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Ultimate 3 Day Brisbane Itinerary - Day 1
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items We’ve shown family and friends around the city and squished some highlights into a 3 day Brisbane itinerary. If you can stay longer, then explore more of Brisbane or visit some of the areas just outside Brisbane. Brisbane has evolved over the years w...
Sections
6
Day Activities
Where to Stay
Bonus Options if you have more time!
Places to Eat
Transportation and Parking
Australia Packing List
Day Activities
On our three day itinerary, these are our suggestions for the first day!
Check out the full 3-Day Brisbane Itinerary. You can easily spend more days in the city but if you really want to get the highlights, check out this blog post.
Ultimate 3 Day Brisbane Itinerary (2025)
I take every visitor here. It allows you to get up close to many of the famous animals that are native to Australia. Who does not want to hold a koala and feed kangaroos? The sanctuary focuses on genuine conservation work, not just photo opportunities.
Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary
The large public parkland integrates urban sophistication with nature. You can find endless entertainment and peace here. We love South Bank and is an easy place to spend the day.
Visit South Bank
The Queensland Museum explores natural history and cultural heritage. The science centre called ‘SparkLab’ is in the museum building and it’s easy to hit both on the same day. The museum is free entry but tickets must be purchased for SparkLab.
Queensland Museum Kurilpa
The Gallery of Modern Art features contemporary art with rotating exhibitions often with international artworks. It has free admission and interactive installations engage visitors of all ages.
Gallery of Modern Art
A must photo op is the the iconic BRISBANE sign. Located near QPAC. It is fun to get a photo day and night!
A selfie with the Brisbane sign
This 60 meter ferris wheel offers breathtaking panoramic views of the city and suburbs. Think the “London Eye” but for Brisbane as air-conditioned gondolas provide comfort and safety.
The Wheel of Brisbane
It is soooo peaceful walking the path under these arches through the parklands. I love the color of the flowers and some sections feel like I’m walking through a tunnel of flowers and vines.
South Bank Arbour
Australia’s only inner-city man-made beach attracts families year-round. Lifeguards patrol the beach during operating hours. The beach provides tropical paradise feelings without leaving the city.
Streets Beach
Enjoy a cocktail at the rooftop bar with expansive views of Brisbane
Cocktails at the Terrace Rooftop Bar at Emporium Hotel, South Bank
Where to Stay
Brisbane has so many wonderful places to stay. Even though it is were Paul is from, we have stayed at some various places for staycations and Sommer has stayed at various vrbos. Because you can walk, bus, or ferry almost anywhere you really can pick the location and vibe that most appeals to you ...
Emporium Hotel South Bank (5-star) combines luxury with artistic flair. Rooftop bar offers stunning city panoramas. The hotel’s central location makes everything easily accessible.
Emporium Hotel in South Bank
We enjoyed a stay here with easy access to the City Botanical Gardens and urban shopping and transportation.
Royal on the Park - beautiful location across street from City Botanical Gardens
Try a short term apartment rental in New Farm for a suburban vibe in a beautiful location within easy transportation.
Vrbo apartment in leafy New Farm
Novotel Brisbane South Bank (4.5-star) caters to business and leisure travelers. Family rooms accommodate larger groups comfortably. The hotel pool provides relaxation after busy sightseeing days.
Novotel Brisbane South Bank
Rydges South Bank (4-star) offers excellent value near cultural attractions. Recently renovated rooms feature modern amenities and comfortable furnishings. The hotel restaurant serves quality Australian cuisine.
Rydges South Bank Brisbane
Hostel accommodation in downtown Brisbane CBD
YHA Brisbane City
Located on the edge of the busy Fortitude Valley nightlife, this hotel is well appointed by designer Alex Perry. It's hard to find a mid-range hotel in the heart of Fortitude Valley with many being cheaper or luxury depending on your budget.
Alex Perry Apartments in Fortitude Valley
Bonus Options if you have more time!
Here are some alternatives if you find you have more time or maybe something on this list interests you more!
You can’t avoid seeing the Navy frigate dry docked at the southern end of South Bank. There are several vessels visible from the pedestrian Goodwill Bridge as the Queensland Maritime Museum showcases the state’s naval heritage. Maritime history comes...
