The ultimate weekend getaway in Brisbane

Travel in Queensland is Good to Go and if you are looking for an extended weekend getaway then Brisbane is a great place to explore. You may be surprised by the changes that have taken place in Brisbane in the last few years. No longer is Brisbane the quiet sister city of Sydney and Melbourne but rather a thriving hub of gourmet food, arts, entertainment and luxury accommodation.

The growing city is an urban playground set around the Brisbane River with a world class Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA) and heritage buildings nestled in amongst eye catching modern architecture. Add in the superb Brisbane weather and nearby island escapes and you’ve got all the ingredients for the perfect weekend away exploring Queensland’s capital city.

If you are unsure what to do in Brisbane or simply want to catch up on what’s new then we’ve got you covered with a round up of the top things to do in Brisbane during a weekend stay.

Check-in at The Fantauzzo Art Series Hotel

Welcome to Brisbane. Relax and make yourself at home at this luxury art series hotel located near the Howard Smith Wharves. The Fantauzzo Hotel is centrally located to all the action with stunning views of the iconic Brisbane Story Bridge connecting the Fortitude Valley and Kangaroo Point.

Take a dip in the inviting rooftop pool and bar overlooking the Brisbane River and settle in for a relaxing afternoon observing the river city. Blending nature, architecture, art and luxury finishings, it’s unlikely you’ll ever want to check out of The Fantauzzo Hotel.

Brisbane’s newest riverside dining precinct, Howard Smith Wharves, is just a few minutes walk from The Fantauzzo making it an ideal place to kick into the evening with a refreshing drink and delicious meal. Brisbane locals are quite proud of their unique beers and the Felons Brewing Co Brewery and Barrell Hall is a must visit for those seeking a cold brew with a view. Next door, Mr Percival’s serves up Italian style dishes on the outdoor deck with a menu that features freshly shucked oysters, Moreton Bay Bugs and Mooloolaba King Prawns alongside woodfired pizzas, lasagne or meatballs.

Saturday: Moreton Island Day Tour

Today, it’s time for a full day of exploration at one of Brisbane’s best kept secrets. Sea World Cruises will take you on a Moreton Island dolphin cruise & snorkelling day tour to view some of Queensland’s best marine life and a guided snorkel of the historic Tangalooma Wrecks, an area rich with marine life. Moreton Island is a tropical paradise and the golden sands, crystal clear blue waters and lack of mobile phone reception are enough to make you feel instantly relaxed.

Travelling on a spacious and luxurious vessel, the journey to Moreton Island takes approximately 75 minutes and includes a dolphin and dugong cruise, guided snorkelling tour of the Tangalooma Wrecks, a delicious lunch and hotel transfers (if required).

The Tangalooma Wrecks is one of Australia’s top snorkelling destinations featuring 15 sunken shipwrecks that provide a safe harbour for boating vessels and marine life. On this Moreton Island day tour, experienced guides will take you on a guided snorkel tour of the shipwrecks pointing out coral formations and any colourful sub-tropical fish and turtles that you may encounter. Don’t forget to bring your underwater camera to capture the dazzling array of marine life found here. Tours operate with COVID safe plans in place ensuring that guests have a more intimate experience with plenty of space to settle in while onboard this Moreton Island cruise.

You can book your experience stress-free and know we are here to help with our flexible booking options.

Dinner at Maya Mexican

After a busy day exploring Moreton Island, you will have no doubt worked up an appetite. For a casual dinner and drinks, Maya Mexicana’s rooftop restaurant and bar is the answer. The decor has been artfully designed to transport you the coastal regions of Mexico and the affordable menu showcases exotic flavours with Australian produce. If you desire to party on into the night, Maya Mexican is situated in the party precinct of Fortitude Valley where you can find an abundance of cosy bars, pubs, nightclubs and live entertainment.

Sunday: Brisbane River City Cruise and South Bank Cultural Precinct

South Bank is the beating heart of Brisbane city with a large outdoor beach, parklands and arts and culture district that is world-class. The busy South Bank precinct also sits adjacent to the Brisbane River making it an ideal location to jump on a Brisbane River Sightseeing Cruise. The 90 minute cruise is a great way to see all the Brisbane sights including the Kangaroo Point Cliffs, New Farm Park and the Brisbane Botanic Gardens. If you’re feeling a bit sleepy after a late night, the complimentary Devonshire tea and coffee will help ease you into another day of sightseeing.

Docking back at the South Bank Cultural Precinct, you may like to take a spin on The Wheel of Brisbane for an aerial view of the city with 360-degree views of the city. From up above, the city skyline comes to life and you can enjoy the scenery in comfort in the enclosed and air-conditioned gondolas. Or, if you prefer being outdoors, take a short stroll to the Kangaroo Point cliffs where you can find Riverlife offering a range of activities including rock climbing and abseiling the famous cliffs or a gentle kayak that will have you gliding under the Story Bridge and paddling past the Brisbane Botanic Gardens.

Arts and culture lovers should devote at least half a day to explore the Queensland Museum and the Queensland Gallery of Modern Art also known as GOMA. See incredible Indigenous Australian art, contemporary modern art collections and a variety of visiting exhibitions such as ‘The Motorcycle: Design, Art & Desire’ which is a must-see for any motoring fans and is on display until the 26th April 2021.

Ticking off a wide range of Brisbane attractions, sightseeing activities and a relaxing Moreton Island day trip, this itinerary can be squeezed into a Brisbane weekend escape. Of course, it is impossible to discover all the top things to do in Brisbane in one weekend but this itinerary will ensure you enjoy a relaxing Queensland getaway in Brisbane with something to brag about to all your family and friends.

If you’d like to tap into all that excess annual leave you have and enjoy an extended stay in Queensland then we recommend you visit our Queensland experiences page to start planning your next adventure. Queensland getaways are Good to Go and with flexible booking options available, you can enjoy the city stress-free!