Plan Your Adventure in Brisbane
Best Travel Tips & Guides

Australia

Brisbane surprised us from day one! After a brutal 26-hour flight from Amsterdam, we stumbled off the plane wondering why we'd spent our savings to feel so terrible. But this city quickly won us over. The best things to do in Brisbane aren't necessarily the tourist attractions – they're the everyday pleasures like cooling off at Streets Beach (yes, a beach in the middle of the city) or watching massive ibises dive into trash cans like they own the place.

South Bank became our recovery zone after jetlag. This beautiful riverside area offers perfect views of the city skyline, especially at sunset when the buildings catch the golden light. Meanwhile, Brisbane's food scene punches well above its weight – we found ourselves obsessed with the strong Australian coffee culture that makes Dutch brews seem weak in comparison. Mount Coot-tha Lookout gave us stunning panoramas, while Lone Pine let us tick "cuddle a koala" off our bucket list (they're heavier than they look and smell faintly of eucalyptus). Keep reading for our complete guide to Brisbane – from where to eat and sleep to day trips that made our Australia journey unforgettable.

Last updated on March 27, 2025
Population
2,514,184
Area
15826 km²
Average Temperature
20°C
Official Language
English
Current Time
11:46
Map Weather Tips Hotels Transport FAQ Blog
Merel

About Merel

Budget Travel Expert Budget Travel Specialist, 30+ countries visited across 5 continents, Expert in maximizing travel value
Merel is a passionate travel expert who has been documenting her adventures across more than 30 countries since 2015. With an exceptional talent for budget optimization and a keen eye for authentic local experiences, she specializes in finding hidden gems and securing the best possible deals for every destination. Together with her partner Michael, she has explored countless destinations - from the lush forests of Costa Rica to climbing volcanoes in Indonesia, experiencing the vibrant city life of New York, and taking an extensive road trip across Europe. Merel takes pride in her ability to create luxury experiences at affordable prices and loves sharing her money-saving strategies with fellow travelers while ensuring they don't miss out on the authentic essence of each location.
Discover Amazing Places

Our must-sees in Brisbane

Show only:
Brisbane Weather

What's the weather like in Brisbane?

Brisbane's subtropical climate caught us off guard during our visit. The best time to visit Brisbane depends on what you can handle - summers (December to February) are seriously hot and humid, regularly hitting 30-35°C. We made the rookie mistake of planning outdoor activities at midday and ended up hiding in air-conditioned shopping centers instead. The afternoon thunderstorms were another surprise - they appear out of nowhere, dump enormous amounts of rain for 30 minutes, then disappear leaving steamy, muggy conditions behind.

Winter (June to August) is when Brisbane really shines. Daytime temperatures hover around a pleasant 20-23°C with clear blue skies, making it perfect for exploring. We spent our mornings hiking at places like Mount Coot-tha without breaking a sweat and our evenings dining outdoors along South Bank without needing jackets. Just remember that Brisbane's UV index stays high year-round - Michael learned this the hard way with a painful sunburn in July, when he thought the winter sun wouldn't be strong enough for sunscreen. Regardless of when you visit, pack a light rain jacket, sunscreen, and something warm for evenings.

Brisbane Weather
Brisbane tips

Must do's and try's in Brisbane

After spending a few weeks in Brisbane, we figured out what's actually worth doing beyond the typical tourist spots. We made some mistakes, ate some weird stuff, and eventually found the places we kept going back to. Here's what we'd tell our friends if they were heading to Brisbane:

  • Moreton Bay Bugs: Despite the off-putting name, these are just flat lobster-like seafood that taste amazing. We tried them at a seafood market in Redcliffe and they were way better than we expected. They're expensive in restaurants but worth trying at least once - look for seafood markets where locals shop for better prices.
  • Brisbane Festival: We accidentally timed our visit with this September event and it saved us a ton on entertainment. The Riverfire fireworks were genuinely impressive (get a spot on South Bank early), but we also enjoyed the free concerts at various parks around the city. If you're coming in September, check the Brisbane Festival program before booking anything else.
  • Woolloongabba Antique Centre: Michael dragged me here on a rainy day and I ended up loving it. It's this massive warehouse with vintage stuff that's actually affordable. The little café inside makes good coffee too. We bought a weird old camera that probably doesn't work but looks cool on our shelf now.
  • Fish & Chips at The Fishery: When we got tired of eating out at proper restaurants, this takeaway spot in Milton became our go-to. Nothing fancy, just really fresh fish. We'd grab our food and eat by the river watching the CityCats go by. Pro tip: their grilled barramundi and sweet potato fries are worth the extra few dollars.

