Brisbane, the sunlit capital of Queensland, arcs along a broad river first navigated for millennia by the Turrbal and Jagera peoples. A former penal settlement turned creative hub, the “River City” pairs subtropical parks and jacaranda-lined streets with a sharp dining scene and easy access to beaches and rainforest.

Art lovers gravitate to QAGOMA’s bold collections, while outdoorsy travelers kayak past Kangaroo Point cliffs or wander South Bank’s bougainvillea-framed Arbour to sandy Streets Beach. Day trips are exceptional: snorkel the Tangalooma Wrecks at Moreton Island, chase waterfalls in the World Heritage-listed Gondwana Rainforests, or spot dolphins and turtles off North Stradbroke Island.

Practical notes: Brisbane is warm year-round with summer storms—pack sun protection and a light rain jacket. Tap water is safe; contactless cards work on ferries, buses, and trains. The dining scene shines from laneway bakeries to riverfront icons; book coveted spots (especially weekends) and aim for sunset riverside tables.

Brisbane

Brisbane feels both big and breezy: a city of river boardwalks, leafy suburbs, and al fresco everything. Its cultural heart sits at South Bank—home to galleries, theaters, and lawns that host weekend markets—while Howard Smith Wharves perches under Story Bridge with breweries, Cantonese banquets, and neon-lit bars.

• Don’t miss: QAGOMA, South Bank Parklands, Story Bridge, City Botanic Gardens, Mount Coot-tha Lookout, Howard Smith Wharves, New Farm Park, and the free CityHopper ferries.
• Dining highlights: wood-fired wonder at Agnes; refined Italian at Otto; Vietnamese street eats at Hello Please; Greek feasts at Greca; and craft beer at Felons Brewing Co.
• Fun fact: The iconic Australian lamington is linked to Queensland—Brisbane bakeries make especially good ones in spring when jacarandas bloom.

Where to stay: Sleep near the river for sunset strolls and ferry access. South Bank and CBD are central for galleries and dining; Fortitude Valley and New Farm feel local and lively. Browse stays on VRBO Brisbane or compare hotels on Hotels.com Brisbane.

How to get here: Fly into Brisbane (BNE). Search fares on Trip.com flights or Kiwi.com.

• Typical flight times: Sydney ~1.5h, Melbourne ~2h10m, Cairns ~2h, Singapore ~8h, Los Angeles ~13h (nonstop options exist seasonally).
• Airport to city: Airtrain ~20 minutes to CBD/South Bank (~AUD 18–22). Rideshare ~25–30 minutes off-peak.

Day 1: Arrive and Stroll South Bank

Afternoon: Touch down and check in. Ease into Brisbane with a South Bank wander: dip your toes at Streets Beach, then follow the Arbour’s magenta blooms to the riverside lawns. If caffeine calls, grab a flat white at Industry Beans (Newstead) or Blackstar Coffee (West End) if you’re nearby.

Evening: Dinner in South Brisbane: try Julius Pizzeria for blistered-crust Margheritas and silky pappardelle ragù; or Southside for Cantonese-leaning share plates amid lush greenery (don’t miss the prawn toast and scallop siu mai). For dessert, Gelato Messina churns wattle-seed specials. Toast your first night at The Terrace rooftop (Emporium Hotel South Bank) with skyline views.

Day 2: Art, Gardens, and a Story Bridge Summit

Morning: Coffee and breakfast at Morning After (West End)—order the cacio e pepe eggs or panna cotta granola. Cross to QAGOMA for cutting-edge Australian and Asia-Pacific works; pop next door to the State Library’s river deck for a breeze and a browse.

Afternoon: Meander the City Botanic Gardens, then walk or ferry to Kangaroo Point Cliffs for panoramic river views. Refuel with a banh mi or rice-paper rolls at Hello Please on Fish Lane.

Evening: Climb Brisbane’s icon with the Brisbane Story Bridge Adventure Climb (twilight slots are magic; ~2 hours; from ~AUD 140–170).

Post-climb, head beneath the bridge to Howard Smith Wharves. Options: Yoko Dining (Tokyo-style izakaya energy; order the tuna tataki and miso toothfish), Greca (spanakopita and grilled octopus), or Stanley (Cantonese banquets and whole steamed reef fish). Nightcap at Mr Percival’s overwater bar or Savile Row’s hidden whisky den in the Valley.

Day 3: Koalas by River—Lone Pine Sanctuary Cruise

Morning: Start with Bellissimo Coffee (Fortitude Valley) and a pistachio croissant. Board the Brisbane River Cruise with entry to Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary (allow ~5.5 hours; from ~AUD 95–120). Glide past city landmarks to the world’s oldest koala sanctuary.

