Signature Brisbane Experiences

Delve a little deeper into the city over four days of signature Brisbane experiences. See Brisbane from above, cuddle a koala and dine on the best produce the region has to offer. See, taste and explore the very best of the region and tick off as many bucket list items as possible.

• Day one
• Day two
• Day three
• Day four

Day One: A taste of Brisbane

Morning:

Tangalooma Wrecks, Moreton Island

Climb aboard a modern R44 helicopter and see Brisbane from above. Choose between a scenic flight over the spectacular city skyline or fly out across the bay to the second and third largest sand islands in the world, North Stradbroke Island and Moreton Island. Afterwards, delve into Brisbane’s unique history and Indigenous heritage on a tour of the Queensland Art Gallery and Gallery of Modern Art (QAGOMA).

Afternoon:

After lunch, eat dessert while taking in panoramic views of Brisbane on the 60m-high Wheel of Brisbane. Walk the sweets off on a stroll through South Bank Parklands – one of Australia’s most pristine outdoor spaces – or slip into some swimmers and take a dip in Australia’s only inner-city beach.

Evening:

Take in some more of Brisbane’s fascinating history at the Brisbane Showgrounds, and learn about the annual Royal Queensland Show (The Ekka). For dinner pair fresh seafood, Australia’s best beef, lamb and cheese with the huge selection of award-winning wine.

Day Two: Pearls, pasta and pina coladas

Morning:

Start the day off in style: take part in a VIP visit to Paspaley Pearls to discover why these Australian pearls are the rarest and most valuable in the world, and learn about the traditional method by which all fine pearls are graded, known as the Five Virtues. Wander through Queen Street Mall and along Edward Street to discover the mix of local and international retailers throughout Brisbane City.

Afternoon:

Roll up your sleeves and don an apron for an Italian pasta-making class with OTTO Ristorante’s head chef Will Cowper. Taste your creation over a two-course menu paired with a selection of Italian wines to match, presented by the restaurant’s awarded sommelier, while simultaneously taking in the stunning Brisbane River and Story Bridge views from the restaurant (with a glass of prosecco in hand, of course).

Evening:

Mix, shake, blend and flame alongside the Hilton Brisbane’s expert cocktail mixologists. After a few shaken (or stirred) martinis, dine at one of Brisbane City’s award-winning and fine-dining restaurants.

Day Three: On your marks, get set, GO!

Morning:

Think Amazing Race meets Funniest Home Videos, and that’s the Brisbane City Hustle – an interactive, immersive scavenger hunt hosted by Banana Life starring your team. Work together to score points, complete challenges and win the game. Wind down with a picnic by the river and enjoy Brisbane’s year-round outdoor lifestyle over a grazing table of cheese and charcuterie.

Afternoon:

Don your best hat and trot along to a race day at Brisbane Racing Club. Meet a leading jockey and trainer and learn first-hand how they prepare for race day, before heading trackside to see the horses loaded into the gates and hear the crash of the barriers when they fly open. Hear a live race call from the caller’s box and try to pick the winner. After the excitement of racing is done, walk onto the track and snap a photo in front of the winning post.

Evening:

Eat Street Northshore

Feast your eyes – and your tummy – at Eat Street Northshore where 180 dining and entertainment shipping containers will have you exploring for hours. Just about every cuisine is represented and many a food craze can be found here. Tuck into some seriously sweet treats, from the caramel popcorn to the handmade macaron selection. If you must try one thing, indulge a little and sample the cronut (croissant x doughnut) cone filled with soft serve.

Day Four: From high tea to laneway delights

Morning:

Enjoy high tea fit for royalty paired with sweeping views of the city from the 30th floor of the iconic Sofitel Brisbane Central and hear a presentation from the pastry chef. Indulge in a touch of elegance and sip tea beside the river, before taking a heritage tour of the historic Customs House.

Afternoon:

Cuddle a koala at Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary

Spend the afternoon with Australian wildlife in a natural and relaxed setting at Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary – the world’s oldest and largest koala sanctuary. Home to 130 koalas and 100 species of other native Australian animals, it is the perfect destination for a private wildlife encounter. Hand-feed the kangaroos, marvel at the platypus and have a photo taken of you cuddling a koala – we promise they’re very friendly.

Evening:

Experience an exclusive laneway dining experience at the clandestine Baedeker in Fortitude Valley. A seated feast awaits with festoon lighting, a full dinner and a bespoke menu paired with tantalising wines. Finish the evening by unleashing your creativity in a graffiti art workshop where a local team of artists will help create meaningful graffiti-style artworks.