Exploring Brisbane: A Perfect Day Walking Tour + 🎥

Hey there, adventure seekers! Ready for an exciting day trip on a walking tour of Brisbane, the capital city of Queensland Australia. My itenary was to be any easy walk, starting at the South Bank Parklands, weaving through the new Queens Wharf precinct, Coffee in the Brisbane Botanic Gardens, crossing the new Kangaroo Point Bridge, onwards promising a mix of the modern, lush riverside walkways, historical gems and stunning scenery. Brisbane is made for a walking expedition, the early morning start hinted that we had a beautiful day ahead, so strap on your comfiest shoes – we’re diving into a full day of urban discovery.

Let’s kick things off at the ever-popular South Bank Parklands. Even early in the morning, this place is full of activity, joggers, dog walkers and the early birds heading for early morning coffees. I strolled along the river pathway, enjoying the peaceful start to the day before making my way to the Neville Bonner Bridge. This Bridge opened to the public on 28^th August 2024 is a pedestrian bridge connecting the South Bank parklands in South Brisbane to the Queen’s Wharf precinct in the Brisbane CBD. Offering stunning views of the Brisbane River, its ever-moving ferries, this is a perfect vantage point to admire the city skyline and take those amazing Instagram moment shots.

Crossing the bridge, I landed directly in the heart of the impressive Queens Wharf Precinct, with its promise of entertainment, dining, and dazzling panoramas. The scale of this development is truly something to behold. I walked through the new public spaces checking out the blend of historic buildings with modern architecture.

The Star Brisbane Casino and Sky Deck were on my radar, and while today I wasn’t here to gamble, the Sky Deck promised sensational views and an adrenaline rush from one of its platforms. Ascending to the top, Brisbane unfolded before me. Poised 100m above the Brisbane River, the Sky Deck offered unsurpassed vistas that stretched from the CBD to Moreton Bay and Mt Coot-tha. Are you brave enough to tackle the Glass Walkway; I can tell you it gets the heart pumping standing above and seeing all that traffic on the freeway zooming past below. 🔥Tip: The Skydeck experience is free. Food and drinks available from the cafes & bars.

 While you are in the area, take a short 100mtr walk to the Commissariat Store Museum. This museum specializes in showcasing Queensland’s history, and is this States oldest habitable, and most significant heritage building. The lower two floors of this magnificent building were built during 1828 & 1829. The third floor, now the main entrance from William street was added in 1913. 🔥Tip: There is an admission cost at this Museum.

From the dizzying heights of the Skydeck, next I stepped back in time with a visit to Old Government House. This grand, colonial-era building stands in stark contrast to the surrounding contemporary structures, offering a glimpse of Queensland’s past. I wandered through its historic rooms, imagining the political lives of the people that worked their, and the intrigue that lived within its walls.

Next, a much-needed coffee break called. I made my way to the Botanic Gardens café, set amongst the lush greenery of the Botanic Gardens. With a hot cup of coffee and a delicious treat in hand, I savored the peaceful atmosphere of the lush gardens around me while preparing for the next leg of my journey.

Rejuvenated, I set off on the Botanic Gardens waterside Bunya Walk. This path offered a delightful stroll alongside the river, shaded by mature trees and alive with the sounds of nature and fantastic river views. With a small diversion from this walk, the kids can enjoy the playgrounds or stop by one of the ponds to see the ducks playing and feeding.

My walk continued towards the impressive newly opened Kangaroo Point Bridge, a striking pedestrian and cycle bridge linking the Botanic Gardens to Kangaroo Point. Crossing this new bridge gives you a new perspective on the Brisbane River as the towering cliffs of Kangaroo Point loom on one side. This cool new spot not only offers breathtaking views of the River and Brisbane Skyline but also has a cafe and restaurant. Whether you are in the mood for a quick snack or a full meal, you’ll find plenty of options to satisfy your taste buds. Take your time to explore, relax, and maybe grab a bite to eat.

