If you're planning to visit Brisbane, there's a whole lot to see and do, but your time is likely limited, so you'll have to pick which activities and attractions are right for you. From a great breakfast at an iconic Brisbane cafe to an epic helicopter ride that showcases the city from a bird's-eye-perspective, here's what your one day in Brisbane might look like.
Your Brisbane Itinerary for a single day could include:
- Breakfast Near City Hall - Felix for Goodness
- Experience Some Culture at South Bank
- A Quick Lunch at the Howard Smith Wharves
- Go On a Rotor One Helicopter Tour of Brisbane
- End Your 24 Hours in Brisbane with a Fancy Dinner at a Premium Restaurant
Your Brisbane City Day Trip Itinerary
Let's start your Brisbane Itinerary right - with a breakfast fit for kings and a stroll around the city center.
Breakfast Near City Hall - Felix for Goodness
Begin your one day in Brisbane with some morning coffee and a high-end breakfast at Felix for Goodness, which is just a short walk from King George Square. Here, in the city center, you can enjoy sourdough, fresh eggs, and house-made pastries, and while you eat, you'll have great views of the Brisbane City Hall and the clock tower.
The wide array of breakfast options, combined with great street views, make this a great start to your one day in Brisbane.
Sitting down for some breakfast also allows you to spend time planning the rest of the day so you can see all of the best attractions in the few hours you have in Brisbane.
After breakfast you can walk through the arcades towards Queen Street Mall to enjoy all of the independent boutiques while soaking in the city's rich history. This area of the Brisbane CBD is conveniently located in terms of everything that comes next in your itinerary.
Yes, the next part of the itinerary involves some art and culture, but before you do that, if you'd like to enjoy some greenery first, you can walk through the city botanic gardens that are located along the Brisbane River - also providing panoramic views of the city skyline.
It's just a short walk back to King George Square, where you'll be close to the next activity in your one day itinerary that makes for a great 24 hours in Brisbane.
Experience Some Culture at South Bank
Now, cross the Victoria Bridge to the South Bank, where you can visit both the Queensland Art Gallery and the Gallery of Modern Art. While you venture to this part of town, you'll also get to see the iconic Brisbane sign, a famous man made beach known as Streets Beach, and riverside trails.
Inside, you'll get to see exhibits about everything from First Nations to global contemporaries - perfect for anyone visiting Brisbane who loves culture and history.
On the outside, the Brisbane River path perfectly frames the iconic landmark Story Bridge. If you'd rather see a live performance, check out the Queensland Performing Arts Centre, where live shows dazzle audiences.
This is a great arts precinct to visit, with the opportunity to explore Brisbane and all of the art and culture it has to offer. The fact that everything is so close together here is convenient, so although it may seem like a jam-packed morning, everything is within walking distance.
Now, if you'd rather experience wildlife, you could always take a quick ferry ride or river cruise - a great way to experience Brisbane's vibrant culture from a different perspective.
A Quick Lunch at the Howard Smith Wharves
In the later morning, you can follow the riverside to the Howard Smith Wharves, found right beneath the famous Story Bridge.
You can grab a quick and casual meal at a fish bar or brewery hall, and then find a lawn table decked out with fairy lights, offering a front row view of the Brisbane Skyline.
This is some of the best inner city grazing you'll experience, with plenty of options to choose from and a lively environment.
If you prefer sandy views, you can always slightly backtrack to the South Bank Parklands for a quick bite near Streets Beach, along with some beach time, for a quick reset, before you take part in the next leg of the itinerary, an amazing helicopter flight.
Go On a Rotor One Helicopter Tour of Brisbane
After lunch, it's time to go on a signature experience, the Brisbane City, Beaches & Coastal Adventure. This is a 40-minute private flight - and quite likely the best part of your one day in Brisbane.
This helicopter tour threads the Brisbane River, goes past the Story Bridge, Kangaroo Point Cliffs, and the Brisbane CBD, before heading out over Moreton Bay. You'll get to see plenty of iconic landmarks along the way, such as Suncorp Stadium and Mt Coot-tha, along with the chance to spot some marine life.
Even better, there is an optional extension that takes you along the Gold Coast for amazing views of Surfer's Paradise.
These helicopter tours feature state-of-the-art helicopters, outfitted with comfortable seating, ample legroom, large windows for panoramic views, and noise-cancelling headsets so you can talk to the other people in the helicopter while also listening to the informative commentary provided by the pilot.
If you're looking for a great way to explore Brisbane, Australia, there's really no better way to do so than from the sky, and this helicopter trip should absolutely be the biggest part of your Brisbane itinerary.
End Your 24 Hours in Brisbane with a Fancy Dinner at a Premium Restaurant
End your day with some fine dining, such as at OTTO on River Quay in the South Bank. Here, you'll find house-made pasta and premium seafood that pair perfectly with the terrace views.
It is a super romantic setting that is refined and luxurious, and conveniently located for a quick stroll after dinner along the way. When you're in Brisbane City, the only way to end your day trip is with some amazing dinner plans!
Going for a Helicopter Ride in Brisbane
Brisbane has quickly become one of Australia’s hottest cities to visit, thanks to its year round sunshine, relaxed riverside lifestyle, and growing reputation as a food, arts, and culture hub.
The city offers a little bit of everything in a compact area, from world class galleries and performance venues to gardens, buzzing waterfront precincts, and some of the country’s best dining. Add in friendly locals, easy transport, and close proximity to beaches and hinterland, and Brisbane feels both exciting and relaxing for visitors with limited time.
Moreover, Brisbane helicopter rides are a true must-do experience because they show just how diverse and scenic the city really is.
From the air, you see the Brisbane River winding through the CBD, the Story Bridge, and the coastline opening out toward Moreton Bay and beyond. A helicopter flight connects the city, river, and ocean in one smooth experience, showing perspectives that aren't possible from the ground.
Put together, Brisbane’s vibrant atmosphere and a scenic helicopter flight create a one day experience that feels complete. You get to enjoy the city’s food, culture, and neighbourhoods on foot, then see it all come together from above, making a helicopter ride the perfect way to cap off a memorable day in Brisbane.
