Brisbane may not always receive the same attention as Sydney or Melbourne, but after spending time here, I quickly realized it deserves a spot on every Australian itinerary. With a vibrant riverfront, stylish hotels, incredible dining, and easy access to nature and wellness retreats, Brisbane offers a relaxed sophistication that feels distinctly Australian.

 

Locals affectionately call the Brisbane River “The Brown Snake.” The nickname comes from both its winding path through the city and the brownish color of the water. While the name may not sound glamorous, the river itself is one of Brisbane’s greatest assets. Each evening, we found ourselves drawn to the waterfront, where a beautifully lit bridge changed colors against the night sky and locals filled the walking/ jogging path.

The riverfront is lined with inviting outdoor restaurants and gathering spaces. We enjoyed strolling past lively venues such as Felons Brewing Co. and Stanley Restaurant, soaking in the atmosphere while watching ferries glide by. One of Brisbane’s best bargains is the CityCat ferry system, where rides cost just 50 cents and provide a scenic way to explore the city from the water.

A Stay at The Calile

For travelers who love luxury, design, and shopping, The Calile Hotel is one of Brisbane’s standout properties.

Pronounced “Cal-isle,” as in California + island, the six-story hotel opened in 2019 and has become an icon of Brisbane’s stylish James Street precinct. Interestingly, the hotel’s Lebanese owner actually lives in the hotel.

The James Street precinct is what locals refer to as a neighborhood district, and this one happens to be filled with upscale boutiques, cafés, restaurants, and designer shopping. 

The first floor of The Calile is home to a stunning outdoor pool surrounded by palm trees, Helenika, a poolside Greek restaurant, a well-equipped fitness center, and a spa. 

I loved our room’s mid-century-inspired interior, spacious shower, private patio overlooking the pool, and the hotel’s overall attention to detail.

If your ideal vacation includes high-end shopping, upscale dining, and beautiful accommodations all within walking distance, The Calile is your place to stay.

Wellness in the Woods

After a long international flight, there may be no better way to recover than a visit to Sol Elements.

Located just over an hour outside Brisbane, this intimate wellness destination feels like a hidden sanctuary. The bathhouse features thermal pools, cold plunges, saunas, steam rooms, and even flotation caves designed to help guests completely unwind.

Our family reserved one of the private wellness suites, which included an outdoor hot tub, a two-person infrared sauna, cold plunge pool, private shower, and a wellness minibar stocked with non-alcoholic beverages. It was peaceful, secluded, and exactly what we needed after busy travel days. Rates range from approximately AUD $190-210 per person depending on the day of the week.

Wander in the Wilderness

One of the highlights of our Brisbane visit was escaping the city for a stay with Wander.

About an hour and a half outside downtown Brisbane, we arrived at our Wander Pod tucked into a peaceful rural landscape. 

Surrounded by nature, overlooking a lake, and shaded by a magnificent tree, it felt like our own private retreat.

Our two-bedroom pod was ideal for our family of four and included a comfortable living area, kitchen, and bathroom. We spent our time enjoying meals outdoors, relaxing around the fire pit after sunset, grilling dinner, and simply appreciating the quiet surroundings.

A glimpse of the Crumpet Wander pod, highlighting its manicured lawn and scenic lakefront pathways. Video courtesy Marika Flatt.

One of my favorite features was the option to order farm-fresh meal crates. We arrived to find our refrigerator stocked with local produce and meats, allowing us to prepare delicious meals without ever leaving the property (such a welcome simple pleasure after so much dining out).

The thoughtful amenities made the stay even more memorable. We enjoyed listening to music through the provided speaker, using the vintage Fuji camera that instantly printed photos while also saving digital copies, sipping espresso from the machine each morning, and taking advantage of fresh drinking water already stocked in the refrigerator.

Colorful Comfort at Ovolo The Valley

Back in Brisbane, we spent time at Ovolo The Valley, a hotel that proudly embraces the unexpected.

Located in Fortitude Valley, Brisbane’s hub for art, music, and pop culture, Ovolo is anything but ordinary. The vibrant design begins the moment you walk into the lobby, where colorful artwork and bright fuchsia seating, and a playful candy station (lollies, as they’re called in Australia) immediately set the tone.

