Brisbane

Brisbane: 48-hour itinerary

Mark Bahnisch
Brisbane Insider
The <i>Lychee Lounge</i> in West End (Photo: Richard I'Anson/Lonely Planet)
The Lychee Lounge in West End
After just 48-hours, our Insider fully expects you'll catch something in the air and want to put down roots next to the Moreton Bay figs.

Browsing Brisbane-style

So, how to spend a couple of days? I'd go with my program for 24 hours, the thrust of which is not to cram in sight-seeing but to get a feel for the unique qualities of the place. And then I'd suggest you branch out a bit further.

Moreton Bay

Hopefully the cocktails went down well last night, and you're bright-eyed and bushy-tailed on day two. If so, and indeed even if not, brunch at Sassafras might be a lovely way to start the day with a linger and chat (two of the things Brisbane natives enjoy most). Then explore the Paddington shopping I've talked about in the "lists" section of this guide. Combine that with a browse through the converted cinema that is now the Paddington Antique Centre. Catch the bus into town, and get off seamlessly at Roma Street Station (now with added bus stop goodness!) and take your pick of a trip out to either Cleveland or Sandgate on their respective train lines.

West end experience

What you'll find at your chosen destination is Moreton Bay, and a chance to have a quiet drink in a historic pub overlooking the water — either the Grand View Hotel or the Full Moon Hotel, depending on which bay-side trip you've chosen. The Grand View is Queensland's oldest licence and the Full Moon's a bit newer, but in either case, you will find yourself gazing across Moreton Bay to the islands. It's much more distinctive than the usually-touted steak at the Brekky Creek (where the steaks are getting rather pricey). Both bay-side suburbs were favourite day-trip destinations in the 19th century — and with good reason. The breezes alone in summer are worth the train fare!

Do you know of any other attractions that should be included in a 48-hour Brisbane itinerary? Tell us about them below.

See for yourself! Get great deals on hotels and super-cheap flights to Brisbane now on Expedia.com.au

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User comments
Good old rupert knows Brisbane all to well. You are right on the money with all your comments. I live in Brisbane and even tho it is a lovely place the river is poo brown and and the *** cat is usually full or late as you say.
Rupert, in the words of many, if you don't like it then get the **** out! You're obviously FAR too sophisticated for the simple life of Bris, so see ya, bye, go away! You know, I think you'd fit in perfectly in Melbourne ...
I found your comments to be utterly brilliant!!!
There are many wild and wonderful experiences to be had in Brisbane, unlike the rude and pathetic comments made by Rupert who is a "usual complain about it but do nothing to imrpove it stereotypical kind of loser!". A vibrant magnificent and beautiful city which I now call home after emigrating here. Life is cheap, enjoyable, food is great, but the most important things in any society is the cheerfulness and friendliness of Brisbane folk.... There are a million jewels on the Doorstep to explore our beautiful city and it's surroundings.
You could wander around looking at all the *** pointy-out architecture and contemplate all the nice old buildings which have been demolished under the post-Joh rabidly pro-development Qld Governments. You could go out at night and get bashed by a thug bouncer or a tazer wielding cop. You could queue for ages to get the city-kitty up the brown river and play sardines with inner city yuppies. Why not hang out at the Alibi Bar with the in crowd and take creepy photos of young girls to put on the internet? Be sure to visit one (or even both!) of Brisbane's vibrant live music venues. Have a paddle in other people's fluids at South Bank. Read our vast array of Murdoch owned newspapers while you sip a chardonnay latte at the 'Spensive Bar' by the river. Be sure to get a free photo of your car doing 71k down the long hill at Kelvin Grove KFC (compare your photo with friends photos and marvel at the fact that they are all precisely 71kph!). Catch the ghost train to the airport all alone.
You forgot Head down to Peel Street and pick up a handful of ALP membership forms.

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