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Planning a trip to Brisbane, Australia? You’re going to love it!
We love sunny Brisbane because it just feels good to explore here. There’s a very wholesome, laid-back vibe, and plenty of adventures to be had. So if you’re only here for a couple of days, where do you start?
We’ve devised the perfect 3-day Brisbane itinerary to help you make the most of the trip. It covers everything from cuddly koalas to snorkeling and sunset Segway rides. We’ve included all the need-to-know details about timings and getting around, and we’ve taken care to ensure you don’t feel rushed. All you need to do is follow along and enjoy, so let’s dive in!
Don’t Miss Out On Our Top Choice!
The tour we loved the most and suggest booking ASAP is this one!
Our personal FAVORITE thing we did was this Segway tour of Brisbane! This was one of the most fun ways to see the city as we cruised along the river, through parks, and past iconic Brisbane sights. All led by our local guide!
Itinerary Overview
In keeping with Brisbane’s laid-back character, getting around the city is super easy. The center is pretty compact which means that many of the main sights and attractions are within walking distance of one another.
When you need to go a little further, public transport is reliable and easy to navigate. Buses, trains, and ferries run regularly throughout the day. Plus, in Queensland there’s a 50-cent rule for most journeys in the South East Queensland network, so it’s also very affordable!
Uber and taxis are widely available and are ideal for quick trips between neighborhoods like South Bank, Fortitude Valley, and New Farm. However, our favorite way to get around Brisbane has to be by hopping on a CityCat ferry. These sleek boats cruise along the Brisbane River and stop at most major attractions, giving you fantastic views along the way.
Day 1: Your Brisbane adventure begins with a scenic river cruise to the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, then spend the afternoon exploring South Bank before catching the sunset on a fun Segway tour. Then, end the night at one of the CBD’s best restaurants.
Day 2: Head off on a full-day trip to North Stradbroke Island, where you’ll spot kangaroos and koalas in the wild and take in some of Queensland’s best coastal views. Back in the city, end the day with a riverside walk and some late-night gelato.
Day 3: For your final day, take your pick between two unforgettable adventures: snorkeling at Tangalooma or exploring the lush rainforests of the Gold Coast hinterland. In the evening, celebrate your last night with skyline views and modern Mexican food, followed by drinks in Fortitude Valley’s buzzing nightlife scene.
Day 1
Breakfast – Hope Street Cafe
Kick off your first morning in Brisbane with a wholesome breakfast at Hope Street Café, which is just a 9-minute walk from the starting point of this morning’s tour. We love this spot because it’s community focused and you often see a nice mix of locals and tourists having breakfast here. The food is locally sourced and there are some creative dishes on the menu, like the tahini and dark chocolate pancakes which are so delicious.
The cafe opens at 7 am on weekdays and 8 am on weekends. In fact, we recommend getting here at around 8 am so that you have time to enjoy your food and coffee before heading to meet the cruise at 9 am (or ideally just before).
Morning/early afternoon – Brisbane River cruise and koala sanctuary
After breakfast, head to meet your tour just outside the Queensland Culture Center. Officially, check-in is at 8:30 am but the tour doesn’t leave until 9 am, so we suggest aiming to get there around 8:45 am.
We love this tour because it combines two quintessential Brisbane activities: cruising along the river and cuddling koalas at the world’s largest sanctuary! The cruise is a great way to see the city because you’ll get to take in skyscrapers, suburbs, and some of Brisbane’s fanciest homes while you kick back and relax on board.
Then once you arrive at the sanctuary, you’ll have plenty of time to explore. Over 130 koalas live here, so it truly is the perfect place to get up close to Australia’s most beloved animals!
We also recommend visiting the Platypus House and catching the Birds of Prey show, which is very exciting to watch. Oh, and keep an eye out for lorikeets and Eastern Water Dragons wandering through the park as you explore. We saw so many when we visited.
After a few hours with the animals, you’ll return to the boat for a peaceful ride back to Southbank. If you’re hungry, you can even grab a cheeseboard for lunch from the onboard cafe. The tour lasts for 5.5 hours in total, so you should be back in South Bank at 2:30 pm, give or take a few minutes.
Read over a THOUSAND 5-star reviews and book this tour here!
Afternoon – Unwind and explore South Bank
The river cruise will drop you back in South Bank, which is essentially Brisbane’s riverside playground. It’s leafy and relaxed, with plenty of art galleries and cafes to fill your day. Spend some time exploring this area at your own pace and then either start walking to meet the evening Segway tour at 5:20 pm or hop in an Uber at around 5:45 pm to give yourself plenty of time to get there.
