If you’re visiting Brisbane for the first time and only have a day to squeeze in all your sightseeing then you need to make the most of it. While you won’t be able to experience everything that Brisbane has to offer in the span of a day, you can certainly experience Brisbane’s highlights.
As a Brisbane local, today I will offer you a full-day itinerary of how you can see Brisbane’s highlights in a day. Follow this itinerary to make the most of your spare day exploring our city.
1. Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary
Have your breakfast in the comfort of your holiday apartment and head out early to Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary. The sanctuary opens at 9 am and it will take you roughly half an hour to get there from Bridgewater Terraces.
Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary is the biggest koala sanctuary in the world and is a nature reserve. You can cuddle and feed koalas and also witness a range of other exotic species there. The sanctuary is beautifully landscaped, and several areas provide seating and free Wi-Fi. Take your time and explore the sanctuary. You should look to spend 2-3 hours here before heading back to Brisbane city.
2. South Bank
South Bank Parklands, Brisbane. Photo by Kgbo
From Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, head to South Bank, which is Brisbane’s cultural and lifestyle precinct. It’ll take you roughly 20 minutes to get from Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary to South Bank.
Located on the southern banks of the Brisbane River, South Bank includes gorgeous gardens and parklands, a museum and exhibition centre, a cultural centre and even a university. There is plenty to explore in and around South Bank, so take your time. I’ll recommend you to spend a couple of hours exploring the cultural and lifestyle precinct. You’ll also find several cafes, restaurants, and eateries in the area to have lunch while you’re exploring the area.
3. Wheel of Brisbane
After you’ve explored South Bank for a couple of hours, walk to the Wheel of Brisbane which is located right next to South Bank Parklands. The Wheel of Brisbane is a 60m tall giant-wheel etched on the skyline of South Bank. A ride on this giant-wheel will offer you majestic panoramic views of Brisbane city. It’s one of the top attractions in Brisbane, so make sure not to miss out on it. Explore the area and ride the giant-wheel for half an hour or so before moving on.
4. Queensland Museum
Queensland Museum & Science Centre. Photo by GordonMakryllos
When you’ve had your fill of the Wheel of Brisbane, walk across to the Queensland Museum, which is located right next door. This museum also contains a science centre and an art gallery, and it is Queensland’s centre for cultural heritage. Apart from all the exhibitions and displays, various events are also conducted at the museum from time to time. Spend an hour at the Queensland Museum before leaving.
5. City Botanic Gardens
Brisbane City Botanic Gardens | By Brisbane City Council
By the time you’re done with Queensland Museum, it’ll be late in the afternoon. This is the perfect time to head over to the City Botanic Gardens across the Brisbane River. These gardens are the oldest park in Brisbane, and they provide a lush green haven for visitors. There are several walkways and attractions for you to explore at these gardens. Spend your afternoon and leave the City Botanic Gardens before dusk.
6. Story Bridge
Story Bridge, Brisbane, QLD
When it approaches dusk, head over to the Story Bridge, which is about a 15-minute drive from the City Botanic Gardens. There are guided bridge climbs that happen at the Story Bridge every evening at dusk. Take the climb as it is only one of three bridge climbs worldwide. You’ll be treated to glorious views of the Brisbane night skyline from the top. Best of all, the Story Bridge is just 200 metres from Bridgewater Terraces so you won’t have far to go before you get back to your holiday apartment for a well-deserved rest.
There you have it – this itinerary will allow you to experience the best of Brisbane in a day’s time. If you haven’t yet booked your accommodation then you’ll want to choose somewhere that puts you close to these locations. For this, our holiday apartments at Bridgewater Terraces are absolutely perfect. We’re located in Kangaroo Point, not too far from the Story Bridge. Should you stay with us, you can walk back to your accommodation after a long day of sightseeing.
Conclusion:
To experience Brisbane’s highlights in a day, you should follow a planned itinerary. Start your day by visiting Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary. Spend 2-3 hours there and move on to South Bank, where you can have lunch. Explore South Bank, the Wheel of Brisbane and Queensland Museum which all lie in the vicinity. From there, move on to the City Botanic Gardens and end your day with the Story Bridge climb.
And for Brisbane accommodation that puts you close to these destinations, choose us at Bridgewater Terraces. Check out our self-contained Kangaroo Point apartments and make a booking with us today!