Solo travel · Brisbane · Australia
Solo travel in Brisbane
How to enjoy Brisbane at your own pace.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Quick answer
Brisbane is relaxed and easy for solo travellers, with hostels in Fortitude Valley and the CBD, free galleries and ferries, and a friendly bar scene. Many solo travellers base themselves in Brisbane CBD.
Key facts
- Base
- Brisbane CBD
- Getting around
- Ferry
- Emergency number
- 000 (police, fire and ambulance); 112 from mobiles
- Language
- English
Solo travel tips
- Stay near Central station or in Fortitude Valley for transport links and nightlife.
- Join a free walking tour or a Story Bridge climb to meet other travellers.
- Use the free CityHopper and the riverside paths to see the city without spending much.
- Take day trips to the coast by train rather than renting a car alone.
- Use well-lit, busy routes in the Valley late at night and book a ride-hail home.
Where to stay
$$$ · Best for first-timers, shopping and solo travellers
Brisbane CBD
The central business district fills the river bend between the City Botanic Gardens and Roma Street, with Queen Street Mall's shops, City Hall, the Treasury Building and Parliament House. Central station has the Airtrain, and the free CityHopper ferry and CityCats stop along the riverfront. It is the most convenient base for first-timers and business travellers, though it quietens in the evening.
- Good
- Central transport hub, including the Airtrain; Walk to South Bank across the river; Wide choice of hotels
- Watch out
- Quiet at night outside the main streets; Office-district feel on weekdays
- Nearby
- Queen Street Mall, City Botanic Gardens, Brisbane City Hall, Roma Street Parkland
Great on your own
Landmark · Kangaroo Point
Story Bridge
Walk across at dusk from Kangaroo Point towards the Valley for skyline views, then descend to Howard Smith Wharves for dinner.
- Time needed
- 30 minutes; 2.5 hours to climb
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- Views
- Iconic
- After dark
- Architecture
Experience · Brisbane River
CityCat river ferry
Ride the whole route once, sitting on the outside deck at the front, and stop off at New Farm Park or Howard Smith Wharves.
- Time needed
- 1–2 hours
- Cost
- Low cost
- Iconic
- Views
- Kids
- Couples
Gallery · South Bank
Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA)
Check the programme for the Children's Art Centre and the cinémathèque, both included in or alongside the free collection displays.
- Time needed
- 2 hours
- Cost
- Free
- Art
- Free
- Rainy day
- Kids
- Architecture
Gallery · South Bank
Queensland Art Gallery
Start here, cross to GOMA, then have lunch at the riverside café between the two buildings.
- Time needed
- 1.5 hours
- Cost
- Free
- Art
- Free
- Rainy day
Museum · South Bank
Queensland Museum Kurilpa
SparkLab charges separately; the main galleries are free and suit a hot or rainy afternoon.
- Time needed
- 2 hours
- Cost
- Free
- Kids
- Free
- Rainy day
- History
Viewpoint · Kangaroo Point
Kangaroo Point Cliffs
Book a guided climbing or abseiling session for a first try, or come after dark to see the city lights reflected in the river.
- Time needed
- 1 hour
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- Views
- After dark
- Active
- Photo spot
Meeting people
- Eat Street Northshore — A shipping-container night market at Hamilton's riverfront with street food from around the world, open on weekend evenings.
- Saturday farmers' markets — The Powerhouse market in New Farm and the Davies Park market in West End sell local produce, coffee and breakfast.
- Fortitude Valley — Clubs, live-music venues and bars around Brunswick Street Mall, Ann Street and Chinatown.
- West End — Small bars, craft beer and live music along Boundary Street.
Sensible precautions
Brisbane is generally safe for visitors. The main hazards are sunburn, heat and summer thunderstorms; avoid flooded roads and paths after heavy rain. Fortitude Valley can get rowdy late on weekend nights.
- Emergency number
- 000 (police, fire and ambulance); 112 from mobiles
- Staying connected
- Free Wi-Fi is available in parts of the CBD, South Bank and at libraries; local SIMs and eSIMs are sold at the airport.
Questions travellers ask
+Is Brisbane good for solo travellers?
Brisbane is relaxed and easy for solo travellers, with hostels in Fortitude Valley and the CBD, free galleries and ferries, and a friendly bar scene.
+Where should solo travellers stay in Brisbane?
Brisbane CBD: Queen Street Mall, sandstone heritage buildings and riverside gardens.