24 Hours in Brisbane- See the Best of the River City in One Day
24 Sep 2025Morning: Cruise the Brisbane River or Soar Above the City
Start your day on the water and let the Brisbane River be your guide. Join River City Cruises for a fully guided tour packed with local stories and city highlights, captain your own eco-friendly GoBoat, or enjoy a little luxury aboard the stylish YOT Club. Thrill seekers can even take to the river on a guided Jet Ski Tour for a dose of adrenaline.
Prefer to see Brisbane from above? Soar sky-high on the Wheel of Brisbane for sweeping city views, indulge in brunch with rooftop views at The Terrace at Emporium Hotel, or treat yourself to an exclusive helicopter adventure with Elite Helicopter Tours or V2 Heli.
Afternoon: Meet Australian Icons at Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary
Make your way to the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, the world’s largest koala sanctuary and home to more than 130 cuddly residents. Hand-feed kangaroos, get up close with a koala, and discover other iconic Australian animals including wombats, platypuses, Tasmanian devils, and crocodiles. For a scenic journey, hop aboard the Koala and River Cruise for a relaxing trip straight to the sanctuary’s doorstep.
Late Afternoon: Active City Adventures
If you’re ready for more action, experience the city’s adventurous side with Riverlife Adventure Centre at Kangaroo Point. Take an early-evening kayak on the Brisbane River, try rock climbing or abseiling the iconic Kangaroo Point Cliffs, or glide around on a Segway tour. For a once-in-a-lifetime experience, climb the Story Bridge Adventure Climb – one of only three bridge climbs in the world – for panoramic 360-degree views. Time it at sunset for a magical golden-hour experience.
Dinner: Riverside Dining at Its Best
After an active day, unwind by the river at one of Brisbane’s premier dining precincts. Stroll along South Bank’s lush parklands and take your pick from a diverse mix of Japanese, Thai, Greek, Spanish and contemporary Australian restaurants.
Alternatively, head to the vibrant Howard Smith Wharves precinct nestled under the Story Bridge. Here you’ll find a mix of fine dining, craft breweries and cocktail bars with unbeatable city and river views. If you’re staying in The City, check out Queen’s Wharf for elevated dining and rooftop bars serving everything from Asian fusion to contemporary Australian cuisine.
Evening: Rooftop Bars & Nightlife
Cap off your day with a drink and sweeping city views at one of Brisbane’s rooftop bars. Start at Cielo Rooftop, a breezy subtropical oasis above Fortitude Valley, then head to Soko for Peruvian-Japanese eats in a rooftop jungle. MAYA Mexican on the eleventh floor offers Mexican-Australian fusion share plates and cocktails with stunning skyline vistas.
If you’re in the mood for a nightcap or live music, swing by Brooklyn Standard, a lively underground bar, or take in the shimmering lights of the Story Bridge from Blackbird Bar & Grill.
Bonus: Foodie Sunrise
If you can stretch your Brisbane visit into the early hours, start with a hot air balloon flight over the Scenic Rim with Floating Images or Hot Air Balloon Brisbane. After drifting above rolling mountains at sunrise, enjoy a hearty country breakfast at O’Reilly’s Grand Homestead & Vineyard before returning to the city – the perfect way to combine adventure and indulgence.
With this one-day itinerary, you’ll experience Brisbane’s scenic highlights, wildlife encounters, thrilling adventures and unforgettable dining – all in 24 hours.