What's happening in Brisbane?
Find events, exhibitions and things to do on the city's tourism calendar. For South Bank events and parkland notices, check the precinct's own listings.
Visit Brisbane: what's on ↗South Bank: what's on ↗
Australia / Queensland / City review
BRISBANE: THE RIVER CITY
Sunny river walks, big-city culture and a surprisingly laid-back rhythm. Is Queensland’s capital worth your time?
Brisbane does not try to be Sydney or Melbourne. Its appeal is different: a winding river, generous outdoor spaces, warm weather and a city centre that feels manageable rather than overwhelming.
The Brisbane River gives the city its shape and much of its character. Ferries glide past office towers, footbridges link leafy paths with galleries and cafés, and whole afternoons can disappear around South Bank without spending much money. For a visitor, that is an unusually easy introduction to a capital city.
It is not perfect. Summer heat and humidity can be intense, a great deal of greater Brisbane is spread out, and some of the best experiences depend on planning transport. But for a relaxed, outdoors-focused city break, Brisbane has plenty to recommend it.
The complete city guide
Explore Brisbane, one topic at a time
Choose a section below. Each one has its own page, with the same menu at the top to help you find your way around.
Visitor essentials / Official information
What to do, and how to get there
Start with our neighbourhood and activity guides above, then use these official resources for current events, fares, accessibility and local help. Details can change, so check again before setting out.
South Bank: what's on ↗
Getting around for 50 cents
As of October 2026, Translink's flat 50-cent fare covers most local buses, trains and ferries. Airport Airtrain services are excluded. Check fares and service changes before travel.
Current fares and exceptions ↗Plan a journey ↗
Need local visitor advice?
The South Bank Visitor Centre is at Stanley Street Plaza, South Bank Parklands. Brisbane also has visitor information centres at the domestic and international airport terminals.
Locations and contact details ↗Accessible transport and venues
Accessibility varies by station, ferry terminal and attraction. Check accessible services and stops before travelling, especially when planning wheelchair or mobility-scooter journeys.
Translink accessible services ↗CityCat terminals and services ↗
Visitor links and transport information reviewed 26 October 2026. Current arrangements may differ by the time of your visit.
Looking ahead / Brisbane 2032
Visiting for the Olympic or Paralympic Games?
Confirmed dates: Olympic Games, 23 July–8 August 2032; Paralympic Games, 24 August–5 September 2032. Events are planned across Brisbane and other Queensland locations, so your accommodation and travel plans may depend on the sport you want to see.
Venue plans are still being delivered. The planned new Brisbane Stadium at Victoria Park is intended to host ceremonies and athletics; it is not an operating visitor venue today. Other venue, transport and access arrangements may change before 2032. Check official updates rather than relying on old maps or artist impressions.
Brisbane City Council: 2032 dates and overview ↗
Queensland Government: venue delivery updates ↗
International Paralympic Committee ↗
2032 dates confirmed; venue details describe plans and works as of 26 October 2026, not completed facilities or final spectator travel arrangements.
Photography & editorial notes
Photographs throughout these Brisbane pages are sourced from Wikimedia Commons, with individual file and licence links in their captions. The skyline photo by King Eliot is CC0; the photos by Kgbo and Batsv are licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Images are displayed with responsive visual framing. This review is an editorial overview; hours, costs and access details can change, so check the official links before visiting.