Get your bearings by joining a walking, bike, or Segway tour of top sights. Along the way, see City Hall, King George Square, and Cathedral of St. Stephen, and take in the views from Kangaroo Point Cliffs. To join a bridge climb at Brisbane Story Bridge, be sure to book in advance.

Take a walk through South Bank Parklands, which stretch along the Brisbane River, and browse the handicrafts markets (weekends only). Cool off with a swim at Streets Beach Lagoon, and visit a museum, such as the Gallery of Modern Art, the Queensland Maritime Museum, or the Queensland Museum and Science Centre.

Stick around to watch the sunset along the river and take a ride on the Wheel of Brisbane to admire the glittering skyline. Afterwards, cross the river to the Fortitude Valley quarter where there are dozens of bars, pubs, live music venues, and nightclubs—a bar-hopping tour helps you find the best spots.

Head just outside the city to Mount Coot-tha, which stands watch over Brisbane’s west side. Stretch your legs and enjoy a stroll through Brisbane Botanic Gardens. From the top, panoramic views span the entire city, reaching as far as Moreton Bay.

Spend the afternoon visiting Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, where you can spot Aussie animals including koalas, kangaroos, Tasmanian devils, wombats, echidnas, and platypus. For the best value, opt for a tour from Brisbane with transport included—for a fun twist, it’s even possible to arrive by boat on a cruise down the Brisbane River.

On your final night, set sail along the Brisbane River on a romantic dinner cruise. Float past the city’s illuminated landmarks on a traditional paddle steamer while enjoying dinner and live music. Alternatively, join a night Segway tour or snap some final shots of the city on a night photography tour.