7 Days in Brisbane!

Introduction:

‍With seven days in Brisbane, you can explore deeper. Go beyond the usual highlights and discover the neighbourhoods, parks, islands and cultural pockets that give the city its easygoing personality. This itinerary avoids repetition and leans into experiences that offer a more local, immersive feel... whether it’s taking a ferry to the islands, wandering lesser-known suburbs, or spending time in leafy parks with no particular rush. Brisbane doesn’t demand your attention. It invites you to take your time and settle in.

Day 1

MorningStart your week in the suburb of Woolloongabba. It is home to antique shops, indie bookstores and cafés tucked into converted workers' cottages. Wander Logan Road, explore the vintage stores and grab breakfast at a local bakery.

AfternoonTake the bus or cycle to Greenslopes and visit the rarely crowded Thompson Estate Reserve. Enjoy a quiet walk through the eucalyptus trails and spot local birdlife. This green pocket feels far removed from the buzz of the city.

NightFor dinner, head to East Brisbane. This small pocket has a growing food scene with cosy wine bars, modern Asian kitchens and casual local hangouts. It is a perfect introduction to the slower, more personal pace of Brisbane’s outer neighbourhoods.

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Day 2

MorningVenture north to Nundah Village. This neighbourhood blends heritage charm with a youthful, creative energy. Have breakfast at a local café, browse boutiques and check out the Sunday farmers’ market if your timing lines up.

AfternoonTake a short train ride to Sandgate and Shorncliffe. Walk the scenic Lover’s Walk path along the cliffs and enjoy the cool breeze off Moreton Bay. This coastal suburb feels like a mini holiday within the city.

NightStick around Sandgate for fish and chips by the bay or head back into the city and enjoy dinner in Albion. The converted warehouses and quiet corners of this suburb are home to small restaurants with big character.

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Day 3

MorningSpend the morning exploring Indooroopilly. Visit the heritage-listed Walter Taylor Bridge and take a walk through the riverside parks nearby. This area is green, spacious and perfect for a slow morning.

AfternoonMake your way to St Lucia and walk through the University of Queensland campus. The lakes, jacaranda trees and sandstone buildings create a surprisingly tranquil setting. Visit the UQ Art Museum for a curated collection of Australian and contemporary works.

NightHave dinner in Toowong or take the CityCat from St Lucia back into the CBD and enjoy a relaxed evening meal along the river near North Quay.

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Day 4

MorningVisit the suburb of Ashgrove. Walk the Ithaca Creek Bikeway, passing through parks and bushland, with plenty of shaded spots to stop along the way. Grab breakfast at a community café with garden seating.

AfternoonExplore Bardon, a hilly suburb with leafy streets and independent shops. This is a good time to slow down and see how Brisbane locals spend their afternoons. Sit with a book, sip something cold and enjoy the quiet.

NightCatch a performance at the Brisbane Powerhouse if there’s a live show or event. Otherwise, return to Bardon or Paddington for a relaxed pub dinner in one of the older Queenslander-style buildings.

Day 5

MorningTake a day trip to Bribie Island. Accessible by car or public transport, it is one of the few islands near Brisbane connected by bridge. Walk the white sand beaches, kayak along Pumicestone Passage or visit the Bribie Island Seaside Museum.

AfternoonContinue exploring the island. Have lunch in Bongaree, swim at the protected beaches or wander through one of the national parks. The atmosphere is calm and low-key.

NightReturn to the city by evening. Keep it simple with takeaway and a sunset view from your accommodation or a quiet local park.

Day 6

MorningExplore the suburb of Chermside. While it is known for its shopping centre, the area is also home to parks, bike tracks and walking loops. Visit Marchant Park or 7th Brigade Park for a quiet morning surrounded by greenery.

AfternoonHead south to Sunnybank, Brisbane’s hotspot for authentic Asian cuisine. Explore the shopping plazas filled with grocers, bubble tea shops and hidden noodle houses. Have a late lunch and let the food take centre stage.

NightStay in Sunnybank and enjoy dinner at one of the many bustling hotpot, Korean barbecue or dumpling spots. The energy here builds in the evening and feels worlds away from the riverfront vibe of the inner city.

Day 7

MorningBegin your final day with a visit to Boondall Wetlands. This large reserve of mangroves and tidal flats is perfect for birdwatching, cycling and taking one last deep breath before wrapping up your trip.

AfternoonReturn to the city and treat yourself to a long lunch in a suburb you haven’t yet explored; maybe Graceville, with its wide streets and peaceful cafés, or Red Hill with its hilly views and quiet charm.

NightFinish your Brisbane week with dinner at a favourite spot from earlier in the trip. Whether it is by the river, under the jacarandas, or in a hidden laneway, Brisbane is best said goodbye to in the same spirit it welcomes you -slowly, warmly and without any pressure to rush.

ConclusionA week in Brisbane gives you the space to let the city settle in. It is not about ticking boxes but about living in rhythm with the people, places and nature around you. From quiet coastlines and leafy suburbs to unexpected art and unassuming food gems, Brisbane shows its character over time. Seven days later, you will leave not just with memories, but with the feeling of having belonged here... if only for a little while.