Perfect 3 Day Brisbane Weekend Itinerary
This perfect 3 day Brisbane weekend itinerary is perfect for first time or seasoned travelers to Queensland’s capital city. Featuring day trips to tropical islands, and introduction to Brisbane nightlife and plenty of food. This Brisbane itinerary will keep your days full of culture, laughter and incredible experiences.
3 days is all you need to explore the best parts of Brisbane, we easily spent a week in the city filling our time with plenty of food, inner city activities with a healthy mix of nature escapes.
Trip Length: 3 Days
Best for: City lovers, outdoor explorers and shoppers
Main areas covered: Brisbane CBD, Southbank Fortitude Valley, New Farm and Moreton Island or Tamborine Mountain.
Transport: Walking, ferry and/or hire car.
Day 1: Markets, River Cruise and Pub Hopping
This Brisbane weekend itinerary will start will a relaxed day of finding your feet and the best food to eat. Start off with exploring the boutique stalls at New Farm market before embarking on an river adventure with the great Brisbane ferries. Take as long as you need to explore views of the city from the top deck of the boat before disembarking at Howard Smith Wharf for more beverages and food.
New Farm Market
New Farm Market is one of Brisbane’s most loved weekend go-to locations; drawing locals and visitors to its leafy riverside setting, New Farm Market bursts with fresh produce, hand made items and artisan baked goods. With live music, great coffee and chilled, refreshing beverages, New Farm Market is bursting with live music and a bustling atmosphere. This market in Brisbane is the ideal spot to start a Saturday morning, soak up community vibes, and taste Brisbane’s creative food culture.
Brisbane River Cruise
Brisbane’s public transport river boats are an affordable and fun way to get around Brisbane. Offering one of the most scenic ways to explore the city; gliding along the Brisbane River with views of bridges, parks, and the sparkling skyline. These Brisbane ferries make it easy to hop on and off between popular neighborhoods with their own slice of paradise to explore. From New Farm to South Bank and the CBD, you can easily spend a whole day exploring the city via the Brisbane River. There are a favourite for both locals and visitors wanting to experience Brisbane from the water.
Pub Hopping along Howard Smith Wharves
Howard Smith Wharves is one of Brisbane’s most vibrant waterfront precincts, tucked beneath the iconic Story Bridge and buzzing with energy day and night. Once an industrial wharf, it’s now home to lively breweries, stylish restaurants, riverside bars, and scenic walking paths. With its mix of heritage charm and modern design, it’s a favourite spot for sunset drinks, weekend dining, and relaxed strolls along the river, offering some of the best views in the city.
Since you’ve made it to Howard Smith Wharves I strongly suggest taking the elevator to the top of the cliff and walking along the incredible structure that is Story Bridge.
Day 2: Southbank, Shopping, and Brisbane Nightlife
Day 2 of this short yet lively Brisbane weekend itinerary will invite you to open your wallet and explore the popular Queen Street Mall and Brisbane nightlife. Southbank is where you can enjoy a quick and free dip in the man made lagoon, Streets Beach, before heading across to Brisbane CBD and losing yourself among the fantastic shopping district of Queen Street Mall. A Brisbane weekend itinerary also isn’t complete without mentioning the amazing Brisbane nightlife; dine in at any of the amazing restaurants at The Star and enjoy the incredible sunset from the top floor of the viewing deck.
Southbank
South Bank is where you can discover Brisbane’s cultural heart, blending riverside relaxation with vibrant urban energy scattered with native wildlife. This lively precinct is home to lush parklands, the iconic Streets Beach lagoon, bustling markets, and a huge range of cafés and restaurants. Wander along the river promenade to find yourself great pubs to stop at and quench your thirst. Explore world‑class museums, or simply unwind under the bougainvillea‑covered canopy. With Southbank’s mix of culture, food, nature, and stunning city views, South Bank is one of Brisbane’s most inviting places to spend a day.