Afternoon: At Lone Pine, watch the free-flight raptor show, meet dingoes, and see platypus in the nocturnal house. The return cruise delivers you back to South Bank mid-afternoon—grab an iced latte at Coffee Iconic’s leafy courtyard (CBD) or a watermelon juice from a riverside kiosk.

Evening: Dinner in New Farm/Teneriffe: Beccofino for thin-crust pizza and zucchini flowers; Siffredi’s for handmade spaghetti in bold sauces; or Bar Alto at the Powerhouse for river sunsets with saffron risotto. Dessert? Try Jocelyn’s Provisions for slices and tarts to-go.

Day 4: Moreton Island—Shipwreck Snorkels, Kayaks, and Sandboarding

Swap city streets for dazzling blue water on the Moreton Island Day Trip (Kayak, Snorkel & Sandboard) (full day; typically 7:00am–5:30pm; from ~AUD 139–179). Expect 4WD beach tracks, clear-bottom kayaking, and snorkelling the Tangalooma Wrecks where corals, schools of fish, and sometimes turtles flicker through the water. Bring reef-safe sunscreen, a towel, and motion-sickness tablets if you’re boat‑sensitive; water and snacks are handy as lunch inclusions vary by operator.

Back in town, keep it casual: West End’s Bird’s Nest (yakitori and charred corn with miso butter) or Greek plates at Lefkas (sizzling saganaki, lamb shoulder). If it’s Fri–Sun, roll into Eat Street Northshore for 100+ stalls—bao, brisket, churros, and live bands under fairy lights.

Day 5: New Farm to Mount Coot-tha—Local Brisbane Day

Morning: Brunch at King Arthur Cafe (Fortitude Valley)—order the hash with slow eggs or the seasonal crumpets. Wander New Farm Park’s rose gardens and the riverfront boardwalk to Brisbane Powerhouse (check what’s on), then continue the Riverwalk toward the CBD for views of Story Bridge.

Afternoon: Picnic or lunch at Walter’s Steakhouse (classic wedge salad and prime rib sandwich) near the City Botanic Gardens. Taxi or rideshare to the Mount Coot-tha Botanic Gardens—don’t miss the Tropical Dome—then drive or bus up to Mount Coot-tha Lookout for the best panorama in town.

Evening: Dine in Paddington: NOTA (house-made sourdough, market fish with beurre blanc) or Naïm (Middle Eastern—spiced cauliflower, harissa lamb). Sip a post-dinner cocktail at Death & Taxes (CBD), where the bartenders spin classics and thoughtful originals in a moody laneway bar.

Day 6: Springbrook & Tamborine—Waterfalls, Skywalks, and Glow Worms

Trade skyscrapers for ancient rainforest on the Springbrook and Tamborine Rainforest Tour Incl Natural Bridge and Glow Worm Cave (full day; from ~AUD 129–169). Walk among giant ferns to the Natural Bridge, peer into canyon lookouts, then explore Tamborine’s rainforest Skywalk and a guided glow-worm cave—great for families and nature lovers.

On return, keep dinner relaxed in the Valley: Gerard’s Bistro (Middle Eastern–inspired share plates; try the wood-fired bread with smoked butter and the wagyu kofta) or Bianca (pillowy focaccia, cacio e pepe, and zesty limoncello tiramisu).

Day 7: Markets, Ferries, and Farewell Lunch

Morning: If it’s a market day, browse Jan Powers Farmers Market (Wed CBD, Sat New Farm) for mangoes, cheeses, and pastries. Otherwise, stroll Roma Street Parkland’s sculpted gardens. Breakfast picks: New Farm Deli (since 1977; prosciutto and eggs, ricotta hotcakes) or Felix For Goodness (CBD; mushrooms on toast with labneh).

Afternoon: Ride the free CityHopper ferry for a last look at riverfront neighborhoods and skyline angles—hop off at South Bank or Howard Smith Wharves for a breezy lunch. Final bites: Greca’s prawn saganaki and village salad, or Otto’s spaghettini with Champagne lobster sauce at River Quay. Depart for the airport with extra time for traffic.

Getting around: Use contactless tap-on across ferries, buses, and trains. CityCats and the free red CityHopper make scenic stops; rideshare is plentiful, and most central sights are linked by riverside boardwalks.

Trip resources: Book flights on Trip.com or Kiwi.com. Compare stays at Hotels.com Brisbane or browse vacation homes on VRBO Brisbane.

Summary: One week in Brisbane layers culture, cuisine, and wild nature into a breezy Queensland escape. From koalas and shipwreck snorkels to riverfront dining and rainforest glow worms, you’ll see why locals spend weekends outside and sundowners by the water. Come hungry, bring your swimmers, and let the river be your compass.