Brisbane

Fresh experiences, fresh adventures and a fresh approach to life; this is what Brisbane is all about. A modern and fun city with a real laid back feel to it, Brisbane is where perfect sub-tropical weather and an outdoors lifestyle fuse with a sociable and relaxed offering of alfresco dining, outdoor adventures and natural experiences. As the centre of Southern Queensland and the main gateway to the region, you can easily find yourself on the golden beaches of the Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast, the scenic country drives and wineries of Southern Queensland Country and the clear sailing waters and island adventures of Moreton Bay; and its all within an hours drive or boat ride.

Inner City
Brisbane is very much an outdoors city reflected by its riverside walks and cycle-ways, alfresco dining options and open air markets. Hire a bike and cycle along the riverwalk (floating walkway) or hire a kayak and paddle down the Brisbane River. For a more exhilarating view of the city and its surrounds, take a Story Bridge Adventure Climb - one of only 3 bridge climbs in the world. If abseiling is more your adventure, then the city’s Kangaroo Point Cliffs provide an exciting way to really experience the city. Or you can get a real birds-eye view of the city from the edge of a hot air balloon basket and enjoy a champagne breakfast at the end.

South Bank
Head over to South Bank and experience true Brisbane lifestyle in 17 hectares of lush riverside gardens, where you can enjoy a meal or a pint, share in a BBQ lunch with friends, explore markets or swim in one of 3 lagoon and beach pools. For the more culturally minded, South Bank is also where you will find museums, art galleries (including the new Gallery of Modern Art), as well as the Queensland Performing Arts Complex and Queensland Conservatorium.

Urban Villages
Brisbane’s inner-city suburbs make up an eclectic mix of unique urban villages, each with their own style and charm. Visit Fortitude Valley (known locally as The Valley) where by day you can be sipping lattes and boutique shopping, while by night be dancing the night away in some of Australia’s most awarded bars, pubs and nightclubs. But away from the food and drink, The Valley commands a style of its own, offering a multitude of weekend markets and live music venues. Head down Brunswick Street and discover the riverside suburb of New Farm, home to trendy cafes, delis, riverside parklands, warehouse converted restaurants and a transformed powerhouse, now a buzzing centre for the live arts. Beyond the South Bank parklands you’ll find West End, with its funky restaurants and small art house theatres and galleries. Or head over the river to the XXXX brewery (Queensland’s famous beer).

Moreton Bay and Islands
As Brisbane's water playground, Moreton Bay is where you can sail, fish and boat your way around clear waters offering the opportunity to spot local dolphins, dugongs, turtles and even humpback whales (July to October). Moreton Bay is also where you'll discover Brisbane's island experiences. Moreton Island offers an action-packed island experience of sand buggying and tobogganing down the world’s tallest sand dunes and hand-feeding wild dolphins. North and South Stradbroke Islands (Straddie to the locals) is where you can explore coastal inlets and clear freshwater lakes.