Although our stay was brief, we loved the spacious rooms, comfortable beds, and highly walkable location. 

Breakfast at Kazba

Tucked on the corner of Ovolo The Valley hotel, Kazba is a small restaurant, full of whimsy.

The café’s vibrant atmosphere had us at hello, and the menu featured “Brissy” morning dishes. We sampled the Ovolo Pancakes topped with whipped Chantilly cream, maple syrup, and berry compote, smashed avocado on sourdough, the hearty Ovolo Fry, and a hearty bacon and egg pita.

Rooftop Dining at Iris

Iris, on the rooftop of X Hotel, decorated with cascading floral installations and even a sparkling silver disco ball, offers sweeping city views and a lively atmosphere.

The menu focuses on Spanish-inspired tapas designed for sharing. Our family enjoyed a leisurely late lunch featuring croquettes, crab tostadas, papas bravas, and empanadas paired with refreshing drinks. The extensive wine, cocktail, and beer menu makes it easy to settle in and enjoy the view.

Riverfront Dining at Stanley

Located directly on Brisbane’s riverfront, Stanley delivers exceptional Cantonese cuisine alongside one of the city’s most energetic dining scenes.

On a busy Friday evening, we grabbed a coveted patio table overlooking the water and watched the riverfront bustle around us.

We began with pork and prawn dumplings served in a flavorful broth before moving on to sweet-and-sour chicken, tender beef short ribs, and Stanley fried rice. Paired with a bottle of wine, the meal felt relaxed, lively, and distinctly Brisbane.

Cultural Tourism

The Queensland Art Gallery and the Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA), two museums that sit side by side along the Brisbane River are part of the city’s Cultural Centre. Whether you’re drawn to classical masterpieces or contemporary installations, these galleries offer something for every kind of art lover—and general admission to both is completely free.

A casual bistro overlooks a whimsical public art installation affectionately known as the “Big Hose,” where children played while parents relaxed over lunch and a glass of wine. I enjoyed a delicious vegetable pasta paired with a flat white.

I was fortunate to visit during the final days of Presence, a rotating exhibition inspired by an artist’s time spent with family in Iceland. Using light and raw natural materials, the exhibit created an immersive experience. 

The next major exhibition, Making Believe: The Magic of Jim Henson, promises to be equally exciting for visitors of all ages. While admission to the permanent collections is free, the rotating exhibitions and special evening experiences require tickets. Those evening programs range from bespoke gallery tours—many celebrating the rich traditions and stories of First Nations artists—to curated tasting experiences, which average around AU$95. Plan to spend about an hour in each gallery, both of which are open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. 

The Queensland Art Gallery began in 1895 with a modest collection of just 38 paintings. Today, the institution cares for more than 20,000 works of art, displaying roughly 1,000 pieces at any given time. Since moving into its current Brutalist-style building in 1982, the gallery is part of the Cultural Attractions of Australia collective.

One of my favorite spaces was the watermall, where natural light pours into the building, creating a peaceful atmosphere that reflects Queensland’s subtropical climate.

As I wandered through the collections, I found works by Edgar Degas, Pablo Picasso, celebrated Australian sculptor Daphne Mayo.

Why Brisbane Belongs on Your Travel List

What surprised me most about Brisbane was how effortlessly it balances urban sophistication with outdoor living. Whether you’re walking along “the Brown Snake”, riding a 50-cent ferry down the river, indulging in rooftop tapas, relaxing in a thermal spa, or escaping to a tiny home in the countryside, Brisbane offers experiences that feel authentic, approachable, and refreshingly uncrowded.

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Cover photo Marika Flatt

 

Marika Flatt, Outstanding Austin Communicator 2021, is the Travel Editor of Texas Lifestyle Magazine. She began her travel writing career in 2002, and can be seen as a contributor on TV shows across Texas, such as Great Day Houston, San Antonio Living, Spectrum News product showcase and Spectrum News Travel (airs statewide), Good Morning Texas, KVUE, Daytime (airs statewide), and Studio 512! Marika spent five years as the voice of the “Weekend Trip Tip” on NPR’s Texas Standard pre-Covid. Follow Marika on Instagram.