Queensland Maritime Museum
The convention center hosts many different events including concerts, conferences, charity events, graduations, and more. It is very close to South Bank and public transport. Check out the Events page for upcoming events.
Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre
Queensland Performing Arts Centre is Brisbane’s leading host of everything from ballet to contemporary music.
This venue typically hosts the traveling theatre productions on their Australian tour. Check out Friday evenings for local live acts on the green with casual ‘backyard’ fare and drinks
This venue typically hosts the traveling theatre productions on their Australian tour. Check out Friday evenings for local live acts on the green with casual ‘backyard’ fare and drinks
Queensland Performing Arts Centre
The Brisbane Festival transforms South Bank each September with a variety of performances, exhibits, and temporary performance venues. This is one of Paul’s favourite events in Brisbane with eclectic performances and music. The “Riverfire” fireworks ...
Brisbane Festival
Places to Eat
So many wonderful places to eat in route from Lone Pine, like the Regatta Hotel, or in South Bank. These are just some of favorites!
This heritage pub serves honest Australian food with unbeatable river views. The locals drinking here on weekends create authentic Brisbane atmosphere you won’t find in tourist restaurants. This is a good stop if coming from Lone Pine.
Lunch at Regatta Hotel
This is a small location nestled in a bustling intersection in West End, but the food is delicious.
Little Greek Taverna
This place is always busy with a line often out the door. Once they opened it was one of our favorites to check out the latest flavors every time we went into South Bank. They have daily rotating menu as they make gelato and sorbet on-site with many unique combinations. Try a gelato making course and sample...
Gelato Messina South Brisbane
I love the mussels at the Plough Inn. Live music adds entertainment to evening dining experiences. This is one of the places I took my American friends when they came to Brisbane!
The Plough Inn
The yiros from The Yiros Shop are some of the best I've ever tasted, and so fresh. Paul loves this place and I personally like how you can get your fries on your Yiros or Gyros as we write in America.
The Yiros Shop
Tasty chips at Grill'd with your burger. So many different flavours beyond the regular cheeseburger. Try the lamb burger
Grill'd South Bank
OTTO Ristorante has delicious Italian in an enviable location near the Goodwill Bridge. It has open seating with views across the river.
OTTO Ristorante
Charming Squire Brewhouse combines craft beer with hearty pub fare. The venue features outdoor seating perfect for group gatherings.
The Charming Squire
Ahmet’s Turkish Restaurant offers generous portions of Mediterranean favorites. The mezze platters provide excellent value for sharing as you sit astride carpets and cushions.
Paul loves this Turkish food and seating on cushions and rugs is a novel change. He has taken me to ALL Turkish in Brisbane.
Paul loves this Turkish food and seating on cushions and rugs is a novel change. He has taken me to ALL Turkish in Brisbane.
Ahmet's Turkish Restaurant
Transportation and Parking
Brisbane is such an easy city to navigate. The best way to get around is by bus, boat, or walking in our personal opinion. You can certainly drive a car just remember you drive on the opposite side then the USA!
Take a car, public bus (45 minutes each way) or a ferry cruise. The ferry journey showcases Brisbane’s best river views while avoiding road traffic completely. The public CityCat ferries don’t service Lone Pine, but this cruise makes the 45-minute tr...
Entry included to Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary.
Entry included to Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary.
Lone Pine Entry + Ferry trip
Bus station for cultural center of museum, QPAC, GOMA and the nearby South Brisbane train station.
Public Transport for QPAC, Museum, GOMA | Cultural Centre Station
Undercover car parking is available at QPAC and nearby South Bank, but we suggest public transport.
QPAC Parking
If you are coming in by plane, you don't even have to rent a car and deal with a rental car or parking. Just take the train from the airport to South Bank, I have done this and its very simple!
Brisbane Airport (BNE) to South Bank (Station)
Australia Packing List
When traveling to Australia make sure to come prepared!
Check out our list that is specific to packing for Australia!
What to Pack for Your Trip to Australia, by a local
Listen to a mix of classic Australian music and artists as you discover Australia
Australia Mix Spotify Music Playlist