The Best Brisbane Museums To Visit | Australian Traveller

Let curiosity lead the way at every extraordinary Brisbane museum on our tried-and-tested list.

Whether you’re a fully-fledged history buff, enthralled by envelope-pushing thinking or just looking for something new to explore, a Brisbane museum can provide the ultimate remedy. Shining a light on vintage relics, budding genius and just about every curiosity in between, the city’s most beautifully curated odes to history endlessly inspire. We round up our absolute favourites for guaranteed great learning.

1. Queensland Museum Kurilpa

the sparklab at Queensland Museum Kurilpa — Let your imagination run wild in SparkLab.

The big daddy in the Brisbane museum scene has it all. Queensland Museum Kurilpa , located in South Bank’s culture precinct, reflects on the moments in time that shaped Queensland—and they don’t miss a beat.

Covering prehistoric giants, Aboriginal cultures, the First World War, native flora and fauna, science and space, and more, 15 million artefacts provide an unparalleled education.

The temporary exhibitions are additionally thrilling, venturing into international civilisations.

Address: Corner Grey and Melbourne Streets, South Bank

2. Museum of Brisbane

guests looking at paintings inside the Museum of Brisbane — See for yourself why the Museum of Brisbane is acclaimed for its art. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

While the Museum of Brisbane is acclaimed for its art, it also tracks the social history of the city, gathering artefacts to reveal local storytelling.

Exploring Brisbane’s First Nations roots and culture before taking visitors through how daily life has evolved over time, it’s a wonderful space located on the heritage-listed Brisbane City Hall’s top floor. While you’re up there, don’t miss the views out to the Clock Tower and copper dome.

Address: Level 3, Brisbane City Hall, King George Square, Brisbane

3. Queensland Art Gallery

Brisbane museums — Discover the latest exhibitions at QAGOMA. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

An incredible museum to rival the majesty of those found in international cities, the Queensland Art Gallery is a must.

Operating in conjunction with the Gallery of Modern Art (more on that soon) to form QAGOMA, the city’s leading cultural conglomerate, this Brisbane museum opened its South Bank doors in 1982.

Exhibiting both historical and contemporary pieces from around the world, its collections come together to chart how Australian and international cultures have evolved.

Additionally, the structure itself is mind-blowing, built with a ground floor Water Mall dotted with sculptures and fountains. It’s one of the city’s most beautiful and calming indoor structures.

Address: Stanley Place, South Brisbane

4. Gallery of Modern Art

a look inside the Gallery of Modern Art — Step into the Gallery of Modern Art. (Image: Tourism Australia)

The other half of QAGOMA, the Gallery of Modern Art , is a Brisbane museum filled with contemporary works from right around the globe.

Painting a beautiful, ever-revolving picture of the creativity currently unfolding internationally, it’s home to mixed media exhibitions spanning drawing, digital imagery, sculpture, costume and painting.

Address: Stanley Place, South Brisbane

5. Brisbane Powerhouse

an aerial view of the Brisbane Powerhouse — Brisbane Powerhouse majestically stands on the Brisbane River. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

Renowned as the city’s preeminent performing arts and cultural centre, Brisbane Powerhouse also attracts a string of touring exhibitions that illustrate Australia’s creative evolution.

A colossal power station from the 1920s, lovingly transformed into a stellar Brisbane museum, the cultural hub’s events roster soars past 1,250 individual exhibitions and performances each year. Check the website to see what’s currently enchanting.

Address: 119 Lamington Street, New Farm

6. MacArthur Museum Brisbane

a cap display at MacArthur Museum Brisbane — This Brisbane museum offers a glimpse into MacArthur’s headquarters.

Reflect on the events of the Second World War at the MacArthur Museum Brisbane , part of the heritage-listed MacArthur Chambers in the middle of town.

Shining a light on the achievements of American General Douglas MacArthur, who served as Supreme Commander of the Allied forces in the South-West Pacific Area (SWPA), the absorbing Brisbane museum offers a glimpse into his headquarters and daily activities, which were stationed in this very spot between 1942 and 1944.

Address: Level 8, MacArthur Chambers, 201 Edwards Street, Brisbane

7. Commissariat Store Museum

a look inside the Commissariat Store Museum, Brisbane — The Commissariat Store Museum will transport you back in time.

While it’s often what’s inside that counts, everything you see on the outside of the Commissariat Store Museum also impresses. Queensland’s oldest habitable structure was built in part by convicts from 1828 to 1829, and its sandstone, brick, and iron-guarded windowed facade transports you back in time.

Inside, you’ll find extraordinary artefacts to illustrate the military department’s daily life as well as pieces that tell the unique history of Brisbane over the centuries.

Address: 115 William Street, Brisbane

8. Queensland Maritime Museum

Ever intrigued by life out at sea? At the Queensland Maritime Museum , you can dive a little deeper. One of the largest maritime museums in the country, this Brisbane museum is committed to sharing the state’s unique offshore history. Navigating the origins of various lighthouses, sailing expeditions and practices, naval activity, vessel construction, radio operations and more, the team leaves no stone unturned.

