Unbelievable, but you can squeeze it into a day trip to Brisbane
Have you had guests from overseas either on work or in transit who only have a day to see this beautiful city! So where would you take them?
Here’s my take on 12 hours in Brisbane.
Leave your car behind and use public transport to get to South Brisbane. From here, take the free City Hopper ferry from the Maritime Museum ferry terminal going toward New Farm. Get off at the next stop which is Thornton Street ferry terminal and stop here for breakfast at the Story Bridge Hotel. If you do not want to have breakfast, skip this stop and get off at Holman Street, Kangaroo Point, here you can get ‘up, close and personal’ with the iconic, heritage listed Story Bridge.
After spending some time here hop on the ferry again and head towards New Farm. Not much to see here and the Power House museum (which is good) is a good 1.6 kms walking distance. You can walk on to Brunswick Street, which has many popular bars and dining spots. (skip this is if you have limited time and are not big on walking).
Get back on the ferry (from Holman Street, Kangaroo Point or Sydney Street, New Farm) and head towards South Bank 3 terminal, and stop by the Epicurious Garden, then walk to the Nepalese Peace Pagoda and then the Wheel of Brisbane. From here we go to the Queensland Art Gallery | Gallery of Modern Art (QAGOMA) which holds a collection of over 17,000 works of historical, modern and contemporary art, and stages a dynamic program of Australian and international exhibitions.
From QAGOMA walk to the bus center and take the bus to Mt Coo-tha. (If you have time you can stop at Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary). From Mt Coo-tha, you will have the best view of Brisbane. Sunset from Mt Coo-tha is fabulous. Spend some time here, read a bit of history and then take the bus back to the city.
And if you still have some energy left, drop by at Treasury Casino. The architecture of this building is amazing.
This is how my 12-hour day in Brisbane would go. I’d love to hear about your visit.
Support Independent Community Journalism
Dear Reader,The Indian Sun exists for one reason: to tell stories that might otherwise go unheard.
We report on local councils, state politics, small businesses and cultural festivals. We focus on the Indian diaspora and the wider multicultural community with care, balance and accountability. We publish in print and online, send regular newsletters and produce video content. We also run media training programs to help community organisations share their own stories.
We operate independently.
Community journalism does not have the backing of large media corporations. Advertising revenue fluctuates. Platform algorithms change. Costs continue to rise. Yet the need for credible, grounded reporting in a multicultural Australia has never been greater.
When you support The Indian Sun, you support:
• Independent reporting on issues affecting migrant communities
• Coverage of local and state decisions that shape daily life
• A platform for small businesses and community groups
• Media training that builds skills within the community
• Journalism accountable to readers
We cannot cover everything, but we work to cover what matters.
If you value thoughtful reporting that reflects Australia’s diversity, we invite you to contribute. Every donation helps us maintain the quality and consistency of our work.
Please consider making a contribution today.
Thank you for your support.
The Indian Sun Team
