Brisbane is packed with many exciting world-class attractions and in recent years, the Australian city has transformed into a vibrant hub for shopping, entertainment, fashion, the arts and more ?
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The list of things to do in Brisbane just seems never ending and if you’re planning a trip there, don’t worry! We’ve narrowed down 10 of the must-see attractions in Brisbane and its surrounds, so you won’t be missing out on anything. Plus, we’ll also be providing halal food options near each attraction so, you can conveniently fill your tummy and carry on sightseeing! Are you ready to see what Brisbane has to offer?
[P.S. Visiting Brisbane? Make sure you check out our 6D5N Muslim-friendly itinerary!]
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#HHWT Tip: Did you know that Malaysia Airlines flies 4 times weekly from Kuala Lumpur to Brisbane? Check out promotional airfares to Brisbane on Malaysia Airlines here!
1. Queen Street Mall
Every traveller to Brisbane would most likely set foot on Queen St Mall. This pedestrian mall is Brisbane’s main shopping and commercial district and you can take your pick from an array of malls and shops here.
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Our top picks are the area’s largest mall, Queens Plaza, Wintergarden and the Brisbane and Tattersall Arcades. Make a turn into Adelaide St and uncover a whole row of trendy independent boutiques and hip coffee shops instead!
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But who says you only have to shop here? While some retail therapy makes your vacation even better, those of you who don’t wish to shop can simply soak in the atmosphere of Brisbane here. Sit in the many cafes to people-watch or catch some performances from street buskers - there’s something for every mood at Queen St ?
Halal food options:
Abra Wraps
Thankfully, there’s a good number of halal eateries at Queen St Mall too. One of the popular ones is Abra Wraps in the Myers Centre which sells Middle Eastern style wraps, grilled meats, burgers and more.
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Try their specialty, Al Karrumba Nachos - a delectable combination of nachos topped with fresh tomato salsa, melted cheese, guacamole and sour cream. Add some freshly grilled chicken or beef to make it even yummier ?
Halal status: Muslim-owned
Address: The Myer Centre, level e/54A/91 Queen St, Brisbane City QLD 4000, Australia
Opening hours: 9am - 6pm daily
Turquoise Kebab And Pizza
Looking for some late-night grub? Then Turquoise Kebab and Pizza is the ideal place for you. This 24h stall offers a range of beef, chicken kebabs, pizzas and Turkish pide (flatbread) - perfect for a satisfying meal.
Credit: Turquoise Kebab And Pizza on Facebook
Their prices are pretty affordable too. If you’re looking for something other than Middle Eastern fare, then make sure you get their pizzas. Try their cheesy margarita pizza or sink your teeth in their meat lovers!
Halal status: Muslim-owned
Address: 1/79 Albert St, Brisbane City QLD 4000, Australia
Open 24 hours
2. South Bank Parklands
Brisbane’s South Bank is a great place to spend a day and unwind. Stretching along the Brisbane River, South Bank is home to beautiful green spaces, attractions, shopping places and world-class museums.
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Here’s also where you can find the world’s only city beach, Streets Beach. This man-made beach has a stunning lagoon complete with fine white sand and it makes for a great respite from the city.
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We suggest spending a half day or more in South Bank as there’s an endless list of things to do here! After relaxing at the beach in the morning, head over to the Wheel of Brisbane to catch a sweeping bird’s eye view of the city ?
Then snap a quick photo with the colourful Brisbane sign overlooking the city skyline before immersing yourself in art at the Queensland Art Gallery and Gallery of Modern Art (QAGOMA). You’re not leaving South Bank without making a shopping stop at the Collective Markets (open Friday to Sunday) where you can find awesome clothes, homemade trinkets, souvenirs, snacks and more!
Halal food options:
Mado Cafe and Restaurant
While you’re at South Bank, refuel with authentic Turkish and Middle Eastern fare at Mado. The restaurant prides itself for having passed down the recipe for traditional Turkish dishes from generations to generations, so you can only expect the best from them ?
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Whether you’re in the mood for grilled meat platters like lamb and chicken shish or looking to chow down their really cheesy Turkish Pide, consider your scrumptious meal settled. End your meal with Kunafe, a sweet treat and slurp some refreshing Turkish tea.
