This article exists as part of the online archive for HuffPost Australia, which closed in 2021.
Paid Content

Three Ways To Have An Amazing Alternative Weekend In Brisbane

Itineraries for every taste.
Getty Images/iStockphoto

Whether it's running errands, hitting the gym or catching up on general life-admin, it's easy to fall into a bit of a rut when it comes to your weekend. So if you're in need of a historical, cultural or adventure-filled revamp, look no further than the beautiful river city of Brisbane.

The buzzing capital of the Sunshine State is the perfect place to spice up your beloved Saturday and Sunday. In fact, you can have three very different weekends all within this one sultry city -- and we've mapped them out for you...

1. The Weekend For Indulging Your Inner Big Kid

Holy ice cream cone of deliciousness! šŸ˜‹šŸ¦ #eatstreetmarkets #cronut

A post shared by Shernell Moyle (@shernell_) on

Ok, so kids can't drink beer. But little and big kids love comics, and from 27 May - 3 September you can check out Marvel: Creating The Cinematic Universe at GOMA. Plus, there's craft beer galore in the Sunshine State's capital -- so there's no reason not to make a weekend of it.

SATURDAY

8am: Have breakfast at Puk Collective at Kangaroo Point and try their famous Baked Eggy or Breaky pizza. Walk off your indulgences along the river -- it's a great way to get a feel for the city, particularly since you can people watch the runners, cyclists and rock climbers on the cliffs.

12pm: Once you're at South Bank,enjoy a long Saturday lunch at 1920s inspired Next Door Kitchen and Bar.

3pm: Make the most of your Saturday afternoon and explore Brisbane's craft beer hot spots. Head to West End for some of the tastiest brews in the city - Brisbane Brewing Co & Archive Beer Boutique are our picks.

5pm: While you're there, grab some dinner. The menu at Brisbane Brewing Co has treats like a Brioche slider board or a hearty beef brisket. West End is known for its buzzing bars and nightlife, so make the most of it with a bar crawl down Boundary Street, starting with a Whisky at Cobbler.

SUNDAY

8am: Have breakfast at award winning restaurant, Gauge, in Brisbane's South. Try the slow cooked hen's egg with creamed corn and sourdough or the sourdough waffle with lemon curd and bee pollen.

10am: Indulge your comic obsession with the largest ever Marvel exhibition, being held from May through to September only at Queensland Art Gallery and Gallery of Modern Art. 'Marvel: Creating the Cinematic Universe' features more than 500 artworks from Marvel's archives and private collections from Thor, Iron Man, Hulk and many more. Expect to see Thor's hammer, as well as props from the upcoming Thor: Ragnorak movie (part of which was actually filmed in Brisbane last year), Iron Man's armour, props, costumes and all things Marvel-ous (sorry).

1pm: Take the River Cat from South Bank to the Eat Street Markets in Hamilton. A one of a kind experience, these markets are made up of 180 dining and entertainment shipping containers, not to mention priceless views of the city and riverfront.

2. The Weekend That Will Take You Back To The Roman Era

Relax, we don't have a time machine. But you can spend the weekend finding out what it was really like to be a gladiator, with the Gladiators: Heroes Of The Colosseum exhibition at Queensland Museum from 23 June 2017 - 28 January 2018. There's plenty to uncover about Brisbane too, so don't let the history lesson stop there...

SATURDAY

8am: Breakfast at Coffee Anthology on Margaret St for superb coffee and breakfast served with a side of industrial chic.

10am: Walk to Queensland Museum and treat your inner history buff to an Australian exclusive exhibition, Gladiators: Heroes of The Colosseum. Running only in Brisbane from June to January, it boasts more than 120 artefacts and archaeological treasures, including pieces of the actual Colosseum (yep, the Italian arena itself). Ever wondered how gladiators lived, trained and sparred? This exhibit will tell all about the warriors who fought for the sporting entertainment of the Roman masses!

1pm: Lunch at Bourbon Street, South Bank, where you can enjoy American style cuisine including buttermilk fried chicken, braised short ribs and Beignet cinnamon donuts.

3pm: Hire a bike and cycle along the river towards the South Bank, where you'll find City Sounds running from 3pm each Saturday -- Australia's largest free live music programme, you can check out jazz, folk and alternative artists performing for locals and visitors.

5pm: Head to Popolo and grab one of their delicious 'picnic per quattro' packs and set up on the river bank -- enjoy the views from an alfresco dining spot!

SUNDAY

8am: Get up early and drive to the Brisbane look out at Mount Coot-tha for the best views of the city. Then, head back to South Bank and fix that rumbling belly with a takeaway coffee and brekkie at Espresso Garage, before rooting around for some treats the the Collective Markets, which run from 9am.

10am: Catch the 10am Mirimar Boat Cruise from the Cultural Centre Pontoon. The boat ride will take you along the Brisbane River where you can see the city's most historic landscapes. Get off at Lone Pine for a morning at Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary -- the largest in the world!

2pm: Once you've had your fill of cuddle marsupials (if that's possible!), hop on the boat back to the city!

3. The Winter Weekend That Lets You Explore Global Culture

For a Brisbane weekend that incorporates street art, Vietnamese street food, craft markets and The Royal Ballet at The Queensland Performing Arts Centre -- check out below...

SATURDAY

8am: Head to Burnett Lane, for breakfast at Felix For Goodness. The menu changes seasonally, but their brunch dumplings -- with spiced apple and almond, cultured mascarpone and caramel pineapple -- are part of the autumn offering.

10am: Spend a peaceful mid-morning stroll through Brisbane's Botanic Gardens, travel blogger Rebecca Earl suggested. Once you've seen the sculptures and ornamental ponds, take a walk along the Brisbane River to Eagle Street Pier.

12pm: While you're at Eagle Street Pier, stop for lunch at Pony Dining. Try their Wagyu beef burger or the coal roasted chicken salad.

2pm: Walk over Victoria Bridge and check out Brisbane's famous South Bank. You'll find a mix of restaurants, shops, park lands and even a man-made beach -- for those balmier days! A couple of blocks away you'll find Fish Lane -- home to some of the best street art the city has to offer -- including a magnificent two-storey mural of Muhammad Ali.

5pm: You can't visit Fish Lane without visiting Hello Please. Enjoy rustic Vietnamese street eats for dinner under fairy lights and soak in the atmosphere.

7pm: A cultural weekend away wouldn't be complete without a night at the ballet, and from 29 June to 9 July, as an Australian exclusive, The Royal Ballet will be at Queensland Performing Arts Centre, for two pieces, Woolf Works and The Winter's Tale. "The sets and designs for both pieces are inventive and visually spectacular," Principal dancer, Alexander Campbell said. Woolf Works, choreographed by Wayne McGregror is inspired by 20th Century writer, Virginia Woolf and has already won international awards. If you're after something more traditional, The Winter's Tale is Artistic Associate for The Royal Ballet Christopher Wheeldon's full length take on one of Shakespeare's romantic tales.

SUNDAY

8am: Head to the New Farm area for breakfast -- Harvey's Bar and Bistro is worth a visit if you want to treat yourself, or try Campos Coffee on Wandoo Street for something a little more casual.

10am:You can't visit Brisbane without indulging in a little retail therapy, and James Street shopping precinct -- in New Farm -- is the best way to splash some cash. Deemed one of Brisbane's most stylish shopping strips, you can enjoy an array of up-market fashion and home ware retailers.

For the more on places where you can eat, drink and explore in Brisbane, check out queensland.com.

Close
This article exists as part of the online archive for HuffPost Australia. Certain site features have been disabled. If you have questions or concerns, please check our FAQ or contact support@huffpost.com.