A man and woman kayaking with Riverlife along Brisbane River beneath Story Bridge with Howard Smith Wharves in the background in Brisbane, Queensland © Tourism and Events Queensland

Riverlife, Brisbane River, Brisbane, Queensland © Tourism and Events Queensland

3 days in Brisbane

From eclectic shopping to an island getaway, this 3-day stay in Brisbane has it all.

The must-do experiences

Relax at the man-made Streets Beach, an inner-city tropical oasis
Watch the sunset over the city during a Story Bridge Adventure Climb
Take a day trip to the magnificent Moreton Island

Day 1: South Bank

Where better to get to know Brisbane than in the heart of the city? Start your Brisbane getaway in South Bank to experience museums, shopping, riverside views and even a man-made beach.

The Johnson, Brisbane, QLD © The Johnson

Brisbane’s best stays

Find the best lodgings in the heart of Queensland’s vibrant capital or in one of its fascinating inner-city neighbourhoods.

Read time • 5min

Day 2: Fortitude Valley and Kangaroo Point

Explore the playful pockets of Brisbane today, starting in the trendy Fortitude Valley. Cue coffee, boutiques and a whole lot of adventure.

Aerial view of the Botanic Gardens and Brisbane City © Clive D'Silva/Tourism and Events Queensland

Brisbane suburb guide

Whether you base yourself north or south of the Brisbane River, the Queensland capital’s pulsing food and art scenes are within easy reach.

Read time • 5min

Day 3: Moreton Island

Moreton Island is one of the world's largest sand islands, offering uncrowded beaches, sparkling lagoons and walking trails. Take the 90-minute ferry from Port of Brisbane or join an all-inclusive day trip with Tangalooma to discover the magic of Moreton.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get to Brisbane from the USA?

Getting to Brisbane from the United States is easier than you think, with non-stop options for the most direct route, and one-layover options to add another Australian city to your itinerary.

Direct flights: Fly non-stop from east coast US cities including Los Angeles (LAX) and San Francisco (SFO). Seasonal flights may also be available from Dallas (DFW).
Connecting flights: Fly into another gateway Australian city – like Sydney (SYD) or Melbourne (MEL) – before hopping on an easy domestic flight to Brisbane (BNE).

Is Brisbane a good destination for families?

Brisbane offers plenty of activities for kids of all ages, from island adventures to art experiences.

A few family-friendly highlights include:

Enjoy a dip in the calm, safe waters of Streets Beach in South Bank.
Admire modern art at Queensland Art Gallery.
Head to nearby Moreton Island, where families can enjoy beach time, dolphin spotting and exploring the Champagne Pools together.
Scale Brisbane's iconic bridge on the Story Bridge Climb, which is especially popular with older children and teens.

What’s the best way to get around Brisbane?

Getting around Brisbane is easy and relaxed, with most attractions close together and well connected by public transport or short transfers.

Around the city: Areas like South Bank Parklands, Fortitude Valley and Kangaroo Point are all easy to reach and explore. Public buses and ferries are frequent and reliable, and taxis and rideshares are readily available.
To Moreton Island: For a day out of the city, Moreton Island is easy to reach via a scenic 90-minute ferry from the Port of Brisbane. You can also join an organised day trip with Tangalooma, which makes the experience simple and seamless, with transport and activities like snorkelling and sandboarding included.

When’s the best time of year to visit Brisbane?

Brisbane is a year-round destination, but is particularly enjoyable during the shoulder seasons of autumn (March to May) and spring (September to November).

Autumn (March to May): Days are warm with lower humidity than the summer months. You can expect an average low of 15°C (59°F) and an average high of 25°C (77°F).
Spring (September to November): Spring weather is similar to autumn in Brisbane, with an average low of 15°C (59°F) to a high of 25°C to 28°C (77°F to 82°F).
Winter (June to August): Winter offers clear, sunny days that are great for outdoor adventure and festivals. Daytime temperatures range between 11 - 21°C (51.8 - 69.8°F).
Summer (December to February): Summer tends to be the rainiest season in Brisbane, with average rainfall around 426.6 mm (16.8 inches). Temperatures range from 21 - 29.8°C (69.8 - 85.6°F).

Explore more nearby

Sailaway, Mackay Cay, QLD © Sailaway Cape Tribulation

Trips and itineraries

10-day coast to coast itinerary

Aerial view of Wineglass Bay and the surrounding mountains covered with trees at Freycinet National Park, Tasmania © Lauren Bath

Trips and itineraries

12 days of fine dining, wilderness and luxury

Tangalooma Wrecks, Moreton Island, QLD © Tourism and Events Queensland

Places to go

Guide to Moreton Island