Brisbane Central Business District Travel Guide

Brisbane
Brisbane Central Business District
Discover the beating heart of the capital of the Sunshine State with its shiny high-rises, subtropical parks, funky rooftop bars and classy riverside restaurants.

Despite its name, the Brisbane Central Business District is not all about working and conferencing. Tourists love to come here to take a river cruise, sip cocktails in rooftop lounge bars, discover the city’s eclectic dining scene and take morning strolls through landscaped gardens.

What the Central Business District (CBD) of Brisbane lacks in pumping nightlife it makes up for in nature, history and culture. Start your explorations at Central Station and follow the Albert Street Literary Walkplaques to the heart of the historic CBD. Take photos of King George Square’s historic stone church with modern skyscrapers in the background, then explore the Museum of Brisbane or head up to the clock tower in the Brisbane City Hall.

Old Government House and Treasury Casino in George Street are some of the CBD’s most stately buildings. Another treasure, Customs House, overlooks the Brisbane River from the end of Queen Street. Follow this street to the Queen Street Mall for unlimited shopping opportunities.

From the river end of the mall, take a little detour to ANZAC Square to admire its War Memorial with Shrine of Remembrance and manicured gardens before checking out the riverfront.

Once you reach the river, have a meal or drinks at the always bustling Eagle Street Pier with views of the Kangaroo Point Cliffs and the Story Bridge. Alternatively, hop on the historic paddle-wheeler boat for a dining cruise. And if you’re feeling active, take the free ferry across to go rock or bridge climbing, kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding.

Head to Gardens Point on the southern tip of the CBD to explore the Brisbane City Botanic Gardens with its lush subtropical flora and fauna. In the evening, attend an open-air concert at its Riverstage or take the car-free Goodwill Bridge across to the cultural precinct of South Bank with its romantic alfresco dining scene.

On the opposite side of the CBD, the Roma Street Parkland is an even bigger park and events venue. The Roma Street Transit Centre gives easy access to this sprawling urban park.

With so many relaxing and fascinating activities and attractions around, the Brisbane Central Business District provides the perfect setting to combine business with pleasure.


Popular places to visit

Things to do


Top hotels in Brisbane Central Business District

Royal On The Park
Royal On The Park
4.5 out of 5
152 Alice Street, Brisbane, QLD
The price is Rp1.808.423 per night from 3 Nov to 4 Nov
Rp1.808.423
Rp2.013.926 total
includes taxes & fees
3 Nov - 4 Nov
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Brisbane. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,011 reviews)
"We liked everything about the whole experience. Thanks."

Reviewed on 28 Oct 2024

Royal On The Park
Ibis Styles Brisbane Elizabeth Street
Ibis Styles Brisbane Elizabeth Street
4 out of 5
40 Elizabeth Street, Brisbane, QLD
The price is Rp1.623.377 per night from 1 Dec to 2 Dec
Rp1.623.377
Rp1.785.715 total
includes taxes & fees
1 Dec - 2 Dec
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Brisbane. Enjoy breakfast (surcharge), room service and a 24-hour fitness centre. Our guests praise the helpful ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,010 reviews)
"We had a great stay. The staff were very welcoming and efficient, the room was comfortable with an excellent view. The bed and pillows were one the best I have slept on in a hotel. It was excellent value for money."

Reviewed on 28 Oct 2024

Ibis Styles Brisbane Elizabeth Street
Stamford Plaza Brisbane
Stamford Plaza Brisbane
5 out of 5
Corner of Margaret & Edward Streets, South Brisbane, Brisbane, QLD
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is Rp2.102.808 per night from 24 Nov to 25 Nov
Rp2.102.808
Rp2.313.068 total
includes taxes & fees
24 Nov - 25 Nov
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Brisbane. Enjoy 3 restaurants, breakfast (surcharge) and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,008 reviews)
"Friendly, lovely & helpful trainee staff as well as the regular staff (except for a bossy kiwi, a costly boss and a sneaky 🇸🇬 Chef; Yes, true, we all know; All was perfect as far food & service is concerned; It’s a top-notched surf n’ turf menu too!"

Reviewed on 28 Oct 2024

Stamford Plaza Brisbane
George Williams Hotel Brisbane
George Williams Hotel Brisbane
4 out of 5
317 - 325 George Street, Brisbane, QLD
The price is Rp1.576.459 per night from 3 Nov to 4 Nov
Rp1.576.459
Rp1.734.105 total
includes taxes & fees
3 Nov - 4 Nov
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Brisbane. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,015 reviews)
"A great place to stay in the city"

Reviewed on 31 Oct 2024

George Williams Hotel Brisbane
Capri by Fraser, Brisbane
Capri by Fraser, Brisbane
4.5 out of 5
80 Albert Street (Cnr Mary St), Brisbane, QLD
The price is Rp1.869.511 per night from 1 Dec to 2 Dec
Rp1.869.511
Rp2.084.397 total
includes taxes & fees
1 Dec - 2 Dec
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Brisbane. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and room service. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,007 reviews)
"Excellent staff very helpful 👍room was clean but difficult for older people to run coffee maker no directions on that ,and kettle didn’t work for tea🙄carpets need replacing I would stay here again that been said 👍would just check everything first day and sort it out!"

Reviewed on 25 Oct 2024

Capri by Fraser, Brisbane
Great Southern Hotel Brisbane
Great Southern Hotel Brisbane
3.5 out of 5
103 George Street, Brisbane, QLD
The price is Rp1.172.960 per night from 3 Nov to 4 Nov
Rp1.172.960
Rp1.290.256 total
includes taxes & fees
3 Nov - 4 Nov
Stay at this 3.5-star hotel in Brisbane. Enjoy breakfast (surcharge), Wi-Fi (surcharge) and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
7.6/10 Good! (1,007 reviews)
"Plenty of room in rooms and close to queens wharf"

Reviewed on 26 Oct 2024

Great Southern Hotel Brisbane
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Other neighbourhoods around Brisbane Central Business District

Kangaroo Point showing a bay or harbour, night scenes and a city

Kangaroo Point

The ample dining options and beautiful river views are top of the list for many visitors to Kangaroo Point. A stop by Kangaroo Point Cliffs or Holman Street Ferry Terminal might round out your trip.

Kangaroo Point
Spring Hill

Spring Hill

Travellers to Spring Hill praise its popular shops. If you've got some more time to explore, be sure to stop by Anglican All Saints Church and Tower Mill.

Spring Hill
Fortitude Valley

Fortitude Valley

Fortitude Valley is known for its ample dining options, and you can make a stop by Brunswick Street Mall and Fortitude Music Hall while in the area.

Fortitude Valley
South Bank

South Bank

South Bank is a destination visitors seek out for its abundant dining options, interesting museums and stunning river views. You might want to check out attractions like South Bank Parklands or Streets Beach while you're exploring the neighbourhood.

South Bank
South Bank which includes flowers, a city and a river or creek

South Brisbane

South Brisbane is a destination visitors seek out for its ample dining options, fascinating museums and beautiful river views. You might also want to check out attractions like Queensland Performing Arts Centre or Queensland Conservatorium while you're exploring the neighbourhood.

South Brisbane
New Farm Park showing a garden, a high-rise building and landscape views

New Farm

Unique features of New Farm include the river views and coffee shops. Make a stop by New Farm Park or Brisbane Powerhouse while you're exploring the area.

New Farm

Brisbane Central Business District Travel Guide