What To Do In Brisbane For A Day Of Fun and Adventure
Brisbane offers so many fun things to do that you can easily spend several days exploring the city. But what if you only have one day to explore Brisbane?
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Brisbane is the capital city of Queensland, Australia.
It is also the third most populous city in Australia and Oceania.
Travelers often use Brisbane as a base to explore nearby attractions like the Gold Coast, the Sunshine Coast, and the stunning Moreton Island.
But with its parks, green spaces, vibrant arts, and food scene, Brisbane is worth exploring for a day or two.
Brisbane is built around the Brisbane River, giving the city an open, airy, and spacious feel.
Coming from the US, Canada, or other international destinations you will most likely arrive at Brisbane International Airport.
Brisbane International Airport is around 22km (13.67 miles) from the city center.
Getting from Brisbane International Airport to the City Center
You have several options for reaching the city once you arrive at the airport.
Train
The first option is to take the Translink train to Central Station or Roma Street Station.
This is the easiest way to get from the airport to the city center and the method we used to get to Brisbane.
You can purchase a ticket at the airport’s arrivals exit lobby. You just have to cross the street and walk directly to the train platform.
A train into the city center leaves every 20 minutes and costs $9 – 13 USD.
City Bus
You also have the alternative of using the Translink public bus service.
This bus has several stops between the airport and the city center.
The bus makes stops at Central Station and Roma Station.
It takes 28 minutes to get from the airport to the city center and passes every half hour.
The fare for the bus into the city is approximately $8 USD.
Taxi and Rideshare
Taxis are always an alternative especially if you arrive late at night and want to go directly to your hotel or lodging.
The ride takes about 15 minutes to the city center and costs between $28- 35 USD.
There are several Rideshare options in Brisbane.
Shebah is a fairly recent addition that we didn’t have available during our trip.
But if you’re a woman traveling alone this might help you feel safe.
Brisbane rideshare options:
- Uber – The most widely used rideshare app in Brisbane.
- DiDi – A popular alternative to Uber.
- Ola – Another rideshare option in Brisbane.
- Shebah – A female-only rideshare service that caters to women and children, with female drivers.
SHUTTLE BUS
As in many big cities, there is a shuttle option.
The Byron Easy Bus is a shuttle-type service that you can take at the airport and will drop you off at your destination address.
This is a good option if you’re not staying in the city center and instead are staying at Byron Bay or Suffolk Park.
You can reserve this service beforehand and the cost will depend on your final destination.
The question then is; what do you do with only one day in Brisbane?
The following itinerary will let you sample a bit of history, some art, and some of the great outdoors available in the city.
What to do in Brisbane: A Morning of History in the City Center
The atmosphere in Brisbane is young and new.
You’ll notice plenty of new construction, open gathering spaces, and a sense of spaciousness, even in the heart of the business district.
The city feels fresh and close to nature because parks and green areas have been integrated into the urban landscape.
Museum of Brisbane and City Hall
To get a feel for the city and admire one of its most beautiful buildings, start your day at the Museum of Brisbane, located in City Hall.
We recommend you take at least two of the free guided tours; the Brisbane City Hall Tour and the Clock Tour.
The clock is a masterpiece of engineering and the views from the top floor are fantastic.
To check for tour hours and plan your visit go to the Museum of Brisbane website.
Anzac Square to St. Stephen Cathedral
When you’ve finished your visit at the Museum of Brisbane exit City Hall onto King George Square.
Walk in the direction of Central Station until you reach Anzac Square and the Remembrance Memorial.
Anzac was the name of the combined forces of Australia and New Zealand who fought in World War I.
This square commemorates the soldiers who fought during World War I.
Across the street from Anzac Square on Ann Street, you can appreciate the portico and entrance of Brisbane’s Central Station.
Built in 1889 this building is another gem of Queensland architecture.
Continuing with our itinerary, exit Anzac Square opposite Central Station and cross Post Office Square.
Don’t let the name deceive you, this is a charming park with a monument to war hero Sir William Glasgow.
Continue past the real Australia Post and you’ll come upon Saint Stephen Cathedral.
