Local Sauce Tours Ultimate Brisbane Walking Tour

Map View Full Details

A 3-hour small-group walking tour of Brisbane with an expert guide, telling the story of the city while taking in its main sights, and finishing with a drink overlooking the Brisbane River.

Days

3 hours

Age

Group size

Small group, max 12

Start / finish

Reddacliff Place, Queen St / Eagle St, by the Brisbane River

Return

See itinerary for details

Transport

On foot, about 3 km, mostly flat

Meals

A craft beer or soft drink and a local sweet treat

Route

Map of Local Sauce Tours Ultimate Brisbane Walking Tour

View map

Included experiences

Queen Street — Brisbane's colonial and First Nations history
Brisbane City Hall and Anzac Square
The Commissariat Store and Frog's Hollow
Queen's Wharf and South Bank Parklands
Story Bridge — river views and a drink to finish

Local Sauce Tours Ultimate Brisbane Walking Tour

Pictures / Videos

Itinerary

Map

START: THE TOP OF QUEEN STREET

You meet in Reddacliff Place at the top of the Queen Street Mall, opposite the sandstone Former Treasury Building, which was built in stages from 1886 to 1928 for Queensland's colonial government. Your guide starts with the people who were here first, the Turrbal and Jagera, and with the Brisbane River, known to them as Maiwar. Then comes the British arrival: Brisbane began in 1825 as a penal settlement for convicts who had reoffended in New South Wales, one of the harshest in the colonies.

THROUGH THE CITY: CONVICTS, PICTURE PALACES AND SANDSTONE

The walk weaves about 3 km through the city on a mostly flat route. The Commissariat Store on William Street was built by convicts in 1829 and is one of only two buildings left from the penal colony. Brisbane City Hall opened in 1930, and its clock tower was the tallest point in the city for decades. In Anzac Square the Shrine of Remembrance holds an eternal flame, and next door Post Office Square faces the 1870s General Post Office. Duck through the Brisbane Arcade, a heritage-listed 1920s shopping arcade, past the Regent Theatre, a 1929 picture palace, and into the lanes of Frog's Hollow, the city's rough red-light district in the late 1800s.

THE RIVER AND THE NEW BRISBANE

Down by the water your guide turns to the city's more recent changes, as Brisbane gets ready for the 2032 Olympics. Queen's Wharf is the new riverside precinct around the old government buildings, linked across the river by the Neville Bonner Bridge, named after Australia's first Aboriginal federal parliamentarian. Across the water lie the South Bank Parklands, built on the site of World Expo 88. You'll pick up stories of colourful politicians and local scandals, and tips on where to eat and drink that you won't find in a guidebook.

FINISH: STORY BRIDGE VIEWS AND A DRINK

The tour ends on Eagle Street with views down the river to the Story Bridge, which opened in 1940 and is the longest cantilever bridge in Australia. Your guide finishes at a popular riverside bar, where a craft beer, soft drink or juice is waiting, along with a local sweet treat, a map of recommendations and group photos to remember it by. Three hours after setting off, you're only a 10 to 15 minute walk from where you started.

Map

Good to know

Meeting point: Reddacliff Place, 0 Queen St, at the top of the Queen Street Mall. Meet in the middle of the square, opposite the entrance to the former Treasury Building, between two of the large metal balls. You'll get a WhatsApp message on the morning of the tour with a photo of the spot.
Departure time: Arrive 10 minutes early; if you're more than 10 minutes late, you've missed the tour.
Finishes: Babylon, 145 Eagle St, by the Brisbane River, a 10 to 15 minute walk from the start.
Minimum age: 10. Not recommended for younger children, as it involves 3 hours of stories and around 3 km of walking.
Fitness: About 3 km at a leisurely pace on a mostly flat route. Wheelchair-friendly and accessible for guests with vision impairments; the route can be adjusted with advance notice.
Cancellation: Full refund for cancellations at least 24 hours before the tour; no refunds within 24 hours of the start time.

What to bring

Comfortable shoes
Water bottle
Hat
Sunscreen

What is included

3-hour guided walk
Craft beer (or soft drink or juice)
1 local sweet treat
Map link with recommendations
Group photos

Not included

Hotel pick-up and drop-off
Tips and gratuities
Additional expenses

FAQ

Preparing for the trip

Do I need to take any medical supplies?

It is not necessary to bring any medical supplies other than any personal items you may require. Each tour carries a first aid box, and the tour guides are all certified in First Aid.

Do I need travel insurance?

