Things to See & Do | Pullman and Mercure King George Square Brisbane

Things to See & Do

Stay for it all.

Pullman & Mercure Brisbane King George Square

Things to See & Do

Stay for the Adventure.

Start with a city wander. Follow the river, discover a different neighbourhood or make a day of Queensland’s islands and hinterland. From King George Square, there is plenty to fill a few spare hours or inspire another night in Brisbane.

Choose your next outing below, with short introductions, directions from the hotel and official websites to help you plan.

Every route starts at Pullman & Mercure Brisbane King George Square. Directions and official websites open in a new tab. You can change the travel mode in Google Maps.

Explore Brisbane & beyond

City sights & green spaces

Take the scenic route. Discover riverside walks, city landmarks and green spaces that bring a different pace to your Brisbane stay.

Visitors shopping in Brisbane’s Queen Street Mall

City walk

Queen Street Mall

Brisbane City

Browse Australian labels, department stores and the arcades tucked off Brisbane’s central shopping strip. An easy place to start a city wander from King George Square.

ANZAC Square and its circular Shrine of Remembrance in Brisbane

History & reflection

ANZAC Square & Memorial Galleries

Ann Street, Brisbane City

Pause at Queensland’s war memorial, then explore the Memorial Galleries beneath the square for stories of service and sacrifice. Check gallery opening times before visiting.

Visitors walking beneath trees in Brisbane City Botanic Gardens

Riverside gardens

City Botanic Gardens

Alice Street, Brisbane City

Follow shaded paths beneath established trees, stretch out on a lawn or take a gentle stroll beside the river. A green retreat at the southern end of the CBD.

South Bank riverfront and the Wheel of Brisbane

Family outing

South Bank & Streets Beach

South Brisbane

Make a day of riverside lawns, shaded gardens and Brisbane’s city beach. Wander the promenade and leave room to explore the surrounding streets. Check current swimming conditions before visiting.

A visitor beside the stone wall and gardens at Kangaroo Point Cliffs

City views

Kangaroo Point Cliffs

River Terrace, Kangaroo Point

See the city from across the water. Explore the clifftop and riverside paths, find a picnic spot or linger as the skyline lights up. Choose a route that suits your mobility.

Rose gardens and lawns at New Farm Park

Picnic by the river

New Farm Park

New Farm

Pack a picnic for lawns, rose gardens and river views in one of Brisbane’s best-loved parks. Combine your visit with a wander through New Farm or a stop at Brisbane Powerhouse.

Visitors overlooking Brisbane from Mt Coot-tha Lookout

Panoramic views

Mt Coot-tha Lookout

Mt Coot-tha

Head above the suburbs for a wide view across Brisbane. Visit the summit lookout or plan a longer outing through the surrounding precinct, with time to enjoy the changing light.

The lookout and botanic gardens are separate stops; allow for travel between them.

Landscaped gardens and a pond at Brisbane Botanic Gardens Mt Coot-tha

Garden escape

Brisbane Botanic Gardens Mt Coot-tha

152 Mt Coot-tha Road, Mt Coot-tha

Explore themed gardens and subtropical planting at the foot of Mt Coot-tha. Choose a short wander or settle into a slower afternoon among the different garden collections.

Explore Brisbane & beyond

Neighbourhoods & precincts

Shop a little, wander a little and discover the streets and riverfront places that give Brisbane its character.

Queen’s Wharf and the Neville Bonner Bridge beside the Brisbane River

Riverfront precinct

Queen’s Wharf

Brisbane City

Explore public spaces, restored heritage buildings and a new perspective on the river. Cross the Neville Bonner Bridge to South Bank or check current Sky Deck access for views above the city.

Howard Smith Wharves beneath the illuminated Story Bridge

Under the Story Bridge

Howard Smith Wharves

5 Boundary Street, Brisbane City

Walk the riverfront beneath the Story Bridge, take in the heritage wharf buildings and watch the city change at sunset. A lively stop along Brisbane’s waterfront.

Fashion accessories displayed on the James Street precinct website

Shopping & design

James Street

Fortitude Valley

Discover independent boutiques, Australian designers and homewares along a leafy shopping precinct. Make time to explore the side streets and stop for a coffee between stores.

Rooftop venue overlooking Fortitude Valley

Music & nightlife

Fortitude Valley

Fortitude Valley

Explore laneways, independent stores and Brisbane’s live music scene. Stay into the evening for a gig or discover the neighbourhood’s bars and clubs. Check individual venues for bookings and entry requirements.

Leafy outdoor dining at West Village in West End

Neighbourhood wander

West End

West End

Browse vintage finds, bookshops and independent stores around Boundary Street. This neighbourhood rewards a slower wander, with cafés, street art and plenty of local character along the way.

Explore Brisbane & beyond

Experiences & culture

Try something that stays with you, from native wildlife and bridge climbs to local stories and live performance.

Visitors taking part in a guided Story Bridge climb

Book ahead

Story Bridge Adventure Climb

Howard Smith Wharves, 5 Boundary Street

Take a guided climb for a different perspective on Brisbane’s river and skyline. Choose from the operator’s available climb sessions and review participation requirements before booking.

The current check-in location is at Howard Smith Wharves. Confirm your booking instructions before arrival.

Visitors meeting a koala with a Lone Pine sanctuary keeper

Wildlife outing

Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary

708 Jesmond Road, Fig Tree Pocket

Meet koalas and discover more of Australia’s native wildlife in a riverside sanctuary. Explore the current keeper talks and experiences when planning your visit.

