Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo:
4 Days in Brisbane
From 12 – 15 February, The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo will be lighting up Suncorp Stadium with incredible performers from all over the world for their 75th anniversary. Whichever night you choose to attend, we’ve got an epic Brisbane itinerary for while you’re visiting.
Day One: Check In & Explore
Arrive and settle into your accommodation of choice, whether you’re looking for luxury, accessibility, or something in the heart of The City, Brisbane has accommodation offerings for all. Enjoy uninterrupted views of the Brisbane River at The Star Grand, Crystalbrook Vincent, The Westin and Voco Brisbane City. Stay in South Bank, Brisbane’s cultural centre at the Emporium Hotel, Courtyard by Marriot or Mantra South Bank.
Spend the afternoon exploring all that South Bank has to offer. Take photos with the Brisbane sign, take a ride on the Wheel of Brisbane or embrace the summer’s warmth and take a dip in the Boat Pool or Street’s Beach overlooking the Brisbane River. For those looking for a culture fix, you can spend the afternoon wandering through Queensland Art Gallery and Gallery of Modern Art (QAGOMA), where art and exhibitions tell stories and convey meaningful emotions. For those that love art in the shape of live performances, Queensland Performing Arts Centre is home to a wide range of music, dance and comedy shows all year round.
After exploring all afternoon, you’re sure to be hungry. Make your way to Fish Lane to find some of Brisbane’s favourite restaurants and bars. From East Asian plates at Southside, woodfired pizzas from Julius and dessert from Gelato Messina, follow the laneway down until you find your preferred culinary experience.
Christian Jacques, Kangaroo Point
Day Two: Discover Brisbane City
It’s day two and Brisbane’s bakeries are calling. There are so many to choose from, it’s hard to pick just one, which is why we have created Brisbane’s quintessential bakery crawl so that no matter where you are staying, you can find the best bakery near you. From Christian Jacques and Doughcraft in inner Brisbane to Darvella and Cerin Pasticceria in the outer suburbs, and even bakeries in the regions, the flaky and buttery goodness can be found everywhere.
Walk off your sweet breakfast treat with some retail therapy at one of Brisbane’s open-air shopping precincts. Experience shopping at its finest in the heart of Brisbane City as you make your way through Queen Street Mall. You will find over 500 speciality stores including international retailers, luxury stores and hidden boutiques. For an Australian-owned boutique experience, the leafy James Street has high-end offerings of fashion, homewares and beauty to spend your day browsing through. For those looking for a tailored shopping experience, book Spree With Me to have a personal stylist as your shopping guide.
After all that shopping, it's time to find some lunch to re-fuel for the afternoon. If you have been shopping along James Street, you will find some of Brisbane’s best lunch spots that are well known with the locals. From the likes of Agnes, dubbed Gourmet Traveller’s Best Restaurant of the Year 2023, to Sunshine’s Mediterranean-inspired buffet-style restaurant identifiable by the bright yellow umbrellas. For those shopping in Queen Street Mall, The City is buzzing with incredible eateries to choose from. From riverside dining with the likes of Opa Bar and Mezze, Stilts and Alchemy to hidden laneway gems such as Hideki and Gather Bistro.
The afternoon is the perfect time to explore Brisbane’s fun activities, whether you are looking for something slow paced or high adrenaline, there is plenty on offer! Head to Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary to get up close and learn about a wide range of Australian animals including koalas, kangaroos, wombats and more. See the animals from a truly unique perspective with their Nocturnal tours and discover what they get up to at night! Take it slow on the Brisbane River as you captain your very own GoBoat- pack a picnic of local goodies from Rise Bakery and make an afternoon of it. For something a little more radical, take on the Story Bridge Adventure Climb that will give you unbeatable views of Brisbane from all the way up top! If you want to entertain your kids for the afternoon, then you can’t miss out on visiting the completely immersive Bluey’s World. Make your way through the Heeler’s beloved Queenslander home with games and surprises at every turn so you can play like Bluey and Bingo – for real life!
Finish this jam-packed day with a relaxing drink as you watch the sun set over the city at one of the rooftop bars across Brisbane. From a Mexican oasis at MAYA to a Japanese fusion at Soko or looking over the Brisbane River at Fiume. Then make your way to Howard Smith Wharves where you’ll find a riverside dining precinct offering dishes from all over the world. Enjoy an Italian feast from Ciao Papi, Cantonese plates from Stanley, delicious Greek at Greca Restaurant and so much more all underneath the picturesque, lit-up Story Bridge.
Day Three: Military History
Looking to get a sense of Brisbane’s own military history and themes while here for the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo? Start your morning with a caffeine hit from Bunker Coffee in Milton – although not an actual war bunker, it’s a great coffee spot with a cosy atmosphere and draped greenery to boot! Make your way into The City to partake in a morning Walking Wartime Tour with the Museum of Brisbane, where you will discover the important role that Brisbane’s City Hall played during the Second World War before delving deeper on your own personal tour of the MacArthur Museum. This museum is dedicated to telling the stories of the Allied campaign and the role of US General Douglas MacArthur.
After getting an in depth understanding of Brisbane’s history in World War Two, grab some lunch at Officer’s Mess found on the Brisbane River in New Farm. A venue built by the arrival of the United States Navy warships in 1942 and often a place where military could come and exchange jokes, play ‘mess’ games and relax. Now an eatery, you can enjoy breakfast, lunch and drinks out by the water as you appreciate the history of the venue.
Spend the rest of your afternoon making your way to the Queensland Maritime Museum in South Bank. Embark on a guided tour of the historical site and take your time exploring the historic collection of items that relate back to Brisbane’s maritime history.
Finish your military themed day with dinner at Layla, located in a former World Ward Two bunker (a real one this time!) in West End. Delight in the bold Middle Eastern, Sri Lankan and Subcontinent flavours that are highlighted through every dish on the menu. The former bunker allows for an intimate and moody atmosphere that seamlessly blends to the depth of flavour in each drink and dish.
Day Four: Day Trip to the Regions
It’s time to island hop and capture the sun rays by the crystal-clear waters found on Brisbane’s magnificent islands. If you’re still soaking up Brisbane’s history, make your way to to Moreton Island/Mulgumpin and find the World War Two bunkers and war relics, or simply kick back and relax, snorkel the Tangalooma Wrecks to spotlight the colourful wildlife or even sand toboggan down the epic white sand dunes. On North Stradbroke Island/Minjerribah you can learn about Australia’s rich First Nations history and culture through one of the many tours available on the island, such as Yura Tours, lead by proud Quandamooka guides.
For those that prefer the hinterland, get lost in the World Heritage-listed rainforest of the Scenic Rim, get lost in Moreton Bay region or venture into Ipswich. Find vineyards and wineries in abundance throughout the Scenic Rim where you can sip and taste vino, delicious food and take in the beautiful scenery around you. Walk your way through a national park in the Moreton Bay region and find wildlife, secluded swimming holes and a breath of fresh air. Or get one final touch of history when you make your way to Ipswich’s Aviation Museum, RAAF Amberley Aviation Heritage Centre.
