Amazing One Day in Brisbane Itinerary (From Cruise Port)

How to Spend One Day in Brisbane (in Short)

In this 1 day in Brisbane guide, we’ll first tell you about the best sights and activities within Brisbane City itself. We’ll also introduce you to some exciting things to do just outside of Brisbane.

However, due to limited time, you’ll only be able to choose one of these outside-the-city activities.

If you decide to venture outside of Brisbane for one of these activities, we recommend prioritizing it first and saving Brisbane’s attractions for later in your day.

So here’s an overview of what to see when you only have a day in Brisbane:

Guided Day Tours in Brisbane

If you feel like organizing the trip to all these fabulous stops yourself is too much, don’t fret. There are lots of great day tours and shore excursions that will take you all around Brisbane in just a day.

Here are my favorite Brisbane shore excursions:

🐨 Brisbane River Cruise with entry to Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary

🐨 Moreton Island Day Trip (Kayak, Snorkel & Sandboard) from Brisbane or Gold Coast

🐨 Premium Springbrook Natural Bridge, Glow Worm Cave & Skywalk

🐨 Brisbane Story Bridge Adventure Climb

Justin’s tip: on our cruise to Brisbane, we went on the Lone Pine Koala excursion. We loved it, but in hindsight, I would probably opt for Moreton Island!

1. South Bank

Exploring the South Bank area is a must-do experience when in Brisbane. Regardless if you only have 1 day in Brisbane, or a couple of days, everyone visiting the city ends up in South Bank at some stage.

The South Bank area in Brisbane is a lively riverside precinct where you can spend hours exploring on foot. After exploring, we love unwinding in one of the charming cafes, restaurants, and pubs.

One of the most unique attractions and our personal favorite is Streets Beach. It is a man-made beach located in the heart of Brisbane.

This beach and lagoon area is a relaxing spot to chill, swim, and sunbathe with a view of the skyline.

2. The Queensland Museum

Just a 10-minute walk away from Streets Beach, you’ll find one of Australia’s oldest museums, the Queensland Museum.

This museum focuses mainly on Australian history and Aboriginal culture. It has lots of fun, hands-on activities and displays so it is definitely not boring.

You’ll discover a massive collection of exhibits and displays that tell the story of Queensland’s rich past. They have over 100,000 specimens of Australian and international animals on display.

There is also a lot of Torres Strait Islander art and cultural pieces. Our favorite is the display dedicated to dinosaur fossils that once roamed Australia.

3. Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary

If you love Australian wildlife, then a visit to the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary must be included in your one-day Brisbane itinerary.

It is located in Brisbane’s western suburbs. The Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary is a wildlife haven dedicated to Australia’s cutest animal, the koala. It is also one of the oldest and
largest sanctuaries in the world.

You can also interact closely with kangaroos and wallabies in a big, free-roaming enclosure. You can also see a variety of other native Australian wildlife, such as dingoes, wombats, cassowaries, and
echidnas.

The Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary is a great destination that promises both fun and educational experiences for visitors of all ages.

Keep in mind that there is an entry fee.

4. Kangaroo Point

Don’t let the name mislead you as there are no actual kangaroos here!
What you will find here instead is one of the most spectacular views in all of Australia!

Kangaroo Point offers a breathtaking view of Brisbane’s cityscape of high-rise buildings, the Brisbane River, and the iconic Story Bridge.

Kangaroo Point also has a number of picnic benches, so it is a great spot to take a break or enjoy a meal. This spot is also great for sunset if you are in the city for that long.

As the day comes to a close, the high-rise buildings and Story Bridge light up in hundreds of colorful lights, adding to the beauty of Kangaroo Viewpoint.

Visiting Kangaroo Point is a free activity, and the best way to get there is by ferry. You can catch a CityCat or CityHopper ferry from various points along the Brisbane River.

Hop out at the Kangaroo Point Ferry Terminal. From there it is only a short walk up to the viewpoint.

5. Story Bridge

If you were to ask anyone around the world to name a famous Australian bridge, most would likely mention the Sydney Harbour Bridge.

Meanwhile, the stunning and massive Story Bridge in Brisbane goes unnoticed. It is one of the coolest things to visit during your day in Brisbane.

The Story Bridge is an iconic landmark in Brisbane, stretching 777 meters across the Brisbane River. It connects Fortitude Valley to Kangaroo Point.

Although it may be smaller than Sydney’s famous Harbour Bridge, it has been a big part of the city since it opened in 1940.

If you are in need of some adrenaline, you can take the opportunity to climb it. The Story Bridge Adventure Climb allows you to climb up to 80 meters high on the bridge.

6. AFL Game

If you are not from Australia then you might not be aware of Australia’s national sport – Australian Rules Football also known as AFL (Australian Football League).

If you have the chance to see a game, we would totally recommend it.

AFL is a game played with an oval ball on an oval-shaped field, with each team fielding 18 players at a time.

The Brisbane Lions are Brisbane’s hometown AFL team, and they proudly call the Gabba Stadium (also known as The Gabba) their home.

This iconic venue is also shared with the Australian cricket team. If you have one day in Brisbane, and the Lions are playing, then you must use that opportunity to experience one of Australia’s most exciting sports in action!

The Gabba is easily accessible by public transportation and has a range of parking options available for those who prefer to drive.

7. Moreton Bay

Moreton Bay is located off the coast of Brisbane. It is accessible by a ferry that leaves multiple times per day.

