Brisbane's Ultimate Holiday Itinerary
Embrace Brisbane’s outdoor lifestyle and discover tropical islands and World Heritage-listed rainforests or simply relax poolside in The City and indulge in Brisbane's thriving dining and cultural scene. Here’s how to make the most of your Brisbane escape.
Day one: Explore the inner city
Eat & Drink
Are you ready to discover why this city’s dining scene is attracting global attention? Sample Brisbane’s award-winning bars, bites and brews that have made their mark on the Australian foodie scene. Whether in The City, James Street, South Brisbane or surrounding regions - there is an abundance of rooftop bars, hidden laneway gems and riverside delights to enjoy while revelling in Brisbane’s alfresco lifestyle.
For a memorable dining experience, Southside celebrates Eastern Asia cuisine through an expertly crafted menu, two-storey designed interior and garden bar that encapsulates both Brisbane and Asia in a perfect blend.
Join a Reveling foodie adventure tour or discover the vast range of food offerings across Howard Smith Wharves that sits over the Brisbane River. From authentic Cantonese at Stanley to contemporary Greek at Greca or relax on a beanbag with a cold brew in hand and a woodfired pizza at Felons Brewing Co..
Make a connection
Make tracks for Brisbane’s beloved Cultural Precinct and visit the celebrated Queensland Art Gallery | Gallery of Modern Art (QAGOMA) to admire world-class art exhibitions, see Brisbane’s stories unravel before your eyes at the Queensland Museum. Discover the ancient and living stories of Brisbane’s First Nations peoples with a visit to Aboriginal Art Co. in West End or experience a Nyanda Cultural Tour through the Nudgee Waterhole Reserve.
Stay in style
Experience comfort and elegance at some of Brisbane’s most luxurious hotels. From the stylish Emporium Hotel South Bank, home to sweeping city views, to The Star Grand located in the bustling Queen's Wharf precinct, or stay at the award-winning Calile Hotel located in the heart of James Street, Fortitude Valley where its chic design and atmosphere fit perfectly in the boutique neighbourhood. Find your perfect stay here.
Day two: Adventure itinerary
Brisbane is home to an abundance of thrilling adventures - from bridge climbing to river kayaking, and wildlife encounters to culinary delights, the city offers discovery in every direction.
River Adventures
Get the adrenaline pumping onboard Jet Ski Tours Brisbane as you ride along the Brisbane River at speed, with the wind in your hair you can take in the iconic sights. If leisure is more your speed, pack a picnic and set sail in an electric GoBoat for a relaxing afternoon or book in with Riverlife Adventure Centre to explore the Brisbane River on a kayak tour.
If you're looking to sing, dance and party up the Brisbane River, the iconic superyacht, YOT Club, brings unforgettable events to the water. Or jump aboard Oasis, the stylish three-storey floating entertainment venue cruising the river every weekend.
See Brisbane from new heights
Take in stunning views of Brisbane from above with Story Bridge Adventure Climb - one of only three bridge climbs in the world. If you're a real thrill seeker, take to the skies with Elite Helicopters, or opt to rock climb the Kangaroo Point cliffs with Riverlife Adventure Centre. For something a little slower, but still producing incredible views from above, the iconic South Bank Wheel of Brisbane.
Wildlife and nature adventures
Get the best of both worlds, city and wildlife all in one experience as you cruise the Brisbane River with Koala and River Cruises to visit the iconic Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary. Meet over 130 koalas, kangaroos and other native Australian wildlife before cruising back to the city and taking in Brisbane’s iconic attractions and historic landscapes along the way.
Brisbane is home to two beautiful botanic gardens, perfect for exploring, unwinding or enjoying a picnic. Discover the lush inner-city oasis of the City Botanic Gardens, or head to the Mt Coot-Tha Botanic Gardens before hiking, cycling or driving to the summit for sweeping city views, especially stunning at sunset.
Foodie adventures
A buzzing atmosphere awaits as you uncover Fish Lane, with hidden wine and cocktail bars such as Maeve Wine or Maker, pizza to rave about from Julius, Australian cuisine from Marlowe and produce forward menu at Clarence. Pair this with fairy lights, lively music and street art everywhere you look, you can take a whole afternoon and into the evening, exploring every nook and cranny of the precinct.
If you’re in Brisbane on a Friday, Saturday or Sunday evening, venture to Eat Street Northshore at Hamilton to graze from over 70 vendors serving global tastes from brightly branded shipping containers, eclectic boutiques, micro restaurants and live music.
Day three: Island paradise
Visitors fly from all around the world in search of islands as idyllic as those on Brisbane’s coastline. With paradise at your doorstep, what are you waiting for? From glistening white-sand beaches, native wildlife and breathtaking natural wonders, there’s an abundance of activities and tours available; your sense of discovery won’t go unsatisfied.
Jump on a ferry, charter a boat, join a day tour or set off on your own, as two of the world’s largest sand islands; Moreton Island/ Mulgumpin and North Stradbroke Island/ Minjerribah await to be explored.
