How far you can go in a day Brisbane’s day trips fall into three groups: islands reached by boat from the bay terminals, hinterland hills reached by car, and the Gold Coast to the south. Past about 200 km the driving swallows the day. All fares below are in Australian dollars from operator pages, so confirm them when you book. By boat: North Stradbroke Island (Minjerribah) The SeaLink passenger ferry crosses from Toondah Harbour, Cleveland, to Dunwich in about 25 minutes.

Walking Brisbane by time available The city centre is compact and the river paths are flat, so walking works well in Brisbane. The options below run from a short loop to a half day. Start early, wear a hat and carry water, because UV is extreme most of the year and storms roll in on summer afternoons. With a local: Brisbane Greeters Volunteer hosts lead free walks of 2 to 4 hours.

Brisbane sights grouped by area Brisbane’s main sights cluster in four places: South Bank, the CBD, Queen’s Wharf and the hills at Mt Coot-tha. Many cost nothing, and the flat 50 cent fare on buses, trams, City trains and CityCats makes it cheap to link them. Prices below are in Australian dollars, and opening hours are the published ones, so check on the day. South Bank South Bank is the easiest place to begin.

The main ticketed attractions at a glance Attraction Cost in AUD Timing and booking Story Bridge Adventure Climb from about $150 adult 5 Boundary Street, book with the operator Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary $63 adult day pass Daily, 9:00 to 17:00 Mirimar Koala and River Cruise $138 adult, $80 child, $126 senior Departs 9:00 from South Bank City Hall Clock Tower Tour free Online booking essential St Helena Island about $89 adult with lunch Guided boat tour, confirm price Prices come from operator pages and listings, and they change, so treat them as a guide and check before you commit.

Planning a day with children Most of Brisbane’s family attractions are close to a flat 50 cent ride, and several cost nothing. Prices below are in Australian dollars from official and operator listings, so check them close to your date. Strong sun is the main hazard for children here: hats and sunscreen go on early, and summer afternoons often bring storms, so keep an indoor fallback. Free places to start Streets Beach and Aquativity, South Bank Parklands.

Choosing a base for two or three nights A good Brisbane trip usually runs two or three nights in the city, then one or two nights somewhere else within about 200 km. Four bases work well, and each suits a different kind of traveller. Prices are in Australian dollars from operator pages, with hedges where listings differ. Base Best for Getting there Point Lookout, North Stradbroke Coastal walks, beaches Train to Cleveland, then SeaLink ferry Tangalooma, Moreton Island Dolphin feeding, wrecks Resort launch from Pinkenba Tamborine and Lamington Rainforest, wine, cheese Car required Noosa Coastal national park About 1.

A romantic day in Brisbane, hour by hour Brisbane is at its best for couples when the day cools off: light on the river, a hill at sunset and a table near the Story Bridge. These ideas follow the clock. Costs are in Australian dollars from listings, so check before you book anything. Late afternoon: Wilson Outlook Reserve Wilson Outlook Reserve, at 231 Bowen Terrace in New Farm, is a small grassy park on a clifftop facing the Story Bridge.

Brisbane activities sorted by what you want to spend Brisbane sits on a bend of the river, about 15 to 20 km from the open water of Moreton Bay. That shapes the activity list: cliffs, galleries, parkland and night markets rather than surf. Prices are in Australian dollars from published listings, so check with the operator before you pay. Normal travel precautions are enough here; sun and summer storms matter more than crime.