Halal status: Halal ingredients used, Alcohol served in establishment
Address: 1-3/15 Tribune St, South Brisbane QLD 4101, Australia
Opening hours: 11.30am – 9pm (Sun – Thur), 11.30am – 10pm (Fri – Sat)
3. Story Bridge and Kangaroo Point Cliffs
Brisbane has its fair share of activities for adrenaline junkies too. One of the things you have to strike out your checklist is the Story Bridge Adventure Climb. Check this out - it’s one out of only 3 bridge climbs in the world, and to top that off, you can abseil down the bridge too ?
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After rallying all your courage and energy climbing the bridge, you’ll be rewarded an amazing view of Brisbane city from above! Whether you’re doing a sunrise, sunset or night climb, the view from up here will not disappoint.
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If your heart is pumping for even more action, head over to Kangaroo Point Cliffs, just minutes away from the Story Bridge. Challenge yourself by climbing the rocks up the cliff or let gravity take control and abseil down. And while you’re at it, don’t forget to look back and admire the view of Brisbane’s skyscrapers!
[P.S. There's so much more to Brisbane than meets the eye! Check out these 10 amazing things you have to do to get the best out of the city?]
Halal food options:
Oporto Fortitude Valley
After all that adventure, it’s time for a hearty meal! Head over to Oporto in the hip and trendy district of Fortitude Valley. This chain is known for its flame-grilled chicken and burgers.
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Oporto’s signature Bondi Burger is an absolute must-try! Consisting of 2 freshly grilled chicken fillets, cheese, mayo and slathered with their legendary Original Chilli Sauce, biting into this succulent burger will be a treat ?
Halal status: Halal meat available (chicken is from a halal-certified supplier)
Address: Shop 1/281 Brunswick Street Mall, Fortitude Valley QLD 4006, Australia
Opening hours: 10am - 9pm (Mon - Wed), 10am - 2.30am (Thur), 10am - 4.30am (Fri), 11am - 4.30am (Sat), 11am - 9pm (Sun)
4. Whale Watching Experience
Did you know that Queensland is one of the best places in Australia for whale-watching? Every year between June and November, the humpback whale makes an appearance at the Moreton Bay (near Brisbane) as they migrate north to warmer waters.
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Don’t miss out on this rare opportunity and hop on a cruise tour from Brisbane. While there are points along the coast where you can chance upon the whales, we recommend going on a cruise as it’s the best way to get as close as possible to the graceful creatures ?
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There are 2 famous tour operators that run these cruises - Brisbane Whale Watching (from AUD135) and Tangalooma Whale Watching Cruises (from AUD129). If you’re looking for somewhere with less travel time, then we recommend The Tangalooma cruise as the pick-up point is nearer to the city while Brisbane Whale Watching’s pick-up point is in Redcliffe, located about a 45-minute drive away from town.
Muslim-friendly options near Tangalooma Whale Watching Cruises pick-up point:
Eat Street Northshore
With a mix of seafood, halal and vegetarian options all in one place, Eat Street Northshore is probably one of the hippest food places in town! Consisting of containers and food trucks, not only does Eat Street offer a smorgasbord of yummy food, but it is also a cool spot to hang out at ?
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Take your pick from fresh oysters, grilled seafood as well as halal pizzas, pastas and other treats. Check out the full list of stores here.
Halal status: Some stores sell halal food, vegetarian and seafood options
Address: 221D MacArthur Ave, Hamilton QLD 4007, Australia
Opening hours: 4pm - 10pm (Fri - Sat), 12pm - 8pm (Sun)
Muslim-friendly options near Brisbane Whale Watching pick-up point:
The Boat Shed
Craving for some good ‘ol fish and chips before or after an awesome whale-watching experience? Then head over to The Boat Shed which is just a 5-minutes’ drive away from Brisbane Whale Watching pick-up point. They have a variety of fish from cod to snapper, barramundi and more, so feel free to take your pick!
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Add a Calamari Platter to your order and you’re guaranteed a scrumptious seafood feast. What’s great about The Boat Shed is that it’s overlooking Scarborough Beach so you can have your fish and chips takeaway and enjoy it on the beach.
Halal status: Seafood options available, do note that The Boat Shed is not halal-certified but they don’t serve pork or alcohol, so dine at your own discretion.