Until then, here are a few ideas for what to get up to in South Bank:
- Take a slow walk along The Arbour – This pretty walkway is actually an art installation. It’s covered with pink bougainvilleas and runs the length of the parklands, so taking a walk underneath it and snapping a few photos is a must.
- Relax at Streets Beach – This is Brisbane’s famous man-made lagoon. It’s a nice place to hang out and dip your feet in the water, especially on a sunny day.
- Visit GOMA or the Queensland Art Gallery – These galleries are both within a 10-minute walk from the cruise dock and they’re nice, cool spaces to relax during the summer if the heat gets a bit too much. The Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA) showcases international and Australian contemporary works, while The Queensland Art Gallery next door features Indigenous and classic Australian art.
- Enjoy a late lunch – There was a chance to grab lunch at the cafe during the cruise, but if those light bites weren’t filling enough you can always go and grab some more food at one of the restaurants in South Bank. We particularly like Poca Madre Restaurant which does fantastic Mexican food, including amazing battered snapper tacos.
Late afternoon – Explore the city by Segway as the sun starts to set
We think that Segway tours are a blast in general but this one in particular is the perfect way to see Brisbane at sunset. Zipping around the city like this is such an exciting way to take in the sights, from the South Bank Parklands to the Kangaroo Point Cliffs!
This is a very popular tour so you’ll want to book it in advance – it offers free cancellation anyway, so no worries there. To ensure you catch the sunset, book the 6 pm option, which will finish at 8:30 pm latest.
It’s about a 30-minute walk from the South Bank area to get to the meeting point for the tour. We highly recommend doing this if you enjoy walking, as the route is very scenic. Otherwise, you can always just hop in a taxi and the journey will only take 5 minutes.
Once there, you’ll have a quick briefing and practice session to ensure that you feel confident before heading out. Then, you’ll glide along the Brisbane River paths, passing landmarks like the Wheel of Brisbane and Eagle Street Pier. You’ll also ride through the Botanic Garden and cross the Goodwill and Kurilpa Bridges.
And of course, all of these attractions will look even better against the backdrop of a Brisbane sunset. You’ll see the city lights start to flicker on as you cruise around, and your guide will teach you all about the city’s history and architecture along the way.
This tour is so much fun and you’ll cover so much more of Brisbane than you could on foot, so it’s ideal for a short visit to the city. No wonder it has so many 5-star reviews!
Book this fun Segway tour here with FREE cancellation!
Dinner/evening – Discover the CBD’s best restaurants
After your Segway tour wraps up, we recommend heading to Brisbane’s CBD to check out the fantastic restaurants around here. It’s a 15-20 minute walk from where the tour ends and the route takes you over Kangaroo Point Bridge for yet more scenic nighttime views.
There are tons of restaurants to choose from in the CBD, but we’ve shared a few of our favorites below. If today falls on a weekend or during peak tourist season, it may be a good idea to make a reservation ahead of time – we’re not the only ones who love the following spots!
- Maru Grill House – This is a popular and authentic Korean restaurant that serves hotpot and other favorites, like bibimap in hot stone bowls. You can even treat yourself to wagyu beef if you like!
- Massimo Restaurant & Bar – This is a very popular Italian restaurant with great views of the Brisbane River, but the food is just as good as the setting. It’s smart to make a booking if you want to eat here but trust me, the sand crab pasta is worth it.
- Rothwell’s Bar & Grill – If you’re in the mood for steak, head to this sleek and stylish grill in the downtown CBD. They serve juicy steaks and a top notch beef wellington, along with an impressive selection of Australian wines.
After dinner, we recommend heading back to your hotel to relax and get a good night’s sleep. We’ve got a full day tour tomorrow and it starts early, so you’ll need some energy!
Day 2
Morning/afternoon – Go on a wildlife adventure to North Stradbroke Island
North Stradbroke Island is one of Queensland’s most stunning natural escapes, so today we’re going to explore it on this top-rated full-day tour! Known as Minjerribah by its traditional custodians, the Quandamooka People, this island boasts a dramatic coastline and tons of wildlife, so you can’t miss the chance to visit while you’re in Brisbane.
The tour meets at 7:45 am in Anzac Square, then your guide will take you to catch the ferry across Moreton Bay, which is super scenic. The ferry tickets are included with the tour – this is super convenient as it saves you from having to work out ferry schedules for yourself.
Once on the island, you’ll visit highlights like Brown Lake and Cylinder Beach, but the real showstopper of the day is the North Gorge Walk. It’s very beautiful, but what makes this trail extra special is that you have pretty good chances of spotting turtles and manta rays swimming close to the shore.
