Ease into your first morning with a riverside stroll from Eagle Street Pier toward South Bank Parklands, stopping for breakfast at a café with river views like Bacchus Bar & Kitchen or a coffee from Market Lane Coffee. Afterward wander the leafy paths to the [Wheel of Brisbane](https://www.google.com/search?q=Wheel+of+Brisbane+3+days+in+brisbane+official+site) for a gentle panorama, then browse the boutique stalls along Grey Street and relax on the lawns beside the man-made Streets Beach before lunch.
After a relaxed morning, head upriver to explore Howard Smith Wharves for a riverside drink or light meal beneath the Story Bridge, then stroll the riverwalk to [Kangaroo Point Cliffs Park](https://www.google.com/search?q=Kangaroo+Point+Cliffs+Park+3+days+in+brisbane+official+site) to watch rock climbers and enjoy panoramic city views as the light softens. Finish with a twilight ferry ride from North Quay toward the city centre - a peaceful way to see Brisbane's riverfront lights before dinner in the CBD.
As twilight deepens, wander to Eagle Street Pier's waterfront promenade for pre-dinner drinks, then cross over to the atmospheric Howard Smith Wharves precinct to dine under the Story Bridge with river-lit views at venues like Felons Brewing Co. or Greca. After dinner, take a short walk to Brisbane City Hall for an evening look at its illuminated clocktower and, if time allows, enjoy a nightcap and live music at the intimate The Tivoli bar or a laid-back riverside cocktail at South Bank's Little Stanley Street precinct.
Start your morning with a short ferry across the Brisbane River to South Brisbane, then wander the lively stalls at the [Collective Markets (South Bank)](https://collectivemarkets.com.au/) for artisanal crafts and fresh breakfast bites; grab a flat white from Blackstar Coffee and a pastry to enjoy on the riverside promenade. Continue with a peaceful riverside walk toward GOMA (Gallery of Modern Art) for a quick exhibition or sculpture garden visit, then cross the Goodwill Bridge to the leafy streets of West End to explore independent bookshops and vintage stores before a leisurely brunch at Julius Pizzeria & Bar or a riverside café.
After a creative morning, wander up Grey Street toward The Tivoli precinct to catch an early exhibition or pop-up show, then cross into Kangaroo Point to hire a kayak from Riverlife Adventure Centre for a gentle paddle beneath the city skyline and Story Bridge. Later, climb the steps to [SECA (South East Centre for Architecture)](https://www.google.com/search?q=SECA+%28South+East+Centre+for+Architecture%29+3+days+in+brisbane+official+site) for a quick look at local design exhibits and finish with a riverside ale at Felons Brewing Co.'s sister bar or a sunset drink on the terraced lawns of Howard Smith Wharves to watch the light change on the river.
As daylight fades, wander to Stones Corner for an authentic neighbourhood dinner-try modern Australian plates and natural wines at The Lofthouse Project or relaxed tapas at Guzman y Gomez (Stones Corner) before heading back toward the river. After dinner, catch a show at the intimate Queensland Theatre or enjoy craft cocktails and skyline views from the rooftop bar at Rooftop at The Inchcolm, then finish the night with gelato from Gelato Messina (Fortitude Valley pop-up) or a lakeside nightcap along the South Bank promenade.
Catch an early ferry from Manly Harbour to Moreton Island and join a guided sandboarding and snorkel tour around the Tangalooma Wrecks, or for a land-based option drive up to Mount Coot-tha Lookout for panoramic city and bay views before strolling the short trails to the Sir Thomas Brisbane Planetarium for a morning sky show. Finish with a hearty brunch at the botanical-themed Summit Restaurant & Bar on Mount Coot-tha or grab fish-and-chips back at Manly's waterfront eateries to fuel the afternoon's adventures.
In the afternoon, swap the morning's high dunes or lookout for a chilled coastal cruise around Moreton Bay Marine Park, where you can spot dolphins and seabirds while the skipper points out historical islands like Stradbroke and Tangalooma from the deck. If you're on the Mount Coot-tha side, take the scenic Summit walk to the J C Slaughter Falls picnic area, explore the tranquil trails through the Mount Coot-tha Reserve, then reward yourself with a late-afternoon tea and local pastries at the charming Café at the Summit as the valley light softens.
After a day on the water or amid the bush, unwind with a seafood feast at The Spit Eatery & Bar on the Redcliffe foreshore or, if you chose Mount Coot-tha, return to the foothills for dinner at The Botanical Bistro with views over the city lights. Finish the night with a stargazing session at Brisbane Planetarium's outdoor terrace or a quiet riverside twilight walk along Shorncliffe Pier, listening to night birds and catching the cooled sea breeze to close out your trip.