Itinerary
By Taneil Thornberry
Welcome to Brisbane, where style meets adventure. Over the next four days, you'll experience the best of the city - luxury stays, award-winning dining, and unforgettable day trips. Let’s dive in!
The Calile Hotel, Brisbane
Stay: The Calile Hotel (2 nights)
Your Brisbane escape begins in style at The Calile Hotel, an urban oasis in the heart of James Street’s fashion and dining precinct. Check-in, freshen up, and get ready to explore.
Dinner: Gerard’s Bistro (170m walk from hotel)
Dine at this modern Middle Eastern-inspired eatery, known for its bold flavours, innovative dishes, and sleek setting. Think share plates, handcrafted cocktails, and a menu packed with local produce. Try there Westholme Wagyu karubi plate, Wood-roasted organic Warilba lamb shoulder and the Carob pastry cream, bee pollen meringue, shiraz caramel. Devine.
Breakfast: The Green (160m walk from hotel)
Ease into your morning with a coffee and wholesome breakfast at The Green, a Mediterranean-inspired café with a tranquil garden setting.
Morning: James Street shopping
Take a stroll down James Street, Brisbane’s premier shopping precinct, brimming with designer boutiques, homewares, and independent labels. Get to know this precinct a little better with this essential James Street guide.
Lunch: Stanley Restaurant (1km walk from the hotel)
Stanley Restaurant, Howard Smith Wharves, Brisbane
Nestled along the river at Howard Smith Wharves, Stanley serves up classic Cantonese cuisine with a contemporary twist. Dim sum, fresh seafood, and incredible city views - it’s a long lunch worth lingering over.
Afternoon: KAILO Wellness Medispa
Return to The Calile for an afternoon of pure relaxation at KAILO. Indulge in a rejuvenating massage and their signature facial, guaranteed to leave you glowing.
Pre-dinner drinks: The Lodge Bar & Dining
Sip on a curated selection of wines and cocktails at The Lodge Bar on James Street. With a relaxed yet sophisticated vibe, it’s the perfect prelude to your evening.
Dinner: Restaurant Dan Arnold
One of Brisbane’s most celebrated fine-dining experiences, Restaurant Dan Arnold offers a multi-course menu showcasing local ingredients with French-inspired techniques. Expect a refined and welcoming atmosphere.
Nightcap: Iris Rooftop
Iris Rooftop, Brisbane
Wrap up the night with a cocktail at Iris Rooftop, a vibrant sky-high bar with panoramic city views. Brisbane is home to an impressive line-up of rooftop bars, explore more of them with this guide.
Stay: Emporium Hotel South Bank (2 nights)
Emporium Hotel, Brisbane
Check in to the Emporium Hotel, for your next luxury stay. Drop your bags and get ready for a day on the green. Don't worry, you can enjoy their 23-metre infinity-edge rooftop pool later today.
Morning: Royal Queensland Golf Club
Tee off at one of Australia’s most prestigious golf courses. Whether you're perfecting your swing or just soaking in the riverside scenery, it's an unforgettable round.
Dinner: Otto Brisbane
Located at South Bank, Otto serves up Italian classics with a modern twist, paired with stunning city views over the Brisbane River. Think handmade pasta, fresh seafood, and a top-tier wine list.
Day trip: Lady Elliot Island
Lady Elliot Island
An early start takes you on a breathtaking adventure to the southernmost tip of the Great Barrier Reef. Your day on Lady Elliot Island includes:
Dinner: Emporium Hotel
Toast to an incredible trip with a final night of fine dining at the Emporium Hotel. Whether it’s an intimate meal at The Terrace or a relaxed dinner at Signature Restaurant, it’s the perfect way to wrap up your Brisbane escape.
Ready to experience Brisbane?
This four-day itinerary is packed with indulgence, adventure, and relaxation, making it the ultimate way to explore the city. Start planning your trip now.