After the walk, your guide will give you a few recommendations on where to buy lunch in the small town of Point Lookout. You can grab something to go and enjoy it right on the beach!
Finally, you’ll visit Amity Point, a small seaside village, which is another great place to spot dolphins. Here, your guide will even lead you to a secret spot where you can spot koalas in the wild. That’s a pretty great note to end on as far as I’m concerned!
You’ll get back to Brisbane at around 5:15 pm. At 9.5 hours, this is a pretty long day, but it’s so worth it – just look at all of the 5-star reviews!
Grab your spot on this in-demand tour here and enjoy free cancellation!
Why We Book Tours with Viator
Viator is a trusted online booking system for tours around the world! We almost always book our tours using Viator for a couple of reasons:
- Free cancellation on most tours – Most of the tours on Viator allow you to cancel and get a full refund up to 24 hours in advance. This is handy in case plans change, or if booking an outdoor activity, the weather forecast is looking grim.
- Reserve now and pay later – You can secure your spot on some of the most popular tours well in advance and not pay until closer to the day of the tour.
- Lowest price guarantee – If you happen to find the same tour at a lower price elsewhere, Viator will refund you the price difference.
- Pay in your chosen currency – Avoid costly international transaction fees by choosing to pay in your home currency.
- Peace of mind – When booking with tour operators you find in person on the street or in small booking offices, you are often promised one thing and given another. This online platform holds tour operators accountable with a written description of inclusions as well as the opportunity for customers to leave reviews.
Check out the Viator website here! Or, for more info, read our detailed review about Viator here.
Dinner – Your choice!
We mentioned a few restaurants yesterday, and since today’s tour finishes in the CBD area, it’s a great chance to check out another spot from that list if you like. If you’d prefer something new, two other popular options are O Brasileiro, which serves up hearty Brazilian dishes, and LONGTIME DINING, a top choice for delicious Chinese cuisine. Both are well-loved by locals and visitors alike, so you can’t go wrong!
Evening – Go for a riverside walk through the botanic gardens
Shiro Gelato & Snack is probably the coolest dessert spot in the whole city, so head here for some of their Japanese-inspired gelato before it closes at 10 pm. They offer six classic flavors at a time, so in the spring, those include yuzu lemon and strawberry matcha, while in the winter months, you might get miso caramel or black sesame. Whatever’s on the menu, it’s sure to be good!
Once you’ve got your cone, wander over to the city botanical gardens, which are just an 8-minute walk from Shiro. The riverfront path is beautifully lit up at night, and you’ll be able to see the Story Bridge glowing up ahead, so this is an ideal spot to snap some photos.
Day 3
There are a ton of fun activities on offer in Brisbane, so today we’ve got two fantastic full-day adventures to choose from. There’s no right answer – it just depends on what you’re most interested in!
You can either go snorkeling around the historic Tanglalooma Wrecks and spot dolphins, turtles, and rays on this Moreton Island tour, or hike through the Gondwana Rainforests to see waterfalls and caves on this Springbrook and Tamborine National Parks tour. You’ll see tons of wildlife either way, so it really depends on whether you’re more into marine creatures or koalas and kangaroos!
Option 1: Morning/afternoon – Snorkel Tangalooma’s reefs and wrecks
If you’re into marine life, this full-day tour of Moreton Island is the clear choice for your third and final day in Brisbane. It offers the chance to snorkel at shipwrecks and spot dolphins and dugongs on a nature cruise. How cool is that?
Visiting the island by yourself requires quite a lot of advance planning and organization, but thankfully, the tour makes it very easy. It will show you the best of the island in just one day, and it includes ferry transfers, food, drink, and activities.
You’ll meet the tour in front of Brisbane Skytower at 8:25 am before being whisked off on a scenic ferry ride. When you get to the island, you’ll head out on a guided snorkeling tour at the Tangalooma Wrecks. The water visibility on Moreton Island is fantastic, so you’ll be able to spot lots of colorful fish among the shipwrecks, as well as rays and turtles if you’re lucky.
The snorkeling is easy in the calm, clear water, but it still works up an appetite, so later you’ll enjoy a buffet lunch on the boat. In the afternoon, you’ll have free time on the beach to spend as you please, whether that’s paddleboarding or just sunbathing with a good book, then the day wraps up with a marine discovery cruise. This is an opportunity to learn about the island’s ecosystem and spot dolphins, turtles, and rare dugongs.
I think it’s safe to say that this tour will ensure you squeeze the most out of every moment on this gem of an island! You’ll get back to Brisbane around 5 pm, and afterwards I suggest heading back to your hotel to shower, change, and enjoy a little downtime before dinner tonight.
