Australia · 2026 itinerary
Brisbane 3-Day Itinerary
A day-by-day plan for Brisbane: the best attractions in order, where to eat, how to get around — with free hotel briefings for your stay.
Arrive & Explore the Highlights
Brisbane's oldest public park, with mature fig trees, bamboo groves, and a small lily pond. Good for a quiet stroll or a shady lunch break close to the city core.
🕐 Open 24 hours
Free entry💡 Bring food from the nearby Queen Street Mall markets (open Wed–Sun) for a picnic. The toilets near the river entrance are usually clean.
Hotels near City Botanic Gardens →A long stretch of riverfront park with a man-made swimming lagoon, cycle paths, and picnic areas. You can swim for free in the lagoon, which is patrolled by lifeguards.
🕐 Park open 24 hours; lagoon open daily 7am to 7pm (later in summer)
Free entry💡 Head to the Streets Beach area early on a weekday morning to avoid crowds. Bring your own towel and sunscreen; lockers cost a few dollars.
Hotels near South Bank Parklands →Oxley Tavern · ££
Pizzeria 1760 · ££
Deeper Into Brisbane
Two connected galleries showing Australian and international art, from Indigenous works to contemporary installations. The permanent collection is free; ticketed exhibitions cost around $20.
🕐 Daily 10am to 5pm (closed Good Friday, Christmas Day, and Boxing Day)
💡 Check their website for free guided tours, usually daily at 11am. The riverfront cafe has decent coffee and a view of the water.
Historic sandstone building topped with a clock tower. You can tour the interior, including the auditorium and the tower (free but limited tickets). The square out front often has markets or events.
🕐 City Hall: Mon–Fri 8am to 5pm, Sat 9am to 3pm, Sun closed. Tower tours: daily 10am–4pm, limited to 6 people per 15-minute slot.
💡 Book a free clock tower tour online in advance, as slots fill up quickly. The tour includes a lift ride and views over the city.
Salisbury Hotel Motel
Rocklea Hotel
Final Favourites & Departure
A bushland reserve with a lookout offering city skyline views (especially at sunset). The nearby botanic gardens are separate and have themed sections like a tr
💡 Take bus 471 from the city to the lookout (costs about $4 each way). The gardens have free guided walks on Sunday afternoons. Bring insect repellent.
Inala Hotel
Honour Espresso
Getting Around Brisbane
Buy a return ticket online for a small discount. Rocklea Station is a 10-minute walk east along Sherwood Road; if you have heavy luggage, take a short taxi (approx 12 AUD) from the station.
Get a Go Card from any newsagent or 7-Eleven – single trip is half the paper ticket price. The stop is a 3-minute walk from the motel. Avoid bus after dark if not familiar with the area; it's safe but can feel quiet.
Rocklea Station is on the Gold Coast/Beenleigh line. Trains run less frequently after 8 PM – check TransLink app for real-time. From the station, it's a 10-min walk but you can catch a taxi from nearby Sherwood Rd for about 8-10 AUD to the motel.
Peak hour (7-9 AM, 4-7 PM) can double the journey time. Request a flat-rate airport fare if available; otherwise, expect 55-70 AUD to Rocklea.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 3 days enough for Brisbane?
Three days covers the main highlights well. You can see the key attractions like City Botanic Gardens and get a genuine feel for the city. For a more leisurely pace or to explore neighbourhoods in depth, a 5-day trip is better.
What is the best time to visit Brisbane?
See our full best time to visit Brisbane guide — it covers weather month by month, peak vs. shoulder seasons and how to avoid the crowds.
Where should I stay for this itinerary?
A central location saves transit time between sites. Top options include Oasis on Coochiemudlo Resturant, Airport 85 Motel, Airway Motel. See the full ranked list with free briefings for each.