There is so much activity for visitors to spend time doing in the city of Brisbane, the capital of Queensland, Australia. For culture lovers a visit to the South Bank will prioritise your list with paying a visit to the Queensland Cultural Centre to explore the Queensland Museum and Science Centre. Art lovers will enjoy visiting the Queensland Gallery of Modern Art, (GOMA) as well as the Queensland Art Gallery. These are all found in the same South Bank location.
Original photo Panoramasouthbank
A trip on the Brisbane River is an option for viewing the city from the water with day and night river tours available for visitor’s convenience. Going to see the spectacular Brisbane Botanic Gardens at Mount Coot-tha is a delightful experience, and at the top of the mountain there is a look out point. While exploring at Mount Coot-tha go the Sir Thomas Brisbane Planetarium located in the Botanic Gardens which is so interesting. At the projection dome see the 12.5 diameter optical star projector that recreates a realistic looking night sky.
Original photo by FigaroFor doing something different and taking in an amazing view that stretches for miles, climbs up the Story Bridge. From the top the cars and buildings look so small that you have the impression of looking down on Toyland. There is even an option for abseiling down from the bridge top to street level.
If you have children along with you on this trip, they will love to visit the Alma Park Zoo and also to go to the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary. You can even have a photo taken hugging a koala when you visit Lone Pine as well as spending some time feeding the Kangaroos and Wallabies, visiting the shy Platypus or see a wild birds of prey flight show. It is possible to combine a visit to the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary with a Brisbane river cruise.
Original photo by Stuart Edwards
Exploring the hinterland from Brisbane, go on a tour to the UNESCO listed Lamington National Park, explore lush rainforest and observe local wildlife. Go on a tranquil treetop canopy walk in O’Reilly’s Rainforest retreat and enjoy the experience of looking down on lush forest, meandering streams and rivulets while you cross. Even rise early one morning and go on a hot air balloon ride, taking in the sights while gliding over the Scenic Rim.
From Brisbane, take a pleasurable day trip with a large catamaran across the sea to Moreton Island. The island is the home of some resident dolphins who at late afternoon are hand fed by guests staying at the Tangalooma Resort. At Moreton Island there is the highest sand hill in the world to see. Fun can be had by bodyboarding down sand dunes, or else to go swimming or snorkeling in the clear sea water and admire the life that lives beneath the ocean surface.
Original photo by S. NewrickIf upmarket shopping is your thing, or you want to take back home some special souvenirs, then visit the Queens Plaza. There are three levels of luxury shops and boutiques for you to browse through with many international designer boutiques for choice.
