New to Brisbane

Whether you are new to Brisbane or a local wanting to try something a little bit different, there are options aplenty to create a unique experience during the Festival.

Before or after you’ve seen a show, take a bit of extra time - the city becomes part of the adventure as you move between performances, neighbourhoods and cultural spaces, shaped by Brisbane’s distinctive indoor–outdoor lifestyle. Perhaps buy yourself a little something special in one of the shopping districts.

Stop for a meal or a drink. Whatever you are hungry for, the culinary scene across Brisbane is bustling, so take your tastebuds on a tour of the best that Queensland has to offer.

And don’t let night falling put an end to your evening, book a hotel and stay the night!

On this page

What to Do Where to Stay Nice Eats Leisure & Entertainment Precincts Getting around Extend your stay, there's lots to do beyond the Festival

What to Do

Novelty, Nights Out, Noise

Highlights of Festival Village, South Bank

afterglow_brisbanefestival_geoff_lawrence_cfr65987

Ultimate Date Night

What to see together: Group Bookings

Where to Stay

For the full Festival experience, you'll need a base of operations – somewhere to call home while you explore everything Brisbane has to offer.

For those looking to have the action on their doorstop, consider staying around South Bank, Brisbane CBD, or Fortitude Valley.

If you want to have a quieter escape while still within a stone's throw of everything, we recommend New Farm, West End, or Kangaroo Point.

With easy transport links around Brisbane, you’re never far from the Festival fun.

Ovolo the Valley

Ovolo The Valley is one of Brisbane’s most distinctive luxury hotels, right in the heart of Fortitude Valley. It features a stunning rooftop pool and oversized rooms designed for ultimate comfort and indulgence.

queens_wharf_residences_3_bedroom_skyline_view_bedroom_2_944x510_webp

Avani Living Queen’s Wharf Residences

Make Avani Living Queen's Wharf Residences your Brisbane Festival base. Step out into riverfront energy, city lights and late‑night buzz, then retreat to spacious 1, 2‑or 3‑bedroom apartment living and skyline views with the Festival still at your doorstep.

Annamese

Indulge in authentic Vietnamese cuisine at Annamese and enjoy a curated dining experience that will have you feeling as though you are dining in the streets of Hanoi.

Brisbane Phoenix

Discover the dynamic flavours of modern Chinese cuisine at Brisbane Phoenix and enjoy a contemporary dining experience that is sure to make you feel special.

Persone

Persone's Amalfi-inspired new look for the season, brings coastal Italian elegance to the river, with elevated dining, refined style, and signature hospitality.

The Fifty-Six

Hidden within the heritage‑listed Naldham House, The Fifty Six brings modern Cantonese dining to Brisbane with a bold sense of theatre and style.

Popolo

Riverside dining, long lunches, and effortless Italian charm — Popolo is where Brisbane Festival moments linger a little longer.

South Bank

The home of Brisbane Festival, South Bank is Brisbane’s cultural heart, featuring galleries, parklands, riverfront walks, and a vibrant dining scene.

Brisbane Quarter

Discover a world of flavour and indulgence at Brisbane Quarter, perfectly positioned at 300 George Street in the heart of Brisbane City.

Felons (Howard Smith Wharves)

Proudly sponsoring the Brisbane Festival, Felons is a modern‑daybrewery that creates and celebrates the good life.

Naldham House

Naldham House is Brisbane’s heritage dining and entertainment playground — where timeless architecture meets long lunches, late nights, cocktails, music, and unforgettable dining, all under one iconic CBD roof.

Getting around

Brisbane is a breeze to explore, with plenty of ways to get from A to amazing. Surrounding the iconic river, Brisbane’s City and many Brisbane Festival venues are within walking distance.

At the heart of public transport in Brisbane is Translink, a clean and green of ferries (CityCats), buses, and trains, all integrated so you can travel seamlessly between each service. Individual ride tickets can also be purchased, and contactless payment is also available with the use of a debit card, credit card, or linked smart device, or by purchasing a ‘go card’ from selected retailers.

Make sure to check the TransLink website to plan your route when using public transportation.

Taxis, and plentiful rideshare services are also available, and bicycle and pedestrian access are also available to discover the best of Brisbane.

For event-specific information on travel and accessibility, please visit our venues page.

50 Cent Festival Adventures

50 Cent Festival Adventures is your invitation to spend a full day inside the Festival for just 50 cents per journey.

We’ve mapped simple, affordable public transport routes that connect you directly to live performances, riverfront moments, neighbourhood discoveries and late-night culture.

Each Adventure is a ready-made day out, combining shows, locations and travel into one seamless, shareable experience across the city. It’s so easy, there are no parking hassles, and you’ve got extra coin left to take in all the exciting show, dining and beverage options.

Here are two examples to inspire you to make your own adventures.