Address: 2/63 Landsborough Ave, Scarborough QLD 4020, Australia
Opening hours: 11am - 8pm daily
5. Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary
Bet you never knew you could find the world’s largest AND oldest koala sanctuary in the world in Brisbane! Located about a 30-minutes’ drive away from the city, Lone Pine is dedicated to the conservation of 130 koalas and other native Australian animals.
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One of the must-do experiences here is to cuddle a koala! But more than just cuddling and taking photos with these furry beings, visitors are also encouraged to connect emotionally with them and understand more about their habitats ?
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Although it’s called a koala sanctuary, koalas aren’t the only animals that you can expect to meet! Feed, pat or take a selfie with free-roaming kangaroos, or get familiar with various Australian wildlife animals like the Tasmanian devils, platypuses, wombats, freshwater crocodiles, lorikeets and more!
#HHWT Tip: If you’re not driving, you can get to Lone Pine Sanctuary by taking the Mirimar River Cruises. Choose between an express boat ride (35 min) or a relaxing cruise ride (with full commentary!) along the Brisbane River (75 min).
Halal food options:
Sendok Garpu Indooroopilly
Fancy some authentic Indonesian food like satay, gado-gado or soto ayam? There’s no better place to get that taste of home than at Sendok Garpu Indooroopilly. What started out as a warung (small stall) is now a full-fledged restaurant.
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Get your fix of hearty Indonesian food by ordering the national dish, Nasi Goreng and pair it with some juicy satay or Nasi Iga Penyet (slow cooked beef ribs). The Gulai Kambing (lamb curry) seems to be a hit with customers too. Afterwards, wash your meal down with some Cendol for a refreshing finish!?
Halal status: Halal ingredients used, alcohol is allowed in establishment
Address: 1A/172 Clarence Rd, Indooroopilly QLD 4068, Australia
Opening hours: 12pm - 2.30pm (Mon - Tue), 12pm - 2.30pm, 5pm - 9pm (Wed - Fri), 10.30am - 2.30pm, 5pm - 9pm (Sat), 10.30am - 2.30pm (Sat)
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Malaysia Airlines flies 4 times weekly from Kuala Lumpur to Brisbane. Check out promotional airfares to Brisbane on Malaysia Airlines here!
6. Mt Coot-tha
Need a breather from the city? Head up to Mt-Cootha to enjoy a stunning panoramic view of the Brisbane skyline and Moreton Bay, as it’s the closest to Brisbane city!
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Other than simply taking in the view, you can have a picnic at the lawns, or go on an Aboriginal Bushwalk trail for a more cultural experience. Those who are more adventurous might want to try mountain biking too!
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For those of you who are travelling with kids, this is the perfect chance to bring them to the Brisbane Botanical Garden to learn more about the exotic plants and flowers around the area. Don’t miss the Tropical Dome where tropical plants are kept warm throughout the year. Not to mention that the dome is really instagrammable too ?
Muslim-friendly options:
The Fishery
You can never get enough seafood when in Australia, especially if they are tasty and prepared fresh! Located around a 10-minutes’ drive away from the Mt Coot-tha lookout point is The Fishery. The store is well-known for its high quality of fresh seafood and with its chef having more than 20 years of experience, you’re in good hands if you’re having a meal here.
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What’s great about The Fishery is that you can get advice on which fish to get as well as how it’s best prepared - either crumbed, battered, steamed or baked. For those of you who prefer cooking when travelling, you can also choose from a variety of fresh fish and seafood which are ready to be cooked at home.
Halal status: Seafood options available, The Fishery does not serve meat or alcohol but do dine at your own discretion
Address: 6a/16 Baroona Rd, Milton QLD 4064, Australia
Opening hours: 10am - 8pm daily
7. Moreton Island
Pristine beaches and crystal blue waters await at Moreton Island, the world’s third largest sand island! This breathtaking paradise is only a 75-minutes’ ferry ride away from Brisbane and it’s also known as one of the least polluted islands along the Queensland/New South Wales coast - so, here’s where you can experience a slice of untouched nature ?
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There are so many activities to do in Moreton Island that we recommend spending at least a full day here or stay a night at the Tangalooma Island Resort. Go snorkelling or glass kayaking around the Tangalooma Wrecks where you’ll find plenty of coral and tropical fish amidst rusty ships which were sunk in 1963 to create a breakwall for small boats stopping by the island.
