Everything You Need to See, Do and Try With Just 72 Hours in Brisbane

300+ days of sunshine (almost guaranteed), lively laneways, bustling streets, stretchy-pants-worthy dining experiences and impressive river views - welcome to Brisbane, Queensland. 

Stay, shop, eat, drink and play your way around town with these must do local attractions. Experience Brisbane even better than the locals do. 

Explore the latest offers and packages from Crystalbrook Vincent in Brisbane.

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Flow with the River 

Start your day cruising or kayaking Brisbane River, followed by a slow spin on the Wheel of Brisbane. Relish the spectacular views and sights of the city, you’ll be vibing high all day long.

Howard Smith Wharves 

From industrial to chic and shiny, the Howard Smith Wharves precinct is a Brisbane must-see and do. After a recent multi-million dollar re-energisation of the historic 1930’s space, the heritage-listed precinct is a riverside hub of all things entertainment, celebrating the very best of Brisbane.

Brisbane Botanic Gardens 

Maps at the ready, it’s time to get lost in the 56hectare Mt Coot-tha Brisbane Botanic Gardens. A labyrinth of rainforests, desert plants, Japanese gardens, cactus-zones, a bonsai house, bamboo groves and ornamental lakes awaits. Guided tours are also available.

Open daily from 8:00am - 6:00pm in Summer and 8:00am - 5:00pm in Winter

Picnic play 

Set amongst picturesque fig trees, right on the riverfront, New Farm Park is the perfect spot for a picnic. Stretch out on the freshly-mowed lawn under the sunny Queensland sun, BYO nibbles and drinks, or grab something from one of the al fresco eateries nearby.

Live music 

It’s jam night! For all our Jazz lovers, Rock N Roll fans and RNB groovers, here are some of Brisbane’s hottest live music bars.

Suzie Wong’s Good Time Bar, Brooklyn Standard, Lefty’s Music Hall, The Triffid, Black Bear Lodge, The Skukum Lounge, The Sound Garden and The Milk Factory Kitchen and Bar.

Story Bridge 

Afraid of heights? Perhaps read on…Story Bridge, is an iconic, historic structure in Brisbane city. Climbing this beauty will see you reach 80, above sea level and experience unbelievable 360-degree views across the city - twilight is our favourite time to go.

There are only three bridge climbs in the whole world, and this is one of them - cool right? A not to be missed activity while you’re here.

Eagle Street Pier 

Ahh time to relax and dine at Eagle Street Pier, South Bank. There are loads of delicious dining options with (almost) every flavour and cuisine your heart desires. If you’re feeling the need to stroll off some extra calories, take a brisk (or not so brisk) walk through the 11 hectare South Bank Parklands.

Up, up and away 

Set your alarm (or we can wake you up, gently). Tomorrow you’re going hot air ballooning - before sunrise. Adore the picturesque landscape of mountains and national parks from the air as you watch the sun rise and welcome a new day.

Thinking about your stomach? Bacon, eggs, pastries, fruit and juice will be waiting for you once your feet hit the ground again.
 

Eat and drink 

Rooftop bar hopping 

With 300 days of glorious sunshine (on average) every year, Brisbane’s rooftop bars are the place to be and be seen. Start at Fiume, of course, then make your way up to Dirty Saltan and Maya Mexican, or across to Sixteen Antlers and Eagles Nest.

Fish Lane 

Dining under the stars, just wow! Fish Lane is a buzzing, bustling laneway frequented by locals and visitors alike. Book a table at Gauge for one of Brisbane’s most creative dining experiences, or simply ponder along and explore the amazing art, murals and sculptures that line the lane.

Wild Canary 

If a destination brunch is on the cards, look no farther than botanical Wild Canary, surrounded by the lush Brookfield Gardens nursery. Cake for (brunch) dessert is a must!

Ice cream 

Sunny days call for ice cream (at any hour!). Here are our Brisbane’s best ice creameries… Gelato Messina (South Brisbane), Milani House of Gelato (Ascot), Ungermann Bros (Ipswich), Lick! (Morningside), Gelatissimo (Brisbane CBD), Gelare (South Bank), Double Good (Eat Street Northshore), and Nom Nom Natural Gelato (Bulimba).

Burgers a plenty 

Food for the soul. Explore Brisbane’s best, juicy burgers - whether you like yours with beef, chicken or purely vegetarian. Our picks; Ben’s Burgers (Fortitude Valley), Super Combo (Bowen Hills), Fat Belly Jack’s (Caxton Street), Lucky Egg (Fortitude Valley), Betty’s Burgers (Newstead), Ze Pickle (Fortitude Valley), Burger Time 69 (Bulimba), Moo Free (North Lakes), Mr Burger (Food Truck) and Brooklyn Depot (South Bank).

Eat Street

Consider yourself a true foodie? Put on your walking shoes and head down to the open-air Asian-style night market Eat Street Northshore. Made entirely from shipping containers, there are more than 180 multicultural stalls to explore - a real treat for all your senses. Enjoy!

Open from 4:00pm Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays - don’t forget to bring some cash for the $5 entry fee.
 

Shop

James St

Calling all fashionistas! If a shopping spree is on the cards, you’ll want to start right here at James St. Find everything you need (and want) at David Jones, Pottery Barn, Gorman, Sass & Bide, Zimmermann, Scanlan Theodore and more…

Queen Street Mall 

Looking for all things luxe and with a designer label? Queens Street Mall is where you’ll want to be - home to Chanel, Bvlgari, Dior, Saint Laurent and Louis Vuitton as well as four feature department stores including The Myer Centre, MacArthur Central, Wintergarden and Queen’s Plaza.

Latrobe Terraces 

Local fares, vintage and antiquities can be found here. Stroll along the terrace and take your time perusing, looking, trying and talking to these amazing designers and manufacturers.

Oxford Street

To Brisbane’s east, you’ll find the trendy, urban Oxford Street shopping strip. Guaranteed to satisfy all your fashion, lifestyle and beauty needs, this precinct also plays host to vibrant events, activities and dining spots.
 

Stay

Look no further than the brave and bold Crystalbrook Vincent. Arguably situated in Brisbane's most sought-after location, this five-star hotel has been carved into a cliff face underneath the historic Story Bridge with jaw-dropping views over Brisbane River and Howard Smith Wharves.