HOW MANY DAYS IN BRISBANE IS ENOUGH? 1 TO 3 DAYS IN BRISBANE ITINERARY OPTIONS!

WONDERING HOW MANY DAYS IN BRISBANE IS ENOUGH?

This blog explains the best things to add to your Brisbane itinerary, no matter how many days in Brisbane you plan to stay!

Also includes: The best tours from Brisbane, where to stay in Brisbane, what to wear and pack, getting to and around Brisbane and so much more!

HOW MANY DAYS IN BRISBANE:
AN INTRODUCTION

If you were on a super tight schedule and you only wanted to visit the inner city, you could see the main highlights of Brisbane in just 1 to 2 days.

However, we believe from experience to get the very most out of Brisbane, you need at least a few more days to venture out and explore the incredible areas surrounding Brisbane, including Moreton Island and the infamous Australia Zoo.

Therefore, for the best Brisbane itinerary plan, we would say up to 3 days is a great minimum amount of time to visit Brisbane! We cover everything for you in the travel guide below:

1 DAY IN BRISBANE: ROMA STREET PARKLANDS, QUEENS STREET, EAGLE STREET PIER, STORY BRIDGE, KANGAROO POINT & SOUTH BANK

If you are only passing and have 1 day in Brisbane to explore, this day’s itinerary is the one to follow!

It packs a lot in and requires a fair amount of walking, but covers all of key inner city sights of Brisbane in just 1 day!

Of course, the earlier in the day you start (i.e. early morning), the more available time you will have to enjoy each stop.

ROMA STREET PARKLANDS
An oasis of manicured garden spaces, plentiful green space and crawling with brilliant wildlife, you cannot miss an early morning roaming in the peace and quiet of the Roma Street Parklands.

When considering how many days in Brisbane is enough, make sure Roma Street Parklands is on your Brisbane itinerary! A must is to stroll the Rainforest walk bridge (pictured) with tropical fauna and an epic cityscape backdrop! — Pictured: The scenic Rainforest Walk bridge in Roma Street Parklands, Brisbane.

Set higher than Brisbane’s streets, start at the bottom of Albert Street hill and find the entrance at the top. In the Parklands, visit the Rainforest Walk (a scenic bridge meandering through the trees) or the Spectacle Gardens, a beautifully manicured garden with serious Alice in Wonderland vibes.

Roma Street Parklands is one of the best park areas to see in Brisbane, and is filled with wildlife. In fact, we saw plenty of Curlew birds and Australian water dragons!

Fun Fact: In Roma Parklands, there is a large multi-functional open stage with seating. We saw it used for a Zumba class, however it also couples as Brisbane’s Moonlight cinema, providing movies under the stars for 25 years!

When considering how many days in Brisbane is enough, make sure Roma Street Parklands is on your Brisbane itinerary! A must is to visit the beautiful Spectacle Gardens, and look out for the countless Australian water dragons running around! (pictured) — A must-do in Roma Street Parklands is to visit the beautiful Spectacle Gardens (left), and be sure to look out for the countless Australian water dragons running around! (right)

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VISIT QUEENS STREET
Head downhill from the Parklands to the inner city to what’s known as the ‘CBD’ (Central Business District) to the infamous shopping area of Queens Street mall.

Here, you will find rich cultural history, intriguing architectural contrast in King Georges Square, quirky statues dotted and countless opportunities for shopping. Have a nose around the shops, or just pass through.

BRISBANE CITY BOTANICAL GARDENS
Afterwards, take a slight 8 minute detour to Brisbane City Botanical Gardens (if visiting on a Sunday, don’t miss the Riverside Sunday market).

Head up to the Bunya Walk path along the river and walk towards the beginning of the Eagle Street pier.

No matter how many days in Brisbane you spend, a stroll around the inner CBD is a must to see the epic contrast of architecture, experience the best shopping at Queens Street and to visit the calming Brisbane City Botanical Gardens! — Pictured: When exploring Brisbane’s inner CBD look out for the epic architecture contrasts (left), and be sure to lose yourself in nature in the Brisbane City Botanical Gardens (right).

Fun Fact: Brisbane City is home to 1000+ stores, including the largest range of flagship boutiques in Queensland.

EAGLE STREET PIER TO HOWARD SMITH WHARVES
Meander the rivers edge along Eagle Street Pier towards the Story Bridge. Get amongst the walkers, cyclists and electric scooters, taking in the breathtaking river views and pass what seems like miles of quirky, eclectic bars and restaurants.

When deciding how many days in Brisbane to stay, make sure when you explore the inner city you walk along the river down Eagle Street pier, an idyllic walkway with lots of bustling cars and restaurants! — Pictured: Walk a leisurely 18 minutes from Brisbane City botanical gardens up Eagle Street Pier along the river, heading towards the iconic Story Bridge.

