Ultimate 3 Day Brisbane Itinerary (2025)

Paul grew up in Brisbane and I joined him when we married so we have so many local tips for first time visitors to Brisbane. We’ve shown family and friends around the city and squished some highlights into a 3 day Brisbane itinerary. If you can stay longer, then explore more of Brisbane or visit some of the areas just outside Brisbane.

Brisbane has evolved over the years with more entertainment, attractions, and a food and drink scene that rivals the best in Australia – Aussies love their neighborhood coffee shops. Brisbane has a relaxed vibe and you can easily return and discover something new. You’ll notice a lot of activity based around the Brisbane River as it makes the city so livable and interesting.

Day 1: First time visitor must-dos in Brisbane

First up on your Brisbane itinerary must be holding a koala and feeding kangaroos at Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary. The sanctuary focuses on genuine conservation work, not just photo opportunities. Take a car, public bus (45 minutes each way) or a ferry cruise. The ferry journey showcases Brisbane’s best river views while avoiding road traffic completely. The public CityCat ferries don’t service Lone Pine, but this cruise makes the 45-minute trip scenic and stress-free.

Afterward, enjoy a gastropub lunch at the historic Regatta Hotel on Coronation Drive adjacent the river. This heritage pub serves honest Australian food with unbeatable river views. The locals drinking here on weekends create authentic Brisbane atmosphere you won’t find in tourist restaurants.

Head to South Bank to check out one of the most vibrant precincts in Brisbane. It hosts parklands, several arts and cultural attractions, diverse eateries, and an urban beach lagoon complete with white sand and lifeguards. This is one of our favourite places to relax and meet friends with so many options.

Brisbane experiences hot, humid weather so you may need air conditioning so walk next door to the Queensland Museum, Science Centre, GOMA and Art Gallery. The local history displays teach you about Brisbane’s Indigenous heritage and colonial development. The dinosaur exhibits fascinate kids and adults equally.

The Australian art collection rivals any international gallery. Free admission to galleries makes this cultural double-header accessible to everyone. Some visiting exhibits may have an entrance fee like when we saw a Marvel exhibit or the Van Gogh exhibit.

Head to West End for dinner in Brisbane’s most eclectic neighborhood. This former working-class area now buzzes with trendy restaurants and bars. By my last count, there are 20+ cuisines to try down Boundary St and Montague St, and the local Greek community influence is felt in this neighbourhood. We like Little Greek Taverna or Lefkas Taverna.

End your evening back at South Bank with night markets or ride the Wheel of Brisbane. The city lights reflect beautifully off the river after dark. Finish with cocktails at a rooftop bar – we recommend anything with river views.

If you want more on South Bank Brisbane, check out this post.

Day 2: Active exploring for first-time visitors

Experience Brisbane’s café culture by starting day 2 of your Brisbane itinerary in Paddington, West End, Newstead, or New Farm. Each neighborhood offers distinct coffee personalities and breakfast styles.

Paddington’s Given Terrace features heritage buildings housing intimate cafés. West End serves globally-influenced brunches in converted warehouses and corner stores (Gun Shop Café). Newstead’s gasworks precinct offers sleek, modern café experiences. 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. But go early, particularly on weekends, as you could be waiting 30+ minutes for food during brunch.

Mount Coot-tha provides Brisbane’s best panoramic views. The botanic gardens showcase subtropical plants thriving in Brisbane’s climate. The planetarium offers educational programs about Southern Hemisphere constellations. The summit lookout delivers 360-degree city and hinterland vistas.

We recommend visiting Mount Coot-tha twice – once for gardens exploration and again for sunset views. The Summit Restaurant serves decent food with spectacular scenery (but you will pay a premium in the restaurant menu for the view). Pack a picnic if you prefer outdoor dining or visit the adjoining café for takeaway dining.

Brisbane has many suburban shopping pockets, particularly for op-shops (aka “thrift stores”), but you’ll find many opportunities in the Queen Street Mall and James Street precincts have diverse and differing concepts. Also, West End’s boutiques showcase local designers and vintage finds.

Queen Street and Edward St offer mainstream retail chains and luxury brands in a walkable pedestrian-only environment. There are cute shopping arcades and alleys to explore. James Street showcases boutique fashion, homewares, and specialty food stores in trendy Fortitude Valley.