Brisbane isn't as immediately impressive as Sydney or Melbourne, but we found it grew on us the longer we stayed. It's more about the lifestyle than specific attractions. Grab a Go Card for public transport (way cheaper than single tickets), always carry sunscreen, and don't be afraid to chat with locals who are generally helpful if you're lost.

Sightseeing in Brisbane

  • South Bank Parklands
  • Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary
  • Story Bridge Adventure Climb
  • Brisbane Botanic Gardens
  • Queensland Museum and Sciencentre
  • Eat Street Northshore (where calories don’t count!)
  • City Hall and the Clock Tower
Plan your activity

What to do in Brisbane?

Brisbane surprised us with its perfect mix of urban cool and outdoor adventures! From cuddling koalas at Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary to catching stunning city views from Mt. Coot-tha, we loved it all. Don't miss strolling through South Bank's artificial beach (yes, a beach IN the city!) or taking a relaxing river cruise. Ready to see Brisbane through our eyes? Book one of these Brisbane activities and create your own unforgettable Queensland memories!

Brisbane River Cruise and Koala Sanctuary Visit

Tangalooma Day Trip with Snorkeling Tour

Dolphin and Tangalooma Wrecks Day Cruise

Movie World, Sea World, & Wet’n’Wild 5-Day Pass
Separator
Where to go?

The best areas in Brisbane

We spent time exploring different parts of Brisbane and found each neighborhood has its own feel. Some we loved right away, others took a while to grow on us. Here's our honest take on the main areas worth checking out, based on the three months we spent in the city.

West End

West End reminds us a bit of Amsterdam's Jordaan - slightly gritty but in a good way. This is where you'll find Brisbane's best weekend markets at the Saturday Davies Park Market. The coffee shops here actually have character unlike the chains downtown, and Boundary Street has some great food options. We loved how multicultural West End feels - there's Greek, Vietnamese and Lebanese restaurants all next to each other.

Fortitude Valley

We had mixed feelings about "The Valley." During the day, it's got cool indie shops and some excellent Asian food in Chinatown. At night, it transforms into Brisbane's main nightlife district, which can be fun but also rowdy - especially on weekends. If you're into live music, this is definitely your spot. The best Brisbane live music venues like The Zoo and Black Bear Lodge are worth checking out even if you don't know the bands playing.

South Bank

South Bank became our go-to when we needed a break. It's basically a big park along the river opposite downtown with an artificial beach in the middle of the city. Yes, Streets Beach is exactly what it sounds like - a beach and lagoon where people swim despite being nowhere near the ocean. It sounds weird but was perfect when the humidity got too much. The Queensland Museum and GOMA (Gallery of Modern Art) are here too and both worth visiting.

New Farm

New Farm was probably our favorite neighborhood for everyday life. It's leafy, relaxed, and has Brisbane Powerhouse - an old power station turned into an arts venue. We spent many weekends at New Farm Park having picnics and watching giant fruit bats hanging in the trees (both fascinating and slightly terrifying). Jan Powers Farmers Markets here on Saturdays had the best fresh produce we found in the city.

Paddington

Paddington sits on hills lined with Queenslander houses - those distinctive wooden homes raised on stilts with wrap-around verandas. The main road (Given Terrace/Latrobe Terrace) is packed with vintage shops and small cafes in converted houses. It feels most like a real neighborhood where people actually live rather than just a tourist area. The steep hills make for a workout when walking around, but the views over the city are worth it.

Plan your journey

Ready-to use itineraries for Brisbane

Browse our itineraries and find the perfect plan for your trip!

2 Itineraries
Transportation tips

How to get around in Brisbane

Getting around Brisbane is super easy, and we've tried every transport option during our stays here! The city offers plenty of ways to explore, from efficient public transit to bike rentals, all at prices that won't break your travel budget.

Public transport

Brisbane's TransLink network connects buses, trains, and our personal favorite – the CityCat ferries that cruise along the Brisbane River. We learned the hard way that you need a Go Card to save money (buying single tickets is ridiculously expensive). You can pick one up at most convenience stores and just tap on and off as you travel.