If you are planning to visit Moreton Bay during your day in Brisbane, make sure to leave as early as possible.

There you can check out lots of activities, such as swimming, hiking, chilling on a paradise beach, and best of all – snorkeling.

The best feature of Moreton Bay is the Tangalooma Shipwrecks. It is an underwater playground created by humans who deliberately sank 15 ships in the 1960s and 1980s.

Nowadays, this is an awesome spot for snorkeling and diving. The area is packed with diverse tropical fish of all shapes and sizes.

Important: But be aware, if you are not a strong swimmer as there are potentially strong currents around the shipwrecks. For the best snorkeling experience around the Tangalooma Shipwrecks, start from the left side and drift along with the tide towards the last shipwreck.

Snorkeling gear can be rented from Tangalooma Island Resort or brought along if you have your own equipment.

8. Springbrook National Park

The Natural Bridge

There are several national parks near Brisbane, and our top pick is the Springbrook National Park.

This beautiful park is famous for its ancient rainforests and stunning waterfalls. And best of all there are many great free things to see in Springbrook National Park.

The pick of the lot is a waterfall called “The Natural Bridge”. This is an extraordinary geological rock formation, with a waterfall cascading through the ceiling of a cave.

But wait, there’s more to discover! If you thought the daytime sights were impressive, prepare to be amazed after dark. As night falls, thousands of glow worms light up the place, transforming the cave and surrounding area into a magical scene straight out of a fairy tale.

Your visit to Springbrook Falls is best done with your own transport.
Make sure to allocate enough time for the journey, as it typically takes about ninety minutes to reach the national park from Brisbane.

Purling Brook Waterfall

Another notable attraction in Springbrook National Park, and only thirty minutes from the Natural Bridge Waterfall is the Purling Brook Waterfall.

This stunning waterfall can be viewed from the platform and offers a great sight. But the best way to experience the views is by hiking the 4-kilometer loop trail.

The waterfall cascades from a height of approximately 109 meters (about 358 feet) into a rainforest-lined gorge below, and this is where you will have the best view!

The hike is suitable for all fitness levels and takes around two hours to complete. Make sure to take this hike in a clockwise direction, otherwise you will be walking up hundreds of steps on the way up.

Additionally, make sure to keep an eye out for snakes, remember you are in Australia!

More Brisbane Things To Do

🎡 Wheel of Brisbane – You can get a great view of the city from this 60m-high observation wheel at South Bank. I suggest going for sunset or nighttime rides.

🛍 Queen Street Mall – Brisbane’s go-to shopping and dining strip with over 700 stores, cute boutiques, and lively street entertainment.

🍹 Howard Smith Wharves – A trendy riverside precinct with bars, restaurants, and scenic Brisbane River views—great for a relaxed afternoon before heading back to the ship!

🖼 Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA) – One of Australia’s best contemporary art galleries! They are featuring amazing exhibitions, Indigenous art, and international works.

🏛 Brisbane City Hall & Clock Tower – Step inside this historic landmark, visit the Museum of Brisbane, and take a free tour up the clock tower for city views.

🎨 Queensland Art Gallery – The sister gallery to GOMA, showcasing classical and modern artworks, including Australian and Indigenous pieces.

🏙 King George Square – The heart of Brisbane’s city center, hosting events, markets, and home to the iconic City Hall.

🌴 South Bank Parklands – This is another must-visit stop because of its riverside beach. There are also lush gardens, markets, and dining options—perfect for a leisurely day out.

🏝 North Stradbroke Island – Just a ferry ride away, this island paradise offers stunning beaches, great surfing, wildlife spotting, and coastal walks. This is where a lot of locals go, and maybe you’ll even spot dolphins or turtles there.

🍸 Find a rooftop bar with live music! I know you won’t be able to enjoy a lot of nightlife on a cruise, but you can still find some cool spots while strolling around before heading back to your ship.

Where do cruise ships dock in Brisbane?

Cruise ships in Brisbane primarily dock at two locations: the Portside Wharf and the Brisbane International Cruise Terminal.

Make sure to inform before heading to Brisbane on which location you’ll arrive.

Portside Wharf

• Location: Hamilton, just a few kilometers from the city center
• Facilities: Portside Wharf is a modern, multi-use facility featuring shops, restaurants, and a cinema. It offers easy access to transportation, including taxis and shuttle services.
• Access to the City: It’s close to the Brisbane CBD, making it convenient for tourists to explore the city. The wharf is also near public transport options, including buses and CityCat ferries.

Brisbane International Cruise Terminal

• Location: Luggage Point near the mouth of the Brisbane River
• Facilities: This is a larger and newer terminal designed to accommodate the largest cruise ships. It features state-of-the-art amenities, including spacious check-in areas, luggage handling facilities, and customs services.
• Access to the City: There are dedicated shuttle services, taxis, and other transport options available to bring passengers into Brisbane.

One Day in Brisbane Summary

Did you think there was that much to do in Brisbane? We hope we have convinced you with this 1 day in Brisbane guide that the city is a fantastic destination to visit in Australia.

And we haven’t even mentioned other nearby great cities such as Byron Bay, the Gold Coast, Airlie Beach
and Sunshine Coast.

Although Brisbane is often overlooked, Queensland’s capital city offers modern city life, and stunning natural beauty all within close proximity and conveniently accessible.

I hope you enjoyed your day in Brisbane and are ready for your shore day.

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