Benable — create shareable lists of things you recommend!
E.g., products you love, local businesses, travel recs - you can add anything to a Benable list!
Ultimate 3 Day Brisbane Itinerary - Day 2
34
items For day 2 on the ultimate Brisbane Itinerary Sommer and I suggest you experience Brisbane’s café culture and neighborhoods in Paddington, West End, Newstead, or New Farm. Each neighborhood offers distinct coffee personalities and breakfast styles. In...
This page contains affiliate links and is a member of the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. If you make a purchase using one of these links, including Amazon links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
This page contains affiliate links and is a member of the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. If you make a purchase using one of these links, including Amazon links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Map
Sections
6
Activities
Bonus Options if you have more time
Places to Eat
Where to Stay
Transportation
Australia Packing List
Activities
Your daytime adventures begin with Brisbane's cafe culture with yummy options throughout Brisbane. Take in some botanical gardens and the best scenic view of Brisbane before shopping in the afternoon and adventure activities to enjoy more that Brisba...
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)
Tranquility in beautiful gardens just little outside the city. If your following our day one itinerary then you’ll have read about visiting the animals of Australia. For day two we suggest learning about the fauna of Australia. I bring people here if...
Brisbane Botanic Gardens Mt Coot-tha
The best views of Brisbane and hinterlands. I like the cafe here too.
Mt Coot-tha Lookout
Fascinating for the family to see Southern Hemisphere constellations. Entry is free to the planetarium but you'll need paid tickets for the shows and some events
Sir Thomas Brisbane Planetarium
A pedestrian-only street in the heart of the Brisbane CBD with many local and international retail chain stores. Check out some of the shopping arcades and alleys for boutique stores.
Queen Street Mall
Boutique shopping, restaurants, and cafes on James St, Fortitude Valley. Paul and I would sometimes meet in this area and try different restaurants when he had clients in the area.
James Street in Fortitude Valley
From the corner of Queen St Mall and Edward St in the CBD starts the luxury brand shopping precinct including Hermes, Tiffany's, and more
Edward Street Brisbane Luxury Shopping
Bonus Options if you have more time
Options to consider for dining and activities instead or as well as those above. Enjoy!
Feeling adventurous? Check out the rock climbing in Kangaroo Point, just across the river from the CBD and farther around the river bend from South Bank.
Riverlife offers abseiling, rock climbing, and kayaking.
Riverlife offers abseiling, rock climbing, and kayaking.
Rock Climbing at Kangaroo Point Cliffs in Inner Brisbane
Prefer going down than up a cliff? Abseiling the cliffs is fun too. There are stairs going up the cliff to get back up.
Riverlife offers abseiling, rock climbing, and kayaking.
Riverlife offers abseiling, rock climbing, and kayaking.
Abseiling at Kangaroo Point Cliffs
Or perhaps an arm workout on the river with a kayak tour? I often see kayaks on the river and it's on my list. Sommer would take her personal paddle board and enjoy the River.
Kayak the Brisbane River
A wonderful way to see more of Brisbane in style and comfort from the river
Brisbane River Cruise
Climb the iconic Story Bridge for marvelous views of Brisbane and surrounding areas. It's similar to the Sydney Harbour Bridge climb. This is my favorite bridge in Australia.
Story Bridge Adventure Climb
Loads of eclectic food truck food, live music, market stalls. There's a cover charge for entry now and it's cashless. Easy access from the CityCat ferry but there is parking nearby. Don't park on the street as it gets too crowded.
Eat Street Northshore
Places to Eat
We love our food, especially Paul. So having worked in the city and surrounding areas, and living most of his life there he has always been on the hunt for good food and a cool atmosphere. These are some of our favorites!
An iconic hotel with a working class clientele and loads of character. I enjoyed the classic pub food here and there's sometimes live music. I have a friend who met her Kiwi husband at this pub!
Story Bridge Hotel in Kangaroo Point
Terrific cafe with delicious food and coffee in the Gasworks precinct. It's a converted warehouse into a trendy hub of multiple cafes and stores. If you can't get into HG, try nearby Locale, Yolk (brekkie burgers), or basically any of the nearby cafe...
HG Newstead cafe in trendy Newstead Gasworks
A converted classic “Queenslander”-style house with outdoor seating on the verandah and a variety of unique foods. Paddington cafes are a bit more expensive than West End or Tenerife but there are many options along Given Terrace and La Trobe Terrace...
Paddington Social cafe in Paddington
When I worked in the 'Valley, my colleagues would often have the morning coffee at this cafe. It is the original site of the Merlo Coffee brand and contains history as well as a cafe.
Original Merlo Coffee Cafe in Fortitude Valley
The food is hearty and delicious. There are many dining options on James St but I love the classic burgers here. It's right next to the Palace Cinema if you want dinner before an arthouse film, or shopping.
They also have great value breakfast fare.
Ribs & Burgers in Fortitude Valley
West End serves globally-influenced brunches in converted warehouses and corner stores.
The Gunshop Cafe in West End
New Farm’s Brunswick Street maintains village charm with excellent coffee roasters and local cafes. We loved Samson and Sophie a little farther around towards Tenerife but there are SOOO many quality cafes with their own vibe it’s hard to go wrong. B...
Samson & Sophie Cafe in Teneriffe
I prefer the cafe here as it's more affordable and often the restaurant is booked for weddings.
Mt Coot-tha Summit Restaurant & Cafe
Restaurants and bars at Howard St Wharves are some of the newer additions to the nightlife on the river, just farther along from Eagle St dining with fantastic views. This has been fun to see it evolve over the years from empty warehouse buildings t...
Howard Smith Wharves near Story Bridge
Where to Stay
With easy transport by bus, CityCats, or even rental car, it is easy to make many neighborhoods a great place to stay in Brisbane. It all depends on what vibe your looking for.
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
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
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 inner-city
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
Transportation
Bus and CityCats are your friendly and easy way to get around the city and enjoy the views as well!
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
My favorite ways to get around Brisbane. Actually it is one of my favorite things to do in Brisbane. Between the buses and the Citycats, you can get everywhere for your day two itinerary. I love just even taking the CityCat for fun to see the city both day and night. It is a site seeing activity in itself!
CityCats and ferries
Check out car rentals in Brisbane if you want more mobility than public transportation. Remember, we drive on the left hand side of the road in Australia!
Car Rentals in Brisbane
Australia Packing List
Know what to pack and come prepared for your Australian Adventure
Check out our packing list for Australia.
What to Pack for Your Trip to Australia, by a local
Listen to a mix of Australian music and artists as you discover Australia.
Australia Mix Spotify Music Playlist