Our trips typically cost between $4-10 depending on how far we went. Pro tip: travel during off-peak hours (9am-3:30pm and after 7pm) for cheaper fares. The morning we tried to catch a bus at 8:30am, we watched three full buses zoom past before we could finally squeeze on!

Taxi services

When we're not in the mood for public transport, we use Uber or DiDi to get around Brisbane. The apps work perfectly here, and we've found rideshares typically cheaper than traditional taxis. Great for those late-night trips back to your accommodation after exploring Brisbane's nightlife in Fortitude Valley!

Expect to pay a base fare of about $4 plus distance charges. We spent around $15-20 for trips between the CBD and suburbs like New Farm or Paddington. Remember that Brisbane rideshare prices can spike during rain or peak hours, so check before confirming.

Biking

Brisbane has become one of our favorite cycling cities with its amazing riverside paths and dedicated bike lanes. The city's bike-sharing program makes it easy to rent wheels for short trips, and we loved cycling along the Brisbane River from South Bank to New Farm Park.

Bike rentals cost around $15 for a full day of exploration. Don't forget your helmet – it's mandatory in Australia and the fines are hefty! We discovered the Brisbane cycling app that shows all the bike paths, which saved us from accidentally ending up on busy roads with no bike lanes.

Decorative top wave separator
Decorative bottom wave separator
Getting around in Brisbane

Brisbane Go Cards: How do they work?

Let's be honest—trying to buy single tickets on Brisbane transport is like asking to pay with seashells. The Go Card system is non-negotiable if you're spending more than a day exploring Brisbane.

Where to get a Go Card

Forget the airport kiosks charging extra fees. Go Cards are available at:

  • 7-Eleven stores - There's one at Queen Street Mall and several around South Bank
  • News agencies - Try the one in Myer Centre or Post Office Square
  • Queensland Rail stations - Central Station and Roma Street have ticket windows

Loading your card quickly

Standing in line at Central Station just to add $20 to your card wastes time. Try these instead:

  • Use the Go Card app to load funds (takes about 24 hours to process)
  • Top up at any 7-Eleven (instant and no queues)
  • Set up auto top-up online if staying longer than a week
Money-saving zone hack

If you're traveling all day, you'll hit the daily cap of $10 after a few trips. But here's the thing: this cap is per zone.

If you're exploring the city center (zones 1-2) for a few days, then heading to the Gold Coast later (zones 3+), don't load your entire budget at once. Load just enough for your city exploration, hit the daily caps, then load separately for your longer trips.

Off-peak savings

Travel between 8:30am-3:30pm or after 7pm on weekdays and you get 30% off your fare.

This is perfect for visiting places like South Bank, New Farm Park, or the Botanic Gardens during the day. Weekend travel is always off-peak too, so you'll automatically get the discount on Saturdays and Sundays.

Getting your money back

You can get a refund on your Go Card balance before leaving Brisbane.

Visit Central or Roma Street station with your card and ID. They'll refund anything over $5 left on your card.

Do this the day before your departure. The lines at Central Station on weekday mornings get very long.
Common mistakes to avoid

Not "tapping off" after a ride gets you charged the maximum possible fare for that route.

Always tap off, even if everyone is pushing past you to exit. It's easy to forget when buses are crowded, but it can save you several dollars per trip.

Card sharing tip

Initial card cost is $10 plus whatever amount you load. This $10 is non-refundable.

If you're traveling as a couple or group, consider sharing one card to avoid multiple $10 fees. Just remember you'll need to tap on and off separately for each person.

The routes locals use (that tourists often miss)

Free City Loop buses

Red for clockwise, blue for counter-clockwise around the CBD. Runs every 10 minutes on weekdays and connects most major city attractions.

CityHopper ferry

Also free, running from North Quay to Sydney Street, perfect for seeing the city from the Brisbane River with stops at South Bank and New Farm.

Bus route 471

Goes by Mt. Coot-tha Lookout for the standard transport fare, much cheaper than tourist options. Departs from Adelaide Street in the CBD.

Route 199

Circles through West End, South Bank, and CBD with great frequency. Perfect for hitting multiple dining spots and cultural areas in one day.

Typical Brisbane transport costs

Airport to CBD

$16.50

Per person on Airtrain
CBD to South Bank

$3.37

With Go Card
Daily average

$8-10

Hitting the daily cap
CBD to Gold Coast

$15.51

Much cheaper than a tour
Separator
Wondering what a trip to Brisbane will cost?

Brisbane Budget Calculator

How many awesome days are we planning here?

