Brisbane is Australia’s third-biggest city and has seen a mega transformation from a quiet river city into a premier metropolis that attracts travellers in large numbers. Known as the River City, Brisbane offers a relaxed and outdoorsy lifestyle with a flourishing arts circuit, top-class dining and vast parklands. With 280+ days of sunshine a year, it is the ultimate weekend travel destination, offering a getaway that nourishes both body and soul.
Here is a 48-hour weekend itinerary in Brisbane that maximises your time and helps you get a true feel of the city.
Day 1: Riverside Relaxation, Culture and Beaches
Morning: Cultural Wonders & Urban Tranquillity
- Start your morning at South Bank, one of Brisbane's leading cultural and recreational precincts. Choosing short-term accommodation in Brisbane near this area can help reduce travel time between attractions.
- 8:30 AM- Have breakfast at any of the cafes along Grey Street or the riverfront, trying the classic Australian avocado toast with a flat white.
- 10:00 AM- Walk to the Queensland Art Gallery and Gallery of Modern Art (QAGOMA). It’s the biggest modern art gallery in the country and has a fabulous collection of global, Australian and indigenous art. The building itself will delight you with its stunning architecture and glass walls.
- 11:45 AM- Take a walk through the South Bank Parklands, following the famous Grand Arbour, the 1-kilometre pedestrian walkway covered by canopies of bougainvilleas.
- 12:30 PM- Take a refreshing dip at Streets Beach, the only man-made inner-city beach in Australia, with white sands, blue waters and majestic palm trees.
Afternoon: River Cruises & Cliffside Amazement
- 1:15 PM- Enjoy a casual and delicious lunch at one of the numerous restaurants overlooking the river at the South Bank. These include The Populus or River Quay Fish.
- 2:30 PM- Get onto the CityHopper from the South Bank ferry terminal, an inner-city free ferry service. Get an open-air top deck seat, with the boat going past the CBD skyscrapers below the Story Bridge, offering gorgeous views of the skyline.
- 3:30 PM- Get off at the Kangaroo Point terminal, with the Kangaroo Point Cliffs offering a dramatic backdrop nestled against the river. If you are up for it, climb the steep stairs to the top, enjoying gorgeous Brisbane skyline views at the summit.
Evening: Nightlife and More
- 5.30 PM- From Kangaroo Point, return across the famous Story Bridge with its charming pedestrian pathway. You can also take the ferry over the northern bank, walking along the floating Brisbane Riverwalk towards the Howard Smith Wharves. This is a famous port precinct that has evolved into a major entertainment district below the bridge.
- 6.30 PM- Enjoy a tasty dinner and drinks at the Wharves, with an electric atmosphere for company. Get an outdoor table at popular breweries like Felons Brewing Co. on the edge of the water or fast on modern Asian delights at Stanley. Enjoy a cold beverage and watch the Story Bridge spectacularly light up with colours reflecting across the river.
Day 2: City Exploration and Natural Wonders
Morning: Gorgeous Views and Gardens
- 8 AM- Start the morning early and ride to the Mount Coot-tha Summit (just 15 minutes west of the CBD). It is the highest point in Brisbane and offers gorgeous views of the entire metropolitan zone to Moreton Bay and the Scenic Rim Mountains.
- 9:30 AM- Come back down the mountain and find the Brisbane Botanic Garden at the base. Covering 52 hectares, these gardens have attractions like the Japanese Garden, majestic Tropical Display Dome and a huge collection of native and exotic plants.
Afternoon: Hidden Alleys and Famous Streets
- 12 PM- Visit the Queen Street Mall in the centre of town to enjoy some much-needed retail therapy. Find the Brisbane City Hall in King George Square that dates back to the 1920s and is a heritage-listed building. It has a circular concert hall and a 92-metre clock tower, while you can take a free vintage cage-lift ride to the clock tower platform for stunning views.
- 1:30 PM- Visit Burnett or Albert Lane for lunch; the former was a prison yard that now houses cafes, street art and bars. You can visit Felix for Goodness or Brew for an artisanal lunch.
- 3 PM- Get a quick rideshare or train to Fortitude Valley (The Valley in local parlance). Bypass the nightlife strip and walk to James Street with its boutique design stores and fashion labels, along with open-air cafes.
Evening: An Eclectic Sign-Off
- 6.30 PM- Cross back to the river’s southern side and visit West End, the bohemian quarter of the city. Explore Boundary Street and Bound Street for their vibrant Vietnamese restaurants, micro-breweries or authentic Greek tavernas. Catchment Brewing Co. and The Boundary Hotel are top recommendations in the area.
Making the Most of Your 48 Hours in Brisbane
48 hours is sufficient if you want to get a feel for Brisbane, complete with the city’s top natural and cultural landmarks, along with its world-class shopping, dining and nightlife. The free Loop buses and CityHopper ferry make commutes easier, along with the Translink network.
Getting around Brisbane is convenient with Translink's network of buses, trains and ferries. Most public transport journeys cost just 50 cents, and visitors can pay using contactless debit or credit cards or compatible smart devices. The Airtrain connects Brisbane Airport with the city in approximately 20 minutes, with departures every 15–30 minutes depending on the time and day.
Pack light and breathable clothing, comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat to get around comfortably. Visiting in the winter or autumn gives you clear skies and mild daytime temperatures for sightseeing. Book your accommodation, especially with TheSquare serviced apartments, well in advance since the city has a year-round rush of travellers (consider only reliable platforms or apartment providers). Here’s to an enjoyable weekend trip to Brisbane!