You can book this unforgettable Moreton Island adventure here!
Option 2: Morning/afternoon – Escape to the Gold Coast hinterland on a nature tour
If you’d rather spend your last day above the water and exploring Queensland’s dense rainforests, then we highly recommend this full-day tour of Springbrook and Tamborine National Parks. These are two of South East Queensland’s most stunning natural escapes, and they’re part of the UNESCO-listed Gondwana Rainforests.
This tour starts at 7:45 am and, like the one above, it also meets close to the Skytower. The day begins with a scenic drive through the picturesque Numinbah Valley, then you’ll hike through the rainforest at Joalah National Park to the secluded Curtis Falls. After that, it’s onto Tamborine National Park for my favorite part of the tour: the glow worm cave! Seeing the whole cave ceiling sparkling with tiny lights is a magical experience.
Another of the day’s standout experiences is visiting Natural Bridge, a dramatic rock formation created by a waterfall flowing through a cave. The way the light filters through the opening is breathtaking!
Finally, you’ll visit the Hinze Dam, which is a wildlife hotspot. Here, you might see kangaroos, wallabies, or koalas, as well as tons of vibrant birdlife. Eagles are often spotted flying overhead, and black swans are known to visit the lake, too.
Doing all of this without a guide would require a ton of planning, but this tour means you can just turn up and enjoy the day. You should get back to Brisbane at around 4:30 to 5 pm, which gives you plenty of time to chill out before dinner.
Check 250+ 5-star reviews and book this full-day rainforest adventure here!
Dinner – MAYA Mexican
Both tours will drop you back at your hotel, so take some time to relax and freshen up before grabbing a taxi or Uber to Fortitude Valley. This is a part of Brisbane that we haven’t yet visited on this itinerary, but since it’s the city’s best nightlife district, it’s only right to check it out on your final night in the city. As well as bars, there are lots of creative, chef-driven restaurants here and hidden cocktail lounges, so you can enjoy a pretty chilled night out here.
We recommend heading to MAYA, which is an uber-stylish Mexican restaurant. It offers amazing views of Brisbane’s skyline but if it weren’t for that, the decor would make you think you were in Tulum. We suggest making a reservation for around 7:30 pm so that you have plenty of time to freshen up and maybe even sneak in a nap after a busy day today.
The food here is made with fresh, top quality ingredients and the vibe is fun but refined. In short, we think it’s the perfect place to celebrate the final night of your trip!
Evening – Enjoy Brisbane’s nightlife scene
After dinner, Fortitude Valley is your oyster! There are tons of ways to enjoy an evening here. You can linger a little longer at MAYA and enjoy their Patrón margaritas as you watch the city lights twinkle, or you can head over to Saville Row, which is a cool cocktail bar hidden behind a secret door on Ann Street. And if live music is your thing, Suzie Wongs is the place to go on weekends!
Where to Stay in Brisbane
Now that you’ve got the perfect Brisbane itinerary sorted, you just need a great place to stay while you’re here! To get the most out of this itinerary, we recommend staying in the Brisbane CBD because it’s the heart of all the action, and the tours we’ve mentioned meet in this area or very close by.
And since the CBD is a popular area, there are tons of great options to choose from. We’ve done the hard work for you and sifted through the top-rated hotels to find suitable options for every budget.
Luxury – $$$
Stamford Plaza Brisbane is a luxurious 5-star hotel right on the Brisbane River. It’s the perfect base for a city escape or a special occasion. Every room offers stunning river views, with the iconic Story Bridge and Kangaroo Point cliffs as your backdrop. Now that’s hard to beat!
Outside of the rooms, the hotel is packed with tons of facilities to make your stay extra relaxing. You can take a dip in the outdoor pool, unwind in the spa or sauna, or keep active in the 24-hour fitness centre. As for dining, you can head to The Brasserie on the River for riverside meals and seafood buffets, Kabuki Japanese for teppanyaki or à la carte, and Pav Bar for stylish cocktails.
Rooms typically range from $250 to $500 AUD per night, while suites can go up into the thousands! Check availability and book your stay here.
Mid-range – $$
Royal On The Park is a stylish 5-star hotel perfectly positioned opposite the City Botanic Gardens, making it ideal for both sightseeing and business trips. The rooms are modern and comfortable, with floor-to-ceiling double-glazed windows and individual espresso machines.
This is our top hotel pick for families and groups, as many rooms offer interconnecting options. There’s an outdoor swimming pool and hot tub to unwind in, and the Walnut Restaurant is open for breakfast and dinner 7 days a week.
