Brisbane Itinerary: What to Do & See on Your Holiday

Depending on the time of day that you arrive, you’ll be able to accommodate more, but for the sake of this itinerary, we’re arriving bright and early on the standard 7am arrival. Stepping off your flight (if you haven’t booked yet, then now’s the time to do it), you’ll want to make sure your first day in Brisbane is about finding your way around, taking in the local scenery, getting to your hotel and sneaking in a swim and a dinner reservation!  

Most hotels don’t usually do early check-in, however will have a coat room where you can store your bags until it’s time to check in. 25 minutes from Brisbane Airport, in South Bank, lies the exceptionally exquisite The Emporium; luxury accommodation that any intrepid traveller will love. Dump your bags with the concierge, slip into your bathing suit and greet the morning at the poolside cabanas.  

For dinner, you’ll want to book Firma Italian for an evening of deliciously delectable Italian cuisine. Follow that up with a visit to The Terrace, Brisbane’s Premier open-air bar and watch the sunset on the horizon whilst you sip on a cocktail. 

Good news - you’ve had a great night's sleep and now it’s time for a day filled with adventure! After breakfast at the hotel, you’ll be a short 40 minute drive away from the amazing theme parks of the Gold Coast, and today you’re headed to Dreamworld and/or Movieworld! A day full of thrilling rides, exciting parades and out-of-this-world excitement awaits you as you’ll be able to challenge your fear of heights with the Giant Drop or go at the speed of sound on the Superman Escape! Well, not literally, but you will go from 0 to 100kph in just 2 seconds which is every bit as exhilarating! 

With all parks, you can expect your typical culinary fare of burgers, fries and treats all with a localised twist. The Gotham City Cafe at Movieworld will have you glancing out the window for the Joker or Batman, whilst Barrel’s Smokehouse at Dreamworld will have you smashing back delicious BBQ delicacies. Plus, if you opt for going to Dreamworld, and the weather is fine, then a trip to the nearby White Water World is a great idea, with a slew of amazing water rides.  

Back in time for dinner (as the standard park pass usually closes around 4.00pm), you’ll want to grab a booking at Harajuku Gyoza South Bank. Not only is it just across the road, but it offers amazing Japanese cuisine. For $48 you can get their specialty salaryman banquet, which offers a whole range of tasters for the table, including Lamb Ribs, Prawn Gyoza, Beef Tataki, and more! 

If there’s one thing that Australia is very well known for, it’s the many creatures that call it home - both frightening and adorable. The Australia Zoo, owned by the Irwin family is roughly an hour away from The Emporium in South Bank, but is well worth the trip. They scarcely need an introduction, but the Irwin’s are wildlife conservationists and are best known for the work that Steve Irwin did in raising awareness for the many wild and wonderful species in Australia. Carried on now by Terri and children Bindi and (internet heart throb) Rob, a day out at Australia Zoo will see you getting to know over 1,200 animals scattered across the African Savannah, South-East Asia and Bindi’s Island exhibits. 

One thing we highly recommend doing is booking an animal encounter at the zoo. A cuddle with a Koala is a classic must-do of any visit to Australia, however feeding the Lemurs or spending time with the Echidna (who may even sit in your lap while you feed it) is a memory you won’t soon forget. And fear not, this is all led and guided by the conservation specialists at the zoo to ensure safety and comfort for both the animal and yourself.  

Dinner will keep you local to the theme parks. Dracula’s Cabaret is well regarded as one of the greatest dining experiences globally, and is conveniently located on the Gold Coast! It does have an age restriction of 15+ but will give you delicious food while you’re entertained for the evening. 

Today you’re staying local and getting to experience the thrills of one of Aussie’s greatest cities. To start the day off just right, head to the Queensland Museum Kurilpa and observe everything from prehistoric giants to modern achievements. The museum is regularly updated with exhibits and events guaranteeing that your every visit is educational, informative and entertaining! Depending on how long you spend at the museum, a quick trip to Netherworld is an ultimate nostalgia trip bringing together a retro arcade in a bar and restaurant style. Grab a drink and some snacks and kick back to jam on the many old school relics. 

