Best Museums in Brisbane City

"Situated in Stanley Place on the South Bank of the Brisbane River, the Queensland Art Gallery is the state’s major visual arts institution, housing more than 15,000 Australian and international paintings, sculptures and decorative art. It’s worth letting a Volunteer Guide share their knowledge and take you on a 30-40 minute tour of the gallery to get some perspective of the huge range of works that make up the expanding collection. Address: South Bank, Stanley Place, Cultural Precinct, Brisbane, 4101Telephone: +61 7 3840 7303.Opening times:"

"Considered one of Australia’s finest art galleries, QAGOMA came about in 2006, with the merging of the history Queensland Art Gallery (established in 1895), with the Gallery of Modern Art. Located in an architecturally significant building on Brisbane’s South Bank, the two galleries are home to some incredible visual art from around the world, along with work by Indigenous artists and interactive exhibits."

"If you only have time for a short art gallery immersion, there are two Brisbane galleries that should be on your list. Queensland Art Gallery and The Gallery of Modern Art are right beside each other, and entry is free unless you are visiting a special exhibition. It’s worth checking to see what’s on as apart from the fine collection of Australian and international paintings and sculptures."

"The Queensland Maritime Museum has real ships such as the warship Diamantina and the lugger Penguin as well as classic ship models, marine memorabilia, photographs, paintings, lighthouse equipment and many other historic items. It is a hands-on museum run by passionate volunteers, many of whom are retired ship masters, marine engineers, and ex-naval personnel. Cnr Stanley & Sidon Streets, South BrisbaneDaily 9.30am to 4.30pmAdmission charge"

"With the variety of large and fascinating exhibits on offer, the whole family will be sure to enjoy a visit to the Queensland Maritime Museum. The museum allows visitors to explore and discover plenty of historic vessels for themselves, with popular showcases being the ‘Diamantina’ warship, ‘Penguin’, and more. For more information or to plan your visit, head to the Queensland Maritime Museum website."

"Located at the far southern end of South Bank is the Queensland Maritime Museum. This old museum is one of Australia’s largest maritime museum and features various historic vessels and numerous items on display. The kids will love exploring the huge historic boats, including the historic 1945 warship Diamantina, the 1925 steam tug boat as well as Jessica Watson’s Ella’s Pink Lady."

"A hidden gem of Brisbane that many locals don’t seem to know, the QUT Art Museum is located on the edge of the City Botanical Garden and is an intimate university gallery showcasing rotating internally curated exhibitions, commissioned projects and touring exhibitions of modern and contemporary works by Australian artists. Always thought-provoking, entry is typically free and visiting only takes around an hour. If you make it here, you should combine it with a visit to their sister gallery nearby in the stately Old Government House dedicated to the works of Australia’s pre-eminent landscape artist, William Robinson."

"This fine collection of 2000 plus contemporary works encompasses sculpture, painting and decorative arts and as such has a strong showing of Australian art from the 1960’s onwards."

"Just outside the CBD, you’ll find Mt Coot-tha – the closed mountain to the city, which from the top offers amazing panoramic views of the city. There is a range of activities for families to enjoy here, including bushwalks, picnics and even a planetarium. For brilliant views of Brisbane city – it is highly recommended to go to the observation deck where on a clear day you can see all the way out to Moreton Bay."

"If your little ones are interested in all things astronomical, then this is the place for them. You can view regular shows in the Cosmic Skydome which are projected onto the dome.These shows are recommended for different age groups, so check that detail when deciding which show to go to. There is also the Galaxy Gift Shop where you can buy all things cosmic."

"Set your eyes to the skies at The Sir Thomas Brisbane Planetarium: the perfect place for the whole family to learn about stars, planets and all things space. Check out recreations of the night sky in the cosmic skydome, see fragments of asteroids and spacecraft models, and watch educational and entertaining feature shows."

"Enter the dazzling world of LightPlay where children can explore their artistic potential in an interactive space created especially for them!. Play with overhead projectors and illuminated light boxes and discover what happens when light is cast on different materials. Explore transparency, reflection and shadow as well as other properties of light."

"As a Covid safe compliance measure, visitors to Ipswich Art Gallery must currently pre-book their 90-minute sessions in advance. Ipswich Art Gallery is one..."

"One of the most visited regional art galleries in Queensland, the Ipswich Art Gallery is set in a handsome heritage building that was once the Town Hall"

"There’s nothing dusty or musty about this slick little timber building on the edge of the Old Petrie Town car park."

"The RAAF base at Amberley is the largest Air Force base in Australia, with an incredible 5,000 personnel employed there. At the base's Aviation Heritage..."

"Queensland's most important heritage building, this 1862 showpiece was designed by estimable government architect Charles Tiffin as a residence for Sir George Bowen, Queensland’s first governor. The lavish innards were restored in 2009 and the property now offers free podcast and one-hour guided tours; the latter must be booked in advance. The first floor houses the William Robinson Gallery, dedicated to the great Australian artist and home to an impressive collection of his paintings, prints, drawings, sculpture and ceramics."

"When Queensland separated from New South Wales in 1859, it needed a new building to house its independent government. Today, you can learn about colonial life in Queensland by taking a tour of this building, Old Government House, and its grounds, including the drawing room, storeroom, and servant's hall. The museum also has a variety of historical artifacts, as well as video and multimedia exhibits."

"Located in Milton, the Castlemaine Perkins (XXXX) brewery provides a glimpse of the inner workings of a heritage brewery – as well as a taste of a much-loved classic Australian beer. The Castlemaine Perkins Brewery was established in 1878. Today visitors can take a 75-minute tour through the site and gain an understanding of the ingredients and brewing process before learning to pour a beer in the XXXX Ale House Bar."

"Fly Fridays and I Love RnB Saturdays are the events on every week at Sky and Lotus. This Dance and Nightclub features RnB, Hip hop and Soul across two level of entertainment as well as occasional special guests such as Gina Darling. With a $10/$20 cover charge each night or cheaper on the guest list this is the place to be."

"Fly Fridays and you will Love RnB Saturdays which are the events on every week at Sky and Lotus. This Dance and Nightclub features RnB, Hip hop and Soul across two levels of entertainment as well as occasional special guests such as Gina Darling."

"If you’re keen to stay out of the city or Fortitude Valley, then head to Rumpus in Brisbane’s West End. It’s a relaxed cocktail bar, but is a great place to head if you want a dance without the pressure of a night club."

"When the first idea doesn’t pan out… there’s always Plan B. Tucked into Petrie Terrace is this American inspired indulgent eatery, that offers loaded burgers, hot dogs, Philly cheese steaks and chicken served every way imaginable. We recommend the Mac & Cheese Dog with a side of Popcorn Chicken. Wear your loosest fitting pants and thank us later."