7-day itinerary - Travelling solo in and around Brisbane

It’s safe to say Brisbane is enjoying it’s time in the sun, with a rich, diverse history and enviable lifestyle, the city is fast becoming one of the country’s most progressive holiday destinations. 

From the array of world class hotel openings to the activation of river precincts and urban laneways, Brisbane is no longer the big country town. 

We’ve come up with an 7-day itinerary for the solo traveller who has an adventurous spirit and style to suit. Including a nature-based stay at Binna Burra and Minjerribah (North Stradbroke Island), just a hop, skip or boat away.

DAY 1 - SOUTH BRISBANE  

Start your trip on the south side of the river. Follow the colourful bougainvillea path that meanders through South Bank and take in the burgeoning theatre district and world class galleries along the way.

From the Queensland Performing Arts Centre to the Gallery of Modern Art (QAGOMA), South Bank is a showcase of artists and performers from across the globe. Spend the morning uncovering a new artist at QAGOMA, or learn more about Brisbane’s rich Aboriginal culture on a guided Blackcard Cultural Tour that takes in the many public art installations along the way. 

Picnic in the leafy parklands or enjoy the global eat street options, from hearty pub meals at the iconic Plough Inn, to crowd favourites such as Ahmets, Ole and The Spaghetti House.

Stay at the trusted and centrally located Novotel, Mantra or Rydges hotels and grab a sunset cocktail at the well-appointed Emporium Hotel rooftop bar boasting sublime views across the river to the mountains beyond.

For dinner options take a short stroll to Fish Lane, an urban space opposite the Queensland Museum precinct, filled with foodie institutions like Julius Pizzeria, Chu the Phat and Southside Restaurant and Garden Bar.

DAY 2 – SOUTH BANK TO WEST END

From your accommodation in South Bank, mount an electric bike or scooter and head along the river to West End, with a plethora of independent shops, eateries, and cocktail bars-it’s the place to be when the sun goes down.

Explore the West End Markets held each Saturday in Davies Park and book a gin masterclass across the road at the Brisbane Distillery. 

If adventure is more your thing, Urban Climb is the place to rock climb, adjacent to Bend and Fly a unique aerial yoga and Pilates school. Get your hands dirty at Montana Art Project and you’ll walk away with a piece of your own street art and a bit of background on Brisbane’s public art scene.

Dine at Chop Chop Changs for Pan-Asian Street food, The Boundary Hotel or Archive for pub fare and craft beers and West Village (the reinvented Peters Ice-cream factory) enjoy an array of eateries, gallery spaces and Harris Farm for all your local produce needs.

DAY 3 – BRISBANE CBD TO HOWARD SMITH WHARFES

Across the river, the CBD is a buzz with new hotel openings. Base yourself at the newly opened Voco Hotel, a vibrant space ideally located by the river at North Quay with sweeping views across the water and beyond.

The Queen Street Mall is the place to shop, with an array of major and independent retailers. Take a free Brisbane Greeters Tours and discover an array of quirky street art dotted around the city.

King George Square adjacent to the historical Treasury Casino hosts regular pop-up food markets and eclectic street performers. Take a short stroll around the corner to the W Hotel for lunch at Three Blue Ducks and drinks on the rooftop at the Wet Bar.

Immerse in nature at the Royal Botanical Gardens or catch a band at the iconic outdoor River Stage. The garden is bursting with age-old trees and lush rainforest surrounds.

Further along is the popular Howard Smith Wharfs a reimagined urban space underneath the towering Story Bridge. There’s stacks of restaurants to choose from like Stanley Cantonese, Greca Greek, Yoko Japanese and the stylish Mr Percival’s for cocktails and beats.

Felons Brewing Co is the place to people watch, alive and kicking every day of the week, with a spacious beer hall that hosts live DJ sets. Expansive green spaces, a supersized outdoor screen, pizzeria, smoke house and tasting room complete the venue.

DAY 4 - JAMES ST, FORTITUDE VALLEY TO BRISBANE POWERHOUSE

From the ever-popular Calile Hotel to the James Street Markets, City Winery and designer shops. Long lunch by the pool at Hellenika and dinner at Same, Same is a must, with new openings happening all the time like Sunshine and The Sushi Room.

Stay at Sage Hotel for affordability and convenience and you can take your canine friend or try the newly opened and glamourous Miss Midgely’s for that extra pizazz. 

Miss Midgley’s has popped up in a heritage home and former school ideally located on James Street. A boutique hotel polished with dusty pink hues, rustic trimmings, stone walls, and garden pool, she’s a beauty and also dog friendly.

Head towards the river and you’ll hit New Farm Park, with open parklands and interactive playground, there’s always something going on. Adjacent to the character filled Brisbane Powerhouse, a reimagined 1920’s power station turned contemporary art space.

The precinct is hive of activity each Saturday morning with the bustling and authentic Jan Powers Farmers Market, an array of artisans showcase the fruits of their labour.

Choose from a selection of rooftop bars and eateries to hop to as night is falling from Agnes wood-fired bistro to Maya Mexican Dining.  For something a little different try Dirty Sultan lauded as a Neo-Turkish rooftop bar or dance the night away at the iconic Cloudland.

DAY 5 – Hamilton to Mulgumpin (Moreton Island)

FDid you know that two of the three largest sand islands in the world are best accessed from Brisbane? Get a sand island taster and join the River to Bay team on a day tour and explore the natural wonders of Mulgumpin (Moreton Island) and the bay. 

Learn more about Brisbane’s history and indigenous culture as you head out from the wharf at Hamilton. Pack your active wear and swimmers as you’ll be taken on a guided walk and get to snorkel around the marine life around Tangalooma Wreck. 

You’ll earn your seafood lunch, which is washed down with wine and craft beer. 

Following the River to Bay tour, stay around the Hamilton Area and head to Eat Street Northshore. From fresh cronuts, Japanese pizzas to classic burgers and Korean sliders, you’ll find options to suit all tastes at this open air food market on each Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

DAY 6 and 7 – Minjerribah (North Stradbroke Island) or Binna Burra

For the final days of this itinerary, we’d like you to choose your own adventure. 

If you’re craving time deep in the rainforest, take a 2-day side-trip and immerse yourself in the natural surrounds of Binna Burra, just under two-hours’ drive from Brisbane. Located atop of Lamington National Park, stay awhile, and enjoy the serenity of the ancient rainforest of Gondwana.

There’s accommodation options to suit, like the affordable and luxe safari tents or for a little extra comfort book the Sky Lodges and star gaze the night away.

If the day trip to Mulgumpin wasn’t enough island time for your liking, take a trip to Minjerribah (North Stradbroke) aboard the passenger or car ferry and explore all this pristine island has to offer. From the stunning Blue and Brown lakes to the vast, untouched coastline ideal for whale watching, surfing and coastal walks.

For a relaxing stay, book the adorable Sea Shanties waterfront cabins at Amity Point, with coastal chic interiors, outdoor fire pit and beach access.

A week in and around Brisbane town will inspire the most intrepid of traveller, the river city is the place to be, so book a stay and play awhile.

For more solo travel inspiration, try this Brisbane Solo Travel Guide.