The Ultimate 4-Night Brisbane Itinerary: Including Bribie and Moreton Island Day Trips

Brisbane, the sunny capital of Queensland, is a vibrant city that offers a mix of culture, adventure, and natural beauty. With its riverside attractions, easy access to nearby islands like Bribie Island and Moreton Island, and laid-back charm, Brisbane is an ideal destination for a 4-night getaway. This itinerary will guide you through the city’s highlights, including a day trip to Bribie Island for a 4WD adventure and a day exploring the pristine beauty of Moreton Island. Whether you’re looking for culture, wildlife, or outdoor thrills, Brisbane has it all.

Day 1: Arrival, South Bank, and Brisbane City Highlights

Arrive in Brisbane and Check-In

Once you arrive in Brisbane, check into your accommodation in a centrally located neighbourhood like South Bank, CBD, or Fortitude Valley. These areas give you easy access to the city’s top attractions, restaurants, and nightlife.

Explore South Bank Parklands

Begin your Brisbane journey by exploring the vibrant South Bank Parklands, the city’s cultural and leisure hub. South Bank’s lush gardens, riverside views, and popular attractions make it the perfect place to start your adventure.

• Streets Beach: Take a refreshing dip in Streets Beach, Australia’s only inner-city, man-made lagoon. The beach is an excellent spot for relaxing, sunbathing, or swimming.
• The Arbour Walk: Stroll along the Arbour Walk, a beautiful, shaded pathway covered in blooming bougainvillea, that weaves through South Bank.
• Brisbane Sign: Stop by the iconic Brisbane sign for a photo, a must-do for any visitor to the city.

Lunch at River Quay

For lunch, head to River Quay, South Bank’s riverside dining precinct. Popular restaurants include The Jetty and Stokehouse Q, where you can enjoy modern Australian cuisine with fantastic views of the river.

Visit the Queensland Art Gallery and Gallery of Modern Art (QAGOMA)

After lunch, head to the Queensland Art Gallery & Gallery of Modern Art (QAGOMA), Brisbane’s leading art museum located nearby. With impressive collections of contemporary and traditional art, QAGOMA is a must-visit for art lovers. Both galleries host exhibitions showcasing Australian and international artists, and most exhibits are free to enter.

Evening at Eagle Street Pier

As evening approaches, make your way to Eagle Street Pier, a riverside dining hub offering stunning views of the Story Bridge. Have dinner at Felons Brewing Co. for a casual vibe or opt for modern Asian cuisine at Madame Wu. The beautifully lit Story Bridge makes for a great nighttime photo backdrop.

Brisbane River Cruise

End your first day with a relaxing Brisbane River Cruise. Various operators offer evening cruises along the Brisbane River, allowing you to admire the city’s sparkling skyline from the water as you sail past landmarks like Kangaroo Point and the Story Bridge.

Day 2: Day Trip to Bribie Island

Morning: Head to Bribie Island

Kick off your second day with a day trip to Bribie Island, located about an hour’s drive north of Brisbane. As the only island in Queensland connected to the mainland by bridge, Bribie is easily accessible and offers an array of outdoor activities, including beach fun and 4WD adventures.

Explore Bribie Island with G’day Adventure Tours

Join G’day Adventure Tours for a guided 4WD beach and bush tour, one of the best ways to explore Bribie Island’s stunning landscapes.

• Beach Driving: Experience the thrill of driving along Bribie’s expansive beaches, with the Pacific Ocean providing a stunning backdrop.
• Swim in Tee-Trea Stained Lagoons. take a dip in one of the islands 4 semi-title lagoons a perfect way to cool off during the day.
• Wildlife Spotting: Bribie Island is home to a diverse range of wildlife. Keep an eye out for kangaroos, wallabies, and various bird species during your tour.
• Historical Sites: The tour also includes stops at some of Bribie Island’s WWII military bunkers, where you can learn about the island’s historical significance during the war.

Lunch by the Water

After your 4WD adventure, take a break for lunch at one of Bribie Island’s beachfront cafes or pack a picnic to enjoy on the sand. The calm waters of Pumicestone Passage are ideal for swimming, paddleboarding, or simply relaxing in the sun.

