Brisbane blends a sunlit subtropical climate with a creative streak that runs from the riverfront galleries of South Bank to James Street’s design-forward boutiques. Settled as a penal outpost in 1824 and named for Governor Sir Thomas Brisbane, the city has grown into Australia’s third-largest metropolis—easygoing, outdoorsy, and full of clever dining.

Expect a walkable CBD wrapped by the serpentine Brisbane River, with public ferries, riverside bikeways, and parks that invite slow exploration. South Bank’s Cultural Centre anchors the arts—home to GOMA and QAG—while Howard Smith Wharves hum beneath the Story Bridge with breweries and waterside restaurants.

Practical notes: summers are warm with afternoon storms—pack light layers, sunscreen, and a hat. The Airtrain connects the airport to the city in ~20 minutes. Tap on/off with a go card or contactless card on CityCat ferries, trains, and buses. Coffee culture is strong; seafood shines; and weekend food markets make brunch a sport.

Brisbane

Brisbane rewards curiosity—turn down laneways for espresso bars, ride the free CityHopper ferry for skyline views, and time sunset at Kangaroo Point Cliffs. The city’s culinary heart beats in two places: river-level Howard Smith Wharves for views and buzz, and Fortitude Valley/James Street for trend-setting kitchens.

• Top sights: South Bank Parklands and Streets Beach, GOMA and QAG, City Botanic Gardens, Story Bridge, Kangaroo Point Cliffs, New Farm Park, and Mount Coot-tha Lookout and Botanic Gardens.
• Neighborhood snapshot: South Bank (arts and families), CBD (central and convenient), Fortitude Valley/James Street (boutiques and nightlife), New Farm (leafy, local, riverside).
• Dining highlights: Fish Lane’s Southside and Chu the Phat; Howard Smith Wharves’ Greca (Greek), Yoko Dining (Japanese izakaya vibes), Stanley (Cantonese); in the Valley, Agnes (wood-fired), Bianca (Italian), and Gerard’s Bistro (Middle Eastern).
• Coffee and breakfast: Lune Croissanterie (South Brisbane) for legendary pastries; Bellissimo Coffee (Bowen Hills) for award-winning roasts; Morning After (West End) for inventive brunch.

Where to stay: For river views and easy culture-hopping, base in South Bank or the CBD. Fortitude Valley suits night owls; New Farm is quiet and green. Browse stays on VRBO Brisbane (think riverfront apartments near South Bank) or compare hotels on Hotels.com Brisbane (look at riverside CBD properties, South Bank boutiques, and James Street icons).

Getting there: Fly into Brisbane (BNE). Compare fares on Trip.com flights or Kiwi.com. Sample times: Sydney–Brisbane ~1.5 hours (often US$70–150), Melbourne–Brisbane ~2 hours (US$90–180), Cairns–Brisbane ~2 h 15 m (US$90–190). From the airport, the Airtrain to the CBD takes ~20 minutes (about AU$21–23).

Book these standout Brisbane experiences (great fits for a 2-day itinerary):

• Brisbane Story Bridge Adventure Climb — twilight climbs deliver the money-shot panorama, usually 2–2.5 hours; from about AU$129–149.

  

• Morning Tea River Cruise/Tour — a relaxed 1.5-hour sightseeing cruise with commentary; often AU$35–40.

  

• Brisbane Segway Sightseeing Tour — cover more riverfront in 2 h 15 m without breaking a sweat; about AU$89–99.

  

• If you can add a day: Moreton Island Day Trip (Kayak, Snorkel & Sandboard) — full-day 4WD adventure to Tangalooma Wrecks; typically AU$130–180.

  

Day 1: South Bank culture, riverside wandering, and a twilight summit

Morning: If you arrive early, drop bags and stretch your legs along the City Botanic Gardens’ riverside paths—ibises in the lawns, frangipani in bloom, and kayakers sliding past. Grab coffee and a pastry at Lune Croissanterie in South Brisbane (the almond croissant sells out) or a flat white at Bellissimo Coffee in Bowen Hills.

Afternoon: Make for South Bank Parklands. Stroll the bougainvillea-draped Arbour, dip your toes at Streets Beach, then pivot to art: GOMA’s rotating contemporary exhibitions and QAG’s Australian collections reward an unhurried hour each. For a casual late lunch, choose Fish Lane: Southside for wok-tossed greens and dim sum, or Chu the Phat for bao and crisp chicken.

Evening: Cap golden hour with a climb up Brisbane’s most photogenic icon: the Story Bridge Adventure Climb. Twilight departures pair 360-degree views—from the Glass House Mountains to Moreton Bay—with the city lighting up beneath you. After your descent, dine at Howard Smith Wharves: Greca for shared Greek (order the baked saganaki and lamb shoulder) or Stanley for Cantonese (Peking duck and mud crab). Drinks? Try Mr. Percival’s over the water or a hoppy tasting paddle at Felons Brewing Co. Nightcap seekers can slip to Savile Row, a moody speakeasy in the Valley with an encyclopedic whisky list.

Day 2: River perspectives, market bites, and a smooth departure

Morning: Start with brunch at Morning After in West End—“breakfast carbonara” or ricotta hotcakes—then board a relaxed Morning Tea River Cruise. In 90 minutes you’ll glide past Kangaroo Point Cliffs, the CBD skyline, and historic homes, with live commentary pouring out local lore and a cuppa to match.

Afternoon: Depending on flight time, fit a final wander: browse James Street’s boutiques or stroll New Farm Park’s fig trees. For lunch near the arts precinct, Julius Pizzeria turns out blistered, wood-fired pies; or cross to River Quay at South Bank for OTTO (elegant coastal Italian with river views). Collect bags and ride the Airtrain back to BNE (~20 minutes; about AU$21–23). If your departure is later, swap the cruise for a zippy Segway Sightseeing Tour to cover more riverfront.

Evening: Extending your stay or catching a late flight? Head to Kangaroo Point Cliffs Park for a breezy picnic and sunset over the CBD. On weekends, Eat Street Northshore is a carnival of container kitchens—ramen burgers, bao, and desserts—while Gelato Messina (South Brisbane) is a sweet send-off any night.

Local tips:

• Transport: The CityHopper ferry is free and ideal for short river hops. CityCat ferries are faster for longer rides; fares vary by zone (tap on/off with a go card or contactless).
• Weather: Summer UV is fierce—reapply sunscreen and carry water. Summer storms roll through late afternoons; pack a light rain jacket.
• Timing: GOMA and QAG are typically closed on some public holidays—check hours the day before. Twilight bridge climbs sell out; book ahead.

Optional wildlife add-on (time permitting): If your Day 2 flight is in the evening, consider the classic river-to-wildlife combo—Brisbane River Cruise with entry to Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary—to see koalas, kangaroos, and platypus exhibits.

If you’re short on time, a taxi or rideshare directly to Lone Pine with a standalone day pass is another option.

Brisbane’s best in two days is a river-threaded tapestry: art by day, skyline sparkle by night, and great plates at every stop. Come for the sunshine and ferries; return for the neighborhoods you didn’t quite finish exploring.