Brisbane Australia 4 Day Itinerary

Brisbane 4-Day Travel Itinerary

Day 1: Explore the City Centre & South Bank

Morning:

  • Check in at your accommodation (recommendations below)
  • Grab a quick breakfast at Baker’s Delight or Grinders Coffee Co.
  • Start your day with a visit to St. John’s Cathedral, one of Brisbane’s most iconic landmarks.
  • Explore the historic City Hall and its free museum, the Museum of Brisbane.

Afternoon:

  • Head to South Bank Parklands for lunch at Mrs. Sippy or Streets Beach Kiosk.
  • Relax on Streets Beach, Australia’s only inner-city beach.
  • Visit the Queensland Museum & Sciencentre or the Gallery of Modern Art.
  • Take a leisurely walk along the Riverwalk and watch the sunset at Kangaroo Point Cliffs Park.

Evening:

  • Dine at Eagle Street Pier, where you can enjoy river views while eating fresh seafood.
  • Catch a comedy show or live music at The Funny Mee or The Zoo.

Transportation: City Hopper Ferry (free), CityCat, buses (TransLink go card required)

Day 2: Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary & West End

Morning:

  • Visit Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, the world’s largest koala sanctuary.
  • Cuddle a koala, hand-feed kangaroos, and see other native Australian animals.
  • Grab lunch at the on-site Bunyaville Cafe.

Afternoon:

  • Head to hipster suburb, West End.
  • Explore West End Markets (Saturdays) or grab a bite at one of the many trendy cafes and eateries like Green Edge or The ApoProject.
  • Wander around *Buranda Park and the Brisbane River.

Evening:

  • Dine at Felix for Foodie Lovers, a popular restaurant offering modern Australian cuisine.
  • Explore the nightlife in West End, with options like The Plough Inn or The Scratch Bar.

Transportation: Bus (TransLink go card required)

Day 3: Mount Coot-tha & Paddington

Morning:

  • Drive up to Mount Coot-tha, Brisbane’s highest point.
  • Visit the Sir Thomas Brisbane Planetarium or enjoy the panoramic city views from the Mount Coot-tha Lookout.
  • Have lunch at the Summit Restaurant & Bar or pack a picnic to enjoy in the park.

Afternoon:

  • Head to Paddington, known for its charming vintage stores and cafes.
  • Explore antique shops on Latrobe Terrace, or check out unique boutiques along Sydney Street.
  • Relax at one of Paddington’s cafes like Cafe L’Affare or Alchemy.

Evening:

  • Dine at Eleven Rooftop Bar & Restaurant, offering panoramic city views and modern Australian cuisine.
  • Catch a movie at Dendy Cinema Coorparoo or enjoy a nightcap at The End in nearby Woolloongabba.

Transportation: Car (rental or Uber), bus (TransLink go card required)

Day 4: Moreton Island & Beach Day

Morning:

  • Catch a ferry to Moreton Island, Australia’s third-largest sand island.
  • Spend the day exploring pristine beaches, snorkeling, sandboarding, or visiting the historic Tangalooma Wrecks.

Afternoon:

  • Enjoy a barbecue lunch on the beach or at one of Moreton Island’s restaurants like Tangalooma Island Resort.
  • Relax and soak up the sun before returning to Brisbane in the late afternoon.

Evening:

  • Grab dinner at a riverside restaurant, such as Rick Shores or El Camino Cantina, both located in West End.
  • Enjoy one last night out in Brisbane, perhaps at The Flying Cock or The Beat Megaclub.

Transportation: Moreton Island Ferries (ferry ticket required)

Accommodations:

  • Budget: Bunk Backpackers Brisbane, YHA Brisbane
  • Midrange: Mantra on Mary, The Hotel Urban
  • Luxury: Emporium Hotel, W Brisbane

Tips:

  • Purchase a TransLink go card for unlimited travel across buses, trains, and ferries.
  • Check out Brisbane’s street art in Fortitude Valley and West End.
  • Enjoy a riverside stroll along the Riverwalk or New Farm Park.
  • Visit during the annual Brisbane Festival (September) for cultural events, music, and performances.