{"id":2095,"date":"2022-02-13T21:16:59","date_gmt":"2022-02-13T10:16:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/luxuryescapes.com\/inspiration\/what-to-do-in-brisbane-your-ultimate-two-day-itinerary\/"},"modified":"2024-10-09T14:07:22","modified_gmt":"2024-10-09T03:07:22","slug":"what-to-do-in-brisbane-your-ultimate-two-day-itinerary","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/luxuryescapes.com\/inspiration\/what-to-do-in-brisbane-your-ultimate-two-day-itinerary\/","title":{"rendered":"What to Do in Brisbane: Your Ultimate Two-Day Itinerary"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Want to maximise your time in Queensland’s sun-soaked capital? Here’s how to see a new side to Brisbane, the ultimate outdoor city…<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Life in Brisbane revolves around the outdoors. Clear blue skies, year-round balmy nights and plenty of open-air bars bolster the relaxed culture of this riverside city. Life wraps around its waters, whether you\u2019re cruising the wooden paths that fringe the CBD or joining the locals with a drink in hand on South Bank. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

So if you’re planning an escape to a city with natural beauty, exceptional food, diverse neighbourhoods and laidback charm, there’s nowhere greater for days in the sun than Brisbane. Here’s where to start…<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Day One: <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

9am \u2013 Sprout Artisan Bakery, New Farm <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Pastries<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s worth kicking off your escape early to beat the crowds for a sunshine-soaked breakfast at one of Brisbane\u2019s best bakeries. Perched on the corner of James and Harcourt Streets, Sprout Artisan Bakery<\/a> boasts handcrafted flaky pastries, freshly baked breads, an array of organic teas by Mayde Tea and expertly brewed coffee by Reuben Hills. Can\u2019t choose from the incredible array on display? Simply ask their dedicated team (or one the many pastry lovers who spill out onto the street daily) what\u2019s good.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

10.30am \u2013 South Bank<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Visitors
QAGOMA. Image credit: Tourism Events and Queensland<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

From New Farm, it\u2019s just ten minutes to Brisbane\u2019s dedicated cultural heart: South Bank. Home to renowned galleries, museums, parklands, eateries and markets, South Bank\u2019s reputation as a gorgeous riverside precinct precedes itself. While away the morning under a palm tree at the man-made Streets Beach<\/a>, wander through 17 acres of manicured parklands, take in the city from a new perspective aboard the Channel Seven Wheel of Brisbane<\/a>, or peruse the Queensland Art Gallery & Gallery of Modern Art (QAGOMA)<\/a>, home to some of the best contemporary art from Australia, Asia and the Pacific.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1pm \u2013 Howard Smith Wharves<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"People
Howard Smith Wharves. Image credit: Tourism and Events Queensland<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Tucked between the Story Bridge and New Farm cliffs, Howard Smith Wharves<\/a> is Brisbane\u2019s unmissable dining and lifestyle precinct. Housed in a 1930\u2019s framework at the bend of the Brisbane River, this heritage-listed space is now a bustling boardwalk lined with some of the city\u2019s best breweries, bars and restaurants. Don\u2019t miss Greca Restaurant<\/a>, a contemporary Greek taverna, which delivers Mediterranean food just as it should taste \u2013 deliciously fresh and authentic, or Yoko Dining<\/a>, an energetic izakaya-inspired gourmet experience combing the flavour punch and pop-infused vibe of buzzing Tokyo.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3pm \u2013 Brisbane River<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"GoBoats
GoBoats on Brisbane River. Image credit: Tourism and Events Queensland<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Calling all aspiring sailors. Be the captain of your own adventure onboard GoBoat<\/a>\u2019s family-friendly fleet of eco-friendly electric-powered picnic boats. A slow-moving breeze to control, this is the most unique way to see the Brisbane River. The best part? You don\u2019t even need a boating license to operate one. Upon return, raise a glass to Story Bridge views back at Howard Smith Wharves. Knock back a stein in a German-style beer hall at Felons Barrel Hall<\/a>, dance under disco lights in at the eye-catching octagonal Brisbanite favourite Mr Percival\u2019s<\/a> or pair a pale with a burger for a winning combo at Felons Brewing Co brewery<\/a> \u2014 whatever you\u2019re vibing, the wharves have it all.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

7pm \u2013 Bisou Bisou & Iris Rooftop Bar, Hotel X <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"People
Iris Rooftop Bar. Image credit: Tourism and Events Queensland<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

After a lovely day in the city, live your best baguette-accompanied life at Bisou Bisou<\/a>, a brasserie-style French restaurant inside the brand-new Hotel X. The dining room will transport you to Paris with red velvet bar stools and floral lounges, frosted glass panels and exposed brick archways. Entr\u00e9es include baked goat\u2019s cheese in filo pastry and steak tartare crowned with a cured egg yolk. As for mains, their treacle-drenched blade of beef, cassoulet of confit duck leg and globe artichoke boudin will have you raving. Old faithfuls fill the dessert menu, while an expansive wine list features local drops and vintage champagnes. Top off your evening in impressive fashion at Iris Rooftop Bar<\/a>, a Mediterranean-inspired venue featuring 270-degree views of Brisbane\u2019s skyline. Glide up to the bar, order a Santa Maria Sunset cocktail then meander to the wisteria canopy for that must-have photo.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Day Two:<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

7am \u2013 Brisbane City Helicopter Tour<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Aerial
Aerial view of Botanic Gardens and Brisbane City. Image credit: Tourism and Events Queensland<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s well worth the early wake-up call today to board an early helicopter flight, with spectacular bird\u2019s-eye views as your reward. The sound of whirring blades, the feeling of lift-off and sweeping views of rivers, mountains and islands \u2013 for adventurous travellers, a scenic aerial adventure is the ultimate sightseeing experience. Some landscapes demand a view from above and the River City offers endless exploration from the air. Elite Helicopters<\/a> tours hit all the highlights, soaring past the city\u2019s skyline, South Bank precinct, Moreton Island and Stradbroke Island, while longer tours incorporate Mount Tamborine and the Gold Coast.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

10am \u2013 Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"A
Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, Fig Tree Pocket, Brisbane. Image credit: Tourism and Events Queensland<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s time to play zookeeper for the day at Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary<\/a>, the world\u2019s first and largest koala sanctuary, established in 1927. Nestled in the charmingly named Fig Tree Pocket in Brisbane\u2019s southwest, this top-rated animal sanctuary is home to more than 130 koalas and 70 species of other native animals, such as platypuses, Tasmanian devils, snakes and crocodiles. Guests are given the opportunity to get as close as possible to Australian wildlife in a natural and intimate setting. From koala cuddles and kangaroo feeds to bird shows and other wildlife demonstrations, this is fun for the whole family.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1pm \u2013 The Terrace Rooftop, Emporium Hotel<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"A
The Terrace at Emporium Hotel. Image credit: Emporium Hotel<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Make the most of Brisbane\u2019s sub-tropical weather and thriving cocktail scene with a relaxed lunch at The Terrace at Emporium Hotel. South Bank’s first rooftop bar, this is a sky-high haven where the bar skills are next level \u2013 and so are the views. With city skyline, Brisbane River and Story Bridge panoramas, its stunning elevated setting is ideal for kicking back with a handcrafted cocktail while sampling a stellar menu of modern Australian eats.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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