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As if whale-watching around Moreton Bay isn’t awesome enough, every evening at sunset, several wild bottlenose dolphins will swim near the Tangalooma Island Resort jetty and you’ll get a chance to hand-feed them! For those of you searching for an adrenaline rush, why not try tobogganing down the island’s sand dunes instead?
Muslim-friendly options:
There aren’t any halal eateries on Moreton Island and although there are eateries selling seafood, they serve other meats too so if you’re dining at those eateries, do check if they separate the utensils for halal and non-halal items.
Moreton Bay Bugs
The one delicacy that you can’t miss while in Brisbane is the Moreton Bay Bugs. Don’t worry, these aren’t insects but it’s actually a type of lobster which is found along the northern half of Australia’s coast. Some people refer to it as bay lobsters or slipper lobsters and they are bigger in size than crayfish.
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What’s so special about the Moreton Bay Bugs is that it's known for its rich and sweet flavour, and the meat looks a little like lobster. To savour the fresh taste of these delightful crustaceans, head over to The Beach Café at Tangalooma Island Resort to enjoy their Moreton Bay Bugs Platter.
8. Australian Outback Spectacular
To fully immerse yourself in Australian culture, head over to the Australian Outback Spectacular where you’ll be treated to a performance set in the Australian outback. The environment in the outback is usually known as “harsh and unforgiving” and this show follows the story of 2 individuals overcoming life in the outback, including some amazing choreography and stunts ?
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With the use of high tech projection mapping, watch in awe as the arena turns into a stream, a waterfall and anything you could possibly find in the outback. You’ll immediately feel as though you’ve been transported into the wilderness!
Credit: @outbackspectacular on Instagram
This immersive experience also features horses and eagles among other animals. Besides the stunning graphics and light show, you’ll also be able to catch some impressive horse-riding skills and more.
Credit: Australian Outback Spectacular on Facebook
What’s great about this show is that it includes a yummy three-course meal complete with beverages and desserts. The best part is, it’s all halal! Dig into a nice Vegetable and Goat Feta tart for appetisers before indulging in a juicy fillet steak or tender chicken breast – made from Australian beef and farm-seasoned chicken. Afterwards, cap off your experience with a Dark Chocolate Tart, that’s sure to leave you thoroughly satisfied ?
Halal status: Halal meat available, alcohol served in establishment. Do note that you'd need to reserve in advance for your halal meal by calling them at +61 13 33 86 or by emailing them.
Address: Entertainment Rd, Oxenford QLD 4210, Australia
Price: From AUD90
9. Surfers Paradise
If you are in Brisbane, you must stay a few nights in the beautiful Gold Coast, where you can get a more laidback and chill out coastal holiday. One well-known attraction in Gold Coast is Surfers Paradise! Known as the “jewel” of the Gold Coast, Surfers Paradise is packed with incredible beaches, skyscrapers, amazing shopping and food places, and more. The atmosphere here is unbeatable - it’s always full of energy, perfect for the holiday mood.
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With over 57 km of unbroken coastline in Gold Coast, lounging and sunbathing at its beaches are a must and if it’s your first time, we recommend hanging out at Surfers Paradise beach. When evening comes, soak in the sights and sounds of Cavill Ave or do some shopping at the Surfers Paradise Beachfront Markets (only on weekends).
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But if there’s one thing you can’t miss at Surfers Paradise, it’s the Skypoint Observation Deck! As Australia’s only beachside observation deck, you’ll get the chance to catch awe-inspiring views of both the sea and skyscrapers 230 metres above sea level ?
P.S. Feeling brave? Then go for the SkyPoint Climb, Australia’s highest external building climb!
Halal food options:
Being a major tourist attraction means that you’d have no problem finding halal food at Surfers Paradise too. A pro-tip is to head over to Surfers Paradise Blvd where you’ll be greeted with any array of cuisines from Western to Middle Eastern, Indian, Indonesian and even Thai food.
Free Range Chicken Shack
Fried chicken is always a good idea and thankfully, you can satiate your cravings for fried chicken at Free Range Chicken Shack. Their chicken is marinated in unique African herbs and spices, so it’s really different from the ones we’re used to back home.
Credit: Free Range Chicken Shack on Facebook
If you can handle the heat, go for their hot and spicy wicked wings which will tingle your taste buds but yet so flavourful. Their pulled chicken burger is highly recommended too!
