Lively riverside precincts, a thriving food scene and thrilling adventures before escaping to the stylish beach town of Noosa Heads – all in three days
Whether you’re exploring its vibrant riverside promenades, cycling along nature trails or hopping on a CityCat ferry for a night out at Howard Smith Wharves, going with the flow in Queensland’s sunny capital will reward you with unforgettable thrills. But if your travel wish list includes communing with nature – and cuddling a koala or two – we’ve got you covered too. Here’s how to pack it all in over a weekend in Brissy and beyond.
Friday
Morning. Make an early start for South Bank Parklands where a “mini rainforest” simulates the biodiversity of an actual rainforest. The park opens at 5am, but visit between 6am and 7am to avoid the crowds and heat. Grab a coffee to go from Lost Bean (Russell St; @lostbeanaust) – they start brewing at 6am and serve coffee made with sustainably sourced and Melbourne-roasted St Ali beans. From there, follow the signs to Rainforest Green and enjoy a tranquil wander along the Rainforest Walk. It’s an easy trail on a boardwalk built between lush native plants and trees.
For the rest of the morning, check out these two riverside galleries: Queensland Art Gallery (QAG) and Gallery of Modern Art (both at Stanley Place; qagoma.qld.gov.au). They offer excellent free exhibits, such as “Wonderstruck”, featuring over 100 artworks by international and Australian artists that celebrate the wonder in the ordinary. Don’t forget to snap a selfie at the iconic Brisbane sign.
Ready for some grub? Walk over to The Jetty Southbank (River Quay, Shop/4 Sidon St; thejettysouthbank.com.au) for a brunch of smashed avocado, crushed feta and dukkah served on freshly baked sourdough bread. The menu changes constantly, highlighting the best of Australian produce. Order your second cuppa of the day or treat yourself to a cocktail at lunch.
Afternoon. Push yourself out of your comfort zone. If you prefer descending, sign up for abseiling lessons at Kangaroo Point Cliffs (29 River Terrace). Admire the Brisbane River and city skyline before rappelling down the cliffs. If climbing is your jam, opt for the Story Bridge Adventure Climb (5 Boundary St; storybridgeadventureclimb.com.au). Ascend the iconic Story Bridge – the same one you see on souvenir postcards and mugs – via stairs and catwalks until you reach a sturdy platform 80m above the river. Pat yourself on the back for your daring, then savour the panoramic city views from the top.
Evening. Brisbane was a penal colony from 1824 to 1839, so why not cap your thrilling day with dinner at Felons Brewing Co (5 Boundary St; felonsbrewingco.com.au). Nestled under the Story Bridge, this modern-day brewery in Howard Smith Wharves was inspired by the true story of four Sydney-bound felons shipwrecked on Moreton Island in 1823. Dig into their delicious wood-fired pizzas and fish and chips, matched with their flagship crisp lager, while enjoying sitting outdoors.
Saturday
Morning. Rent a car and drive north to Noosa Heads, an hour and a half from downtown Brisbane. This Unesco Biosphere Reserve is considered one of Australia’s most beautiful beach towns, favoured by the rich and famous. Alternatively, you can take the Sunshine Coast train from Brisbane for a longer but more leisurely journey.
Make your way to Noosa Main Beach for a swim, then to Noosa Heads Surf Life Saving Club (69 Hastings St; noosasurfclub.com.au) to get a feel of the land. Grab a table with balcony views and order lunch. Take your pick from calamari, oysters, fish and chips or an Asian salad – the portions are generous and the service is quick.
Afternoon. With its gentle waves and protected surf, Noosa Main Beach is the perfect spot for surf lessons. Merrick’s Noosa Learn to Surf (@noosalearntosurf) guarantees you’ll be standing on your board during your first session. Their two-hour group class includes rental of a surfboard, rash guard and wetsuit.
After riding the waves, slip into comfortable shoes for a hike along Noosa National Park’s coastal trails. You just might spot koalas and kookaburras perched in trees, even marine life if you venture further. During migration season (June to November), dolphins and humpback whales have been spotted from Dolphin Point and Hell’s Gates.
Evening. Food options abound on Hastings Street, Noosa’s stylish strip by the beach. Love Asian fusion? Bang Bang Noosa’s (U 9 Lot 6/32 Hastings St; bangbangnoosa.com) dishes are meant for sharing, and with good reason: you won’t need a lot to appreciate the flavours. Order the Hiramasa kingfish with green apple, coconut, mango and kaffir lime, and don’t miss the Thai stir-fried pork mince with chilli, garlic and cherry tomatoes served with crisp lettuce cups.
Sunday
Morning. Pop into Moonstruck Noosa (5 Hastings St; moonstrucknoosa.com) for a flat white and freshly baked ham and cheese croissant. This funky café serves 100% locally sourced food and coffee and transforms into a boutique cocktail bar at night. The interiors evoke the old-school cafés of Europe, with warm lighting and mosaic-tiled floors.
It’s the perfect setting to enjoy an unhurried breakfast before your one-hour drive to Australia Zoo (australiazoo.com.au) in Beerwah, which opens at 9am. The hours go by quickly in this award-winning zoo and animal sanctuary, the brainchild of the late Steve Irwin (aka the Crocodile Hunter). His legacy continues thanks to his wife, Terri, and children, Bindi and Robert.
Purchase roo food (AUD$3) from the gift shop, then hand-feed kangaroos and wallabies in Roo Heaven or Red Kangaroos anytime from 9am. To get up close and personal with a koala, book a Cuddly Koala Encounter (various time slots available). For lunch, head to Grasslands Café for a table with an amazing view of an African savannah replica, with real zebras, rhinos, giraffes, cheetahs and meerkats roaming around.
Afternoon. Still at Australia Zoo, arrive 15 minutes early at the Crocoseum to get good seats for the Wildlife Warriors Show, featuring giant snakes and majestic birds in flight, such as the wedge-tailed eagle (Australia’s largest bird of prey), kookaburras and barking owls. The show’s highlight is the crocodile feeding, starring the world’s largest reptile: the saltwater crocodile. Terri, Robert and Bindi often join in for some jaw-snapping entertainment. Leave Beerwah for your one-hour drive back to Brisbane.
Evening. Enjoy a final dinner in Fortitude Valley. For a novel experience, Agnes (22 Agnes St; @agnesrestaurant) ticks all the boxes. The award-winning restaurant is housed in a dimly lit heritage warehouse, where meals are cooked in an open wood-fire kitchen. Try the Skull Island tiger prawns with fermented chilli butter – one of chef Ben Williamson’s creations, and a favourite of Nigella Lawson.
