7 days in Brisbane, Australia: What to see, eat and do. Full city guide
Brisbane, the sunny capital of Queensland, is known for its picturesque river, outdoor adventures, and thriving arts scene. With a perfect mix of urban sophistication and laid-back vibes, Brisbane offers something for everyone, from cultural institutions like the Gallery of Modern Art to the lush foliage of Roma Street Parkland. Foodies will adore Brisbane’s hip cafes, food markets, and world-class restaurant scene, while wildlife enthusiasts would never want to leave the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary or the stunning Moreton Bay.
Things to consider before arriving in Brisbane
- Affordability: Brisbane is generally cheaper than Sydney or Melbourne, with affordable dining and accommodation options.
- Climate: With warm, sunny weather most of the year, it’s the perfect destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
- Urban sprawl: The city is quite spread out, which means longer travel times for some attractions.
- Best for: Nature lovers, foodies, and culture enthusiasts will all enjoy their time in Brisbane.
What to bring with you
Remember to pack the following essentials for your Brisbane trip:
– Sunscreen and a hat for sun protection
– Comfortable walking shoes for exploring the city
– Swimsuit for the beach or hotel pool
– Light layers for the occasional cooler evenings
– Insect repellent for any outdoor adventures
Best time of the year to visit
The best time to visit Brisbane is during the spring months (September to November), when temperatures are comfortable and the humidity is low. However, with its subtropical climate, Brisbane is a great year-round destination.
How to get into the city
1. By air: Brisbane Airport (BNE) is the primary international gateway to the city. The Airtrain connects the airport to the city center in just 20 minutes.
2. By train: Major cities like Sydney and Melbourne have direct train services to Brisbane, with Queensland Rail’s Spirit of Queensland and NSW TrainLink offering comfortable travel experiences.
3. By bus: Many coach services, like Greyhound and Premier Motor Service, provide regular bus connections between Brisbane and other major cities in Australia.
7 day Brisbane city guide
Day 1 – Morning:
Start your first day strolling through South Bank Parklands. Walk along the river and enjoy the beautiful views. Stop by the Wheel of Brisbane for a bird’s eye view of the city.
Day 1 – Afternoon:
Visit the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary and hold a koala, feed kangaroos, and watch a sheepdog show.
Day 2:
Spend your second day exploring the cultural hub of Brisbane. Visit the Gallery of Modern Art or the Queensland Museum and Sciencentre. Have lunch at Eat Street Northshore, an open-air food market with a variety of cuisines.
Day 3:
Take a trip to the nearby Moreton Island. Visit Tangalooma Island Resort and go sandboarding in the sand dunes, or snorkel around the wrecks.
Day 4:
Visit the beautiful Mt Coot-tha Botanic Gardens, walk through the lush gardens and enjoy scenic views of Brisbane.
Day 5:
Take a day trip to the Gold Coast. Visit the famous Surfers Paradise beach, and have an amazing day in the theme parks, such as Dreamworld and Sea World.
Day 6:
Spend your day shopping in the Queen Street Mall, Brisbane’s premier shopping destination, or head to the trendy suburb of Fortitude Valley for unique boutique shops and cafes.
Day 7:
Enjoy your last day with a relaxing cruise along the Brisbane River. Take in the city’s best views and enjoy a delicious lunch on board.
How to continue your travel after you have spent 7 days in Brisbane
Gold Coast:
Take a short one-hour train ride to the Gold Coast. Visit the famous Surfers Paradise beach, and have an amazing day in the theme parks; Dreamworld, Sea World, Wet’n’Wild, and Movie World.
Sydney:
Fly to Sydney and climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge for stunning views of the Opera House and the city skyline. Spend a day at Bondi Beach and visit the Taronga Zoo.