What’s your travel vibe?

Where are you staying?

How do you plan to eat?

How much fun are we talking?

How are you getting around?

What currency are we talking?

Separator
Decorative top wave separator
Decorative bottom wave separator
Separator
Get to know Brisbane

Frequently asked questions about Brisbane

Can I actually swim in the Brisbane River?

Not unless you're a fan of mystery meat. The Brisbane River is not the best swimming spot—it’s murky, and there are reports of crocodiles and bull sharks. Locals will tell you to stick to the man-made lagoons or the ocean beaches. If you’re desperate for a dip, head to South Bank’s Streets Beach, where you can swim without the risk of becoming a snack.

What’s the deal with public transport here? Is it really as confusing as it seems?

Yes, and it’s not just you. Brisbane’s public transport can feel like a puzzle. The TransLink system has buses, trains, and ferries, but they don’t always sync up nicely. Grab the Go Card for easy travel, but be prepared for some unexpected delays. And don’t even think about trying to take a train to the Gold Coast on a Sunday—it’s a ghost town out there.

Is it true that you can’t buy alcohol after a certain time?

Yep, and it’s a real buzzkill. In Brisbane, you can’t buy alcohol from bottle shops after 10 PM, and bars usually stop serving by 3 AM. If you’re planning a late-night adventure, stock up early or prepare for a night of sober fun. Just remember, the city’s nightlife doesn’t really kick off until after 9 PM, so plan accordingly!

Do I really need to worry about the weather here?

Absolutely, unless you enjoy spontaneous soaking. Brisbane is infamous for its sudden downpours, especially in summer. Check the forecast and carry an umbrella or raincoat. It’s not just about the heat; a sunny day can turn into a torrential downpour in minutes. And don’t forget about the humidity—bring breathable clothing unless you want to feel like a sweaty sponge.

Why do the locals talk about the “Brisbane Shuffle”? Is it a dance?

Not quite, but it’s a dance of survival. The “Brisbane Shuffle” refers to the awkward maneuvering locals do to avoid the sudden downpours or to dodge cyclists on the footpaths. It’s more about dodging raindrops and bikes than busting a move. Keep your head on a swivel and your feet light if you want to avoid a faceplant!

Can I bring my own food to the South Bank Parklands?

Yes, but don't expect to picnic in peace. While you can bring your own snacks, just know that the park is often packed, and finding a good spot can be a fight. Plus, there’s a plethora of food stalls and restaurants around that will make you rethink your soggy sandwich. If you do pack a lunch, consider going during off-peak hours to avoid the crowds.

Decorative top wave separator
Decorative bottom wave separator
Where to work out?

Top wellness spots

Staying healthy while traveling through Brisbane was super easy! We found several pay-as-you-go gyms in Brisbane CBD that didn't require memberships, perfect for our three-week stay. When Michael caught a nasty cold, we visited one of the many English-speaking doctors in Brisbane who accepted our travel insurance without hassle. There are also great health and wellness spots in Brisbane along the river for morning yoga sessions. We've personally used these facilities and can confirm they're traveler-friendly!

KAILO Wellness Medispa

Finding KAILO Wellness Medispa was that accidental discovery that became the highlight of our Brisba...

Soak Bathhouse West End

Soak Bathhouse revolutionized our rest days in Brisbane! After a hectic week bouncing between cowork...

The Bathhouse Albion

We stumbled upon The Bathhouse Albion during our second week in Brisbane and immediately wished we'd...

The Healing Stone Day Spa

The Healing Stone Day Spa offers something genuinely unique that we hadn't experienced anywhere else...

Mater Hospital Brisbane

The Mater Hospital Brisbane is one of the top medical facilities we recommend for travelers visiting...

Princess Alexandra Hospital

The Princess Alexandra Hospital (PAH) is another major public healthcare facility we want to highlig...

Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital

When we were researching essential emergency services in Brisbane, the Royal Brisbane and Women's Ho...

St Andrew's War Memorial Hospital

During our research on medical facilities in Brisbane, we discovered that St Andrew's War Memorial H...
Fitness & Gyms ▼

Anytime Fitness Brisbane CBD

When we were traveling through Brisbane as digital nomads, Anytime Fitness quickly became our go-to ...

Fitness First Elizabeth Street

During our three-month stay in Brisbane, we treated ourselves to a membership at Fitness First Eliza...

