The best Brisbane art gallery experiences you can’t miss

Emily Murphy Emily Murphy
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Whether you’re an art connoisseur or simply appreciate the beauty and talent that goes into it, the art scene is a thriving metropolis in Brisbane.

A trip to Brisbane isn’t complete without visiting an art gallery, and luckily, there is a multitude of them to immerse yourself in. One of the best things to do in Brisbane, you’ll find major art galleries, outdoor art and special exhibitions all across the stunning river city that will keep the whole family entertained.

Here, find our guide to exploring the top art galleries in Brisbane.

1. The Queensland Art Gallery | Gallery of Modern Art (QAGOMA)

Large installation at Chiharu Shiota's The Soul Trembles at GOMA Brisbane
GOMA often features revolutionary exhibitions like Chiharu Shiota’s The Soul Trembles. (Image: Evan Natsis)

QAGOMA are two riverside galleries sitting a mere 150 metres apart in South Bank’s Queensland Cultural Centre.

The Queensland Art Gallery is the traditional art experience, and the Gallery of Modern Art is, you guessed it, the modern art hub of the Brisbane galleries.

Collectively, they hold more than 16,000 works of historical, modern, and contemporary art, and also showcase some iconic Indigenous and Australian collections.

Admission: Free, but certain exhibitions and events are ticketed.
Address: Stanley Pl, South Brisbane

2. Brisbane City Council Outdoor Gallery

uesday-Night-by-Maxim-Chikanchi Brisbane outdoor gallery
The artworks liven up laneways and car parks. (Image: Emily Murphy)

The Brisbane City Council Outdoor Gallery was created to transform traditionally unsafe areas, like laneways and car parks, into imaginative, curious and engaging spaces.

Admission: Free
Address: City-wide

3. Museum of Brisbane

Exhibit at Museum of Brisbane
The Museum of Brisbane is located on the third floor of City Hall. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

The Museum of Brisbane is located on the third floor of Brisbane City Hall, and this unsuspecting spot is the ideal escape from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Don’t be fooled by the name, the Museum of Brisbane is in fact one of Brisbane’s best art galleries, with many exhibitions always running. While you’re there, take a tour of the iconic Clock Tower. Make sure you book in advance (it’s free) because spots are limited.

Admission: Free
Address: Level 3, Brisbane City Hall, 64 Adelaide St, Brisbane City

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4. Brisbane Powerhouse

Artwork from the Brisbane Portrait Prize 2022
The Brisbane Powerhouse holds the annual Brisbane Portrait Prize. (Image: Emily Murphy)

The Brisbane Powerhouse is a hub for creativity, art and cultural innovation that overlooks the Brisbane River. While not exclusively an art gallery, Brisbane Powerhouse is home to a large collection of permanent art and installations that are on display. It also dons a bunch of heritage-listed graffiti from artists including Lister, Blek le Rat, Kasino, Cezary Stulgis and Ben Reeves.

Temporary visual arts exhibitions, including the World Press Photo Exhibition and the Brisbane Portrait Prize, are held regularly throughout the year.

Plus, the Brisbane Powerhouse is also home to Bar Alto, one of the best restaurants in Brisbane, so you can’t go wrong.

Admission: Free, but there are ticketed events held here to,o which vary in price. See what’s on now.
Address: Yagara Country, 119 Lamington St, New Farm

5. QUT Art Museum

Installation view of ‘Ken + Julia YONETANI: To Be Human’ at QUT Art Museum, Brisbane (5 July – 23 October 2022)
QUT Art Museum often relates to future tech and innovation. (Image: Louis Lim)

Queensland University of Technology’s Art Museum exhibits more than 2000 objects, including paintings and sculptures, predominantly from Australian artists. The exhibitions are generally contemporary art, technology-enabled or in relation to future tech and innovation.

If you want more Aussie landscapes, QUT Art Museum’s sister gallery, the William Robinson Gallery, is proudly dedicated to the display of works by Australia’s pre-eminent landscape artist, William Robinson.

Admission: Free
Address: Queensland University of Technology 2, George St, Brisbane City

6. Woolloongabba Art Gallery

Aboriginal art at Woolloongabba Art Gallery in Brisbane
Woolloongabba Art Gallery’s ethos is steeped in cultural appreciation.

