#TopSoloTravelDestination “Down Under”: #Brisbane, a Practical Guide

(For other information on solo travel with no single supplements and solo-priced lodging, go to our free search tool, the SoloTravelPricingTracker.net, and for our complimentary “Updated 2020-2021 Solo Travel Guidebook”, be sure to register while there.)

A Guest Post:  Delan Cooper

Kangaroo in South Australian vineyard

Brisbane, Australia, is a perfect destination for solo travelers with almost endless unique places to see and things to do. Here’s what you need to know!

Brisbane is the third-largest city of Australia and the capital of Queensland. The town holds a population of about 2.2 million people with diverse cultures. A significant percentage of its residents were born overseas, and they speak languages other than English. Brisbane sits on the Brisbane River floodplain of Brisbane River. While the last flood was in 2011, the riverbank  is not a good spot for a picnic since it is home to poisonous spiders, snakes and deadly jellyfishes, and even sharks along the shores. The Brisbane city has several nicknames, Brisneyland, The River City, Brissie, and Bris-Vegas

Languages: Residents speak Australian English, but there are a wide range of other languages such as Chinese, Japanese plus numerous European languages.

Currency: Australian dollar, “AUD”.

Climate:  The best time for visiting Brisbane is during summer, which is between November and March. During this time, temperature and humidity levels are high.

Getting there: From Brisbane Airport to the city, you can use Airtrain, CoachTrans, or Taxis.

While you are in the central business district, there are multiple options, at a wide range of prices, to stay overnight or sample local meals, including guesthouses, hostels, hotels, bars, restaurants, and cafes.

Getting around: You should be familiar with: SeeQ Card, Go Card, TransLink, Uber, Lyft and Taxis.

Nightlife: Drinking age is eighteen, and the last call is 3 AM. Fortitude Valley is famous for music and bars.

What to see: See our recommended unique landmarks and places below that you should certainly not miss.

Going in Style: If your budget permits, you could rent a vintage car in Brisbane; Dreams Rides. With rides for all occasions and different interests, you can choose from classic cars, kombi, luxury, and sports cars.

1. Museums

1.1 The Queensland Museum

Photo taken with Focos

Opened in 1862, the Queensland Museum has extensive collections of maritime artifacts, photos and books portraying the rich history of the relationship between the sea and Queensland and more broadly Australia.

1.2 Museum of Brisbane

Museum of Brisbane – New Woman exhibition launch.

courtesy of QAGOMA Queensland Government

The museum of Brisbane, housed within the Brisbane City Hall, showcases the historical and cultural progress of the city.

2. The Gabba

For sports fans: Gabba is a cricket ground for Brisbane and a stadium home for the Bulls, Queensland cricket team.

3. The Story Bridge Adventure Climb

courtesy of Tourism Australia

Not for the feint of heart: The Story Bridge is an iconic structure in Brisbane, and climbing it gives you a chance to enjoy the city’s clear view and its surroundings.

4. The Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary

Cute Australian koala in its natural habitat of gumtrees

The unique zoo has visitors touching and feeding wildlife animals such as wallabies, dingoes, crocodiles, snakes, wombats, and kangaroos. This wildlife sanctuary nestled on the Brisbane River is ideal for taking pictures of you cuddling a koala, platypus feeding, and many more.

5. The Lamington National Park

courtesy of Queensland Government

More wildlife: The park gives you the opportunity to view a wide range of birds and even feed the parrots. You can also visit the rainforest and enjoy the canopy walk. Last, but not least, visit the neighboring alpaca farm.

6. Queen Street Mall

The Queen Street Mall has something for everyone, hosting over seven hundred retailers. Centrally located and pedestrian-friendly, the complex will be a particularly rewarding experience for finding souvenirs or gifts for family and friends. Wednesdays are very popular when the end of the mall is transformed into an open market full of local produce and flower selling.

7. Moreton Island Day Trip

You can easily access the island by riding on a ferry, which takes seventy-five minutes. It is the third-largest sand island in the world. Much of the island is in the design of a national park with lush vegetation and sandy beaches. It‘s perfect for an active visit withdiving, water sports, sea kayaking, and fishing.

8. Customs House

courtesy of Rae Allen

Owned by the University of Queensland, the Customs House provides a venue for cultural and educational events. It also offers indoor and outdoor restaurants and Story Bridge views. On Sundays, free tours and music concerts are also featured.

9. The Southbank

Melbourne’s famous skyline from Southbank towards Flinders St Station in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

The Southbank offers something for everyone with an almost endless choice of bars, restaurants, cafes, and boutiques that surround it.  A quieter alternative can be found at the beach nearby with picnic areas that make Southbank perfect for taking a walk in this lively precinct.

Solo Trekker 4 U.com Founder Elizabeth Avery:  My travels alone to Australia was one of my top five solo travels of a lifetime. I found it enough like my home in the United States to be comfortable but different enough to be very interesting. I also loved the warm, informal atmosphere. It was also very easy to get around walking or via public transportation. While Sydney and the Great Barrier Reef were givens as a top part of my trip, Melbourne was a real pleasant surprise. Top day trips include the Great Ocean Road with the Twelve Apostles and Phillip Island.

See also our select posts on Australia: Solo Travel Australia a Top Destination (solotrekker4u.com), 5 Survival Secrets For Solo Female Backpackers in Australia | Solo Trekker (solotrekker4u.com) and New Solo Travel Destinations: Australia’s Tasmania | Solo Trekker (solotrekker4u.com)

• Don’t forget travel insurance, especially in 2021. (Solo Trekker suggests checking out InsureMyTrip.)
• (Solo Trekker recommends you try out its free app the Solo Sherpa to customize your own packing list. Available at the App Store and Google Play Store.)
• (For other information on solo travel with no single supplements and solo-priced lodging, go to our free search tool, the SoloTravelPricingTracker.net, and for our complimentary “Updated 2020-2021 Solo Travel Guidebook”, be sure to register while there.)