Aerial view of the waterfront containers at Eat Street Northshore

Food & entertainment

Eat Street Northshore

Northshore, Hamilton

Follow the lights to a riverside mix of street food, live entertainment and colourful converted shipping containers. Check current trading sessions and entry details before heading out.

Brisbane Powerhouse exterior in New Farm

Live performance

Brisbane Powerhouse

119 Lamington Street, New Farm

Discover contemporary theatre, comedy, music and visual arts inside a former riverside power station. Browse the current program and pair your visit with nearby New Farm Park.

OASIS cruise vessel on the Brisbane River near the Story Bridge

On the water

OASIS river cruises

Departure wharf varies by cruise

Swap the riverbank for a cruise with music, drinks and Brisbane skyline views. Pick a sailing that suits your plans and check the event’s boarding location and entry requirements.

Many cruises use City Botanic Gardens River Hub. Your ticket confirms the actual departure wharf.

Visitors taking part in a BlackCard cultural experience

Aboriginal-led experience

BlackCard Cultural Tours

Brisbane City

Explore the city through Aboriginal perspectives, stories and public art with a local guide. The Magandjin City Walk begins at King George Square; check current departures and meeting instructions.

Visitors viewing artwork at a Birrunga Gallery event

First Nations art & culture

Birrunga Gallery

Milton

Discover contemporary First Nations art and artist-led cultural experiences. Contact the team to arrange a visit or experience and confirm current availability before travelling.

Visits and experiences are arranged directly with the team. Confirm your meeting location when booking.

Explore Brisbane & beyond

Sport & entertainment

Build your stay around a big performance or a day at the races. Confirm your event, ticket and venue before setting out.

Crowds arriving outside the Gabba in Brisbane

Cricket & AFL

The Gabba

Woolloongabba

Experience cricket or AFL at Brisbane’s established sporting ground. Check upcoming fixtures, event transport arrangements and the correct entrance for your ticket before you travel.

A collection of concert and arena views at Brisbane Entertainment Centre

Major live events

Brisbane Entertainment Centre

Boondall

Plan a night of arena concerts, entertainment or sport at Boondall. Check the venue’s current event calendar, arrival advice and return transport options when organising your stay.

Grandstands and spectators beside the track at Eagle Farm Racecourse

Eagle Farm & Doomben

Brisbane Racing Club

Ascot

Make an occasion of a day at the races. Check the club’s calendar for the host racecourse, then review ticket options, dress requirements and arrival information for your selected meeting.

Eagle Farm and Doomben are different racecourses. Check which venue is hosting your event.

Explore Brisbane & beyond

Day trips & further afield

Stay another day and see a different side of Queensland. Plan transfers and return travel before booking island, wildlife and hinterland experiences.

Tangalooma beach, jetty and passenger ferry on Moreton Island

Island day trip

Tangalooma, Moreton Island

Departures from Pinkenba

Cruise across Moreton Bay for an island escape on Mulgumpin / Moreton Island. Choose a beach day or a package with activities such as guided wreck snorkelling or a desert safari.

Ferry required. Depart from 220 Holt Street, Pinkenba. Book a day-cruise package and check its transfers and inclusions.

Aerial view of coastline on Minjerribah North Stradbroke Island

Island & cultural experience

Minjerribah with Yura Tours

North Stradbroke Island

Discover Minjerribah through the knowledge and stories of a Quandamooka guide. Explore Yura Tours’ cultural experiences and choose a tour that fits your island plans.

Ferry required. The map is to a mainland passenger-ferry departure point. Confirm the ferry, island transport and tour meeting point with Yura Tours.

A tiger beside the water at Australia Zoo

Full-day wildlife outing

Australia Zoo

Steve Irwin Way, Beerwah

Head north for wildlife encounters, keeper presentations and the conservation story behind Australia Zoo. Plan a full day and check current tickets, experiences and transport options.

A wildlife keeper with rainbow lorikeets at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary

Gold Coast day trip

Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary

28 Tomewin Street, Currumbin

Explore native wildlife and conservation experiences on the southern Gold Coast. Check the current program and give yourself time for both the sanctuary and the return journey to Brisbane.

A guide and visitors on the coast during a Jellurgal cultural experience

Culture & coastline

Jellurgal Aboriginal Cultural Centre

1711 Gold Coast Highway, Burleigh Heads

Discover the Aboriginal history and cultural connections of Burleigh Headland through Jellurgal’s guided experiences. Check available tours and combine your visit with time along the Gold Coast.

Layered mountain scenery in the Tamborine Mountain hinterland

Hinterland day trip

Tamborine Mountain

Scenic Rim

Trade city streets for mountain air, Gallery Walk and rainforest scenery. Explore village shops and local produce, or plan a walk using current national park information.

Check Queensland Parks alerts before choosing a walking track; some national park sections may be closed.

Aerial view of Redcliffe’s waterfront and jetty

Bayside escape

Redcliffe Peninsula

Moreton Bay

Spend time by the water with foreshore walks, coastal cafés and the music history of Bee Gees Way. Choose a relaxed bayside outing and explore more of the peninsula.

Check current foreshore and jetty access before visiting; maintenance works may affect parts of the waterfront.

Information checked November 2026. Opening times, ticket availability, access and transport arrangements may change. Check the operator’s official website before travelling. For island trips, confirm ferry transfers and meeting points. If you have access requirements, discuss these with the operator before booking.