3 days in Brisbane

Day 1: Culture and cruising in downtown Brisbane

Morning
Begin your holiday in downtown Brisbane, a mix of gracious old buildings, sleek skyscrapers and grassy parks. Browse the heritage arcades and 700-plus stores on Queen Street Mall, the city's shopping hub. Around the corner lies the elegant former Treasury Building, now home to a casino, hotel, bars and restaurants. Join a free guided tour of Brisbane City Hall, then get a bird's-eye view of the city on a tour up the City Hall clock tower. From here it’s a 10-minute walk to North Quay wharf, where you can hop on the free five-minute ferry to South Bank. The CityHopper service offers free ferries that run every 30 minutes between 6am and midnight. Once you’ve arrived at South Bank, sit down for lunch at Otto Brisbane, and enjoy its Northern Italy-inspired menu with unbeatable riverside views.

Afternoon
Within the South Bank Parklands you'll find Streets Beach, Australia's only inner city man-made beach. Take a dip in the sparkling lagoon waters or just relax on powder white sand. Alternatively, submerge yourself in culture at major institutions including Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC) and Queensland Art Gallery and Gallery of Modern Art (QAGOMA). Stay on after dusk for a ferris wheel ride on the Wheel of Brisbane overlooking the city's glittering sprawl. Or, as the sun sets, embark on the Story Bridge Adventure Climb, one of only three bridge climbs in the world. You'll find a unique – and exhilarating – new view of the city and the surrounding Glass House Mountains, Moreton Bay and Scenic Rim Mountains. Afterwards, enjoy seasonal produce and fresh seafood at Customs House. For something more casual, take a seat at Trocadero Long Bar at the Fox Hotel, or cocktails upstairs at Dandy’s Rooftop.

Day 2: Fortitude Valley and koala cuddles

Morning
The bustling neighbourhood of Fortitude Valley is loved for its alfresco cafés, one-off boutiques and vibrant live music scene. From the city centre, the Valley is a 25-minute walk along Ann Street, or you can hop on the two-minute train ride from Central Station. For breakfast, try French toast with caramelised orange and vanilla mascarpone at King Arthur Café, then browse more than 130 speciality stores along the tree-lined James Street. Here you'll find high-end Australian designers such as Scanlan & Theodore, Zimmermann and Lee Mathews. On Saturdays, don't miss the Valley Markets, where up-and-coming local designers showcase their wares. Expect a mix of fashion, art and vintage goods.

Afternoon
Next, it's off to one of Brisbane's most lovable attractions, Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, a 15-minute drive from the city, accessible by taxi, bus or river cruise. With over 130 cuddly koalas, it's Australia's largest koala sanctuary. And koalas aren't the only Aussie animal you'll meet; the sanctuary is also home to dingoes, wombats, kangaroos and more.

Head back to the city for dinner at the Southeast Asian restaurant, sAme sAme, or tuck into Levantine-style share plates at Gerard's Bistro in Fortitude Valley. 

Day 3: Adventure on Moreton Island

Morning
Brisbane's coastline is dotted with picturesque atolls – circular rings of coral reef – all within easy reach of the city centre. Moreton Island is one of the world's largest sand islands, offering uncrowded beaches, sparkling lagoons and walking trails. Ferries depart from the Port of Brisbane and take 90 minutes. Once you’ve arrived, you can chill out on sandy beaches, swim and spot flocks of waterbirds. If it's between June and November, keep a lookout for migrating whales. Grab a bite at the Castaways Store & Café, located in the small township of Bulwer. To enhance the experience, book an all-inclusive day tour departing from Brisbane with Tangalooma.

Afternoon
Moreton Island is home to 15 sunken shipwrecks, creating spectacular snorkelling sites with colourful fish and marine life. For diving, Flinders Reef has more than 100 different coral species about 5km (3mi) north-west of Cape Moreton. If you haven’t brought your own snorkel, book an activity with Australian Sunset Safaris who offer snorkelling, kayaking and sandboarding. Alternatively, Tangalooma also offers an exclusive dolphin-feeding experience, for those after an intimate encounter with sea life. Upon your return to the city, indulge in a night of multicultural dining in Brisbane’s West End – tuck into pan-Asian street food at Chop Chop Chang’s.