At the end of the pier you’ll reach Howard Smith Wharves, a complex full of even more quirky public spaces, bars and restaurants. After exploring, take the huge public lift up to the Story Bridge level. You cannot miss it, its huge and rust-red!

When you reach the end of Eagle Street pier, you will arrive at Howard Smith Wharves, a quirky collection of riverside bars and eateries! Take the public large rust-red lift up to get to bridge level. — Pictured: Howard Smith Wharves, at the end of Eagle Street pier walkway. To get up to Story Bridge level, use the large public lift (pictured). You cannot miss it, as it is rust red!

Fun Fact: Though Eagle Street Pier has been a part of the city for over 150 years, in 1989 it was transformed into the ultimate premier dining and entertainment hub that it is today!

how-many-days-in-brisbane-itinerary — Pictured: Arriving into Howard Smith Wharves, where you will find plenty of eclectic riverside bars and eateries to enjoy!

STORY BRIDGE TO KANGAROO POINT
Cross Brisbane’s iconic 1km Story Bridge over the river before using the pedestrian stairs to get down to street level. Once at street level, head towards the riverside and walk towards the idyllic Kangaroo Point Cliffs Park.

Why not book onto the highly-rated 5* Adventure Climb experience on the Brisbane Story Bridge?

No matter how many days in Brisbane you spend, you must take time to cross its iconic Story Bridge! There is also the option to do an epic bridge climb activity here! — Pictured: Once the lift takes you up to bridge level, cross the Story Bridge to get over the river! Once over the river, use the first set of pedestrian stairs to get down to street level and head towards Kangaroo Point Cliffs Park.

AFTERNOON: KANGAROO POINT CLIFFS PARK
At Kangaroo Point Cliffs Park, admire the lush green space, quaint boat jetties, tremendous views of the river and people watch as residents and visitors alike have picnics, play wholesome sports and light up the outdoor BBQ stations.

Kangaroo Point Cliffs Park is most famous for its sheer riverside cliff faces. Want to add a bit of a thrill to your day? Sign up for an abseiling session down the Kangaroo Point cliffs!

Take your time strolling this family-friendly trail, following the river as you loop back round towards South Bank.

Pictured: A person abseiling down the Kangaroo Point cliffs in Brisbane, Australia! — Want to add a bit of a thrill to your day? Sign up for an **abseiling session down the Kangaroo Point cliffs**!

No matter how many days in Brisbane you spend, a few hours basking in the atmosphere at Kangaroo Point cliffs park is a must do on your Brisbane itinerary! — Pictured: The idyllic riverside at Kangaroo Point Cliffs Park.

BRISBANE SOUTH BANK
Undoubtedly, the heart of Brisbane is its South Bank. First, trace the rivers edge and weave through the beautiful Arbour Walkway (draped in purple bougainvillea vines), which looks like a Jungle Book paradise set within the city!

On route, discover anything that the ever-changing South Bank has to offer, from quirky pop-ups, eclectic markets, rainforest-like walkways and admire Brisbane’s cityscape.

South Bank is bursting with exciting food, drink, cultural and art events, festivals, pop-ups, markets on the daily. Check out what’s on when you visit here to make sure you don’t miss out!

No matter how many days in Brisbane you plan to stay, an afternoon chilling on Brisbane's bustling South Bank is a must! It is the beating heart of Brisbane, full of activity and epic things to do, such as pop-up events and festivals, Streets Beach and markets. — The South Bank is the beating heart of Brisbane, always full of activity. When we visited, there was a fun pop-up music festival (pictured).

LATE AFTERNOON: RELAX ON STREETS BEACH
No beach? No problem! Brisbane have created Streets Beach, Australia’s only inner-city, man-made beach complete with soft white sand, sparkling lagoons and tropical plants.

Set on the river front, experience this oasis as you watch cruising river boats pass by against the cityscape. No matter how many days in Brisbane you decide to stay, Streets Beach is a must for any Brisbane itinerary!

No matter how many days in Brisbane you plan to stay, an afternoon relaxing on Streets Beach - Brisbane's inner city man made beach - is an absolute must! — Pictured: No matter how many days in Brisbane you plan to stay, an afternoon relaxing on Streets Beach is an absolute must!

Top Tip: Just before Streets Beach, you will come across ‘The Collective Markets’ Friday to Sunday – A series of stalls bursting with unique artwork, collectibles, hand-made crafts, jewellery and vintage clothing. They are surrounded by quirky eateries and bars too!