Return to Brisbane for Dinner at Howard Smith Wharves

Return to Brisbane in the evening and head to Howard Smith Wharves, a trendy riverside precinct located beneath the Story Bridge. This area is home to several great restaurants and bars. For dinner, try Greca for Greek-inspired dishes or enjoy casual dining at Felons Brewing Co., known for its craft beers and wood-fired pizzas.

Day 3: Moreton Island Adventure

Morning: Ferry to Moreton Island

On day three, take a day trip to Moreton Island, a pristine sand island located off the coast of Brisbane. Catch the ferry from Holt Street Wharf, which takes about 75 minutes. Moreton Island is famous for its crystal-clear waters, sandy beaches, and thrilling adventure activities.

Explore Moreton Island’s Highlights

Moreton Island is an adventurer’s paradise with plenty of activities to enjoy:

• Snorkelling at the Tangalooma Wrecks: The Tangalooma Wrecks are a group of sunken ships that have become a haven for marine life. Snorkelling here is a must, as you’ll swim among tropical fish, vibrant coral, and sometimes even turtles.
• Sandboarding on the Desert Dunes: Head to Moreton Island’s famous sand dunes for an adrenaline-pumping sandboarding experience. Slide down the steep dunes on a sandboard for a fun and thrilling ride.
• Kayaking and Swimming: Enjoy a relaxing paddle in a kayak or take a swim in the calm, turquoise waters around Moreton Island. The beaches here are perfect for both adventure and relaxation.

Lunch at Tangalooma Island Resort

Most Moreton Island day tours include lunch at Tangalooma Island Resort, where you can enjoy a meal with views of the ocean. If you’re lucky, you might even spot wild dolphins swimming nearby.

Return to Brisbane

After a day of island adventure, catch the ferry back to Brisbane in the late afternoon. Spend a quiet evening relaxing at your hotel or enjoy a casual dinner at one of Brisbane’s many excellent restaurants.

Day 4: Outdoor Adventure and Scenic Views

Morning: Story Bridge Climb

Start your final full day in Brisbane with the exhilarating Story Bridge Climb. This guided climb takes you to the top of Brisbane’s iconic Story Bridge, offering incredible 360-degree views of the city, Brisbane River, and the surrounding mountains. The climb is suitable for most fitness levels and is an unforgettable way to experience the city’s skyline.

Visit Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary

After the climb, head to Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, the world’s oldest and largest koala sanctuary. At Lone Pine, you can get up close with Australia’s most iconic animals, including koalas, kangaroos, and wombats. Visitors have the unique opportunity to hold a koala and take a photo, or hand-feed friendly kangaroos in the sanctuary’s open-range enclosure.

Lunch at Eat Street Northshore

For lunch, visit Eat Street Northshore, a lively food market on the Brisbane River. This colourful market features over 70 food vendors offering a wide variety of global street food, from wood-fired pizzas to gourmet desserts. With live music, entertainment, and river views, it’s a fun and casual dining spot.

Afternoon: Kayaking or Paddleboarding on the Brisbane River

After lunch, embrace Brisbane’s outdoor lifestyle by kayaking on the Brisbane River. Take a tour with Riverlife and enjoy a scenic paddle along the river, taking in unique views of the city skyline, South Bank, and the Story Bridge.

Evening: Fortitude Valley for Dinner and Drinks

Wrap up your Brisbane adventure with a night out in Fortitude Valley, Brisbane’s trendy entertainment district. Known for its eclectic dining options and vibrant nightlife, Fortitude Valley is the perfect spot for your final evening. Try Gerard’s Bistro for contemporary Middle Eastern-inspired cuisine, or enjoy casual dining at Chop Chop Chang’s with a focus on Asian street food. After dinner, explore the area’s rooftop bars or catch some live music at local venues.

Day 5: Departure

On your last morning in Brisbane, enjoy a relaxed breakfast at a local favourite like Pawpaw Café in Woolloongabba or John Mills Himself in the CBD. If you have extra time before your flight, take a final stroll along the Brisbane Riverwalk or browse boutique stores along James Street in Fortitude Valley before departing the city.