Jetts Fitness Brisbane CBD

We discovered Jetts Fitness during our digital nomad stint in Brisbane, and it became our second hom...

Snap Fitness Brisbane City

As digital nomads spending a couple of months in Brisbane, we needed a gym that was affordable, cent...
Wellness & Spa ▼

KAILO Wellness Medispa

Finding KAILO Wellness Medispa was that accidental discovery that became the highlight of our Brisba...

Soak Bathhouse West End

Soak Bathhouse revolutionized our rest days in Brisbane! After a hectic week bouncing between cowork...

The Bathhouse Albion

We stumbled upon The Bathhouse Albion during our second week in Brisbane and immediately wished we'd...

The Healing Stone Day Spa

The Healing Stone Day Spa offers something genuinely unique that we hadn't experienced anywhere else...
Medical Services ▼

Mater Hospital Brisbane

The Mater Hospital Brisbane is one of the top medical facilities we recommend for travelers visiting...

Princess Alexandra Hospital

The Princess Alexandra Hospital (PAH) is another major public healthcare facility we want to highlig...

Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital

When we were researching essential emergency services in Brisbane, the Royal Brisbane and Women's Ho...

St Andrew's War Memorial Hospital

During our research on medical facilities in Brisbane, we discovered that St Andrew's War Memorial H...
Browse through our favorite wellness locations in Brisbane
Decorative top wave separator
Decorative bottom wave separator
Our Hoppy Adventures in Queensland's Capital

Beer & Brisbane

Forget what you know about Australian beer culture—Brisbane is reinventing craft brewing with its own subtropical twist. When we first landed in Brissie, we expected to find the usual XXXX beer everywhere, but instead stumbled upon this thriving craft beer scene that absolutely blew our minds! From converted WWII hangars to riverside brewpubs where you can literally dip your toes in the water, Brisbane's brewery playground combines Queensland's laid-back attitude with seriously impressive brewing skills. Here's our no-nonsense guide to getting deliciously hoppy in the sunshine state's capital!

Cold Ones in Hot Brisbane: What We Discovered

Our beer journey by the numbers

14
Breweries Visited

And counting! We kept finding new ones each week

47
Different Beers Tried

From crisp lagers to mind-bending sours

3
Sunburns Acquired

Always wear sunscreen on brewery patios!

∞
Reasons to Go Back

Brisbane's beer scene changes every month

What Makes Brisbane's Beer Scene Special?

It's the perfect storm: subtropical climate demanding refreshing brews + Queensland's experimental spirit + spaces designed for year-round outdoor drinking. When a brewer told us "Brisbane beer is like Brisbane itself—laid-back but quietly ambitious," we knew exactly what he meant.

Brisbane's Beer Characters

The breweries that capture the city's unique personality

Green Beacon Brewing

The OG Pioneer

Green Beacon Brewing Co

Remember when craft beer wasn't even a thing in Brisbane? Yeah, neither does anyone else now, thanks to Green Beacon. These guys basically kickstarted the whole scene back in 2013 when they opened their Teneriffe brewery in an old warehouse.

When we walked in, a local pointed at the brewing tanks and whispered, "That's basically the patient zero of Brisbane's beer epidemic." Their Wayfarer American Pale Ale is practically the official beer of Brisbane now—we ordered it everywhere we went, and it never disappointed. Even though they're now owned by a bigger company, locals still treat this place like hallowed ground.

Teneriffe  |  Must-try: Wayfarer American Pale Ale

Felons Brewing Co

The Showstopper

Felons Brewing Co

If you're coming to Brisbane and have time for just ONE brewery (though why would you limit yourself?), make it Felons. Located directly under the Story Bridge at Howard Smith Wharves, this place has the most ridiculous views in the city.

We spent an entire Sunday afternoon here, watching CityCats cruise by, tourists climb the bridge above, and the CBD skyline change colors as the sun set. Their Australian Pale Ale is crisp, light, and perfect for Brisbane's climate.

Howard Smith Wharves  |  Must-try: Australian Pale Ale

Range Brewing

The Mad Scientist

Range Brewing

This place is for the beer nerds who get excited about experimental hop varieties and wild yeast strains. Range Brewing NEVER makes the same beer twice—a concept that initially confused us but quickly became our obsession.

Their minimalist warehouse in Newstead feels like a beer laboratory, with all-white everything and gorgeous brewing tanks visible from the bar. We'd check their Instagram every few days to see what new concoctions they'd released.

