Australia (2014) Day 4: Brisbane & Its Attractions in CBD & South Bank

I have to admit that spending 3 days in Sydney is indeed pretty short but what to do as our vacation days weren't long enough. So right after Sydney, we proceed with our next destination which is Brisbane, the capital city of Queensland.

Of course the fastest and convenient option is by taking flight from Sydney to Brisbane. Tigerair Aiways, Jetstar Airways, Virgin Australia and Qantas are among the airlines flying directly without any transit. The first two are low-cost airlines, similar like AirAsia. We chosen Jetstar Aiways not because it's the cheapest one but because my friend had worst experiences flying with Tiger Airways before. We managed to book one way flight which cost us AU$74.50 (approx. to RM290) including 20kg luggage allowance. 

#1: Jetstar Aiways check-in counter at Sydney Domestic Airport (T3)


#2: Boarding pass - Checked. Luggage tag - Checked. Time for boarding! 

After 1 hour and 30 minutes, we landed safely at Brisbane Airport. From the airport to Brisbane city, we travelled via Airtrain to South Bank Station, where our hotel situated nearby. One way fare cost us AU$21.70 (approx. to RM65) and the train journey took 33 minutes. 

Where We Stayed in Brisbane?

My friends and I stayed at Riverside Hotel South Bank, which not far from Brisbane River. The room was good value for money and short walk to museum, art gallery, train station and CBD. It was pretty clean and comfort. Overall, we're satisfied with it and couldn't ask for more. 

#3: Riverside Hotel Southbank

Date Stayed: 14 October - 16 October 2014 (2 nights)

Rate I Paid: AU$130 per night (approx. to RM404) for a standard double room with one single bed (Booked via Booking.com)

#4: Just across the bridge to CBD

What To Do & See in Brisbane's CBD & South Bank

Getting around in Brisbane is pretty easy. The CBD is relatively flat and condensed, which makes it excellent for walking or cycling and virtually all other areas can be reached by public transport. Here are few attractions and famous landmarks we managed to visit during our stay in Brisbane: 

Queen Street Mall - pedestrian mall situated in the center of Brisbane. It offers an unrivalled mix of local, national and international labels and flagship stores. Besides shopping, the mall also offers wide selection of restaurants and cafes for dining and relaxing option.  

Brisbane City Hall and King George Square - city's most significant historical landmark which situated between Adelaide Street and Ann Street in Brisbane.

Albert Street Uniting Church - heritage listed church with red and white decoration.

Wheel of Brisbane - A city ferris wheel that you able to observe the city from 60 m with views across the Brisbane River. The trip is a 15 minutes ride in an enclosed, climate controlled gondola.


One ride costs AU$15 for an adult but we got half price, so we decided to try.


South Bank Grand Arbour - Take a stroll under this colourful and vibrant magenta bougainvillea arbour at South Bank and you'll be rewarded with the beautiful sights of Parklands along the way. This is my favourite spot and I can't stop taking photo here. This arbour has won multiple awards for its stunning and excellent architecture. A must seen and visit attraction in Brisbane.


Museums and art galleries - If you are type that love art and history, then Brisbane is an ideal place for you to visit. You'll find scattered across the city for its world-class art galleries and interactive museums that delve into both the past and present.


In case you have nothing to do at night, why don't take a stroll nearby the Brisbane River for its spectacular night view?

Overall, I personally heart Brisbane so much. Brisbane is the most underrated city in Australia and it has so many different layers to be explored. I'm wondering why so many people tend to skip this beautiful city and only focusing on other cities like Sydney, Melbourne, Perth and etc. Brisbane is no longer a sleepy and boring rivercity like what many people expected. Therefore, don't forget to include Brisbane in your itinerary.