Choose your afternoon adventure: Story Bridge climb, Kangaroo Point cliffs, river cruise, or river kayaking. The bridge climb provides guided tours with historical commentary and city views. Kangaroo Point offers cliff climbing and abseiling with Brisbane’s adventure community – this is an easy/moderate urban climb/abseil with terrific views. River kayaking showcases the city from water level and is very peaceful and a workout.

Evening CityCat ferry rides reveal Brisbane’s illuminated skyline beautifully. It is amazing to see the night lights reflecting on the river as you glide by. Stand on the bow or stern for the best views as you pass under the Story Bridge. These ferries are wheelchair accessible and dock at many popular spots on the river.

Time your journey with Eat Street Markets (Friday, Saturday, Sunday) for live music, food trucks, and eclectic dining. Howard Street Wharves under the Story Bridge offers upscale dining on the river.

Day 3: Day trip to Brisbane beaches

Take an organized day trip to Moreton Island (shortened to just “Moreton” by locals) or North Stradbroke Island (aka “Straddie”) for the final day of your Brisbane itinerary. These sand islands offer completely different experiences from city exploration and a memorable break from urban life.

Moreton features world-famous sandboarding, shipwreck snorkeling, and dolphin feeding experiences. Tour operators handle all the logistics from Brisbane hotels. The island maintains pristine beaches and crystal-clear waters just 40 minutes by ferry.

Straddie provides a more relaxed island experience with excellent surfing beaches, koala spotting opportunities, and seafood restaurants. Again, it’s a scenic ferry trip across the bay.

Both islands are preserved park areas and need 4WD vehicles to get around which is why we suggest an organized tour. Don’t be the vehicle bogged on the sand (like my friends did) – let someone else handle it and enjoy the ride.

Check out more in my post on Brisbane beaches and islands.

Getting Around Brisbane

Brisbane has an extensive public transportation system of buses, trains, trams, ferries and supplemented by private hire e-bikes, e-scooters, rideshare, and taxis. Purchase “go” cards from 7-Eleven, Nightowl, newsagents or use your credit card for seamless public transport.

The free City Loop bus connects major attractions and shopping areas every 10 minutes. This red bus service eliminates walking between distant city attractions. Tourists often miss this free transport option.

Walking remains pleasant and practical for exploring the compact city center and South Bank areas. The riverwalk connecting Eagle Street Pier to New Farm offers scenic pedestrian routes. Brisbane’s subtropical climate makes walking enjoyable most months, particularly in the evening, but some hilly areas and daytime temps can make public transport the more comfortable option.

You can rent a car if you want to navigate Brisbane with more freedom, but Brisbane’s car parking is expensive. You may find yourself stuck in traffic with several main roads in gridlock during peak hours with limited roads in and out of the CBD area across the river.

Where to Stay

The South Bank area offers proximity to cultural attractions, dining, and river access within walking distance, and has many public transportation options. Enjoy the views of the Emporium Hotel in South Bank below.

CBD (“Central Business District”) hotels provide easy access to shopping, business districts, and transport hubs. Queen Street Mall sits at your doorstep for retail therapy. Business travelers prefer this location for meeting accessibility. We’ve enjoyed Royal on the Park for it’s proximity to the City Botanical Gardens and walking distance in the CBD.

Fortitude Valley suits couples seeking nightlife, live music venues, and trendy atmosphere. This entertainment precinct offers Brisbane’s best bar scene. James Street’s restaurants and boutiques add daytime appeal. Alex Perry apartments offers apartments on the edge of the Fortitude Valley nightlife with easy walking to many venues, James St, and easy bus transit into the CBD.

New Farm or Teneriffe offer boutique accommodations in converted heritage buildings with character. These riverside suburbs maintain village charm with city convenience. Sommer enjoyed the walking distance to ferries, River Walk, and cafes, and New Farm Park and Powerhouse markets when she lived in New Farm before we got married. This vrbo 1 bed apartment room is in the heart of New Farm Park and near the Powerhouse venue.

I have many more recommendations to discover where to stay in Brisbane.

Add to your Brisbane Itinerary

Sporting events at the Gabba, Suncorp Stadium, and Queensland Tennis Center showcase Brisbane’s passionate sports culture. AFL, rugby league, and cricket seasons overlap most of the year. Tickets remain affordable compared to southern capitals and easy public transport options to the hubs.