Newstead  |  Must-try: Whatever's fresh that week

Ballistic Beer Co

The Hidden Gem

Ballistic Beer Co

When our Uber pulled up to this old WWII-era factory in Salisbury, we honestly thought the driver had made a mistake. Tucked away in this random industrial area, Ballistic Beer Co is the definition of "worth the journey."

This massive space with its high ceilings, vintage machinery, and sprawling beer garden was packed with locals and their dogs (yes, it's super pet-friendly!). Their Hawaiian Haze IPA became our weekend ritual—enough tropical fruitiness to make you forget you're in an industrial zone, but with a serious hop punch.

Salisbury  |  Must-try: Hawaiian Haze IPA

Brisbane Beers + Brisbane Food = Heaven

Our favorite beer and food combos to soak up all that craft goodness

Food Style Best Brewery For It What To Order Our Personal Experience
Wood-Fired Pizza
Brisbane Brewing Co (West End) The Shroom pizza with their Brisbane Pale Ale "We accidentally ordered three pizzas for just the two of us. No regrets."
Gourmet Burgers
Newstead Brewing Co (Milton) Brewers Burger with their 3 Quarter Time Session Ale "The burger was so tall we had to squash it down to fit in our mouths. Perfect drunk food."
Seafood
Green Beacon (Teneriffe) Seafood platter with their Wayfarer American Pale Ale "Fresh prawns + crisp pale ale = Queensland food heaven"
Mexican Street Food
Sea Legs Brewing (Kangaroo Point) Jackfruit tacos with their Tropical Lager "We got salsa all over our shirts but it was 100% worth it"
Cheese Boards
White Lies Brewing (Sumner) Local cheese board with their Vanilla Espresso Stout "The stout is basically dessert in a glass—perfect with sharp cheese"

Beers That Made Us Stay an Extra Week in Brisbane

Things we wish someone had told us before our brewery adventures

Timing Is Everything

Weekends get PACKED—like, can't-find-a-seat packed. We learned to hit breweries on Thursday or Friday afternoons for the best experience. Many breweries also run weekday happy hours with discounted tasting paddles.

"We showed up at Felons at noon on a Saturday and had to wait 45 minutes for a table. Rookie mistake!"

Merch Madness

Brisbane breweries have some of the coolest merchandise we've seen. Our suitcase ended up full of brewery t-shirts, glasses, and bottle openers. Range Brewing's minimalist tees and Green Beacon's nautical-themed glassware were our favorites.

"We now have a dedicated 'Brisbane beer shelf' in our living room back home."

Festival Season

Time your visit right and you might catch one of Brisbane's epic beer festivals. We lucked into Beer InCider Experience with 50+ breweries in one spot! Most breweries also host their own anniversary parties with special releases and live music.

"The hardest part is choosing which of the 30+ tasting stalls to visit first!"

Decorative top wave separator
Decorative bottom wave separator
Where to Work, Eat & Connect?

Brisbane's Best Digital Nomad Spots

Looking for places to fire up your laptop in Brisbane? After spending weeks working from cafes across the city, we've put together this guide to spots with reliable WiFi, good food, and enough power outlets to avoid that dreaded battery anxiety.

Fast, Free WiFi

All our recommended spots offer reliable connections that won't drop during your Zoom calls.

Power Outlets

We've checked that these places have accessible outlets so you can work without battery stress.

Budget-Friendly Options

Places where you can nurse a coffee for hours without breaking the bank or feeling pressured to leave.

South Bank & Cultural Precinct

The Library Cafe

What we love: Located in the State Library of Queensland, this spot has a naturally quiet atmosphere with academics and book lovers creating the perfect productive vibe.

The WiFi here is surprisingly fast, and there's a book shop next door when you need a screen break. The cafe sits right on South Bank with views of the river.

Digital Nomad Score
WiFi Speed:
Power Outlets:
Workspace Comfort:
Budget Guide
  • Coffee: $4.50-5.50
  • Light Meal: $12-18
  • Stay Limit: Unlimited
Address: Stanley Place, South Brisbane | Hours: Mon-Fri 7:30am-4pm, Sat-Sun 9am-4pm

QAG Cafe

What we love: Set inside the Queensland Art Gallery, this cafe offers both indoor seating and a secluded sculpture courtyard. Perfect for when you need inspiration while working.

The leafy courtyard has a water feature that drowns out background noise, making it ideal for focusing. Plus, you can take art breaks between work sessions.

