1 Day in Brisbane Itinerary, 3 Ways (2025)

With so many things to do in Brisbane, what do you do when you need a 1-day itinerary?

The capital of Queensland and the 3rd largest city in Australia, Brisbane is still considered a small city with a population of around 2.6 million.

Brisbane often makes the list of most liveable cities in the world and was the #10 most liveable city in the world in 2021.

Brisbane is a small, walkable city with good public transportation, making it easy for visitors to get around.

I moved to Brisbane several years ago and while we haven’t had many visitors, it is always fun to make itineraries just in case! Plus, my family often likes to play tourists in our town.

Keep reading to find a 1 day Brisbane itinerary including options that are weather dependent and budget-friendly options.

1 Day in Brisbane Itinerary

Breakfast

Get something to eat near your hotel or wait in line for a croissant at Christian Jacques Bakery in Kangaroo Point. While they do not have coffee at Christian Jacques Bakery, you can pick up a cup nearby at Moonshine Coffee Roasters.

For a heartier breakfast, Story Bridge Hotel serves eggs, waffles, and even a burger starting as early as 6:30 a.m. daily.

Be Adventurous

Now that you’ve eaten, it is time to have an adventure.

Thankfully there are lots of choices for all kinds of adventure-seekers in Brisbane.

Story Bridge Climb

Located near the Story Bridge Hotel is the office and starting point for the Story Bridge Adventure Climb.

Bridge climbs run all day, from dawn to twilight.

Kids ages 6+ can participate in most of the bridge climbs, and there is even a game that can be played on top of the bridge! Mission Skybeam is a one-of-a-kind adventure game designed for teams of 2+. Teams find clues and solve puzzles in a race against the clock. (Mission Skybeam is temporarily closed until the bridge construction is completed).

Prices vary based on the type of climb and check their site for deals. Some days kids climb for free. Read more about our bridge climb here.

Those who are seeking a big adventure can add abseiling or a cantilever-lean-out to their bridge climb adventure package.

Book your Brisbane Story Bridge Adventure Climb now!

Riverlife

For those who would rather stay closer to the ground, Riverlife offers options for anyone over 8 years old.

Kayak, waterbike, abseil the rocks at Kangaroo Point, or go rock climbing. Tours are available all day and during twilight.

Walk, Bike, or Scoot around Kangaroo Point Cliffs Park

After your adventure, follow the path along the water, Kangaroo Point Riverwalk.

Rent a bike through Riverlife, or rent one by the minute if you see a bike for rent. Scooters are often available to rent by the minute as well.

If you have the energy, walk or ride to South Bank, or you can take the ferry from Captain Burke Park.

Would you rather take a guided tour of the city?

3-hour Brisbane City Essentials Tour or the Brisbane Food Tour

South Bank Parklands Swim and Lunch and/or Queensland Art Gallery + Gallery of Modern Art

Eat lunch at any of the restaurants near South Bank Parklands. There are restaurants for every budget, with many cuisines to choose from. My current favorite is Ma Pa Me.

After lunch, relax at Streets Beach and Boat Pool.

If you want to see some art, head to Fish Lane for lunch before walking around QAGOMA.

South Bank is a short walk from the Cultural Centre, and you can go for a swim after the museum.

The Brisbane sign is located at South Bank between the lagoon and the Cultural Centre, close to the Wheel of Brisbane.

South Bank also has plenty of options for dessert, especially ice cream.

City Hall Clock Tower and The Museum of Brisbane

Head to City Hall for a free 10-minute tour of the clock tower and free entry to The Museum of Brisbane. Make sure you book the tour in advance.

The exhibits at The Museum of Brisbane change, so check their website to see what exhibits are on during your trip to Brisbane.

If you have time, walk through Queen Street Mall, an outdoor shopping area.

If you are looking for a fun way to see the sights on your own, try a scavenger hunt with Let's Roam , Brisbane Street Games,  or Discover Brisbane.

Howard Smith Wharfs

After a long day, relax with a meal and a drink at any of the restaurants at Howard Smith Wharfs. Enjoy the city views and look at Kangaroo Point and the Story Bridge from another angle.

Felon’s Brewery is a great choice with lots of outdoor seating.

Not Ready to End the Night?

If you are visiting on a weekend, travel to Eat Street North Shore for live entertainment and street food from over 70 vendors.

Do you want to stay in Brisbane City but aren’t ready for bed yet? Fortitude Valley has bars, clubs, and lots of restaurants to choose from.

Would you rather take a tour at night?  Check out one of these 3 very different ideas.

*Brisbane Dark Stories True Crimes Tour

*Brisbane River guided kayak night tour

*Twilight Brewery Cruise

*Adjust This Itinerary*

If you prefer to climb Story Bridge or rock climb in the evening, I suggest starting at City Hall before moving on to South Bank and the Cultural Center. You could still end the day at Howard Smith Wharfs after your adventure.