Moreton Island/ Mulgumpin
Cruise across to Moreton Island/Mulgumpin, the third largest sand island in the world, to discover this natural wonder. Take in the view from a scenic heli-flight, explore the island on quad bikes, kayak the crystal-clear water, toboggan down the sand dunes, or snorkel the shipwrecks for the ultimate fish-spotting playground. Need more than just a day to explore all there is to do? Stay a little longer at Tangalooma Island Resort to experience all that this island paradise has to offer.
To explore the natural wonders of Moreton Island/Mulgumpin in a day, join a tour with Tangalooma Island Resort Day Cruises, Australian Sunset Safaris or See Moreton. Highlights include snorkelling the Tangalooma Wrecks, marine life encounters, guided walks, heritage experiences and adventure at your own pace.
If you want to experience something truly unique, book yourself in for an Brisbane Oyster Farm Tour. As you take the scenic boat trip from the Port of Brisbane over to Moreton Bay, kit yourself out in overalls and gumboots, walk out to one of the four tables in the middle of the bay and taste the freshest oysters you will ever have.
North Stradbroke Island/ Minjerribah
With seemingly endless white sandy surf beaches, scenic rocky headlands, quaint villages and the freshest of fresh seafood it’s easy to see why locals and visitors alike love the wonders of North Stradbroke Island/Minjerribah. It’s the second largest sand island in the world and only a speedy 45-minute ferry trip from Cleveland, a 40-minute drive from The City.
With a rich First Nations history, opt to explore the island with a Yura Tour and learn first hand from Quandamooka woman, Elisha Kissick, about the history and culture of North Stradbroke Island/Minjerribah.
A haven for surfers, boaties, culture-enthusiasts and both thrill-seekers and chill-seekers, this getaway will leave you wanting more. Stay for a day, or book from the ample accommodation options for a resort-style getaway.
Day four: Explore the regions
Moreton Bay Region
Just a short drive from Brisbane City, Moreton Bay region offers a natural playground of seaside villages, rugged mountain ranges, and thriving national parks. Join a Djawun (Home Country) Tour to learn about the Jinibara people and practices before heading to Ocean View Estates to enjoy a meal featuring native flavours set amongst the sprawling vineyard, sparkling lake and stunning surrounds. Join 4WD G’day Adventure Tours to experience the beautiful beaches of Bribie Island while safely onboard a 4WD all-terrain vehicle. Another family fave is Redcliffe, with its historic pier, renowned fish and chips and plenty of protected places to cool off with a dip.
From June to November, join Brisbane Whale Watching to witness majestic humpback whales frolic across the bay performing acrobatic displays as they leap, roll and breach their way through the sub-tropical waters. You will be enchanted and captivated by their antics.
Scenic Rim
The Scenic Rim’s spectacular scenery of sweeping valleys and mountain ranges, combines the best of both worlds: brimming paddock-to-plate foodie experiences, eco-escapes and great outdoor adventure activities all within an hour of Brisbane City.
National parks and wilderness areas
With national parks and World Heritage-listed rainforests, there’s no shortage of stunning scenery in the Scenic Rim. Formed over millions of years, the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia World Heritage Area encompasses Lamington National Park, Tamborine Mountain, Mount Barney and Main Range National Park, and features dense forests, craggy mountains, vast lakes and cooling waterfalls.
For a truly rewarding experience, Mount Barney’s Lower Portals are a must-do experience for the adventurous. A 3.5km hike will take you to the waterholes, where a swim at the end will makes the journey worthwhile. On the return, take in the picturesque views and lush greenery that surround you.
Whether you want to stretch your legs or relax with a picnic in tranquil rainforest surrounds, Tamborine Mountain has experiences for all. Start your morning with a delicious almond croissant at Franquette, then head out on a short hike, with the Rainforest Circuit and Caves Track both popular options. Turn up the adrenaline with the TreeTop Challenge at Thunderbird Park, or take a moment and unwind at SOL Elements. Afterwards, settle in at one of the mountain’s inviting watering holes, including Witches Falls Winery or Cauldron Distillery.
Another standout in the Scenic Rim is Binna Burra Lodge, tucked high in the hinterland. Wander scenic ridge trails, spot native wildlife at dawn or settle in for sunset drinks overlooking the valley. For an added rush, take on the elevated rope courses and ziplines with Happitat Adventures, offering a thrilling way to experience the treetops.
Farm and foodie experiences
Fancy a picnic beside an adorable creature, and maybe even a selfie or two? The 70 alpacas at Mountview Alpaca Farm within O’Reilly’s Canungra Valley Vineyards are fluffy and friendly as can be. Or, out near Harrisville, the farming fun continues with Summer Land Camels, where you can tour their facilities where they not only make camel milk, gelato and cheeses, but also skincare! Then head to their cute Homestead Café to sample a range of their dromedary-dairy treats for yourself.
Further afield, nestled in Scenic Rim’s Fassifern Valley, Kooroomba Lavender Farm is the perfect lunch stopover offering a cellar door, restaurant and lavender gift shop, where you can wander down to the lavender fields and get amongst the dreamy lavender scent.