Insurance is important in protecting visitors from loss or damange of goods, medical problems, cancelation by passengers or other casualties. Its highly recommended. Some tours on this website require you to have travel insurance. If you are Australian then it is not necessary.

Where can I get more information about this trip?

If you find that this tour page doesn't answer all your questions, then please get in contact with us! Our passionate team are always available to answer any queries you may have.

What immunisations do I need?

For the latest information on immunisations, we strongly recommend you or contact the Travellers Medical and Vaccination Centre (www.traveldoctor.com.au) to discuss health requirements for your trip. They will advise you about appropriate inoculations.

Will I be able to use my mobile whilst on tour?

You can use your mobile while touring in Australia or New Zealand, but coverage may be limited in remote areas. For best connectivity, consider purchasing a local SIM card or an international roaming plan.

How fit do I need to be?

These tours are designed to be fun, informative and active, and can be enjoyed by anyone with a moderate degree of fitness and agility. Travellers should be comfortable with hiking or walking up to 5km each day.

What should I pack?

Depending on where in Australia or New Zealand you decide to visit, your luggage will vary. For exact information please visit the "What to bring" section of each tour page.

Private tours and families

Is it possible to travel in a private group?

If you are looking for a private tour based on one of these trips, please contact us directly and we may be able to help. Over the years we have worked with families, groups of friends, schools, clubs and charities to put together the perfect trip.

Booking the trip

Does the tour price include flights?

No. Tour prices do not include any travel arrangements other than for the duration of the tour itself. If you need assistance with booking flights or buses our travel team and certainly help - Just ask!

How far in advance do I need to book my tour?

As a rule of thumb, try to book at least 2 weeks prior to departure, this will usually get you a seat on the date you want. That being said, we cannot guarantee that spaces will be available at the time of your booking so, if you can, book as soon as possible. Bookings can still be made right up until the departure date of the tour if seats are available. If you know when you'd like to travel, please contact us and we will let you know if you need to book soon or if you have time.

Do I have to book this tour online?

Definitely not. Our website is designed to make is easy and convenient for you to schedule your tour. However we understand sometimes its nice to talk to someone directly. So by all means give us a call and we can organise your trip over the phone.

If I book more than one tour can I get a discount?

Absolutely! If you are booking multiple tours then we may be able to offer you a discount. Send us an email at info@lostinaustralia.org and let us know what you thinking of doing and we can put together a price for you.Also, be sure to look out for monthly specials on tours. We often have some great bargains.

How do I know when a tour is available?

You can check the departure dates of tours by using our calendar on the top right hand corner of the tour page. This will tell you what days the tour departs. For availability of seats please contact us directly at info@lostinaustralia.org or call us.

If I make a deposit only, when will I need to pay the balance?

Balance on tours need to be paid at least 30 days prior to departure. Failure to do so could result is the cancellation of your seat with a fee charged. If you need more time to clear your balance then let us know ASAP and arrangements can be made.

Who travels with us

Is it ok to travel alone on one of these tours?

Plenty of travellers book these tours on their own. Solo travellers are very much welcomed and encouraged. During your outback adventure you'll meet new and interesting people and forge relationships that last a lifetime.Solo travellers will usually share a room with a travelling companion of the same sex, but even if you do get your own room you won't be charged extra. On camping tours there are generally enough tents available that you can have your own if you choose to.For more information please contact us directly.

Cost and Fees

Do I need to tip the guide?

If you had an amazing time on tour and wish to tip your guide, that is completely up to you. Tipping is not customary in Australia and is not at all expected.

Will I need additional money?

Travellers are advised to bring some cash, as ATMs and banks can be few and far between in the remote parts of the trip. It is handy to have some extra cash, as the tour does stop by local shops and cafes.

Are there any hidden fees I need to know about?

Our tour prices are completely transparent. There are no additional fees involved that are not included in the overall tour price shown. If you wish to do optional activities such as helicopter rides or wildlife safaris, then an extra cost may be needed. However, this will always be made clear at the time of your booking.

What does Paid Locally mean?

Some tours require you to pay national park fees directly, in cash, to the tour guide on the morning of departure. Rest assured this will be subtracted from the tour price when reserving your tour.

Whilst on tour

Can I book extra accommodation for the start and end of the tour?

We know our country inside and out and would be happy to give you good recommodations. Please contact us for recommendations.

Where do I meet the tour?

For pick-up times and locations, please check the "Start/Finish" section directly under the itinerary, which lists every pick-up point and its time.There is a lot of information there to help you plan your flights and arrival.Please review it carefully, as pick-ups can vary from tour to tour.