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Ultimate 3 Day Brisbane Itinerary - Day 3
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items After spending a couple days in the city, check out the Brisbane beaches with a day trip to the bay islands Moreton, Bribie, or North Stradbroke. This will be a full day but you can extend your stay with camping or accommodation on the islands if you... If you rather head north or south to some other locations within driving distance we have some other great recommendations.
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Sections
4
Day Trips to the Islands
Places to Stay, Eat, and Transportation
Other Options of things to do if you don't want to head to the islands
What to Pack for your Australian/Island Adventure
Day Trips to the Islands
Sometimes you just want to get out of the city and see some of the ocean and beaches near Brisbane! Take a day trip to the sand and sun! The night is typically spent relaxing at the camp or accommodation, or on the beach.
Ditch the worry of 4WDing on the sand and have someone lead you (and drive you) around this beautiful island for the day. It is an easy way to get to the island with transportation sorted for you.
North Stradbroke Island Tours
Let someone else handle the ferry and logistics from Brisbane and enjoy sand boarding, beaches, and more at Moreton Island
Moreton Island Day Trip Cruises
Take advantage of someone else driving on the sand to scenic spots on the island. It's a trip without a ferry ride and smaller than Moreton or Straddie but still lots to explore on beaches and bushland, wildlife, and lagoons.
Bribie Island Day Trip from Brisbane
Check out my ultimate 3 day Brisbane Itinerary for more things to see and do in Brisbane
Ultimate 3 Day Brisbane Itinerary (2025)
Places to Stay, Eat, and Transportation
If you want to extend your stay and spend the night on the islands we have some suggestions.
One of the primary places to stay if you're not camping on Moreton Island, unless you find some local accommodation.
Tangalooma Island Resort on Moreton Island
If you're making your own way to Moreton you'll have to book a ferry. Cars and passengers are allowed but make sure your vehicle is a genuine 4WD and you're experienced driving on sand.
Moreton Island Ferries
Passenger and vehicle ferries to North Stradbroke Island. Make sure your vehicle is a genuine 4WD and you're familiar driving on sand. Bookings essential to get across the bay.
North Stradbroke Island Ferry
Quality seafood if you're up the north end of Straddie
Rufus King Seafoods Amity Point Straddie
Many folks camp at Straddie and this spot on Cylinder beach is a great locale to a nice beach
Camping at Cylinder Beach, Straddie
If you're intent on staying a few days and not camping, check out places to stay
Where to Stay on North Stradbroke Island
Check out car rentals in Brisbane if you want more mobility than public transportation. If you plan on headed to the islands make sure you have an 4WD vehicle and check your rental policy.
Car Rentals in Brisbane
This newer addition to Straddie has been getting great reviews, especially for it's pizza and views. Try a tour, or just relax and enjoy the atmosphere.
Aussies love their micro-breweries and sample boards are popular.
Aussies love their micro-breweries and sample boards are popular.
Straddie Brewing Co for tours, tastings, and tucker
This tiny shack has been serving fresh seafood daily for years and it has a loyal following. Be like a local and grab your prawns here, and try a famous prawn roll. It's like the equivalent of a lobster roll in Maine, USA.
The Prawn Shack at Point Lookout for fresh seafood and prawn roll
Other Options of things to do if you don't want to head to the islands
Maybe you want to spend your day seeing some other options outside Brisbane. We have some great suggestions or a variety of interests.
There are many activities and options at the Sunny Coast for a day trip instead of the islands. Try hiking or exploring the Glasshouse Mountains, or local markets at Eumundi. There are many great beaches of course, and Australia Zoo.
Sommer likes the relaxed less-commercial vibe of the Sunny coast more than the Gold Coast.
Sommer likes the relaxed less-commercial vibe of the Sunny coast more than the Gold Coast.
Sunshine Coast Tours & Excursions
There are many activities and options at the Gold Coast for a day trip instead of the islands. There are theme parks like Dreamworld, Movieworld, and Wet'n'Wild water park - all are great day experiences that are different. I've enjoyed each one over...
The Outback Spectacular is worth booking for the Aussie meal and ‘outback’ rodeo-style show experience.
Of course, there is the Gold Coast hinterland for hiking, wine tasting, and exploring like Mt Tamborine.
The Outback Spectacular is worth booking for the Aussie meal and ‘outback’ rodeo-style show experience.
Of course, there is the Gold Coast hinterland for hiking, wine tasting, and exploring like Mt Tamborine.
Gold Coast Tours & Attractions
Instead of heading to a bay island for the day, consider a beach that is driving distance from Brisbane and get sand between your toes. There are several bay beaches and sandy shores that are protected from the weather systems by the bay islands, so ...
12 Best Brisbane Beaches to see
Float on the breeze for panoramic views of Brisbane from nearby Ipswich.
We love hot air ballooning and this would be a magical experience.
We love hot air ballooning and this would be a magical experience.
Hot Air Balloon Flights near Brisbane
Sample local wines and dine at the restaurant while viewing the vineyard. I've visited a few times and every time is delicious and they sometimes have events and concerts “on the green” which is cool.
Wine Tasting at Sirromet Winery south of Brisbane
Spend a day with wildlife at the iconic Australia Zoo with Steve Irwin ‘Crocodile Hunter’ legacy.
Transfer pickup from South Bank
Transfer pickup from South Bank
Visit crocodiles and other wildlife at Australia Zoo
Unforgettable moments with these sea giants
Whale Watching from Brisbane
Now I would rather hit the beach then a theme park, but with that said, I have been to almost all the theme parks at the Gold Coast and if your travel with kids of any age this could be something different to do!
Theme Parks & Attractions on the Gold Coast
What to Pack for your Australian/Island Adventure
You will want to make sure you packed for your trip, especially if your headed to the beach and the sun!
Check out our list of what to pack for your Australia trip!
What to Pack for Your Trip to Australia, by a local
Listen to a mix of Australian classic music and artists as you discover Australia
Australia Mix Spotify Music Playlist