Halal status: Halal meat available
Address: Surfers Paradise Blvd & Elkhorn Ave, Surfers Paradise QLD 4217, Australia
Opening hours: 11am - 9pm daily
Cocohut
How does a meal with tom yum, pad thai and green curry sound like? Awesome, isn’t it?! Cocohut is a haven for Thai food lovers. Their specialty Coco Tom Yum Noodle is a must-try - customise your choice of meat, noodles and spice level before tucking into this delectable sour-spicy soup.
Credit: Cocohut Taste of Thailand on Facebook
If you love curries, then you’re in luck. Cocohut’s red and green curries are to die for, with a perfect mix of flavours. The Chicken Pad Thai is also worth ordering as well.
Halal status: Halal-certified
Address: 3114 Surfers Paradise Blvd, Surfers Paradise QLD 4217, Australia
Opening hours: 11am - 2.30pm, 4.30pm - 9.30pm daily
10. Pacific Fair Shopping Mall
No vacation is complete without some shopping and if you’re looking for the ideal place for your much needed retail therapy, Pacific Fair Shopping Mall fits the bill! Did you know that the mall is constantly ranked as the number 1 shopping spot in Gold Coast?
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Take your time browsing through its 400 stores. Whether you’re looking for iconic international brands like H&M, Zara and UNIQLO or shopping for high-end goods like Louis Vuitton and Gucci, you’ll most likely find something you like here! There are also independent and specialty boutiques if you want something that’s one of a kind. Those of you on a tight budget don’t have to worry too - pop into department stores like Myers, Kmart and Target or discount shops like Stacks Variety.
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What’s more, you’ll never feel like it’s crowded over at Pacific Fair as the mall is spread out with gardens and water features, giving it a unique outdoor ambience, which is perfect if you need a little breather. Needless to say, this mall gives you an all-in-one shopping experience, perfect for families!
#HHWT Tip: Those travelling with kids can head over to Play Street where your children can try out a high climb course or toddler room. If you need to do your prayers, head over to the prayer room located at the Visitor Lounge ?
Halal food options:
Origin Kebabs
We’re pretty sure those hours of shopping and walking around Pacific Fair will work up your appetite, so head over to one of the halal eateries, Origin Kebabs.
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Get your fill of generous juicy chicken and lamb kebabs or refuel with their Halal Snack Pack. If you’re unfamiliar with this dish affectionately called HSP, it actually consists of doner kebab, fries and then topped with different sauces and more. It’s so good that you won’t be able to resist!
Halal status: Halal-certified
Address: L1 (near Target), 359 Hooker Blvd, Broadbeach Waters QLD 4218, Australia
Opening hours: 9.30am - 5.30pm (Mon - Wed, Fri - Sat), 9am - 9pm (Thur), 9am - 5pm (Sun)
Charis Seafood
You can’t leave Gold Coast without having fresh seafood and the best place to savour it is at Charis Seafood. Located just a 20-minutes’ drive away from Pacific Fair Shopping Mall, Charis Seafood sells a wide variety of items from whole fish, prawns and crabs to oysters, mussels and more. It’s also the biggest seafood retailer in Queensland!
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What’s great here is that you can choose your preferred seafood and the staff will suggest the best way to prepare your seafood. But if you wish to have fish and chips, you can also get them from the cooked counters. Do note that all meals are takeaway but this is great as you can have your meal by the beach ?
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Besides filling your tummy with the freshest seafood, feast your eyes as dozens of pelicans swing by every day at 1.30pm sharp for a pelican feeding session! The staff from Charis will feed leftovers to the pelicans and it makes for a really interesting sight.
Halal status: Seafood options available
Address: 371 Marine Parade, Labrador QLD 4215, Australia
Opening hours: 7am – 7pm daily
From impressive shopping malls to thrilling activities and fun-filled theme parks, what’s not to love about Brisbane and its surrounds? Not to mention that halal food options are aplenty too - whether you’re craving kebabs, burgers or fresh seafood! Plus, with comfy direct flights to Brisbane from Kuala Lumpur, your vacation planning just got easier. So, start calling your travel buddies for an epic trip!?
FLY TO BRISBANE WITH MALAYSIA AIRLINES!
Did you know that Malaysia Airlines flies 4 times weekly from Kuala Lumpur to Brisbane? Check out promotional airfares to Brisbane on Malaysia Airlines here!
This article is brought to you by Malaysia Airlines and Tourism and Events Queensland.