Brisbane Walking Tour: City Stories, Street Art & River Bar Drink

Summary

Brisbane’s past & present collide in laneways, arcades and riverside bars

You’ll walk through Brisbane’s arcades and laneways with a local guide who brings history — both tough and funny bits — to life. Expect unexpected art on Burnett Lane, quiet moments in Miller Park, and end your day with a drink by the river facing Story Bridge. It’s not just sightseeing; you’ll feel part of Brisbane’s story.

What’s the experience like?

Ever wondered what it feels like to actually walk through Brisbane’s story — not just see it from a bus window? I didn’t really know what to expect when we met our guide at the top of Queen Street. The city already felt awake: someone was playing guitar near the mall, and you could smell coffee drifting out from somewhere behind us. Our guide, Sam, had this way of making even the old Regent Theatre (now just a memory, really) sound like something you’d want to look up later. We ducked into arcades I’d never noticed before — suddenly there was stained glass overhead, the kind that catches the sun and makes everything look softer for a second.

Burnett Lane surprised me. There’s all this street art tucked between bins and bar doors — one mural told a story about early Brisbane that I still think about. Sam pointed out how the city grew from its penal colony days; he didn’t sugarcoat it, especially talking about First Nations history. It got quiet for a bit as we stood in Miller Park listening to him explain why Brisbane sits where it does (hint: not by accident). Someone in our group tried to pronounce an Aboriginal name and totally butchered it; Sam laughed but then taught us how to say it properly. Felt good not to be rushed.

The best part? We ended up at this bar right on the river — honestly, I’d walked past before but never thought to go in. Story Bridge glowed across the water and everyone just sort of paused with their drinks (mine was a local beer, cold glass sweating in my hand). There’s something about seeing the city from that angle after you’ve walked its streets for hours — like you’ve earned it or something. Oh, and we got this sweet treat earlier that tasted like caramel but with some nutty crunch I can’t quite describe.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Brisbane city and history

• Walk Queen Street Mall
• Visit Regent Theatre and Brisbane Arcade
• Walk down Burnett Lane and see street art
• Pass Brisbane City Hall and learn history
• Wander Heritage Lanes and see Aboriginal art
• View South Bank Parklands across river
• Meet the lady who named Queensland
• Sit in Miller Park and learn colonisation story
• Learn about first Aboriginal federal politician
• Use shortcuts through Elizabeth Arcade and laneways
• Visit former Regent Theatre Visitor Centre
• Walk through Brisbane Arcade and learn history
• Walk through Anzac Square and gardens
• See former jail and convict barracks building
• View new attraction near Howard Smith Wharves
• Finish at bar with Story Bridge views

Top questions

How long is the Brisbane walking tour?

The tour lasts around 3 hours and covers about 3 km through central Brisbane.

Is there a drink included on this Brisbane walking tour?

Yes, your tour ends at a riverside bar with a small glass of craft beer (or soft drink or juice) included.

Does the tour visit Story Bridge?

You finish at a bar with views of Story Bridge across the river but don’t cross or walk on the bridge itself.

Are children allowed on this tour?

The tour isn’t recommended for children under 10 due to its length (3 hours) and focus on stories/history.

Is this walking tour wheelchair accessible?

The route can be modified for wheelchair users if notified in advance; most areas are accessible.

What attractions are covered on this Brisbane walking tour?

You’ll see Queen Street Mall, Anzac Square gardens, Burnett Lane street art, Miller Park, heritage arcades, and riverside views of Story Bridge.

Does the tour include food or snacks?

You’ll get an iconic local sweet treat during your walk as part of your inclusions.

Will I learn about Aboriginal history on this tour?

Yes, your guide shares perspectives on First Nations people as part of Brisbane’s story throughout the walk.

What’s included

Your day includes an English-speaking guide leading your small group through central Brisbane with stops for photos and stories at key sites like Queen Street Mall and Anzac Square. You’ll get an iconic local sweet treat along the way plus maps and recommendations for after. At the end, relax with a small glass of craft beer (or juice/soft drink) at a riverside bar overlooking Story Bridge before heading off on your own adventure.