From its vibrant cityscapes to its gorgeous natural wonders and laid back vibes, Brisbane is an essential place to stop by, explore and traverse on your Aussie adventure. Short on time? It’s possible to revel in Brisbane’s gorgeous surrounds for just 24 hours. Take a look below at three awe-inspiring itineraries to suit your interests and see what this city has on offer.
The great thing about Brisbane is that everything is pretty central and easy to get to. With that said, we recommend you rent a compact car, as with that you’ll be able to navigate the city with ease and drive to other locations with no hassle. A compact car is also a lot more fuel-efficient in comparison to bigger cars, and this will save you money.
Getting there: You can fly into Brisbane Airport. From there, you can pick up your car rental and start your road trip.
Start off your morning by driving your rental car to the gorgeous Mount Coot-tha. It lies just a ten-minute drive from the CBD and offers stunning views of the city which are sure to impress. Mount Coot-tha is also an amazing place to go for a hike, and the Summit Circuit is a favourite with locals. The circuit takes you from the JC Slaughter Falls to Mount Coot-tha Lookout. After your walk, you can stop at the cafe at the lookout, relax, and enjoy the views.
Perfect for families, New Farm Park is set on the Brisbane River. With rose gardens, open grassy spaces and a terrific playground for the kids, this place is a great location for a picnic — and there are plenty of places to park your rental car. Once you are done at New Farm Park, jump on the free City Hopper ferry which will take you to South Bank.
Littered with tree-lined streets, endless restaurants, bars and of course green and nature, the South Bank Parklands are home to gorgeous views of the city — the perfect place to end your nature-filled day. On Sundays, there are usually events such as markets and music.
Open every Saturday morning, the West End markets are an awesome way to start your morning. Filled with fresh produce, mouth-watering food and the best vibes, this place has it all, including an open field to sit in the sun and relax.
You will find the botanic gardens right next to the city and the Queensland University of Technology. Walk through the gardens and follow the river around to the city for a scenic walk.
Treat yourself to a bit of retail therapy at the stunning James Street. You’ll find this iconic street on the cusp of Fortitude Valley and New Farm. From designer brands to gorgeous restaurants, this place really has it all.
From The Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA) to the multilevel museum, this place is where art and history intersect. There’s always an interesting exhibition happening, plus the architecture is noteworthy.
It’s hard to believe that there are gardens as beautiful as the ones at Roma Street Parklands, so close to the city. The juxtaposition between the city and nature is an amazing experience.
A popular area in the city is Queen Street Mall, and not far away lies King George Square which is where you can find the City Hall. There are tours up the clock tower which are well worth doing.
One of the newest additions to Brisbane is the Howard Smith Wharves (HSW). Located under the Story Bridge, the HSW are where you will find bars, restaurants, and stunning views of the city. It’s set right on the river and is a hub of nightlife and culture.