Another big highlight of this hotel is its location. You’re just a 5-minute walk from Queen Street Mall and the CBD, with Morrison Hotel 7 minutes away. But best of all, this hotel has even been recognized in “The Best of Queensland Experiences” program for outstanding service and quality!
Rooms at Royal On The Park typically range from $200 to $500 AUD per night. Check availability and book your stay here.
Budget – $
ibis Styles Brisbane Elizabeth Street is a modern and affordable hotel right in the heart of Brisbane. It’s not a luxury retreat but it is a great choice for sightseeing or a city break!
For one thing, you’ll be staying right on one of Brisbane’s most major streets, in the beating heart of the city. The hotel is just a 5-minute walk from Queen Street Mall, and close to the City Botanic Gardens, and Brisbane Central Station is a 12-minute walk away.
The rooms here are bright and colorful, and many of them offer spectacular city views through floor-to-ceiling windows. It’s a stylish and practical base for your Brisbane adventures!
Rooms at ibis Styles Brisbane Elizabeth Street typically range from $200 to $300 AUD per night. Get the best rates by booking in advance!
Renting a Car, Campervan, or Motorhome in Australia
With many must-see destinations in Australia outside city limits, one of the best ways to get around is driving yourself!
Australia is a huge country and traveling between cities or getting to some of the most scenic spots requires driving. While public transit is sometimes an option, it often adds a lot of time. Plus, we love the freedom to stop wherever we want and not have to stick to a set schedule.
You have three options: a car, a campervan, or a motorhome. Here’s what you need to know about each and where to get them:
- Car – A rental car is the most affordable option – especially if you choose a smaller vehicle. It gets you to all of the best destinations with ease. The only downside to a car is that you will need to stay in hotels along the way (no camping). The easiest place to rent a car in Australia is on DiscoverCars.com where you can compare cars, companies, prices, features, and more very easily.
- Campervan – A Campervan is a large van with a bed and a small kitchen in the back. It’s what many budget travelers use to get around Australia since it allows you to camp comfortably and for free (most) nights. Campervans are best for couples or solo travelers who are happy to live in a small space. You should also love the outdoors and camping…and be prepared for an adventure of a lifetime! My favorite campervan rental company is JUCY because they have a huge selection of campervans to choose from, plus multiple pick-up/drop-off locations. You can browse JUCY’s campervan selection online here.
- Motorhome – A motorhome is larger and more comfortable than a campervan. Many motorhomes will comfortably sleep 6 or more people – perfect for a family visiting Australia. Motorhomes are the most expensive option, but with one you won’t ever need to stay in a hotel and you’ll save money that way. My top choice for a motorhome company is Star RV because they have beautiful motorhomes at affordable prices. You can check prices and availability for Star RV motorhomes online here. For more detailed info, read my complete guide to renting a motorhome in Australia!
EXCLUSIVE DISCOUNT CODE: We’ve managed to snag a discount code for 5% off for our readers if you book your campervan or motorhome through JUCY or Star RV! Simply click here to select your JUCY campervan, or click here to select your Star RV motorhome, and then use the code DTRAVEL25 at checkout to get 5% off – it’s that easy!
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance!
If you’re looking to save money on travel insurance, we currently use and recommend SafetyWing. We’ve been using their coverage since 2018 and they’ve had our backs when we needed emergency flights and got sick overseas.
SafetyWing is one of the cheapest providers out there and covers everything from medical costs to lost luggage, travel delays, and emergency flights. A huge difference we’ve found between them and other companies is that they let you take out a policy AFTER leaving your home country. We’ve also found it handy that it’s a monthly payment rather than a lump sum, and you can get a refund for unused time.
SafetyWing has helped us out in some scary situations before and their affordable coverage has given us peace of mind. You can read our honest review of SafetyWing for all the pros and cons.
Thanks for reading!
Three days is the perfect amount of time to explore Brisbane! This will give you time to sink into the city’s art, history, and culture, and also take a day trip to see some of the stunning nature that surrounds it. We loved spending a few days here, and you can either follow this itinerary exactly or pick out your favorite activites. Regardless, it will show you the best of Brisbane!
Need help planning the rest of your trip? See all of our Australia blogs here! After living here and traveling all around, we’ve put together a large collection of blogs to help you plan an epic trip. Here are a few related reads to get you started – cheers!
How to Spend THREE Days in Cairns, Australia: 3-Day Itinerary
Where to Stay in Sydney, Australia: 7 Areas & Hotels
How to Spend 5 Days in Sydney – The BEST 5-Day City Itinerary
How to Spend THREE DAYS in Adelaide, Australia: 3-Day Itinerary