Lunch in the City Botanic Gardens will be the ultimate treat. You’ll find a delicious Garden Club cafe in the park itself, full of amazing treats with indoor and outdoor terraced seating. If you want something a bit more DIY and flexible, then we recommend visiting any of the delicious cafes outside the park or popping into a local deli or supermarket and packing some treats to enjoy. 

As the sun sets, and if you’re eager for something with a bit of thrill to it, then the After Dark True Crime Tour will take you on a guided exposé of the dark underbelly of the city. If you’re keen for something a bit lighter, then Popolo on the river bank for dinner, followed by a spin through the air in the Wheel of Brisbane ferris wheel is exactly what you need! Popolo is an Italian restaurant with a uniquely Australian twist, and the Wheel of Brisbane will help you see the glimmering lights of the city from 60 metres into the air! 

No international trip is complete without some shopping, so get ready for a day of browsing some of the best outlets and shopping experiences that Brisbane has to offer! Your first stop should be to the Queen Street Mall in the heart of Brisbane CBD. It has seen a revival in recent years, bringing you some of the best and most iconic shopping brands. Once you’ve had your fill, there are a host of open-air bars, cafes and restaurants to help you relax, unwind and just enjoy the vibes. 

For something more boutique, the Latrobe Terrace delivers a trove of amazing stores lining a bustling boulevard. Situated in Paddington, it is one of Brisbane’s most desirable breakfast locations and food and fashion marry up in a perfect harmony in this district. If boutique isn’t quite to your liking, then high-end shopping awaits at James Street, with a long-standing reputation as the place to go for luxury brands and deals. Plus, the beautiful, maintained trees which line the street offer a distinctly luxurious and European feel to the area. 

Heading back home, you’ll want to book a spot at Red Hook. Not only is it conveniently local to the hotel, but you’ll be served American style burgers, tacos, buffalo wings and creative cocktails! You’re then a quick 10 minute uber back to the hotel, or if the night is seeming magical and you love a stroll after your meal, then it’s about a 20-30 minute walk.  

As the final day before you return home, today is about relaxation and recovery! Weather permitting, a day out at the beach is overdue, and so we recommend you check out one of the following: if you’re moving as a family unit, then you’ll want to load the car or pack a bag and head to Bribie Island. As the only island in Queensland connected to the mainland by bridge, it’s an extraordinarily convenient day-trip to the beach. Bribie Island has the beautiful Pumicestone Passage on its western coast which is ideal for a leisurely swim. If you have younger children however, you may want to head to Banksia Beach instead as it is more toddler and baby-friendly. 

If you’re a surfer, then Cylinder Beach on North Stradbroke Island is the spot for you. It is the world’s second largest sand island, and boasts a generous swell that can be utilised by seasoned and newbie surfers alike. If you’re after more of a challenge, then you’ll want to head to Main Beach, on the same island, where large swells are the norm and only the most seasoned surfers should challenge them. 

After being tossed around in the waves, you may want something soothing before dinner and so we recommend a visit to the Merse Wellness, for a relaxing spa and massage. This chic and state-of-the-art facility offers not only spas and massages, but also compression therapy floats, magnesium float pools and infrared saunas, delivering you relaxation in every way, shape and form! 

For a final dinner, you’ll want to book Moo Moo Wine Bar & Grill for dinner. Rated as one of Brisbane’s best restaurants in 2024, you’ll find a delicious array of award winning food and drinks. 

After a packed holiday, it’s time to set your sights back on Aotearoa and return home. If time allows, then on the way to the airport, we recommend you check out the Brisbane Opal Museum, which explores the rich history of Brisbane’s Opal mining trade and sells unique opalescent pieces which you can take home to help you remember the holiday for years to come! 

So what do you reckon? Ready to experience the ultimate 7-day getaway in Brisbane?