Ultimate 3-Day Brisbane Itinerary: Best Things to Do & See

Brisbane dazzles with its sunlit riverbanks, vibrant arts, and laid-back charm, offering a perfect blend of urban adventure and natural beauty.

Main view of Brisbane

Day 1: Riverfront Culture & City Icons

Morning

Start your Brisbane adventure with a stroll along South Bank Parklands, a lush riverside oasis featuring gardens, swimming lagoons, and vibrant cafés.

South Bank Parklands

South Bank Parklands

Pop into Stokehouse Q for a riverside brunch with sweeping city views and contemporary Australian flavors.

Stokehouse Q

Stokehouse Q

Afternoon

Explore the acclaimed Queensland Art Gallery and Gallery of Modern Art (QAGOMA), home to world-class collections and thought-provoking exhibitions.

Queensland Art Gallery and Gallery of Modern Art

Queensland Art Gallery and Gallery of Modern Art

Stop by Fish Lane, a laneway bursting with street art, indie boutiques, and hip eateries perfect for a coffee break or light lunch.

Fish Lane

Fish Lane

Evening

Take in sunset city views from the iconic Story Bridge; for adventure-lovers, consider a twilight climb for panoramic vistas over the Brisbane River.

Story Bridge

Story Bridge

Dine at Howard Smith Wharves, a lively riverside precinct brimming with alfresco restaurants and local breweries beneath the Story Bridge.

Howard Smith Wharves

Howard Smith Wharves

📍 Directions for Day 1

Day 2: Adventure, Wildlife & Local Flavors

Morning

Begin with a visit to Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, the world’s oldest and largest koala sanctuary where you can cuddle a koala and hand-feed kangaroos.

Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary

Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary

Afternoon

Treat yourself to lunch at The Brisbane Powerhouse, a converted power station hosting eclectic performances, art, and riverside dining at Bar Alto.

The Brisbane Powerhouse

The Brisbane Powerhouse

Walk the leafy New Farm Riverwalk, soaking up city and river views, or rent a bike to explore the scenic path at your own pace.

New Farm Riverwalk

New Farm Riverwalk

Evening

Experience the buzz of Eat Street Northshore, a vibrant night market built from colorful shipping containers, offering global street food, live music, and riverfront fun (open Fri–Sun).

Eat Street Northshore

Eat Street Northshore

For a nightcap, check out Felons Brewing Co, a beloved local brewery with craft beers and a laid-back riverside vibe.

Felons Brewing Co

Felons Brewing Co

📍 Directions for Day 2

Day 3: Markets, Hills & Hidden Gems

Morning

Kick off with a local breakfast at The Farmers Markets at Brisbane Powerhouse (Saturdays), where you can sample artisanal treats and fresh Queensland produce riverside.

The Farmers Markets at Brisbane Powerhouse

The Farmers Markets at Brisbane Powerhouse

Explore the leafy suburb of Paddington with its heritage Queenslander homes, quirky vintage shops, and indie coffee spots like Chapter IV Cafe.

Chapter IV Cafe

Chapter IV Cafe

Afternoon

Head to Mount Coot-tha Lookout for panoramic views across Brisbane and Moreton Bay, and take a stroll through the lush Brisbane Botanic Gardens at the mountain's base.

Mount Coot-tha Lookout

Mount Coot-tha Lookout

Evening

Finish your trip in style at Eagle's Nest Brisbane, a chic rooftop bar with sweeping city views, creative cocktails, and a relaxed atmosphere perfect for your last sunset in the city.

Eagle's Nest Brisbane

Eagle's Nest Brisbane

If you crave a late-night bite or craft gin, check out Death and Taxes Bar, a moody speakeasy tucked in Burnett Lane, known for expert mixology and atmospheric interiors.

Death and Taxes Bar

Death and Taxes Bar

📍 Directions for Day 3

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