After crossing, I found myself in Kangaroo Point, ready for lunch. The Story Bridge Hotel was my chosen destination. A Brisbane institution built in 1886 as the Kangaroo Point Hotel, then renamed the Story Bridge Hotel in 1940 to coincide with the opening of the Story bridge. The Hotel soon became “the village pub” to the regulars of Kangaroo Point and is still a popular spot for locals and visitors alike. I enjoyed a satisfying meal, soaking up the classic Queensland pub experience.

And don’t forget to check out the other local coffee shops, specialty boutiques and cafes nearby. There are plenty along this part of my walk.

Post Lunch, I explored Captain Burke Park, a small fascinating park right on the river nestled beneath the Story Bridge. It offered a great spot for a quick rest, clean public toilets, an excellent playground for the kids and some more fantastic walks and views of the river and the bridge.

From the park, my journey took a different turn – a ride on the Kitty Cat ferry from Kangaroo Point to the Riverside/Eagle Street pier ferry terminal. The ferry ride is just magic, the breeze, the city’s skyline. This ferry ride also offers a unique perspective of the city from the water, a great way to put your feet up for a while, a very pleasant interlude from all the walking.

Arriving in the foodie paradise of the Eagle Street Precicnt, there is something here for everyone to enjoy. From river walking paths to Howard Smith Wharves, City Cat (Ferries) with connections to other river hot spots, plus plenty of places to eat and drink along the way, this area is always buzzing with activity, offering a diverse range of eateries and fun things to see and do.

Departing Eagle Street, I set my sights on two more historical stops. First up was the MacArthur Museum, located on the corner of Edward and Queen Streets, in the MacArthur Chambers, a heritage listed sandstone building across the road from the end of the Queen Street Mall. I wandered through the exhibits, this museum telling me the fascinating story of General Douglas MacArthur’s time in Brisbane during World War 2. This was such an informative experience, providing a deeper understanding of Brisbane’s role in global history. One of the highlights was the General’s well preserved HQ office. You can just imagine the buzz of this office during war time, all personnel are gathered, plotting and scheming their next WW2 strategic moves.

• 🔥Tip
• Entry Costs are applicable.
• Facilities
• Public toilets are located in the Museum premises. Male & female toilets have wheelchair access.
• Food & Drinks
• Cafes & eateries – Located conveniently inside the adjacent MacArthur Central precinct. Alternatively, the Queen Street Mall offers several cafes and food outlets.

No day trip in Brisbane is finished without a visit to the Museum Of Brisbane (MOB). This museum, housed within the grand Brisbane City Hall offers a marvelous insight into the city’s history, culture and art.

• Brisbane City Hall – Free Entry
• Free Guided Tours
• Take a trip up the tower. Book a City Hall Clock Tower tour. The Tour includes a ride in one of Brisbane’s oldest working cage lifts, a look behind Australia’s largest analogue clock faces and time to explore the observation platform.
• Tour begins from Museum of Brisbane reception on level 3 of City Hall – Click Here for more info & bookings.

I spent an age wandering through its engaging exhibits, gaining a richer appreciation for the place I had just spent the day exploring on foot. If you’re visiting soon, make sure you check out the latest show, “Precious” – On until Autumn 2026, which showcases some of the city’s most treasured artifacts. You’ll love diving into the rich cultural heritage and history of Brisbane.

Finally, as the late afternoon sun began to cast long shadows over the city’s high-rise buildings, I made my way to the bus stop near City Hall for my ride home, my feet tired but my mid buzzing with the day’s discoveries. From the modern heights of the Sky Deck to the colonial charm of Old Government House, and from the tranquility of the Botanic Gardens, Eats in an iconic Brisbane Hotel, to the wartime stories of the MacArthur Museum, Brisbane had truly revealed itself as a city of contrasts.

Thanks for joining me on this wonderful day trip exploring Brisbane. I hope you enjoyed the experience and discovered the true charm of this beautiful city. It was a day trip filled with easy walking (wheel chair accessible), intrigue and delicious eats, a perfect way to experience the heart of this Queensland capital.