Why You Should Go to Brisbane: Your Aussie Beach Base
View of Brisbane from a river cruise; January 2019
Walking in south Brisbane; January 2019
Well, I do – after staring at the map of Australia for so many years and realizing it was the city to stay in if I ever wanted to make day trips to the Gold or Sunshine Coast.
Why Should I Visit Brisbane?
The city itself isn’t as entertaining or bustling as Sydney or Melbourne… but Brisbane serves as the perfect place go on day trips to other beaches in Australia.
Not only does it serve as an excellent half way point between the Sunshine Coast and the Gold Coast, but the city itself has some great things to see and do, as well.
So, wondering what it is that we did in our 3 days in Brisbane?
I’ll break it down for you:
3 Day Itinerary and Day Trips For Your First Time in Brisbane
1. Brisbane River Cruise
Brisbane city isn’t as big as Melbourne or Sydney, but my dad and I did recognize its commanding skyline every time we drove back into the city after a day trip to the beach…
Brisbane skyline; January 2019
… taking a river cruise, or even a water taxi – will give you the chance to submerse yourself in the city center.
View of Brisbane; January 2019
2. Brisbane City Botanical Gardens
Australia all around has the best botanical gardens that I’ve seen around the world.
Outside Brisbane’s Botanical Gardens; January 2019
While Cairns takes the crown, the one in Brisbane is a close second.
Inside the Botanical Gardens in Brisbane
Both are in sub-tropical climates; their botanical gardens are both stunning.
3. The Story Bridge at Night
Like the Sydney Harbour Bridge, it was hard to catch a clear picture of this one at night…
View of the Story Bridge lit up at night; January 2019
… but if you’re able to go for a walk across the bridge itself, you should.
Brisbane lit up at night is actually quite reminiscent of Manhattan.
View of Brisbane at night from the Story Bridge; January 2019
4. Walk Down Queen Street
Queen Street in Brisbane is for people who love charming streets, as it has lit up trees, modernized art, lively shops…
Walking down Queen Street in Brisbane; January 2019
… if you’re looking for a cute place to bite or just an Instagram-able street, this is the place to go.
5. Byron Bay
The welcome sign to Byron Bay says it all.
Can I Do A Day Trip to Byron Bay from Brisbane?
Yes! Taking a day trip to Byron Bay from Brisbane is perfect, as it’s only a 2 hour drive away – just be careful with all of the roundabouts on the way to the beach!
How Did I Hear About Byron Bay?
I know, you’re wondering, “Stephanie, where the heck did you hear of Byron Bay?”
Manny Aussies are shocked that I even knew of its existence, let alone – that I went to it.
I heard of it from an interview where Maia Mitchell was talking about her TV show The Fosters years ago, and for some reason – never forgot it.
I’m glad that I left it as a tattoo in my memory… because it was a great fit for my free-spirit.
My dad, native to San Francisco, acknowledged that it’s very similar to the personality of some beaches in California.
At the beach in Byron Bay; January 2019
There are many places to find hipster coffees and sweets.
If you take your coffee with almond milk and like your sweets gluten-free; you won’t have any problems at Byron Bay… which goes with their philosophy… to be chill!
You can walk up to the lighthouse in the distance, as well.
View of the Byron Bay Lighthouse from the beach; January 2019
If you are nostalgic of the 60s, you’re going to want to check out Byron Bay!
I could not stop laughing at this rock!
At Noosa near the Sunshine Coast; January 2019
How is Noosa Heads Different Than Byron Bay?
It’s more upscale than Byron Bay, but doesn’t compromise its character – as it’s a perfect in between posh and low-key beach town, perfect for friends, families, and solo travelers alike.
The little beach town in Noosa Heads is without a doubt bigger than the one in Byron Bay – there are tons of cute clothing shops and places to grab a fresh Aussie treat like an acai bowl.
If you’re trying to decide which beach to go to as a day trip from Brisbane, the table below will break down some of the differences between Byron Bay and Noosa Heads:
| Category | 🌸🌊 Byron Bay | 🏄♂️🏖️ Noosa Heads |
|---|---|---|
| Location | New South Wales | Queensland |
| Vibe | Hippie, free-spirited, reminiscent of the 60s | Relaxed yet lively — more built up, with a surfer town feel |
| Town Size | Smaller and more laid-back | Bigger with more shops, cafes, and things to do |
| Famous For | The iconic Byron Bay Lighthouse, coastal walks, alternative culture | Long beach days, little walkways, National Park, consistent surf |
| Distance from Brisbane | ~103 miles / 165 km (~2 hrs drive) | ~86 miles / 138 km (~2 hrs drive) |
| Best For | Boho travelers, creatives, spiritual explorers | Beach lovers, surfers, foodies, and nature walkers |
However, what we really liked about Noosa at the end of the day was just how quintessential its scenery was.
Noosa was exactly what I expect to see in an Aussie beach… and then some.
Where Is the Best Beach on the Sunshine Coast?
The best beach on the Sunshine Coast is without a doubt Noosa Heads. It’s stunning teal water, little shops, and relaxed atmosphere make it the perfect beach-scene for just about anyone looking for a taste of summer.
I knew I wanted to visit a beach on the Sunshine Coast, but I never had a specific beach picked out.
One of the receptionists at our hotel told us that we should go to Noosa, and that it was his favorite place to surf.
He wasn’t wrong about the surfing culture…
Watching the Aussies about to surf in Noosa Heads; January 2019
… we were very glad that we followed his recommendation.
Is Brisbane Worth Visiting?
Looking back at my Aussie trip, Brisbane was one of the best places we went… though, it’s hard to say that – because all of the places we went were so different and so great in their own way…
… but, I will say – that if you’re looking to spend some time beach hopping while you’re in Australia, then you should really consider going to Brisbane.
If you’re looking for other things to do in Australia, click here.
Last updated: June 16, 2025