City to sand: how to see the best of Brisbane in three days

Spend your first day soaking up the cultural precincts on Brisbane’s south side. South Bank is the cultural beating heart of the city, and you won’t be short on things to do, places to dine or riverside pathways to stroll.

Start your day with a wander down the street-art filled Fish Lane to discover thought-provoking creations from local and national artists, and a stop for coffee in the shaded courtyard oasis of Wandering Cooks.

Afterwards it’s time to swap this outdoor gallery for an indoor one, so make tracks for the Queensland Art Gallery and Gallery of Modern Art (QAGOMA). Flanking either side of the State Library of Queensland and the Brisbane River, the twin galleries are dedicated to some of the best examples of contemporary art from Australia, Asia and the Pacific. 

Nearby South Bank Parklands is a haven of lush rainforest, expansive greens and riverside parks. Relish the tranquillity along the Rainforest Walk, which winds along wooden walkways through tropical and sub-tropical plants to the enchanting Nepalese Peace Pagoda; or take a spin around the Brisbane Wheel.

And if you’re feeling warm, cool off with a relaxing dip at Streets Beach – the only place where you’ll find a beach right in the centre of a capital city!

1pm: A feast for the senses

Brisbane's city-fringe suburbs are packed with exciting dining options, with not many rivalling the energy of new favourite Ping Pong. Head to Newstead to enjoy tangy Thai street eats and killer cocktail slushies to match against the backdrop of light installations, a tropical oasis and all-pink-everything.

Get into the local spirit with a post-lunch nip into Newstead Brewing Co on the other side of the Gasworks precinct to taste a locally brewed drop or two.

Feeling more outdoorsy? Head downstream to Kangaroo Point to take on city views from a different angle at Riverlife. Challenge yourself to rock climbing or abseiling the cliffs, or take a leisurely kayak on the Brisbane River.

7pm: Game on

To absorb a different kind of Queensland culture, you need to watch a live game at Suncorp Stadium, home of the Brisbane Broncos.

Grab a pre-match bite on Caxton Street (there’s plenty of options) then walk with the legion of supporters to cheer on our team. After the game, kick on close by: with craft beer at Newstead Brewing Co’s Milton brewpub, rum daiquiris at Cuban-inspired The Malecon Bar, or infamous good-timer Lefty’s, where the music is bluegrass and the whisky apples are legendary.

Another perk of the River City? No matter which hotel you’ve chosen for your weekend, you’re only a short Uber ride away.

If you’re not a footy fan, skip the game and spend your evening at Eat Street North Shore; a foodie’s Disneyland built from shipping containers. From savoury snacks to mains and right through to delicious desserts, it’s a round-the-world ticket for your tastebuds – so follow your senses or check out this guide. Get there via the City Cat: ferry tickets are cheap and it’s the best way to see the city from the river along the way.

Day Two

6am: Sunrise over the city

If you’re up for an early start, do as the locals do: lace up your sneakers and hit a hiking trail to one of the city’s best sunrise spots.

For the best effort to reward ratio, make your way to Mount Coot-tha. It’s a relatively easy amble up the summit track, and you’ll score sweeping views across Brisbane city, surrounding mountain ranges and out to Mulgumpin (Moreton Island).

Make your way back into the city to find another hidden gem: laneway coffee bars. Brew or Felix For Goodness are tucked away but serve up some of the best breakfasts and coffee around.

10am: Explore the city

Brisbane City is the best place for a little retail therapy. You can spend hours floating from shop to shop in Queen Street Mall, the designer-filled high street of James Street or quirky independent stores found tucked into Bakery Lane and Winn lane in Fortitude Valley. Here’s a handy Brisbane shopping guide to lead the way.

Seek some calm with a walk around City Botanic Gardens, then make your way to an urban oasis for lunch.

Lounging beside one of Brisbane’s best pools, Hellenika at The Calile will transport your mind and tastebuds to the Greek Isles; or head sky-high to rooftop eatery Maya Brisbane for Mexican fare and some of the city's best margs. If you're not too settled in for the afternoon, catch the 3pm tour and cellar door tasting at urban micro-winery City Winery right nearby.

5pm: Raise your glass by the river

It’s where locals come to meet: so it’s time to meet Howard Smith Wharves, one of the newest - and arguably most popular – spots to have a sundowner with the Story Bridge and city skyline as your backdrop.

Whether you’re seeking the casual cool of Felon’s Brewing, cocktails at Mr Percivals, or to feast on a multi-course dinner, check out this guide to the precinct and make your reservation: did we mention this place is popular?

If there’s gas left in the tank after dinner, make your way back into Fortitude Valley to soak up a little nightlife. Choose your own adventure here, from putt-putt and pints at Holey Moley, an old fashioned at the city’s biggest whisky library, or live music and good vibes at Greaser. Or check out a gig at The Triffid or Fortitude Music Hall. 

Day Three

8am: Island time

Turns out, not only have we found paradise – you can get there and back in a day trip from the city.

An island escape is perfect end to a whirlwind dash around Brisbane in three days. And while it’s easily accessible, you’ll feel a world away when you arrive on Mulgumpin (Moreton Island) just 90 minutes after you boarded the ferry from the Port of Brisbane. On board, the Micat Ferry has a café and viewing deck to keep you entertained until you reach the sandy shores.

While you’d need a 4WD to explore the whole island and its remote beach campsites, there’s many adventures to occupy your day trip that will make your heart race.

Be sure to visit the famous wrecks on Mulgumpin, as the ferry will drop you right nearby. These 17 deliberately sunken vessels have created an underwater playground of marine life in its turquoise waters, so see it up close by diving, snorkeling, kayaking or even from above. 

As the world’s third largest sand island, there’s plenty of thrills to be had on land too. Jump on an action-packed quad bike tour around the island, or feel the exhilaration of tearing down Mulgumpin’s massive sand dunes at 40km/hr on your sand toboggan. There’s some amazing views from the top of these peaks, so bring your camera.  

If you haven’t had enough time in the sunshine, stay longer. Tangalooma Island Resort is the perfect spot to settle in for a night or two (if you don’t have camping gear and a 4WD) and you can experience the magic of hand-feeding wild dolphins, who make their way here to say hello at dusk each day.

Otherwise, head back to the city for your flight home. Three days in Brisbane might have flown by, but you’ll leave feeling re-energised.