Brisbane Sunday Itinerary

I’ve been living in Brisbane for most of the past decade, but I’ve always lived more in the outer suburbs, so heading into the city for the day really still has that feeling of a proper day trip out. It’s kind of an old school thing, but for us it is exciting to get dressed up and take the train into the city on a Sunday, do a little shopping, have a nice lunch and just have a nice relaxing day out before the new work week begins.

If you live in or around Brisbane, or even if you’re just visiting the city, this little Sunday outing itinerary will give you a pleasant day out. You could even extend it to make it a weekend getaway, or make it a part of a longer holiday stay. Just book a hotel in Brisbane and venture out from there.

Queen Street Mall

Queen Street Mall

We usually make our way into Brisbane by train, so we arrive at Central Station and walk south through the city from there, only a short walk to Queen Street Mall, Brisbane’s main shopping mall. This is always a lively part of the city and on a Sunday it is packed with people out shopping for the day. All of the big name brands are here, lining this pedestrian only street. At the northern end there are the high end brands such as Louis Vuitton and Tiffany & Co, and then lots of other well-known brands are scattered along the rest of the mall and in the Myer Centre.

I like to make a stop at Jimmy’s on the Mall for a mid-morning coffee, but they also serve up good food, beer and wine, situated right in the middle of the mall. It’s a great spot for people watching.

Brisbane River

The Treasury Casino (old treasury building)

If you head south-west along Queen Street to the end of the mall, you will find yourself crossing George Street into Reddacliff Place with the beautiful old Treasury Building (now casino) dominating the view. From here you will find yourself on the river. Brisbane is known as Australia’s “River City” as it is such an important part of our city. It slowly meanders through the city and a ferry ride is a great way to see it. Head down to North Quay and wait for the City Hopper, a free ferry service that takes you for a wonderful cruise down the river, stopping at several main piers along the way. If you ride the service the whole way, you could hop off at South Bank on the way back, or walk across Victoria Bridge from North Quay or Queen Street.

The Story Bridge on the Brisbane River

South Bank

South Bank is home to Brisbane’s cultural precinct, where you can visit the Art Gallery, museum or watch a show at the theatre, but it is also home to lots of amazing restaurants, cafes and bars, plus a beautiful riverfront parkland that is not to be missed. The parkland is like being in a mini rainforest right in the heart of the city, with a boardwalk running right along the river. Situated right in the middle of it all is Streets Beach, an artificial beach and lagoon which is perfect for swimming on a hot summer’s day.

Southbank Markets (at Christmas)

From here head along Stanley Street Plaza for the amazing South Bank Sunday Market where you can find all kinds of unique buys. This plaza also has lots of great restaurants and cafes. We like to head to the Plough Inn for lunch and a Sunday session, and much of our afternoon is spent here relaxing with a beer and listening to some live music. A great way to end a great day out in Brisbane.

Do you live in Brisbane or have you visited? What are your favourite spots to visit on a Sunday?