The Woolloongabba Art Gallery (WAG) represents a stylistically varied selection of local and Australasian art. Their ethos is steeped in cultural appreciation, and sourcing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art for the gallery is only done through 100 per cent owned and operated centres around Brisbane and beyond.

WAG has three exhibition spaces and operates in direct response to the need for continued dialogue in Australia’s multicultural future.

Admission: Free
Address: 613 Stanley St, Woolloongabba

7. Judith Wright Arts Centre

Judith Wright Arts Centre is a creative space for visual arts programming, but also for the development and presentation of original and innovative contemporary performance works, including cabaret, circus and dance, among others.

Some of the organisations within the arts centre are the Aboriginal Centre for the Performing Arts, BlakDance, Circa and the Institute of Modern Art.

Admission: Free
Address: 420 Brunswick St & Cnr, Berwick St, Fortitude Valley QLD 4006

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8. Institute of Modern Art

Khadim_Ali_Opening_Talk at IMA Brisbane
IMA gives space to often underrepresented artists. (Image: Marc Pricop)

The Institute of Modern Art in Fortitude Valley is an alternative and interactive art space, home to some genuinely groundbreaking exhibitions. You’ll experience art unlike you’ve ever seen before all the while knowing the gallery is giving space to often underrepresented artists.

Find the latest exhibitions on their website.

Admission: Free
Address: Ground Floor Judith Wright Arts Centre, 420 Brunswick St, Fortitude Valley

9. Metro Arts

Artworks in an exhibition at Metro Arts Brisbane
Metro Arts exhibits both visual art and performance.

Metro Arts exhibits both visual art and performance, taking a closer look at experimental boundary-pushing exhibitions and performances.

Throughout the year, Metro Arts plays host to guest artists in residence as they extend and experiment with their practice and create new contemporary work.

There are also a series of exhibitions put on over the year. See what’s on now.

Admission: Free for art exhibitions, live events are ticketed at varying costs.
Address: 97 Boundary St, West End

10. Jan Murphy Gallery

Jan Murphy Gallery, artist Guido-Maestri-Photography-Chloe-Callistemon
Jan Murphy Gallery is a Brisbane icon. (Image: Chloe Callistemon)

The Jan Murphy Gallery opened in Brisbane in 1995. In that time, it has remained dedicated to the exhibition and sale of contemporary art of the highest calibre.

The large windows facing Brunswick Street showcase the newest exhibitions and give passers-by a taste before they come in and see it in its entirety.

Admission: Free
Address: 486 Brunswick St, Fortitude Valley

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Emily Murphy
Emily Murphy is Australian Traveller's Email & Social Editor, and in her time at the company she has been instrumental in shaping its social media and email presence, and crafting compelling narratives that inspire others to explore Australia's vast landscapes. Her previous role was a journalist at Prime Creative Media and before that she was freelancing in publishing, content creation and digital marketing. When she's not creating scroll-stopping travel content, Em is a devoted 'bun mum' and enjoys spending her spare time by the sea, reading, binge-watching a good TV show and exploring Sydney's vibrant dining scene. Next on her Aussie travel wish list? Tasmania and The Kimberley.
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An insider’s guide to Noosa’s best-kept winter secrets

    Lucy Cousins Lucy Cousins
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    As the cooler weather rolls in, head to this popular Sunshine Coast destination to enjoy stunning natural beauty, culinary wonders and mild temperatures.

    As southern Australia’s weather starts to cool – the frost visiting every morning and the evening chill descending at dusk – you might reach for your thickest cable knit sweater and warmest blanket. But why not reach for your suitcase and sunglasses and book a ticket to Noosa in winter instead?

    Sure, it’s a favourite destination for sun-seeking summer travellers. But as locals will readily tell you, winter is the best time to uncover hidden gems across the region – not only is the weather mild and enjoyable, but the beaches and hinterland are picture-perfect, too. You might even spot a whale or two if you visit from June to September.

    Discover how to spend your winter surrounded by Noosa’s stunning natural beauty.

    Noosa Rivermouth And Main Beach
    Make the most of mild temperatures of Noosa in winter.