Address: Corner Stanley and Sidon Streets, South Brisbane

9. QUT Art Museum

two women admiring paintings at the QUT Art Museum in Brisbane — QUT Art Museum houses more than 3,000 objects.

Showcasing the state’s finest visual arts, the QUT Art Museum , spearheaded by the Queensland University of Technology, houses more than 3,000 objects.

Passionate about contemporary works, especially, this Brisbane museum offers a diverse collection of paintings, ceramics, sculptures, drawings, prints and further works on paper. Rotating exhibitions provide further food for thought while celebrating Australia’s most exciting creative minds.

Address: 2 George Street, Brisbane

10. Queensland Holocaust Museum

A powerful Brisbane museum led by a team of committed peacemakers, the Queensland Holocaust Museum provides a deep perspective into the horrific events that transpired between 1933 and 1945. As the team strives to preserve the memories and stories of lives lost, while educating younger generations who aren’t familiar with what occurred in Europe and the widespread aftermath, this collection provides deeply moving insight.

Address: 168 Charlotte Street, Brisbane

11. Sir Thomas Brisbane Planetarium

the exterior of Sir Thomas Brisbane Planetarium — Swing by Sir Thomas Brisbane Planetarium for all things astronomy. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

Pretty as a picture inside the Brisbane Botanic Gardens Mt Coot-tha , the Sir Thomas Brisbane Planetarium is a spectacular tribute to all things beyond our planet.

The star of the show is undoubtedly the Cosmic Skydome, which offers astronomer talks on the solar system and constellations, but don’t miss the Display Zone filled with models and interactive exhibits, including a replica of Neil Armstrong’s Apollo spacesuit.

Address: Mount Coot-Tha Road, Mount Coot-Tha

12. Brisbane Tramway Museum

A family-friendly Brisbane museum adored by little ones, the Brisbane Tramway Museum is devoted to preserving the city’s historic trams. The team of volunteers also run trams from the museum, though electrical maintenance was being undertaken last time we checked, so visit the website to confirm it’s back up and running. Regardless, vintage trams take centre stage here and you’re invited to jump on board and partake in tours when the museum opens its doors each Sunday.

Address: 20 Tramway Street, Ferny Grove

13. Queensland Police Museum

law enforcement relics at Queensland Police Museum — Head to the Queensland Police Museum for some serious law enforcement history.

Chart the state’s ultra-colourful history of law enforcement at the Queensland Police Museum , a Brisbane museum erected within the Queensland Police headquarters.

25 displays take visitors through the ins and outs of things like forensics and prisoner housing, leaving you in awe of just how far our coppers and police innovation have come over the centuries.

Address: Ground floor, QPS HQ, 200 Roma Street, Brisbane

14. Brisbane Motor Museum

luxury cars displayed inside Brisbane Motor Museum — Brisbane Motor Museum showcases luxurious sports cars.

A 25-minute drive from Brisbane’s CBD, the Brisbane Motor Museum is a must for rev heads. Heads will spin as a rotating mix of artworks, motoring gear and, of course, sensational automotives themselves, instil awe with every visit.

From luxurious sports cars and vintage Rolls-Royces to itty-bitty people movers, there’s a set of wheels to fall in love with wherever you look.

Address: 959 Nudgee Road, Banyo

15. Army Museum South Queensland

Located within the Victoria Barracks, the state’s oldest existing military barracks, the Army Museum South Queensland gathers a wide collection of artefacts from army life across the years. From taxidermy carrier pigeons to surveyor memorabilia and recreations of where army officers set up digs while on duty, the Brisbane museum provides a profound perspective into the Australian Defence Force’s unwavering heroism.

Address: 80-86 Petrie Terrace, Brisbane

Check out the best art galleries in Brisbane.

Exploring the world’s largest sand island starts with the perfect K’gari homebase.

The morning light is still soft, but it’s already a perfect sunny day. We left our K’gari homebase at Kingfisher Bay Resort with our guide, Peter Meyer, at 9 am to make the most of our time to explore all that the world’s largest sand island holds. The size of K’gari is hard to grasp until you arrive here. This is no sandbar. Stretching 120 kilometres, unique lakes, mangrove systems, rainforest, 75 Miles of beach, historic shipwrecks, small townships and even one of Queensland’s best bakeries are all hidden within its bounds.

But first, one of the island’s most iconic sights: the pure silica sand and crystal clear waters of Lake McKenzie.

Laying eyes on it for the first time, I’m finally able to confirm that the photos don’t lie. The sand is pure white, without the merest hint of yellow. The water fades from a light halo of aqua around the edges to a deeper, royal blue, the deeper it gets (not that it’s particularly deep, six metres at most). The surface remains surprisingly undisturbed, like a mirror.

