Capital of the State of Queensland, Brisbane is an outdoor lover’s dream — with more sunny days than Florida and warmer winter days than the Bahamas.
Gardens thrive in its steamy climate, including the 150 year-old City Gardens on the Brisbane River. The South Bank cultural precinct boasts another 17 hectares (42 acres) of lush beauty, as well as the South Bank Butterfly and Insect House and fine skyline views.
Brisbane’s edges offer wilderness and Australian animals. Brisbane Forest Park is 28,500 hectares (70,425 acres) of rainforest, mountains and waterfalls, while Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary is home to 130 cuddly koalas, as well as kangaroos, emus and wombats. Between June and November, humpback whales migrate along the coast.
Visit Queensland Art Gallery and Queensland Museum for Indigenous, Asia-Pacific and colonial history — both have excellent children’s programs.
Guided tours of heritage buildings reveal local history: Old Government House, Parliament House, City Hall and Customs House. Former prison officers are guides at Bongo Road Gaol Museum — there’s even a ghost tour.
Alternatively, grab your runners and discover Brisbane at your own pace. George Street is home to the magnificent Conrad International Hotel and Treasury Casino (once the Government’s Lands Building and Treasury), while Elizabeth Street and Anne Street house old churches.
For retail explorations, try Fortitude Valley (the Valley) — home-grown fashion is as close as Dogstar, Lucid Laundry, Marz and Maiocchi. The Valley Markets feature rising fashion designers and vintage buys.
Cultural institutions stock heavenly wares for the arts-inclined — the Museum of Brisbane Store is known for its resident jewellers. Sunday’s Riverside Markets are another hotbed for emerging artists.
Plentiful seafood and tropical fruits make Brisbane dining a pleasure. Eat al fresco at River Canteen and Harvey’s Dining and Delicatessen, or laze the afternoon at an historic pub, including Breakfast Creek Hotel, Story Bridge Hotel and the Ship Inn. Gambaro’s Seafood Restaurant, e’cco and Brett’s Wharf create chic, award-winning food.
For central accommodation, backpackers will love the Valley’s Balhouse Apartments, Balmoral House and Bunk Brisbane. Astor Apartments and City Palms Motel are self-contained, while Brisbane Marriot Hotel and Conrad Treasury Brisbane are luxurious.
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