Brisbane is one of Queensland’s most vibrant cities. With tons of exciting activities and about 300 days of sun a year, it’s a great place to spend the day along the south east coast. If you’re planning a stop in the beautiful river city, here is our handy 10 hour itinerary to make sure you get the most out of your stay:
Image by Visit Brisbane
Nestled at the foot of Mount Cootha, Paddington is one of Brisbane’s oldest suburbs and offers great views of the river and the city. Start your day trip with a hearty breakfast and a cup of coffee in one of the area’s boutique cafes such as Anouk, then browse through one of the antique bookstores. Better yet, kill two birds with one stone at Black Cat Books. If books aren’t your thing, then shop around one of Paddington’s stores for something vintage or even trendy to wear for your day of sightseeing.
TIME: 2 hours
Image by Riverlife
Next stop is a lazy drift down the Brisbane River with Riverlife’s kayaking tours. These trips launch from Kangaroo Point and make their way down the river towards the Brisbane Eye in South Bank. See the Brisbane CBD from a completely unique perspective as you paddle along the Brisbane River.
Quick Tip!
If you can, go on Friday around noon or Saturday night. When you return to shore, you’ll be met with fresh prawns, an assortment of cold beer, wine and other chilled drinks, and delicious bread rolls; all served under the Riverside Marquee.
TIME: 3 hours (with meal), 1.5 hours (without meal)
Image by Southbank Restaurants
Once you’ve worked up an appetite on the kayaks, you’ll have a chance to grab lunch at one of the many bustling restaurants along South Bank. Just make sure that you book a table in advance if you’re going on a weekend as it tends to get really busy. Since you’re in the area, take a peek at the science museum or art gallery.
TIME: 2 hours
Image by Oxmar Properties
Samford Valley, part of the hinterland region surrounding the capital, is next on the list. It’s only a 20km drive north-west of the city. It has extensive peaceful grounds to take a bush walk, try outdoor yoga, or simply relax and enjoy the natural surroundings. It also has spots for you to feed the adventure-seeking side of you where you can give a go at paintball skirmish or horseback riding.
TIME: 2 hours
Image by Eagle Street Pier
By now your tank might be running low which means that it’s time to pack up the car and make your way to the CBD for a restaurant dining experience to remember. Brisbane has over 3,000 restaurants with everything from Indian curry houses to American diners, so let your nose and taste buds guide you to the perfect place to feast. Treat your eyes to a spectacular view of the city by night, and dine in one of Eagle Street Pier’s amazing restaurants.
TIME: 2 hours
Image by www.brisbanelookout.com
Finish off your Brisbane experience with ice cream and view from Mount Cootha’s Summit lookout. With a breathtaking 200 degree view of Brisbane City, Mount Cootha provides one of the best overlooking sites the city has to offer.
TIME: 30 mins – 1 hour
After a day of adventure, your body and mind will be in need of a well deserved beauty sleep so make sure you book a room for the night before continuing your Brisbane adventure the next day.
Brisbane Car Rental
P.S. It’s going to be an activity-filled day and to make sure that you fit everything in 10 hours, make sure that you book a ride from a cheap car hire in Brisbane. Remember that public transport gets delayed sometimes. When time is of the essence, get a reliable car.
Happy Travels!