Thread: What is there to do in Brisbane, Australia?

Queenslanders pride themselves on being just a little bit different from their fellow Australians, which might explain why they have created a swimming beach right in the middle of Southbank, Brisbane, just one of the many attractions that will capture your attention in this rapidly growing city.

With the weather invariably hot and the skies rarely cloudy, Brisbane is the perfect city to enjoy on foot offering top quality shopping at Queens Street Mall, or a scenic stroll along the winding river that bears the city's name. If the weather is a little too hot, then you might want to hop aboard a paddle steamer or a ferry to catch the breeze.


While Brisbane prides itself as Australia's New World City, there is still plenty of history and heritage on hand nearby including Old Government House and the convict built Commissariat Store in the city itself, or the Caboolture Historical Village near Moreton Bay that boasts over 70 buildings depicting Brisbane's colonial past.


If you want to experience a little more of why Queenslanders love their State, then venture out of the city, although perhaps venturing into another. The Gold Coast, which includes Surfers Paradise, is a much loved stretch of golden beaches, lifeguards, highrise apartments, shopping malls and theme parks.


For a quieter experience head west out into volcano country, which although now dormant, has created the spectacular Scenic Rim Mountains. The lush, surrounding forests make up several world heritage listed national parks including Lamington National Park and Tambourine National Park. Each with their own special highlights, is the home of unique wildlife, waterfalls and dramatic lookouts. The surrounding countryside offers an amazing choice of activities including wine tasting at several boutiques vineyards, arts and crafts, caving, horseriding and quad bike riding.


Alternatively, head north and experience the sub-tropics of Brisbane just a one hour drive from the city in the hinterland including the Glasshouse Mountains, craggy volcanic peaks that provide one with invigorating walks and sweeping views. They are also home to the world-famous Australia Zoo, owned by the family of the late Steve Irwin, otherwise known as the Crocodile Hunter. With opportunities galore to get up and close with Australian native animals, this is one of the best chances you will have to observe Australian wildlife including Kangaroos, Koalas, Wombats, Tasmanian Devils and of course crocodiles. There are many international animals on display too.


Brisbane has two cruise ship piers. The more modern Portside Wharf is located in the suburb of Hamilton, 15 minutes from downtown by taxi or with the option of a short walk to buses or ferries into the city, the newer pier is designed for ease of use and has many shopping and eating facilities.

Portside Wharf is used for the majority of cruise ship visits of up to 270m in length. For those that exceed this than this in length or when more than one ship is in port the alternate FI grain terminal at Brisbane Port is used. This port has basic facilities for cruise ship passengers and is only suitable for ships arriving for the day. Located 25 minutes from the city, no public transport is available and passengers have the choice of a taxi or one of the regularly run shuttle buses into the city.


DID YOU KNOW?

• Australia's oldest and largest Koala Sanctuary, Lone Pine, established in 1927, is located on the Brisbane River and is home to around 130 koalas
• During World War II, thousands of American soldiers were based in Brisbane and surrounding areas due to the threat of Japanese attack

Recently had the pleasure of being in Brisbane firsthand and thought some pictures may be in order! We have from top to bottom - Brisbane City, Portside Wharf (Brisbane's dedicated cruise terminal), Southbank outdoor parklands and the Botanical Gardens.