Arriving with our guide before 10 am means that no one else is around when we get here. Which means we have the pleasure of breaking the smooth surface with our own ripples as we enter. As a self-confessed wimp with chilly water temperatures, my fears are quickly assuaged. Even in the morning, the water stays around 23 degrees – perfect for lazing about all day. But we have more sights to see.

Exploring K’gari

ariel of in lake mckenzie on k'gari fraser island — Relax in the warm waters of Lake McKenzie. (Image: Ayeisha Sheldon)

This was the Personalised 4WD tour offered by Kingfisher Bay Resort, and my absolute top pick of experiences. Over the course of the day, we had the freedom to create our own bespoke itinerary (plus a provided picnic lunch along the way), with an expert guide who had plenty of stories and local expertise to give context to what we were looking at. From the history of the SS Maheno shipwreck, which survived the First World War only to be washed ashore by a cyclone in 1935, to a detailed description of how an island made of sand could sustain such diverse flora.

If it’s your first time to K’gari, the Beauty Spots Tour is another great option. Departing daily from Kingfisher Bay Resort (you’ll start to notice a trend, as many of the tours do start and end here), an air-conditioned, 4WD bus takes guests to the island’s most iconic locations, including the best places to swim, like Lake McKenzie and Eli Creek. The latter offers a gentle current, perfect for riding with a blow-up tyre out towards the ocean.

The next day, for a look at a completely different side of K’gari, I joined one of Kingfisher Bay Resort’s Immersive Ranger-guided tours to kayak through the mangroves of Dundonga Creek. This long, snake-like stretch of creek winds its way inland from the ocean outlet we entered by, at times too narrow for three kayaks to be side-by-side. Small insects buzz from leaf to leaf, while birds call overhead. Occasional bubbles indicate we’ve passed some fish that call this place home.

kayak tour through the mangroves at k'gari island — Learn about the island’s mangroves from your Ranger. (Image: Reuben Nutt/ TEQ)

If kayaking isn’t for you – or if, like me, you simply want more – other ranger-led experiences include nature walks and a dedicated Junior Eco Ranger Program for kids ages five to 12 (these run every weekend, and daily over the peak December holidays). Just ask for a timetable of upcoming tours when you check in.

While during whale season, Hervey Bay Whale Watch & Charters operates tours from the hotel’s jetty to get up close to the famous Humpback Highway of Hervey Bay, from 7 November to 31 May, attention turns to the Aqua Oasis Cruise . Departing from the resort every Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday for resort guests, adventure along the island’s remote western coast, pointing out wildlife like dolphins, turtles, flying fish and eagles along the way.

The cruise drops anchor so guests can jump into the water using the boat’s equipment – from SUP boards to inflatable slides and jumping platforms. Then refuel with a provided lunch, of course.

Unwind at sunset

two people drinking cocktails at sunset bar, kingfisher bay resort — Unwind at the Sunset Bar. (Image: Sean Scott)

As much as days on K’gari can be filled with adventure, to me, the afternoons and evenings there are for unwinding. Sunsets on K’gari are absolutely unbelievable, with Kingfisher Bay on the west side being the best spot to catch the colours.

The Sunset Bar , located at the start of the resort’s jetty and overlooking the beach, is the ultimate location for sundowners. Let chill beats wash over you as you sip on cool wines, beers and cocktails in a relaxed, friendly vibe. Personally, a cheese board was also absolutely called for. As the sun sinks, the sand, sea and horizon turn a vibrant shade of orange, with the jetty casting a dramatic shadow across the water.

When the show is over, head back to the hotel for dinner at the Asian-fusion Dune restaurant, or the pub-style Sand + Wood. But if your appetite is still whetted for more lights and colours, the evening isn’t over yet.

Settle into the Illumina stage for Return to Sky, an immersive light and sound show leading viewers on a captivating journey through K’gari’s stories and landscapes.

Indulge and disconnect

woman setting up massage room at kingfisher bay resort Island Day Spa — Find bliss at Island Day Spa. (Image: Jessica Miocevich)

Of course, there is a type of traveller who knows that balance is important, day or night. While Kingfisher Bay Resort offers more than one pool for guests to spend all day lounging by (they’ll even serve you food and drinks while you do it), you’ll find me at the Island Day Spa.

The masseuses could match the magic hands of any big city spa, and I felt the warm welcome as I walked into the light, breezy reception. Choose from a range of botanical facials, beauty treatments and soothing massages using traditional techniques (obviously, I couldn’t go past a relaxing massage). All products used contain organic, native botanical ingredients with nutrient-rich plant extracts to soothe skin and mind. To really indulge, try out one of the packages, couples treatment or even a pre-wedding day offering.

Getting there

kingfisher bay resort 4wd tour driving passed ss maheno on k'gari island — The world of K’gari awaits. (Image: Jessica Miocevich)

Getting to K’gari is shockingly easy. Find daily flights into Hervey Bay from Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney. Kingfisher Bay Resort offers a shuttle bus between the airport, their headquarters in Hervey Bay and the ferry to take you to K’gari.

15 fascinating Brisbane museums to lose yourself in