Brisbane 7 Day Itinerary

7-Day Itinerary for Exploring Brisbane

Day 1: Arrival & City Orientation

  • Arrive at Brisbane Airport. You can use the Airtrain (approx. $16 one-way) or buses (approx. $4 - $20) to reach the city center.

  • Check-in at your hotel (recommendations: QT Hotel, Emporium Hotel, or Mantra on little Collins). These hotels are centrally located and offer great amenities.

  • Lunch: Visit Eagle Street Pier for a variety of waterfront dining options. Try Black Hide Steakhouse or Sake Restaurant & Bar.

  • Afternoon: Take a CityCat (ferry) to explore the river’s edge and visit South Bank Parklands, including Streets Beach, Queensland Art Gallery, and the Wheel of Brisbane.

  • Dinner: Dine at one of the restaurants in Howard Smith Wharves or Fortitude Valley, such as Mr. Wilson’s, Gerard’s Bistro, or The ApoEphek.

Day 2: South Bank & Cultural Precinct

  • Morning: Visit the State Library of Queensland and Queensland Museum. They are free to enter and offer insight into Brisbane’s history.

  • Lunch: Grab a bite at one of the cafes or restaurants in South Bank.

  • Afternoon: Explore the GoMA (Gallery of Modern Art) and QUT Art Museum.

  • Evening: Relax at one of the riverside bars, such as Misters Bar & Kitchen or The Lab.

Day 3: Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary & Mount Coot-tha

  • Morning: Head to Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, the world’s largest koala sanctuary.

  • Lunch: Have lunch nearby at The Barn or Cafe polar bears.

  • Afternoon: Travel to Mount Coot-tha for panoramic views of Brisbane. Visit the Sir Thomas Brisbane Planetarium and Botanic Gardens Mt. Coot-tha.

  • Dinner: Dine at one of the restaurants in Paddington, such as Alchemy or The Bavarian Biercafe.

Day 4: Northshore Hamilton & New Farm

  • Morning: Visit James Street in Fortitude Valley for shopping and brunch. Recommendations include Granger & Co., Harvest Espresso, or El Camino Cantina.

  • Afternoon: Cross the Victoria Bridge to Northshore Hamilton. Stroll along the riverfront, visit the Powerhouse Museum, and enjoy river views from Eat Street Northshore.

  • Dinner: Dine at one of the restaurants in New Farm, such as Alchemy, Stokehouse Q, or Riverbar & Kitchen.

Day 5: Moreton Island

  • Morning: Take a ferry (approx. $120 return) to Moreton Island from Bulimba or Brisbane. Spend the day relaxing on the beach, sandboarding, snorkeling, or visiting Tangalooma Wrecks.

  • Return to Brisbane in the late afternoon and dine at your hotel or a nearby restaurant.

Day 6: West End & Boundary Street

  • Morning: Visit West End for vintage shopping, street art, and cafes like West End Bakery, Wobbly Park Cafe, or The Scratch Bar.

  • Lunch: Dine at one of the many restaurants along Boundary Street in West End, such as El Camino Cantina, The ApoEphek, or Gerard’s Bistro.

  • Afternoon: Explore the Brisbane Botanic Gardens Mt. Coot-tha or visit the Teneriffe Wine Barrels for wine tastings and views of the city.

  • Dinner: Dine at one of the riverside restaurants in New Farm, such as Stokehouse Q or Riverbar & Kitchen.

Day 7: Departure

  • Morning/Afternoon: Spend your last hours in Brisbane visiting any remaining attractions or shopping for souvenirs.

  • Lunch/Dinner: Enjoy a farewell meal at one of the restaurants from previous days or try a new place, such as The Wolf Hotel, Le Jardin, or Stokehouse Q.

  • Departure: Head to Brisbane Airport for your flight home.