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Brisbane is a cosmopolitan and lively hub for arts, sport, culture and dining, heavy on laid-back charm, and increasingly recognised as a modern and sophisticated city on a global scale. And while the locals already know why it’s just been named one of Time Magazine’s ‘2023 World’s Greatest Places’, we’ve compiled an itinerary for you to get a sense of Brissie’s unique appeal – just in time for the FIFA Women’s
World Cup.

If you’re considering traveling to Brisbane for the tournament, schedule some time either side of the game to experience all there is to enjoy in Australia’s sunshine state.

Ready to live 48 hours in Brisbane to the max? Here’s how…

Discovering Brisbane: as a couple

Thinking of escaping winter and enjoying a couple’s weekend away to sunny Brisbane, with exciting live sport, spectacular scenery and high-end culinary experiences? We’ve got your itinerary covered to see the best of the city.

Where to stay
Crystalbrook Vincent is a cool, luxury hotel located in the vibrant Howard Smith Wharves precinct, the beating heart of Brisbane’s entertainment scene, under the iconic Story Bridge. It offers sustainable amenities, luxury accommodation, fine dining experiences and more than five hundred prints by acclaimed Australian artist Vincent Fantauzzo. Book via the website.

Friday night:
Check in, and head straight upstairs for a drink at Fiume, the hotel’s rooftop bar. Nestled against the cliffs underneath the Story Bridge, Fiume has breathtaking views of the city and offers crafted cocktails and share-style bites with a menu that reflects the laidback Queensland lifestyle. It’s the perfect vantage point to get your bearings at the start of your trip.

Head downstairs to Howard Smith Wharves for dinner at one of the waterfront restaurants. We suggest:
● Felons Barrel Hall – pub food, casual dining
● Stanley – Asian-fusion
● Greca – Greek
● Yoko – Japanese

Saturday morning/midday:
Jump on the City Cat or join the locals and take a 30-minute stroll along the Riverwalk through leafy New Farm to the Brisbane Powerhouse. Here you can start your Saturday morning checking out the Jan Powers Farmers Markets. You’ll find delicious coffee, endless breakfast options, live music, and locals picking up their fresh produce for the week. Perhaps pick up a few snacks for your next activity – exploring
the city by river, as the captain of your own boat!

From the Brisbane Powerhouse, you can jump back on the City Cat or rent an electric bike or scooter and head to the Breakfast Creek Lifestyle Precinct to catch your GoBoat.

GoBoat picnic boats are one of the most relaxing ways to enjoy the Brisbane River and to see the city from a new perspective. No boat license is required to take the helm, and all boats are eco-friendly with electric motors and built from recycled materials. You can hire an esky to store your market purchases or pre-order a French-inspired picnic basket filled with pastries, baguettes, sweet treats and even
Champagne from Mica Brasserie.

Saturday afternoon/night:
Paddington is known for its restaurants and bars. Book in for an early dinner or drinks before heading along to the FIFA Women’s World Cup match. Our top picks:
● Noir, Paddington
● Lek’s Thai Kitchen
● Hope & Anchor
● In the mood for something a little fancier? Try Nota.

From here, you can take a short walk along Given Terrace down the hill to Brisbane Stadium to enjoy a world-class game of soccer. The FIFA Women’s World Cup is an event not to be missed and is the biggest global female sporting event of the year. Tickets are available here.

Saturday late:
A great place for a post-match beer is the Caxton Hotel, or as locals like to call it, “the Cacko”. The iconic Brisbane watering hole brings fans together from both sides of the field over a beer and live music – you’ll be sure to hear a “Horses” rendition or two over the course of the evening!

Further up Caxton Street is Lefty’s Music Hall. Open until late, the saloon-style bar adorned with fabric-draped ceilings and mounted deer heads will transport you to eras past. If you’re looking for a bite to eat, enjoy Americana-style food like Southern-style cauliflower or Lefty’s signature fried chicken and more live music to round out your evening.

Sunday:
What better way to start your Sunday than getting out into nature and breathing in the fresh, crisp morning air? Take an 18-minute Uber from Crystalbrook Vincent to the JC Slaughter Falls picnic area at the base of Mt Coot-tha for a morning hike.

Your route will take you through a gorge to the JC Slaughter Falls, gradually rising and connecting into the Summit Track through lofty trees. Mt Coot-tha is home to approximately 370 wildlife species, so keep an eye out for koalas, eagles and cockatoos as you wind through the forest. Once you emerge into the clearing on the edge of Mt Coot-tha, you will be met with remarkable, panoramic views of the city at the
highest point in Brisbane.

Enjoy breakfast at The Summit Cafe, open from 6:30am daily, offering coffee and breakfast.

If you’re up for the walk down, head back via signs to JC Slaughter Falls and if you have time, wander through the Brisbane Botanic Gardens that are Queensland’s premier subtropical botanic gardens and open to the public year-round.

Entertainment options for couples spending a weekend in Brisbane are almost limitless, and with the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 coming to the Sunshine State, there’s no better time to enjoy its incredible hospitality.