and under the Story Bridge.Map ↗
  3. Queensland Art Gallery and Gallery of Modern ArtTwo big galleries side by side at South Bank, good for a stormy afternoon.Map ↗
  4. Lone Pine Koala SanctuaryThe world's oldest koala sanctuary, with kangaroos roaming free. You can get there by boat up the river.Map ↗
  5. Mount Coot-thaThe lookout over the city and the hills, best at sunset.Map ↗

Good to know

  • For halal food, Sunnybank and Kuraby on the south side have the most choice.
  • Summer storms roll in most afternoons, so plan outdoor things for the morning.

Last checked October 2026. Things change, so check opening times, fees and transport before you go.