See a new side to the capital with a Brisbane long weekend
Itinerary
By Danielle Reckless
See a new side to the Queensland capital with a Brisbane long weekend. Embrace the staycation, by taking a holiday in your hometown that celebrates our famously laid-back city and its treasure chest of offerings.
We’ve compiled the following itinerary to help you eat, drink, and explore your way around the River City from top to toe.
Day 1
.jpg "A woman looking over the balcony at the pool at The Calile in Brisbane")
The Calile Hotel, Brisbane
Morning
Pack your bags in anticipation of checking in early to your new home for the weekend, one of Brisbane’s fresh crop of boutique hotels.
There are a trio of stand-outs among the Queensland capital’s rising population of suave accommodation options - pastel-hued The Calile on stylish James Street, Story Bridge neighbour, the moodily styled Crystalbrook Vincent, and the first Australian incarnation of the W Hotel collection, the eclectic W Brisbane.
Each boasts its own distinct design identity as well as more than its fair share of amenities (pools thankfully included).
Plan your trip to Brisbane
Afternoon
Mr Percival's, Brisbane
Gather your mates and make for waterside dining precinct Howard Smith Wharves for some cocktails on the river’s edge. Mr Percival’s is a must-do for any Brisbane long weekend guide, with the colourful space (courtesy of interiors queen Anna Spiro) a popular place to be for sunset.
Or forgo the spritz and make way instead to neighbouring Felons Brewing Co, for locally brewed craft beers and a hefty array of pub grub for when hunger hits. Fancy something more substantial? Fellow wharf residents Stanley and Greca are considered a couple of Brisbane’s best eateries.
Evening
The Tivoli, Brisbane
Hit the town to take in the sights and sounds of Fortitude Valley. A haven for night owls, this clubbing district heaves with people until the wee hours of the morning.
There’s plenty on offer that promises to satisfy every taste bud - sip your way through the specialty tipple available at the suburb’s smorgasbord of bars, from Savile Row to The Bowery, or catch a live gig at one of the many venues that line Ann and Brunswick Streets, like The Zoo or The Tivoli.
Though you may prefer to indulge in some playtime, with a visit to the arcade at B Lucky and Sons, the dart devoted Oche or putt-putt heaven Holey Moley.
Day two
Morning
Riverlife Adventure Centre, Brisbane
Let’s get physical this morning - Brisbane is generous with its variety of outdoor pursuits. Rent a CityBike and cruise your way along the bike paths that fringe the Brisbane River.
From the city centre you can ride your way down to the iconic New Farm Park, and after working up an appetite, grab a bite to eat at the weekly Jan Powers Farmers Markets.
If you are seeking even more adventure, you can scale the cliffs of Kangaroo Point with Riverlife Adventure Centre. Choose to abseil, rock climb, or even take to the river on a kayak.
Afternoon
With Brisbane well-endowed with historic watering holes, a visit to one of the city’s many pubs belongs on any Brisbane long weekend itinerary. Spend a few hours over lunch indulging in some traditional pub grub partnered with an ice cold beer at one of these much-loved relics, which reside all over the city.
Local favourites include the likes of South Brisbane’s The Pineapple Hotel, the iconic Breakfast Creek Hotel and Story Bridge Hotel, the more recently revamped Regatta, and steak-favouring The Morrison.
Evening
PingPong, Brisbane
Save some room for supper - it’s this evening that you’ll get your chance to Indulge in a spot of fine dining.
These days the River City is well-versed in outstanding eateries, and a visit to one of its most revered restaurants deserves to form a key part of any Brisbane long weekend.
James Street in particular is overflowing with edible potential - it’s here that you’ll find Greek haven Hellenika and Middle Eastern-inspired Gerard’s Bistro. Though those craving Asian are particularly well catered to, with SameSame found on James Street, Happy Boy nearby, and PingPong Asian down the road in Newstead.
Day three
Morning
Treat yourself to a sleep in, after which you can drop in to one of Brisbane’s best brunch spots. This city is well-versed in breakfast fare with cafes scattered from inner-city to the edge of Brisbane’s border.
It’s in West End that a particularly abundant population of brunch-favouring venues can be found - tuck into a blue swimmer crab omelette at Morning After, the much adored Big Breakfast from Gun Shop Cafe, or the fritters from Ben O’Donoghue’s BillyKart Kitchen, before you grab a specialty brew at Black Star Coffee.
Birrunga Gallery and Dining, Brisbane
Afternoon
Gorge on culture this afternoon with a visit to some of Brisbane’s best galleries. This city is passionately creative, as is best seen in its array of art spaces. A few spare hours are best spent at the QAGOMA duo (the Queensland Art Gallery and Gallery of Modern Art), each hosting an admirable permanent collection of old and new artwork, alongside a rotating line-up of exhibitions year-through.
Or explore Indigenous art with a visit to Birrunga Gallery and Dining, the only Indigenous-owned and operated cultural hub in the CBD, which celebrates mixed media artworks and handmade products from local First Nations artisans.
Evening
Felons Brewing Co, Howard Smith Wharves, Brisbane
Re-hydrate after a day’s adventure with a pub crawl that introduces you to some of Brisbane’s best breweries. Brisbane isn’t just the capital of Queensland, but the nation’s craft beer capital, boasting a concentration of brew makers and houses.
Start your journey at Newstead Brewing, making your way through the likes of Green Beacon Brewing Co, Stone and Wood, Felons Brewing Co, and Catchment Brewing Co, among more.
If you’re in need of some inspiration or new places to explore, here are 20 Brisbane activities you never knew existed.