Queen Street Mall
Queen Street Mall is Brisbane’s bustling retail heart, a lively pedestrian strip packed with fashion boutiques, flagship stores, cafés, and street performers. Stretching through the center of Brisbane CBD, it’s a go‑to spot for shopping, people‑watching, and soaking up the city’s energy. With its mix of high‑end brands, local designers, and open‑air dining, the Queen Street Mall offers something for every visitor. It’s the perfect place to wander, browse, and experience Brisbane’s vibrant urban atmosphere.
The Star and Skycity Casino
The Star Brisbane is one of Brisbane’s most exciting new entertainment destinations; bringing luxury, dining, and nightlife to the riverfront. Part of the Queen’s Wharf precinct, it features a world‑class Sky City casino, stylish restaurants, rooftop bars, and premium accommodation, all designed to showcase Brisbane’s vibrant lifestyle. With stunning architecture and sweeping river views, The Star offers a sophisticated space for dining, entertainment, and relaxation right in the heart of Brisbane, making The Star the perfect destination for Brisbane nightlife.
Head up to the Sky Deck for a pre dinner drink and enjoy the 360 degree views of the city, be aware that the Sky Deck gets busy so it might pay to search the restaurants and book a table ahead of time. If you’re wanting a more relaxed atmosphere while still holding onto the sophistication of The Star, head down to the Leisure Deck where you can experience the perspective of how large this new entertainment destination is. Bean bags cover the grassy lawn in front of a large screen where sports matches are broadcast, order food from the desk and it will be brought out to you by friendly staff.
Day 3: Day Trip to Moreton Island or Tamborine Mountain
Day 3 includes a full day trip to either Moreton Island or Tamborine Mountain. Whether you are after a tropical holiday, lounging by the pool and snorkeling to sunken ship wrecks to end your Brisbane weekend itinerary, or if you are craving to explore the forests that circumnavigate Brisbane city where you can spot native wildlife in the wild. These two options give you a chance to get out of the concrete jungle and explore everything that Brisbane has to offer.
Brisbane to Moreton Island
A day trip from Brisbane to Moreton Island feels like slipping away to a tropical escape without leaving Brisbane City. After a short ferry ride, you’re greeted by crystal‑clear water, white sand beaches, and endless adventure. Visitors can snorkel the famous Tangalooma Wrecks, slide down giant sand dunes, feed wild dolphins or simply relax on the calm beaches or poolside with a cocktail in hand. With its mix of nature, wildlife, and outdoor fun, Moreton Island is one of Brisbane’s most unforgettable day‑trip destinations.
Book your day pass to Moreton Island through the Tangalooma Resort website, this include return ferry tickets, a food and drink voucher per person, access to the resort lounge and optional choices for any of the activities on the island. A trip to Moreton Island is a great day trip to add to your Brisbane weekend itinerary whether it’s for family fun or simply relaxation.
Brisbane to Tamborine Mountain
A day trip from Brisbane to Tamborine Mountain offers the perfect mix of nature, food, and charming village vibes. Just over an hour from the city, the mountain is known for its rainforest walks, boutique wineries, and the famous Gallery Walk lined with cafés, art, and local crafts. Head to Eagle Heights for spot of boutique shopping, or strap on your walking shoes and head into the forest to Curtis Falls to discover cockatoos, water lizards and sleeping bats.
Visitors to Tamborine Mountain can explore waterfalls, wander through the tranquil Botanic Gardens, or sample local produce. It’s an easy, refreshing escape that feels worlds away from the city.
Car Hire in Brisbane
For a trip to Tamborine Mountain you will need to organise a one day car hire, we hired our rental through Europcar on Elizabeth Street in Brisbane CBD. The car was affordable and processing was super simple. I’m sure there are public bus services that go to Tamborine Mountain but hiring a car gives you so much more flexibility in your day.
Other Things for your Brisbane Weekend Itinerary
Whether my Brisbane weekend itinerary doesn’t float your boat, or if you simply can’t squeeze this many activities into your already full itinerary; I have listed a few more things to do in Brisbane that might just catch your eye. Everything from more day trips out of the city to wildlife centers in Brisbane, if you’re looking for a list of the best things to do in Brisbane then be sure to check out my other article.
- Head to Mt Glorious and stay at Maiala Park Lodge
- Daisy Hill Koala Center
- Sunshine Coast
- Chermside Mall
- Stradbroke Island