After visiting Streets Beach in Brisbane, be sure to check out the outside Collective Markets just next door to find some unique treasures! — On Friday to Sunday, you will find the eclectic stalls of Brisbane’s Collective Markets just outside the entrance of Streets Beach. Be sure to have a wander round to seek out some unique treasures!

2 DAYS IN BRISBANE: STEVE IRWIN’S AUSTRALIA ZOO

If you are fortunate enough to have another day in Brisbane, we recommend catching the early train from Brisbane’s Roma Street train station to Beerwah, a small town home to the late Steve Irwin’s infamous Australia Zoo!

FULL DAY: VISIT AUSTRALIA ZOO
For all of you who grew up watching the wonderful Irwin families adventures on ‘Croc Files’ and ‘Crocodile Hunter’, you cannot miss the opportunity to visit the late Steve Irwin’s Australia Zoo!

A very large complex, it is packed with beautiful wildlife for you to enjoy. If you can align your trip with a visit from the Irwin’s themselves, it makes for an extra special experience!

Catch the direct train to Beerwah station from Brisbane’s Roma Street train station using the Translink Journey Planner. The train journey is around 1.5 hours.

Top Tip: From Beerwah station, there is an ‘Australia Zoo’ shuttle that comes to pick arriving guests up. If it is not there, there is a manned desk who can ring and inform the zoo to send a shuttle. The zoo is only 5 to 10 minutes drive away. Ask on arrival at Australia Zoo times for returning shuttles to Beerwah station.

Top Tip: The Irwin family do sporadically visit and even host the Crocodile Show in the famous ‘Crocoseum’! They are likely to be there as ‘special guests’ on their birthdays, we were incredibly lucky our trip aligned with Bindi’s birthday – 24th July! Roberts is 1st December. Do check their website to see if they have any key events planned during your visit!

If you are lucky to spend more than 1 day in Brisbane, we recommend catching the train from Roma Street station to Beerwah to visit the infamous late Steve Irwin's Australia Zoo! — We recommend catching the early train from Brisbane’s Roma Park train station to Beerwah, a small town home to spend the full day at late Steve Irwin’s infamous Australia Zoo!

3 DAYS IN BRISBANE: MORETON ISLAND TOUR

Here for 3 days in Brisbane? Perfect! Take this opportunity to head out on an epic full-day tour to the idyllic Moreton Island, a slice of paradise just off Brisbane.

Expect snorkelling around shipwrecks, sand-boarding, plenty of wildlife (dugongs, turtles, pelicans, dolphins, kookaburras), endless water based activities and much more.

FULL DAY: MORETON ISLAND TOUR
Embark on an exhilarating adventure with this highly rated full-day tour to the magical Moreton Island, a slice of paradise just off the shores of Brisbane!

Brace yourself for a day filled with thrilling activities and breathtaking natural wonders. Dive into the crystal-clear waters for a guided snorkelling session at the Tangalooma shipwrecks.

If you are lucky to spend more than 1 day in Brisbane, we recommend heading to the idyllic Moreton Island for a full day of beautiful beaches, snorkelling the Tangalooma shipwrecks, spotting wildlife and eouc water sports! — Pictured: The incredible collection of Tangalooma shipwrecks in the shallows of Moreton Islands reef. This is the one the best and most unique places to snorkel in Australia!

Look out for playful dolphins, dugongs and speedy turtles on a marine wildlife cruise, go kayaking or even sand-boarding down the islands inland sand dunes.

Click to book this Moreton Island Day Trip from Brisbane! 🏝️🌞🐬🐢

Top Tip: If your timing or budget allows, try to stay at the official Tangalooma Island Resort for 1 night.

Not just to stay on this magical island longer than a day-tour allows, but to experience the wild bottlenose dolphin feeding exclusive to hotel guests, where friendly wild dolphins come into the shallow waters every evening when all the day trippers have gone home.

Fun Fact: Moreton Island is the third largest sand island in the world. Australia is also home to the largest sand island in the world, Fraser Island, where you can also take epic multiple day tours to.

SPOTTED WILDLIFE!

Australian Pelican
Dozens spotted on Moreton Island! This Pelican breed is commonly found off the coasts throughout Australia, Papua New Guinea and Western Indonesia. Males are normally larger than females, though both sexes have an incredibly large wingspan of up to 2.5m and bills up to 50cm long!

Australian Pied Cormorant (Shag birds)
Dozens spotted on Moreton Island! A medium sized white and black bird whose sole diet mainly consists of fish, which they catch by plunging themselves into the water. It propels itself into the water using its large webbed feet, using half-opened wings to steer.

SPOTTED WILDLIFE!

