Day 1: Hello Summer Sun
Rise & Shine for a Sweet Escape:
‘Rise and shine’ takes on a whole new meaning when you embark on a bakery trail starting with Sprout, offering delicious artisanal delights. Follow it up with a visit to Agnes Bakery for delectable pastries and conclude with a TikTok famous cookie from Brooki for the sweetest morning treat!
Not much of a sweet tooth? Begin your day by walking the Kangaroo Point, Goodwill Bridge and Story Bridge Loop and explore the urban landscape, from the Brisbane River to the Kangaroo Point Cliffs and the City Botanic Gardens, or hire a bike with Riverlife and pedal your way around this circuit!
Once Upon a Lunch:
After all that exercise, enjoy a change of pace with an exquisite culinary adventure at Agnes Restaurant. Renowned for its fire-cooked flavours and moody ambiance, Agnes sets the tone for a truly incredible Brisbane dining experience. Afterward, explore South Bank and the Cultural Centre, where the enchanting 'Fairy Tales' exhibition at QAGOMA awaits.
Afternoon of Exploration:
Head back into the city and choose between a thrilling Brisbane Story Bridge Adventure Climb or the Vertigo experience where you can dine 17-metres in the air from the ledge of the stunning heritage-listed facade of the Brisbane Powerhouse. Both offer unique perspectives of the city and are perfect for those with an appetite for adventure. Alternatively, Brisbane’s GoBoats also make for a great afternoon - known and loved for being the ultimate leisurely boating experience where up to eight people can cruise the Brisbane River in a private picnic boat!
Hungry for a Hidden Gem?
From Newstead’s Golden Pig, a holy grail of Pan Asian cuisine, hidden away in a stunning, converted warehouse, to Vaquero in Albion, a gorgeous, Spanish-inspired dining room and bar with a secret entrance via the tiny Euro-style Albion Butchery on Sandgate Road - some of Brisbane’s best dining experiences are kept “hidden”!
Nightcap:
Enjoy a luxurious stay at W Brisbane, your urban oasis in the heart of the city. The modern design and comfort provide the perfect setting for a night of relaxation.
Day 2: The Sky's the Limit
Up with the Birds:
Set that alarm for an early start as you take a short 30 minute drive out of Brisbane to experience this Greater Brisbane Hot Air Balloon Flight Package. From the air, soak in a bird’s eye view of Brisbane, as the city quickly melts away to be replaced by Ipswich and the Scenic Rim’s patchwork fields of farmland, wineries and homesteads, plus rich outback areas with acres of cattle, lakes and dams. Oh, and keep an eye out for the spectacular backdrop of the Great Dividing Range mountains.
An Afternoon Aperitif:
While this side of the river, head for a wander through the vibrant Fish Lane, an evolving foodie hub comprising several bars, cafes and restaurants. Choose a spot for either an afternoon aperitif or grab dinner at the likes of Southside, Julius or Chu the Phat.
Evening Rooftop Soiree:
If you haven’t been, there’s nowhere like Fortitude Valley for a taste of Brisbane's nightlife. Discover the city from new heights at rooftop bars like MAYA, Iris, Soko or Cielo Rooftop. Enjoy a toast to your Brisbane adventures against the backdrop of the city lights.
Day 3: Eat, Drink, Shop, Repeat
Brisbane’s Best Brews:
Brisbane is home to several exceptional coffee destinations to satisfy your caffeine cravings, from industrial roasteries and cosy hole-in-the-wall gems, to IG-famous cafes and convenient pop-up coffee carts. Our top picks?
- Brew, Brisbane City: Head down the little alleyway to this inner-city hot-spot, known for its breakfasts, burgers, booze and brews!
- Death Before Decaf, New Farm: Open 24/7 and an absolute go-to for locals.
- Brew on Brunswick, Fortitude Valley: A newcomer to the Brisbane coffee scene in 2023, this little hole-in-the-wall delivers delicious coffee (and home-baked treats) every.single.time.
Meander Through Brisbane’s Markets:
From New Farm’s Jan Powers Farmers Markets on a Saturday, to a Sunday morning spent wandering around Milton Markets, there’s always something going on! Enjoying a mid-week stay in Brisbane? Brisbane’s premium foodie haven and produce paradise, Brisbane City Markets, is on every Wednesday from 6am!
Queen St Shopping is Calling:
From high-end brands at QueensPlaza to the revampedWintergarden with its local and national boutiques, Queen Street Mall is the open-air shopping destination that retail therapy dreams are made of. Uptown, the largest shopping centre on the strip, offers a range of fashion, beauty, and entertainment options, while MacArthur Central includes a variety of retailers. But wait…there’s more! Brisbane Arcade and Tattersall’s Arcade offer a rich history and unique shopping experience that is worth checking out - even if it’s just a window shop!
Sip & Savour:
Spend the afternoon learning about the art of wine blending and the techniques used to perfect flavour and texture, before bottling, sealing and labelling your bespoke wine with this Wine Blending Workshop at City Winery Brisbane.
Dinner by the River:
Indulge in a farewell dinner at Howard Smith Wharves, home to acclaimed riverside restaurants including Greca, Stanley and Yoko (to name just a few). Revel in the scenic surroundings and toast to the memories made during your three-day Brisbane summer escape!
From bakery trails to rooftop soirees, Brisbane's dynamic blend of culture, cuisine, and more will undoubtedly leave you wanting more. Plan your summer escape to Brisbane today!