1 Day in Brisbane on a Cold or Rainy Day Alternate Itinerary

One good thing about Brisbane is that it rarely rains all day. Even on rainy days, you should still have enough time to see the sights. If it is raining and your plans are canceled, here are some options.

There aren’t a lot of cold days in Brisbane either, but you probably do not want to swim in the winter. These options work for all types of weather.

Watch a Free Movie at GOMA

While you are looking at the art at GOMA, see if there are any free movies playing. Movies generally play on Wednesday and Friday nights and weekend afternoons.

Learn about Space at the Planetarium

If the weather is nice, the Botanical Gardens is a beautiful place to wander.

On rainy days, head to Sir Thomas Brisbane Planetarium and watch a show. Most of the shows at the planetarium are recommended for ages 6+ and there are currently 3 shows available for little kids. Book your ticket early, shows do sell out.

Play Games in Fortitude Valley or at Queen Street Mall

Fortitude Valley has lots of choices when it comes to indoor fun and games.

Holey Moley is an 18-hole mini-golf course inside an old church. Players can choose between a 9-hole and an 18-hole game. Each hole has a different theme. Holey Moley has a full bar inside as well as a putt-putt course. Prices vary due to the time that you book, and kids are allowed in until 5 p.m.

Lucky B and Sons have a full bar and restaurant inside plus plenty of games. Purchase a card with points on it and earn tickets for prizes. Each game costs $2-5, and there is no cost to enter. Kids are allowed in until 8 p.m.

For those who want to play games, but without the bright lights and loud sounds, Netherworld has tons of board games, pinball machines, and old-school arcade games. Netherworld has a full bar and an entirely vegan menu, but most items can be swapped for meat or dairy.

If you would rather not leave the Brisbane CBD, there is a Holey Moley at Wintergarden in the Queen Street Mall along with Strike which has bowling, laser tag, and escape rooms.

Read more about Holey Moley and other places to play putt-putt both inside and outside in Brisbane here.

Read 23 Fun Things to do When it is Raining in Brisbane for more ideas.

1 Day in Brisbane on a Budget Itinerary

Traveling can be expensive, but having fun in Brisbane does not have to be.

All of the activities on this 1 Day in Brisbane Itinerary are free.

Free Transportation

Of course, walking is always free but lucky for us, there are other ways to get around Brisbane for free.

City Hopper is a free inner-city ferry service on the Brisbane River. There are currently 7 stops to choose from between North Quay and Sydney Street in New Farm. Ferry service runs every 30 minutes from 5:30 to midnight. Read here for updated information.

City Loop bus service buses 40 and 50, run every 10 minutes and stop at many of the popular locations in Brisbane. For a map and more information, check their site.

Roma Street Parklands

Wander through Roma Street Parkland, or take a free guided tour. Check The Sound Society schedule to see if there is a free jazz show during your visit.

City Hall Clocktower and the Museum of Brisbane

The Museum of Brisbane is open from 10 am-5 pm daily and always has free entry, though bookings may be required.

Located in the same building, clock tower tours are held every 15 minutes from 10:15 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. and must be booked in advance.

The elevator for the clock tower can only hold groups of 3, so if you have a larger group, book back-to-back tours.

If you are interested, there are free tours of City Hall and sometimes there are free tours of certain exhibits in the Museum of Brisbane.

16 Free Guided Tours in Brisbane

QAGOMA or Queensland Museum

For those who want to see more art, the Queensland Art Gallery and the Gallery of Modern Art (QAGOMA) both have free exhibits. You can also see a free movie at GOMA (See more information above).

The Queensland Museum has a few free exhibits too, such as the Dinosaur Garden and Discovery Centre.

Both QAGOMA and The Queensland Museum have paid exhibits as well as free exhibits. At this time, bookings are generally required.

City Sounds

Free live music is offered weekly in Brisbane through City Sounds. See what will be playing during your visit here.

South Bank Parklands

Summer evenings can be spent swimming at Streets Beach or Boat Pool.

If it is too cold to swim, spend the evening walking around Southbank, and when it gets dark, walk across the Goodwill Bridge to the Fairy Trees.

Looking for more free activities for your stay in Brisbane?  Check out the Best Things to do in Brisbane for Free with Kids.  There are many great ideas for adults as well.

1 Day in Brisbane Itinerary 2025 Wrap Up

While it is hard to see Brisbane in a day, it is possible to get the highlights in, especially as everything is close together.

While summer is generally hot, and winter is a much nicer time weather-wise in Brisbane, every season brings reasons to explore Brisbane.

From swimming at Southbank, walking around the gardens in the spring, or enjoying the free seasonal yearly events in Brisbane, there is always something fun to do.

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