    Where to eat in Noosa

    Known for its dynamic cuisine, Noosa is an overflowing foodie destination. Whatever your tastebuds fancy, the region has it covered.

    There are the classic eateries, like lively beachfront Bistro C (try the caramelised pork belly), popular Season Restaurant on Hastings Street (order the spanner crab pasta) and stylish Locale (our pick is the slow roasted White Pyrenees lamb shoulder).

    There are also chic new restaurants offering tasty dishes, like the Mediterranean fare at Pelis, Cantonese-inspired dim sums at Sabrosa, organic sourdough pizza from El Capitano, traditional recipes and tequila at Dona Cocina Mexicana and modern Italian-Australian creations from Lucio’s Marina.

    diners at Lucio's Marina in noosa in winter
    Taste modern Italian-Australian at Lucio’s Marina. (Image: Nickolas May)

    Where to stay in Noosa

    Once you’re full, you’ll need to find a place to lay your head, and Noosa has no shortage of accommodation options. From five-star resorts with palm-fringed lagoon pools to self-catered apartments and family-friendly budget options, stays in the heart of the action on Hastings Street to sleeping steps from the beach or in more spacious and relaxed accommodation along the river, Noosa offers something for everyone.

    There’s the laid-back luxury of Netanya Noosa overlooking Noosa Main Beach, which offers studios, two- and three-bedroom apartments, or the family-oriented Ivory Palms Resort in Noosaville, with its three pools, jumping pillow and playground. Guests also love the versatile RACV Noosa Resort and its numerous pools, waterslides and tennis courts.

    For a wildlife experience, hop on a ferry and travel to the eco-friendly Senses Noosa North Shore. Surrounded by 16 hectares of native bushland, the beautiful architect-designed property blends indoor and outdoor living and offers three stunning pools and a spa. Guests can even spot kangaroos and rainbow lorikeets from shaded verandahs.

    a beachfront swimming pool at Netanya Noosa
    Gaze over Noosa Main Beach at Netanya Noosa. (Image: Lumea Photo)

    Things to do on land

    There’s no denying it, the main beach – with its creamy-coloured sand, consistent breaks and epic coastline views – is Noosa’s shining star attraction. Bordering this is the wildly popular Noosa National Park, where you can explore over 15 kilometres of walking tracks, including options like the Coastal Walk, Tanglewood Walk and Palm Grove Walk.

    A short stroll away is busy Hastings Street, which is full of life during the day and long into the night. Enjoy a little shopping, a late brunch, dinner out and a cocktail as the sun goes down.

    Climb onto a fully electric tuk tuk with Noosa e-TukTuk to get an insider’s tour of the region. For a more in-depth exploration, book a bespoke tour with Joel’s Journeys and head to the lush green hinterland, or discover the rugged landscapes of Great Sandy National Park with Sunny Jeeps to spend the day with the wind in your hair and sand underfoot.

    woman enjoying the view after hiking through Noosa National Park, noosa in winter
    Take in views of the beautiful Noosa Hinterland. (Image: Demy Gavin)

    Things to do in the water

    Noosa isn’t just about the beach, the national parks and shopping; one of the most popular ways to embrace winter is to explore on water.

    You could brave the waves on a surfboard, explore the languid Noosa River on a stand-up paddleboard or even head to the Noosa Everglades for a day adventuring on a boat, canoe or kayak.

    Enjoy the winter sunsets aboard the newly launched HV Stillwater, a luxury, hybrid-powered catamaran that glides silently along Noosa’s waterways. You can also book a table on the only floating restaurant on the river – Noosa Cruiser – and dig into freshly cooked cuisine.

    For a little more adventure, head out with Kingfisher Safari Co and cruise around the Noosa River Inlet and Lake Cootharaba. Or search for whales and dolphins (from June to September) on a small charter boat tour with WhaleSongs Noosa; with an onboard researcher to explain what you’re seeing, as well as a hydrophone, you’ll be able to listen to the haunting songs of some of the world’s biggest animals while enjoying a winter’s day in the sun.

    women kayaking through Noosa everglades noosa in winter
    Explore the gorgeous Noosa Everglades. (Image: Emily Redfern)

    Book your winter getaway in Noosa at visitnoosa.com.au.