Dugong “Sea Cow”
Spotted in shallow waters on Moreton Island. These beautiful docile, slow moving mammals can be found in the shallows of tropical waters which provides plentiful seagrass, a staple in the Dugongs diet. They come to the surface to breathe through the nostrils in their snouts.

SPOTTED WILDLIFE!

Sea Turtles
Moreton Island is an absolute hotspot for sea turtles, and is one of the few places in the world to spot 6/7 sea turtle species in such close proximity to a capital city.

Moreton Island has at least 5 “year round” resident turtle species: Green, Loggerhead, Pacific Ridley, Flatback and Hawksbill. Green turtles graze on Moreton Islands seagrass, whilst Loggerhead turtles dine on shellfish, crabs, sea urchins and jellyfish.

BRISBANE DAY TOURS & ACTIVITIES:

• Premium Springbrook, Mt Tamborine Glow Worm, Lunch and Skywalk! 🌳🌴🏞️🌌

• Mount Tamborine Wine Tasting Tour from Brisbane 🍷🍇🧀

• Stradbroke Island 4WD Day Trip from Brisbane 🏝️🐬🐨🐢

• Brisbane kayaking tour! 🛶

• 25-minute private helicopter tour over Brisbane city! 🚁🌆

• Brisbane Dark Stories True Crime Tour 🌃👻🔪

• Brisbane Brewery Small-Group Tour with Lunch 🍺🍻

WHERE TO STAY IN BRISBANE

⭐ Selina Brisbane (mid-range)

⭐ Adina Apartments Hotel Brisbane (mid-range)

⭐ Ivy & Eve Apartments by CLLIX (luxury)

⭐ Emporium Hotel South Bank (luxury)

GETTING TO BRISBANE

GETTING TO BRISBANE BY AIR:

If you are looking to get to Brisbane directly from another major Australian city, or from an International country, the most convenient method for you is to fly.

Most major cities in Australia fly directly into Brisbane Airport (BNE) in just a few hours, including Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide and Cairns.

There is a great choice of operating airlines (Qantas, Virgin Australia, Jetstar, Alliance for example) to choose from to get the best price! Check SkyScanner for the best deals on your dates.

GETTING TO BRISBANE BY TRAIN:

Brisbane is the home to the large and bustling Roma Street train station, which allows for travel from the East Coast straight into the heart of Brisbane.

For example, you can book a NSW Trainlink ticket to get straight from Sydney to Brisbane by train! The catch is, the duration is 15 hours!

We highly recommended using this Rome2Rio planner to see how to get to Brisbane’s Roma Street station from your exact location along the East Coast.

GETTING TO BRISBANE BY BUS:

FROM BRISBANE INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT:
Take all of the hassle out of catching a taxi ad-hoc after arriving into Brisbane International Airport (BNE). The most convenient thing to do is to pre-book your spot on the recommended CONXION shared airport transfer service from Brisbane Airport straight to the door of your hotel!

You can enjoy the services of this comfortable, air-conditioned transfer (with generous legroom and professional driver) daily anytime from 6am to 10pm.

FROM ANOTHER AUSTRALIA DESTINATION:
Getting to Brisbane by the Greyhound Australia bus is the best way to get to Brisbane for anyone travelling or backpacking Australia. Greyhound Australia offers a flexible and affordable hop-on, hop off ticket covering from Sydney to Cairns.

GETTING TO BRISBANE BY CAR:

For those who want to stop and see the scenery in and around Brisbane in their own time, a popular option is rent a car for multiple days. Click here to check for the best rental car deals available for your dates!

FUN FACTS ON BRISBANE

Brisbane incredible receives 283 days of glorious sunshine a year!
Brisbane was named ‘Australia’s Hippest City’ by Lonely Planet, and widely renowned as one of the World’s most liveable cities.
Brisbane is the state capital of Queensland. Queensland is almost 5 times the size of Japan, 7 times larger than the UK and 2.5 times the size of Texas!

CONCLUSION: HOW MANY DAYS IN BRISBANE?

To conclude, we believe the absolute minimum to see all of the ‘unmissable’ things to do in Brisbane is 3 days, which includes Australia Zoo and the idyllic Moreton Island.

However, if you are seriously strapped for time, it is also very doable to see the majority of inner city sights only in just one full day if you follow our Day One itinerary plan.

Whichever you choose, we truly hope you have to best time in Brisbane. Do let us know what part was your favourite!

A photo of Jordie, the author of this specific blog post and owner of the wesbite.

This blog post was written by Jordie Flain!

Founder of TheFlainsTravel.com

A travel-obsessed Sagittarius creating honest, easy-to-follow guides. Powered by tea, chocolate and a slightly concerning amount of tomato ketchup.

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