Cruises to Brisbane

Australia

Brisbane

See Australia in a whole new way on a cruise to Brisbane with P&O Cruises. Cruise Melbourne to Brisbane, Sydney to Brisbane and more, and explore a city rich with history, bustling with culture and awash in natural beauty.

Nestled between a mountain range and the sea, Brisbane is a city full of delightful contradictions. This incredible cruise destination is home to towering skyscrapers and some of Queensland’s finest natural attractions alike, and is a place where it’s not uncommon to see financiers in suits brush up against surfers in shorts and thongs. Once a penal colony for the “worst of the worst” of British offenders, Brisbane has well and truly shaken off this heritage to become a thriving, cosmopolitan city.

Today, Brisbane abounds with stunning contemporary architecture, new infrastructure, and plenty of sightseeing and cultural activities. Thanks to its prime geographical location, it’s the perfect starting point for a range of coastal adventures. To make the most of your time in the Queensland capital, book into one of our many P&O Shore Tours. Whether you’re marvelling at views of surrounding hinterlands on the Gold Coast, enjoying an off-road escapade on Stradbroke Island, or cosying up with wildlife at Australia Zoo, there’s truly something for everyone.

Explore the stunning Queensland coastline

Ease into your Brisbane holiday and experience some of the best beaches that Queensland has to offer by joining the Gold Coast Highlights Shore Tour. Following a guided panoramic drive through the Gold Coast, a world-renowned beachside city, you’ll arrive in Surfers Paradise, the aptly-named heart of the Gold Coast. Head to the top of SkyPoint and be treated to spectacular panoramic views of the nearby surf, hinterland, and beyond. Then, stroll along the famous Main Beach and catch some waves, or head into town to grab a bite to eat and shop at Orchid Avenue.

Feeling adventurous? Book into the Stradbroke Island 4WD Escapade Shore Tour to enjoy a thrilling mix of scenery, beautiful beaches, and an unforgettable off-road adventure. Start your tour on a scenic ferry to North Stradbroke Island, enjoying views of some of Queensland’s most picturesque parts of coastline along the way. Then, buckle into your 4WD and drive down sandy beaches, bush tracks, and along hidden lakes. Finish your day with a dip in the South Pacific Ocean or Coral Sea, or simply lay back on the sandy beach and take in the abundant surrounding beauty.

Meet loveable local wildlife

No holiday in Brisbane would be complete without a visit to Australia Zoo on the Sunshine Coast. Founded by the late Steve Irwin, the zoo is home to over 1000 animals and hosts 14 free wildlife shows every day. Join the Crikey! It’s Australia Zoo Shore Tour for your chance to get hands-on with cuddly koalas, waddling wombats, slithering snakes, and cute kangaroos. The whole family will love visiting the world-famous Crocoseum, where you can watch a crocodile launch into attack from the water’s edge. You’ll return home with memories that’ll last a lifetime, in addition to a newfound appreciation for our native four-legged friends.

At A Glance


Population

2,004,262 (2009 census)

Language

English

Government

Democratic

Currency

Australian Dollar

Find a P&O Brisbane cruise

P&O Cruises can take you to Brisbane onboard one-way cruises from Melbourne and Cairns. Alternatively, the 17-night Asia & Australia Explorer voyage from Melbourne calls into Brisbane alongside AIrlie Beach, Dili, Lombok, Bali, and Kuala Lumpur (Port Kelang), before disembarking in Singapore.

Brisbane Shore Tours


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Guest favourites, the most booked Shore Tours at this port

Must See

Our handpicked Shore Tours are a must for any guest.

What to See in Brisbane

Visit the Gold Coast

Famous for its miles of surf beach, theme parks, nightlife, and shopping, Queensland’s Gold Coast is an easy day trip from Brisbane.

Discover the city

Brisbane is a great city to explore on foot. If you’re feeling active, take a leisurely stroll from Southbank to Dockside and enjoy beautiful river views and public art along the way. If you feel like relaxing, stay in Southbank and enjoy Australia’s only inner city beach and lagoon-style swimming pools. With a stunning riverside location, this vibrant inner city playground is very popular during summer. Take a dip in the lagoon, doze on the beach, or picnic in the park.

Visit Australia Zoo

Founded by the late Steve Irwin, this 50-acre zoo is home to some of the world’s most exotic wildlife. See fresh and saltwater crocodiles, have your photo taken with a giant python, or feed kangaroos and meet the world’s oldest Galapagos tortoise.

More About Brisbane

Docking

Your ship will dock at the Portside Wharf Cruise Terminal, which is a 10 to 15 minute drive from the city centre.

Getting around

A taxi rank is located at the entrance to the Portside Wharf, and shuttle buses can take you into town for a small fee. Please check your Pacific Daily for further details.

Dining

Head into the heart of the city to discover fine cuisine and gourmet delights from all around the world.

Please note that quarantine authorities do not generally allow food such as fruit and vegetables, dairy and meat products, and sandwiches to be taken off the ship. However, commercially packaged confectionery, chips, and bottled drinking water are allowed subject to inspection.

Shopping

Local shopping options are plentiful, and include large shopping centres, factory outlet shops, and bargain stores. Queen Street Mall offers the best downtown shopping, with numerous shops, stalls, and cafes, while surrounding streets also offer many interesting shops and arcades that are worth exploring.

Climate

Brisbane’s climate is mild all year round. In summer it can be quite hot and humid, with temperatures between 21 and 29 degrees Celsius on average.

Credit Cards

Major credit cards and charge cards are widely accepted, and ATMs can provide currency to foreign card holders.

Communication

A public telephone is located at the pier, and mobile coverage is generally available.

What to Wear Ashore

To make your day ashore as enjoyable as possible, please wear comfortable flat soled shoes, lightweight clothing, and a hat. You are also advised to bring biodegradable sunscreen and bottled water.

Shore Tours

Our Shore Tours can help you make the most out of your time in Brisbane. Tours can be booked before departure via Cruise Control or onboard at the Shore Tours desk, and are subject to availability.

Environment

During your time ashore, we ask that you dispose of your rubbish thoughtfully.

Next Cruises To Brisbane

Average Temperature & Rainfall