Brisbane’s tourist sights in one day

Morning: cruise the Brisbane River or soar above the city

Let the Brisbane River be your guide as you start your day with a scenic adventure Join River City Cruises for a fully guided tour packed with stories and sights, captain on your own eco-friendly GoBoat, or indulge in luxury aboard the stylish YOT Club. For the thrill seekers, take in the Brisbane River from a new angle on a guided Jet Ski Tours.

Prefer to take in the view from above? Ride the Wheel of Brisbane for sweeping city views, enjoy a relaxing brunch with rooftop views at The Terrace Emporium rooftop bar, or treat yourself to an exclusive sky-high adventure with Elite Helicopter Tours or V2 Heli experience.

Afternoon: Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary

Make your way to Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, the world’s largest koala sanctuary. Home to over 130 koalas, the sanctuary also features a wide array of iconic Australian wildlife including platypuses, Tasmanian devils, snakes, crocodiles and more. Don’t miss your chance to meet a koala and get up close with kangaroos and lorikeets during your visit. For a scenic and relaxing journey, Koala and River Cruises can take you right to the sanctuary’s doorstep.

Evening: adventurous dining experiences

For those seeking something a little out of the ordinary, Brisbane offers a menu of adventurous dining experiences that are as exciting as they are delicious. Vertigo at Brisbane Powerhouse takes dining to new heights – literally. Guests can enjoy a three-course meal whilst being suspended off the side of the heritage listed building, complete with safety harnesses and city skyline and river views. Or for an electric atmosphere, head to the family-friendly Eat Street Northshore, a buzzing and colourful shipping container foodie market, packed with global street eats, live entertainment, dessert bars, and neon-lit festival vibes. For culinary boldness, Agnes in Fortitude Valley offers a fire-fuelled menu in a sleek, industrial setting while Central in Brisbane City serves up Hong-Kong inspired dumpling bar and eats in a striking underground bar. Whether it’s the thrill of the venue or the unexpected flavours, Brisbane has a dining adventure for every taste.

Active adventure in one day

Morning: Urban adventures

Start your day with an early-morning kayak on the Brisbane River. Riverlife Adventure Centre offers guided early-morning kayak experiences, perfect for soaking in the city from a fresh perspective. If you prefer to stay dry, try your hand at rock climbing or abseiling on the iconic Kangaroo Point Cliffs. For something a little different, Riverlife also offers Segway tours plus bicycle and rollerblade hire so you can explore at your own pace.

Take a deep breath and feel the rush as you climb the glorious Story Bridge with Story Bridge Adventure Climb - one of only three bridge climbs in the world. The thrilling 2.5 hours experience takes you 80 metres above sea level to take in a spectacular 360-degree views across the city and beyond. For something truly unforgettable, time your climb for the sunset and watch Brisbane transition from golden hour to a sparkling city skyline.

Discover Brisbane on foot with a guided walking tour that showcases the city's rich history, vibrant culture, and hidden gems. From heritage trails through the City to street art strolls in Fortitude Valley and laneway food tours in South Bank, Urban Tours, Local Sauce Tours, Fit City Tours or Blackcard Cultural Tours experiences offer a deeper connection to the city’s personality. Whether you're interested in architecture, Aboriginal culture, or simply finding the best local bites, Brisbane’s walking tours offer something for every kind of explorer. 

Dinner: Riverside at South Bank, Howard Smith Wharves or Eagle Street Pier

After an active day, reward yourself with a relaxing evening by the river. Venture to South Bank, one of Brisbane’s most relaxing and scenic precincts made up of 17 hectares of lush parkland and is home to one of the city’s most diverse dining scenes. From Japanese and Thai, to American, Greek and Spanish, there’s something to satisfy any craving.

If you’re based in The City, check out the city’s best riverside restaurants or for elevated dining and rooftop bars, Queen’s Wharf has something for every palate. Whether you’re in the mood for contemporary Australian cuisine, Asian fusion or share-style dining with cocktails and a view, Queen’s Wharf delivers a culinary experience as impressive as its surroundings.

Alternatively, head to the vibrant Howard Smith Wharves precinct for a mix of fine dining, craft breweries and cocktail bars, all nestled beneath the iconic Story Bridge.

After dinner, stop by for a nightcap and a dance at Brooklyn Standard, a lively underground bar featuring live music and a vibrant atmosphere. For panoramic views of the city skyline, sip a cocktail at the stylish Sixteen Antler’s chic rooftop bar, or soak in the Story Bridge shimmering lights from the opulent Blackbird Bar and Grill.

Brisbane foodie adventure in one day

Early morning: Hot air ballooning

Strap in foodies, today’s culinary adventure begins with a sky-high adventure. With Hot Air Balloon Brisbane or Floating Images Hot Air Balloon Flights, you’ll be picked up from your accommodation or from The City and whisked away to the breath-taking Scenic Rim. Take-off just before sunrise and witness the first light spilling over the picturesque, rolling mountains and surrounding national parks below, a truly unforgettable start to the day. After floating above the landscape, touch down for a hearty breakfast of pastries, eggs, bacon, cereal, fruit and fresh juice served on the wide veranda of the grand old Queenslander at O’Reilly’s Grand Homestead & Vineyard.

Lunch: Explore the city

Explore the heart of Brisbane City and discover a vibrant mix of dining and retail experiences. Indulge in modern Cantonese cuisine at Donna Chang, devour on steak tartare and oysters at Rothwell’s Bar and Grill, or feast on a sophisticated take on Yum Cha at Longtime Dining. For refined riverside dining, Tillerman Seafood Restaurant offers a standout coastal-inspired menu with stunning views of the Brisbane River.

With more than 500 stores to browse, Queen Street Mall is the perfect place to shop for fashion, lifestyle and local finds. Be sure to stop by Noosa Chocolate Factory for a sweat treat or take home gift.

Evening: Rooftop bars and dining in Brisbane

No trip to Brisbane is complete without experiencing Brisbane's rooftop bar scene, an essential part of the alfresco lifestyle and warm subtropical vibe. Start your evening at Cielo Rooftop a breezy subtropical oasis perched above Fortitude Valley’s entertainment precinct. Known for its lush setting and creative cocktails, it’s the perfect place to ease into the night. For a sophisticated rooftop experience, head around the corner to Soko for decadent Peruvian and Japanese eats and cocktails set amongst a rooftop jungle. Or soak up the sweeping views of Brisbane City at MAYA Mexican, perched upon the eleventh floor in Fortitude Valley, where the Mexican-Australian fusion-inspired share plates and signature cocktails are served in sleek and stylish surrounds.

When it’s time for dinner, wonder over to James Street, Fortitude Valley. Tucked into Ada Lane, find sAme sAme to feast on Asian fusion dishes at this trendy part restaurant, part bar, all flavour. Located next door, Bianca serves traditional Italian classics with a nod to the Australian climate. For simple home-style Greek fare, head upstairs to Hellenika at The Callie for a beautiful, leafy space perfect for sharing good food, with even better company.