Australia is full of stunning destinations, which, as a passionate traveler, you won’t want to miss. In Australia, prominent cities like Sydney and Melbourne might get the most attention, but the beautiful city of Brisbane in Queensland shouldn’t be missed. Brisbane is one of those cities which isn’t just about watching historical buildings, taking cheesy pictures, and shuffling along among the crowds. It has to be explored, discovered, and enjoyed to the fullest. With its laid-back culture, it is an amazing city to fall in love with.
Considering the size of the city, the best places to visit in Brisbane are quite easy to see in a single day. Guided by our Brisbane day trip itinerary, you’ll find information on what to do in Brisbane in one day. You can book a rental car to add more comfort and leisure to your trip. During your visit to Brisbane, you’ll not only see the heart of the city and its beautiful waterfront but also many of its major attractions.
Brisbane Day Trip Itinerary
Start with Cruise on Brisbane River and Ride the Wheel of Brisbane
Let the beauty of Brisbane River set your mood for the day. Go for a cruise and take in all the stunning sights of the Brisbane River.
After exploring art in the cultural precinct, continue south on the riverfront until you get to the Wheel of Brisbane. The Big Ferris wheel gives you another chance to get a panoramic view of the city. The Ferris Wheel stands 60 meters tall and offers 360-degree views. If you are visiting with friends and family, your entire group can ride together. The ride lasts for about 12 minutes and includes multiple revolutions, allowing you to see the skyline several times before the ride ends.
The wheel of Brisbane usually remains closed on certain holidays and events. However, you can check the official website before planning a visit to this attraction.
Admire the Architecture of Brisbane City Hall
Being the capital city of the state of Queensland, Brisbane has quite a few buildings designed to give the city some spectacular views. Probably the best of these is the Brisbane City Hall, built-in 1930 and home to the city council. With its massive columns and Italian Renaissance style, it is a structure, which is much more impressive than you expect to see.
You can also head inside the City Hall to visit the Museum of Brisbane. The museum features the city’s history and displays the range from the convict era right through to the extreme Brisbane floods of 2011. While there, be sure to visit the clock tower to enjoy a nice view of the surrounding city.
Hug Koalas in Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary
Visit Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, which is the world’s largest koala sanctuary. Ranked one of the top 10 zoos in the world, the Sanctuary is home to more than 130 koalas, as well as platypuses, snakes, wombats, crocodiles, and other wildlife animals. Hug a koala or watch hand-feed kangaroos and lorikeets during your visit. Visitors love to see Australia’s unique wildlife, and one of the best spots to do that is this sanctuary. They even have a program for the endangered Tasmanian Devil, in which you can see these rare creatures.
Check out the Queensland Art Gallery & Gallery of Modern Art
Go and visit Brisbane’s Cultural Precinct, where one of the centerpiece landmarks is the Queensland Art Gallery & Gallery of Modern Art. With its focus on art from Australia, Asia, and the Pacific, the gallery established in 1895 has a wide range of exhibits that could keep you busy for a couple of hours. Their collections also showcase some work from Pablo Picasso and other modern exhibits along with an entire display dedicated to hats. There are also many exhibitions in the gallery that feature classic and contemporary art.
Queensland Art Gallery is not the only place to see priceless art. The Gallery of Modern Art and Queensland Museum are each one block away and are worth checking out. Other cultural attractions in the area include the Queensland Performing Arts Centre, the State Library of Queensland, and various theatres.