Digital Nomad Score
WiFi Speed:
Power Outlets:
Workspace Comfort:
Budget Guide
  • Coffee: $5-6
  • Light Meal: $15-22
  • Stay Limit: 3-4 hours
Address: Stanley Place, South Brisbane | Hours: Wed-Mon 10am-4:30pm, Closed Tuesdays

CBD & West End

Brew Cafe & Wine Bar

What we love: This laneway cafe has an underground speakeasy vibe with brick walls covered in street art and gig posters. It transforms from quiet cafe to buzzing wine bar as the day progresses.

The WiFi is surprisingly fast, and there are plenty of dark corners with power outlets. The all-day menu means you can settle in for hours without going hungry.

Digital Nomad Score
WiFi Speed:
Power Outlets:
Workspace Comfort:
Budget Guide
  • Coffee: $4.50-6
  • Light Meal: $14-22
  • Stay Limit: All day
Address: Lower Burnett Lane, Brisbane CBD | Hours: Mon-Fri 7am-Late, Sat-Sun 9am-Late

The Gunshop Cafe

What we love: Housed in a historic building in West End, this cafe has character with brick walls, wooden floors, and a hidden backyard garden that's perfect for working outdoors.

Their breakfast menu is famous among locals, and the cafe is just a 10-minute walk from South Bank and the cultural precinct, making it easy to change scenery during the day.

Digital Nomad Score
WiFi Speed:
Power Outlets:
Workspace Comfort:
Budget Guide
  • Coffee: $4.50-6
  • Light Meal: $16-25
  • Stay Limit: 2-3 hours
Address: 53 Mollison St, West End | Hours: Mon-Sun 7am-3pm

Best Neighborhood Options

When you're staying a bit longer in Brisbane, it helps to know which neighborhoods have good work-friendly spots so you can be more productive.

New Farm

About 2km from the CBD, this quieter neighborhood has several cafes with good WiFi and a more relaxed vibe than the city center.

Perfect if you need to focus without the constant hustle of tourists and city workers around you.

Why work here:
  • Quiet atmosphere
  • Good cafes with reliable WiFi
  • New Farm Park nearby for breaks
  • Connected by CityCat ferry
West End

Brisbane's most bohemian neighborhood is filled with independent cafes where you can work for hours without anyone rushing you.

The creative atmosphere makes it perfect for digital creatives and those who need inspiration.

Why work here:
  • Creative atmosphere
  • Many budget-friendly options
  • Diverse food choices
  • Walking distance to South Bank
Fortitude Valley

If you like to work with a bit of buzz around you, "The Valley" offers trendy cafes that transform from quiet morning spots to lively venues later in the day.

Great for networking with other digital nomads and creative professionals.

Why work here:
  • Vibrant atmosphere
  • Good for meeting people
  • Close to train station
  • Late-night options

Brisbane Digital Nomad Pro Tips

WiFi Alternatives

Brisbane CBD has free public WiFi in many areas. Look for the "Brisbane Free WiFi" network throughout South Bank, Queen Street Mall, and other public spaces if cafe internet is slow.

Power Bank Essential

Not all cafes have easily accessible outlets. A good 20,000mAh power bank can keep your laptop running for hours when you can't find a plug.

Weather Planning

Brisbane's afternoon thunderstorms can knock out power and WiFi. Schedule important video calls in the morning when weather is typically more stable.

Off-Peak Savings

Many cafes have special deals between 2-4pm to fill the post-lunch lull. This is often the quietest time to work with fewer crowds and sometimes discounted coffee.

Decorative top wave separator
Decorative bottom wave separator
Latest blogs

Blogs about Brisbane

The 5 must-visit dining spots in Brisbane's food scene

March 11, 2025

Brisbane is like that friend who knows all the best places to eat but insists on keeping them a secret until you ask (and even then, they might still

View all blogs
Community Q&A

Got a question about Brisbane? Fire away!

No Questions Yet!

Be the first to ask a question about Brisbane! Share your travel insights and help fellow adventurers explore this destination.

Have a Question? Ask Away!

Be specific with your question to get the most helpful answer for your travel plans.
Brisbane 1
Brisbane 2
Brisbane 3
Brisbane 4
Brisbane 5
Brisbane 6
Brisbane 7
Brisbane 8
Brisbane 9
Brisbane 10
Brisbane 11
Brisbane 12