Holiday rentals in Brisbane

Nestled in the southeast corner of Queensland, Brisbane is the state capital and the third most populous city in Australia. A compact, intuitively planned metropolis, the aptly named River City blends year-round blue skies, spectacular natural attractions, beautiful bays, and a world-class alfresco dining scene.

Parklands are one of the city’s key features — its extensive and ever-expanding green network covers more than 6,000 hectares. A leisurely stroll along Weeping Fig Avenue takes you to the original riverside City Botanic Gardens, home to one-of-a-kind ornamental ponds and tranquil bamboo groves. Music is a big part of life here, with internationally-acclaimed acts from country stars to indie bands all having started out in Brisbane’s small venues. There’s a cluster of hotspots to take in a gig or two a few streets north of Story Bridge. Sleek glass and smooth concrete house the city’s Gallery of Modern Art, while the Powerhouse offers theatre, comedy, and more in a formerly disused power station.

Brisbane boasts a subtropical climate with over 280 days of sunshine per year. If you’re planning an active break or looking to head deeper into Queensland, the height of summer (December through February) could be uncomfortable, especially if you’re not used to the strong Australian sun. This season is also when the city experiences its highest levels of rainfall, which can be heavy and involve thunderstorms. Spring (September through November) and autumn (March through May) tend to be milder, with pleasant temperatures making outdoor activities a more attractive proposition. Winter (June through August) tends to bring crisp, dry days with cool temperatures, especially at night, so extra layers are recommended. One of the city’s major events is the Brisbane Festival, which brings together music, theatre, and dance at a multitude of venues and spectacular fireworks displays above the river over three weeks in September.

Brisbane City Markets

Brisbane has its fair share of top-rated eateries, but the best place to find produce for your own culinary creations is the Brisbane City Markets. They pop up in Reddacliff Place every Wednesday and Cathedral Square every Thursday, where you can find out more about local ingredients directly from farmers and artisan producers.

Story Bridge

At the end of September, the Riverfire Festival lights up the night sky with fireworks against the iconic backdrop of this heritage-listed bridge. Adventurous visitors can even climb to the top to get a mesmerising 360-degree view of the River City and Kangaroo Point. Underneath the steel frame, you’ll find warehouses-turned-beer halls and open-air cafes by the water.

The view from the river

Knockout views of the glittering city skyline are guaranteed from the Brisbane River, whether you’re enjoying a morning paddle, timing your crossing for sunset, or indulging in one of the organised dinner cruises on offer. Most boats for the latter leave Eagle Street Pier in the early evening and include live onboard entertainment to accompany breathtaking vistas.