Roma Street Parklands and City Botanical Gardens provide green spaces in the urban core. Both locations offer free entry and peaceful walking paths. Perfect for picnic lunches or morning jogs.

Golf at Victoria Park caters to all skill levels with mini-golf, 9-hole, and 18-hole courses with city skyline views. The restaurant and bar make this a full entertainment destination. I’ve attended several functions here with great food and views, and a mini-golf date with Sommer!

Markets at West End, South Bank, and New Farm rotate throughout weekends. Each market offers distinct personalities and product ranges. Local produce, crafts, and street food feature at all locations.

Fortitude Valley nightlife includes clubs, live music venues, and cocktail bars. The entertainment precinct operates Thursday through Sunday primarily and note the varied operating hours of each venue.

Microbreweries throughout Brisbane craft excellent local beers using tropical ingredients. Green Beacon and Archer Brewing lead the craft beer revolution. Brewery tours and tastings operate most weekends.

Brisbane Jazz Club and Jazz Music Institute present local and international musicians regularly. These venues maintain Brisbane’s strong jazz tradition. Intimate settings provide excellent acoustic experiences. The Brisbane Jazz club is literally located on the river with a rear porch extending into the river.

City Hall tours include the Museum of Brisbane, clock tower viewing, and historical exhibitions. Free guided tours operate multiple times daily. The heritage building showcases Brisbane’s civic pride and architectural history.

Partake in a winery tour and tasting at Sirromet winery, lunch (yum!), and enjoy local music ‘on the green’ with local and headline artists.

Any of these options would be memorable additions to your Brisbane itinerary.

Exploring Beyond Brisbane

If you can extend your stay in the Brisbane area, check out some regional attractions. Gold Coast beaches and theme parks sit 90 minutes south for surf culture and family entertainment. Surfers Paradise offers high-rise resorts and nightclub scenes. More sophisticated Burleigh Heads provides excellent restaurants and boutique shopping. My family vacationed at Burleigh Heads for many years and have seen it boom but it’s still a great family beach with shops, walking on the esplanade, and playground.

Sunshine Coast delivers quieter beach experiences with hinterland charm two hours north of Brisbane. Noosa combines upscale dining with pristine national parks. The region suits couples seeking relaxation over adventure activities.

Scenic Rim areas, Ipswich, Toowoomba, Maleny, and Eumundi showcase Queensland’s rural heritage and natural beauty. These destinations offer wine tasting, hot air ballooning, weekend markets, antique shopping, and mountain retreat experiences. These mountain towns maintain authentic Queensland country character.

A car will generally be needed to explore outside of Brisbane unless you take an organized tour or transfer to the larger touristy attractions.

Bonus Tips

Brisbane’s subtropical climate means packing layers for variable weather and potential afternoon storms. Summer thunderstorms arrive quickly but clear rapidly. Light rain jackets prove more useful than heavy coats.

Book popular attractions like koala sanctuary and bridge climb in advance, especially during peak season. School holidays and major events fill tours quickly. Online booking often offers discount pricing.

Allow flexibility in your Brisbane itinerary for spontaneous discoveries and relaxed time. Brisbane’s laid-back culture encourages slower exploration. Some of our best experiences happened through unplanned neighborhood wandering.

Consider purchasing attraction passes if planning multiple museum and gallery visits. Brisbane City Council offers various combination tickets for cultural sites.

Brisbane serves as an excellent base for exploring wider Queensland regions on future visits. The airport connects efficiently to Cairns, Hamilton Island, and other tropical destinations. Many visitors return specifically for longer Brisbane stays after initial brief visits.

The Wrap Up: 3 Day Brisbane Itinerary

We’ve watched countless visitors arrive planning quick Brisbane visits before heading elsewhere. Most leave already planning return trips. The city’s relaxed pace, friendly locals, and diverse experiences create lasting impressions beyond typical tourist destinations.

Brisbane offers the perfect introduction to Australian culture. We hope this local perspective helps you discover Brisbane’s authentic character – the city rewards curious travelers and will surprise you.

About the Author

My name is Sommer and I am a retired international tour guide and former Disney cast member, having traversed the globe from Europe to Africa, to North and South America, and finishing my career in Australia and New Zealand. My Australian husband and my American self are based in Minnesota, USA to raise our family and are sharing our travel wonders with the world.

Starting October 2025, I will be an independent travel agent and can book your flights, accommodation, tours and more to your gateway of wonder! Click here for more.