3 days in Brisbane

In Brisbane, the beach comes to you. Soak up the sunshine and cool off with a splash at the man-made Streets Beach in the heart of South Bank. With calm water, it’s perfect for families with young kids.

Visit the city’s collection of museums, including the Queensland Art Gallery and Gallery of Modern Art (QAGOMA). The galleries are home to over 19,000 pieces of art from around the world.

Get to know the cultural side of Brisbane during a tour with an Aboriginal guide. From hidden Aboriginal artwork to cultural stories, you’ll gain a new-found appreciation for Meanjin (the traditional name for Brisbane).

The 60m (196ft) high Wheel of Brisbane offers 360-degree views of the city’s skyline and beyond. The vistas are great at any time of day, but a Sky High Sunset Session offers beverages of your choice and a golden hue you can say ‘cheers’ to.

When a city is as sunny as Brisbane, rooftop bars and tropical cocktails are practically mandatory. After dinner, head up to the rooftops to enjoy a sundowner over a glowing sunset and DJ beats.

Fill up on delicious plates of Aussie fare at the beloved brunch spot, King Arthur Cafe. From freshly baked pastries to classic avocado toast, there’s a tasty brekkie for everyone here. Of course, a barista-made coffee is a must-have.

Browse designer labels along James Street, a shopping mecca lined with Australian boutiques, homeware shops and charming restaurants. It’s the perfect place to stop for lunch and pick up an Aussie souvenir.

The Brisbane River is a centrepiece of the city. Get a new perspective of Brisbane on a kayaking adventure along the river. Look out for the heritage-listed Kangaroo Point Cliffs, bustling waterfront suburbs and the iconic Story Bridge.

Climb Brisbane’s most iconic structure – the Story Bridge. Strap in and scale the bridge at twilight to watch the skyline sparkle. During your climb, you’ll learn about the vibrant history of the bridge while the sky illuminates with a golden glow.

Howard Smith Wharves is the heart of the food and entertainment scene in Brisbane. Within this riverfront precinct, you’ll find craft beer breweries, trendy bars and delicious eateries with gorgeous views of the river.

Moreton Island’s underwater world is almost as spectacular as the island itself. Snorkel through the sunken ships of the Tangalooma Wrecks on a guided tour to encounter a rainbow of fish, coral and marine life.

Moreton Island’s Blue Lagoon is as inviting as it sounds. Surprisingly, the lake is actually brown thanks to the tea tree oils that are infused in the water. The oil is said to have healing properties, making this a natural spa treatment.

Feel a sense of adventure at the often-deserted Honeymoon Bay. Only accessed by foot, the 2km (1.2mi) hike makes the perfect warm-up to your beach escape. Bring along a picnic basket for an oceanfront lunch.

Expect a lot of laughter during a day at Tangalooma Desert, where you’ll soar down giant sand dunes on a sandboard. Getting there is half the fun; expect a bumpy 4WD journey over the rolling dunes.

Beautiful beaches aren’t hard to find on Moreton Island. Discover dolphins, surfing and white sand at these must-see spots. You can even enjoy the ‘Champagne Pools,’ where ocean waves crash over the rocks with satisfying foam.