Brisbane

This question has probably answered several times but sorting through pages of threads I thought I would ask it anyways.

What to do while there for only 10 hours? We arrive via ship in March of 2016. Are there tour operators at the port and are they reliable? Or should we contract with a private tour company ahead of arrival? Or just do a walkable tour of the city.

We will be traveling with another couple and could share whatever is recommended. Thanks for any info available.

We were in Brisbane in February for a port stop, and went to Lone Pine Sanctuary. We went through the cruise line, because of the logistics involved. We enjoyed our time there. You can find information here: http://www.koala.net/en/

Not sure what your interests are. While there, we were able to hold a koala, it was an additional charge (about $18. AUS $$). You can also walk around with the kangaroos an Emu's and feed them. You can see many of the Australian animals.

Brisbane

This question has probably answered several times but sorting through pages of threads I thought I would ask it anyways.

 

What to do while there for only 10 hours? We arrive via ship in March of 2016. Are there tour operators at the port and are they reliable? Or should we contract with a private tour company ahead of arrival? Or just do a walkable tour of the city.

 

We will be traveling with another couple and could share whatever is recommended. Thanks for any info available.

A lot will depend on what ship you are on and where it docks in Brisbane.

The large cruise ships have to dock at the Grain Terminal at Fishermans Island which is at the entrance to the Brisbane River. Its a container port and a long way from anything. The other dock is Portside at Hamilton , which is up the river. Ships docking at Portside also have to get under the Gateway Bridge.

From your signature I see you will be on Dawn Princess so you are lucky , as it usually docks at Portside , which makes things much easier.

From there you can board the local River Cat which will take you into the City. That's a tour in itself, a wonderful way to see Brisbane. You could then plan a walking tour of Southbank and the City and take a taxi to Lone Pine, returning in time to board the River Cat again which will take you back to your ship.

From your signature I see you will be on Dawn Princess so you are lucky , as it usually docks at Portside , which makes things much easier.

From there you can board the local River Cat which will take you into the City. That's a tour in itself, a wonderful way to see Brisbane. You could then plan a walking tour of Southbank and the City and take a taxi to Lone Pine, returning in time to board the River Cat again which will take you back to your ship.

Dawn Princess 26 March 2015 07:30hrs 26 March 2015 18:00hrs 261 ISS Portside

I agree with David's suggestion. It is only a short walk along the river to the ferry, the River Cat, which takes you into the city or further up river if you'd like a scenic cruise. Southbank Parklands has a big outdoor swimming pool, which is popular during summer. It is next to the Cultural Complex - theatre, art gallery, museum and modern art museum. The city shopping district is just a short walk across the bridge. Plenty to do to fill in a day.

Thanks for all your wonderful suggestions. I'm sure we'll enjoy the city.

We were in Brisbane late March and did the Hop On Hop Off bus tour. As we had been to Brisbane a few times we didn't get off, just enjoyed the 90 min tour, seeing some areas we hadn't explored before. We thought the tour quite worthwhile and do recommend it. There a re quite a number of stops to get off and explore the areas and places of interest.From memory I think it cost from memory $35 for adults and $30 for those 60 and over (proof of age may be needed such as driver's licence or passport).

Leigh

We were in Brisbane late March and did the Hop On Hop Off bus tour. As we had been to Brisbane a few times we didn't get off, just enjoyed the 90 min tour, seeing some areas we hadn't explored before. We thought the tour quite worthwhile and do recommend it. There a re quite a number of stops to get off and explore the areas and places of interest.From memory I think it cost from memory $35 for adults and $30 for those 60 and over (proof of age may be needed such as driver's licence or passport).Leigh

Thanks for that. Is that the Brisbane Explorer ?

http://theaustralianexplorer.com.au/brisbane-explorer.html

If so , I have bookmarked it for next time we are in Brisbane.Looks good and could be combined with a River Cat ride..

Thanks for that. Is that the Brisbane Explorer ?

 

http://theaustralianexplorer.com.au/brisbane-explorer.html

 

If so , I have bookmarked it for next time we are in Brisbane.Looks good and could be combined with a River Cat ride..

 

Yes it is the City Explorer. We quite enjoyed and it would easily combine with a River Cat ride. If we had docked at Portside that is exactly what we would have done.

Leigh

Marcia

I agree with the other suggestions, jump on the city cat ferry and visit the city and south bank area.

Hop off the city cat at "Riverside" and venture into the city area... in Brisbane, the streets are named after kings and queens. The Queen named streets take you up town from the riverside city cat terminal.

There are some great restaurants at riverside and the city cat has quite a few terminals around the city and over to south bank.

Let us know if you want any restaurant recommendations or other ideas.

The cruise line will probably offer day trips to theme parks and the Gold Coast or Sunshine Coast, however if you want to experience Brisbane going into the city is probably the best option.

Cheers

This question has probably answered several times but sorting through pages of threads I thought I would ask it anyways.

 

What to do while there for only 10 hours? We arrive via ship in March of 2016. Are there tour operators at the port and are they reliable? Or should we contract with a private tour company ahead of arrival? Or just do a walkable tour of the city.

 

We will be traveling with another couple and could share whatever is recommended. Thanks for any info available.

Best to check where the ship will be docked. You may need transport to the city centre. See Viator.com for many tours out of Brisbane.

Cheers,

Cheryl

Thanks again for all the suggestions. Looks like it will be the City on our own.

All ideas above are great & doable. Another option although a little more costly would be to grab a taxi from the port straight up to Mt.Cootha (about 20-30 mins) for some great views & a coffee overlooking the city. Then head back down to Southbank for a nice stroll through the gardens & lunch ( heaps to choose from). Then walk over the bridge into the city & check out some of the nice older buildings like the casino & Town hall. Walk down the mall, & finally pick up a Rivercat & head down the river for a nice cruise back to Hamilton near the port, providing you are docked at Hamilton. If you are docked in Brisbane till late, you could do this in the reverse order & enjoy the Sunset up Mt.Cootha.