Saint Stephen Cathedral is a Gothic revival Catholic church.
Take a look inside and walk around the perimeter to enjoy this new-world church.
Depending on how fast you walk and the time you spend at City Hall you might be ready for lunch.
Walk down Elizabeth Street towards the river, and you’ll come across Wintergarden, a shopping mall offering a variety of food options beyond typical fast food.
What to do in Brisbane: An Afternoon of Art and Parks
As an alternative take the bus or an Uber and cross the river towards South Bank.
Art Museums
If you have time or just love art you can visit Queensland Art Gallery (QAG) and Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA).
These two riverside galleries sit only 150 meters apart.
They have a variety of exhibitions throughout the year.
They are open from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily except on Holidays. Admissions is free.
They have a nice cafe where you can have lunch before or after exploring the exhibitions.
The GOMA, the QAG, the Brisbane Library, and the Cultural Center are all near to each other.
We loved that the GOMA, the QAG, the library, and the Cultural Center were filled with children of all ages.
There were students in uniforms, mothers with small children, university students, and older adults all enjoying the different activities offered in these venues.
To learn what’s going on at the GOMA and QAG visit their website.
The River Promenade to Performing Arts Complex
When you’re ready to explore Brisbane’s great outdoors walk towards the river and find the Clem -Jones Promenade.
The promenade runs alongside the river.
As you stroll down this expansive area you will pass by the Queensland Performing Arts Center.
This complex features room for the Queensland Symphony Orchestra, dance, theater, and music concerts.
If you’re interested to see what’s on visit the Queensland Performing Arts Centre website.
South Bank Park
Past the Performing Arts Center, you’ll reach some enchanting walkways.
Some of them are covered in colorful Bougainvillea flowers.
This is the entrance to South Bank Park, a multi-purpose green space.
At the entrance of South Bank Park, you will encounter the Brisbane sign and the Brisbane Wheel.
There is plenty of space to run and play if you have smaller children with you.
For those looking to relax, you’ll find benches along the riverfront, perfect for sitting, reading, enjoying a snack, or simply people-watching.
But, don’t forget to explore the paths.
Hidden in the park beyond the river promenade you’ll find stores and sculptures.
If you’re visiting over the weekend you’ll find The Collective Markets.
A street market with arts, crafts, homeware and so much more. Perfect for a one-of-a-kind gift or just browsing.
There are also all kinds of local treats, homemade, and organic food.
The most surprising thing we discovered in South Bank Park was Streets Beach.
This is a large public pool surrounded by sand and palm trees. Walking around the area was like being at the local beach.
It’s a perfect alternative for spending a few hours at the beach without leaving the city.
What to do in Brisbane: Queensland University and the City Botanic Gardens
As you start to wrap up your day in Brisbane cross the Goodwill Bridge to the Queensland University of Technology (QUT).
You’ll find this pedestrian bridge as you exit the South Bank Park.
The bridge will leave you on the campus of the Queensland University of Technology.
The Brisbane City Botanic Gardens are right next door.
The City Botanic Gardens are more like a huge park with a variety of events happening throughout the year.
Some of the activities are free while others will require a fee.
You’ll find multicultural festivals, art installations, free community events, and shows throughout the space.
Brisbane a Diverse and Fun Experience
When you’re finished exploring the QUT and Botanic Gardens find your way back to Georges Street.
This street will take you back to the center of the city where you can find a place to eat or return to your hotel to freshen up.
Brisbane has no shortage of excellent and diverse cuisine.
There are several rooftops from which to see the river and the night sky.
You can always catch a concert or a play at the Performing Arts Center.
To explore places to eat, stay, and drink in Brisbane you can explore the official Visit Brisbane website.
Brisbane is a Surprising City
For such a large city Brisbane feels open, airy, and safe.
Our time there was so much fun and we felt safe walking everywhere.
If you enjoy the activities offered by large cities like museums, performing arts, and diverse cuisine then you will find Brisbane to be a great option.
We hope this itinerary of what to do in Brisbane for a day, will help you plan a visit to this unique and exciting city.
Have a wonderful time in Brisbane!
