Brisbane Travel Forum

I am looking to a short visit in Brisbane, 2 nights, arriving in the morning on a Thursday about 9 am, and departing on Saturday at 8 am. During that time, what are some good ways to spend my time doing the typical tourist stuff. Do you have any itinerary suggestions, or how I can logistically plan my two days? Thank you.

Brisbane is pretty boring - just another commercial centre. I would spend my two days down at the Gold Coast (south of Brisbane) or the Sunshine Coast. You can get a train from the airport to the Gold Coast (although you will probably need to get a taxi to your resort hotel on the beach front. The train takes a bit over an hour - not that much more than getting to Brisbane city.

Check out info on: www.goldcoastinformation.com.au
or www.goldcoast.com.au/

The whole coast has had bad weather for the last couple of weeks but its now ok!

The Sunshine Coast (north of Brisbane) is a bit further away and you will need to get info at the airport on how to get there. I like Mooloolaba or Noosa.

Hope this helps,
John

It never ceases to amaze me how people who do not live in Brisbane seem to enjoy writing it off as a "boring" place. Brisbane is far from it and I can only assume that the out of towners have not been fortunate enough to see it thoroughly, hence they like to put it down.
Brisbane is a beautiful city which is situated on one of the most beuatiful rivers in Australia. You say you want to do "touristy" things. Well you can travel the river by City Cat and get on and off as many times as you like. Get off at South Bank and wander around the gardens and restaurants there or stop in at the Museum or the new Art Gallery (Andy Warhol exhibit is on there at the moment). You can walk around the city Botanical Gardens or if you're feeling lazy, you can hire a bike. Or if you'd prefer a more relaxed way to see the city from the river, take the City Ferry from North Quay to Sydney Street and once again, get on and off as often as you like. Or maybe you'd like to do a little of both, which can be done on the one daily ticket which will cost you the princely sum of $5.40 on weekdays and $4.10 on weekends. Maybe you'd prefer a boat cruise to Moreton Bay or Lone Pine to see the native wildlife (here you can cuddle a koala). Back on the river at Kangaroo Point Cliffs, there is RiverLife where you can take part in almost any outdoor activity you can think of from kayaking on the river to rock climbing or abseiling on the Cliffs. Here also, you can go bike riding or roller blading - you name it.
Brisbane abounds in really wonderful restaurants of all kinds, themes, nationalities and price ranges. Our restaurant are equal and in many cases a lot better than anywhere in the world. I travel in Europe on a regular basis and I have yet to find a restaurant in France, Italy Germany, Austria or wherever that surpasses some of my favourite eateries here in Brisbane. Try Belle Epoque, Vine or The Cafe Continental just to name a few of my favourites. You won't do better. I can't imagine that someone born in 1961 would be too interested in nightclubbing, but if I'm wrong there's plenty of that as well. Don't be put off by non-locals saying that Brisbane is "boring" because if you know where to go and if indeed, you are looking to do touristy things, you'll really enjoy it.
There are many VT members resident in Brisbane. Maybe some of them would like to join this thread and bear me out that Brisbane is definitely not "boring".
Enjoy your trip.

Brisbane is far from boring if you have the time to scratch the surface. I support everything that Mary has said. Use the skytrain to get from the airport to the city ( about $10 ), its only about 20 mins, and drops you off at cCentral station, right in the middle of the city. Its easy walking distance to City Hotels, Backpacker hostels or spring hill B & Bs.You don't have the time to visit the Gold or Sunshine Coasts. I would recommend the Citycat as well. Its a day pass so you can get on and off as you choose. I took my first trip last year from Hamilton to Univ. of Qld. Its great.

Speaking of the City Cat and the City ferries, the city looks super spectacular from either one of them at night. Even if you just take a few minutes to travel from say, North Quay to Riverside, you'll find yourself compelled to take pictures. And on the subject of night activities, night kayaking from RiverLife is all the rage now as well. So is abseiling.

I agree with Kate, there's plenty to see and do in Brisbane and the idea of the river trip to Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary is a must for overseas visitors.

I grew up in Brissy and yes, Brissy used to be boring....but not now! I agree with the previous postings! South Bank is nice and taking the ferry is equally nice. The botanical Gardens are a lovely stroll and Lone Pine Sanctuary is not to be missed! Also Brisbane at night is lovely! The big clock, the pretty Casino and swirling colourful lights on the pavement in the mall. Also I felt very safe walking around at night last time I went back in Januray 2006. My suggestion would be to hire a car on the Saturday and drive up to Bribie Island coming back through Redcliffe and Clontaff for fresh fish and chips to eat at the park on the beach :o) Don't forget to check out all our Brissy pages here on vt!
Have fun!!
Cheers,Ann :o)

Mate, in addition to the below posts, you may also consider wandering around the Roma Street Parklands, cruising China Town in Fortitude Valley, St John's Cathedral at 417 Ann Street and so much more.
If you're partial to Vietnamese food, you won't go wrong catching the train to Darra and having a wonderful bowl of pho at one of the many Vietnamese eateries. Look out for Cam Rahn!

Also on Southbank is the man-made beach and lagoon. Worth a visit in my opinion

Lived in Brissy for about 18 months to finish my studies at the University of Queensland. You need to know first how far from the CBD you would like to go and then you can purchase a day trip ticket which allows you a whole day pass on the city cat, trains and buses. The good news is you get about 25% discount for your tickets on weekends. Try http://www.translink.com.au/ for a journey planner and also http://www.brisbane.qld.gov.au/ for interesting places to see in brisbane. Also, you may want to visit the Vistors Information Center at the Queen Street Mall in the CBD.

G'day Noel. Thumbs up for that good info matey!! :o)