Although it’s a bustling city with a thriving commerce centre, you’re never far from natural beauty in Brisbane. This sunny city is known, among other things, for being blessed with a number of parks and great greenery, particularly in the hinterland where there are miles and miles of bush trails to be explored.
Parks
And you don’t even have to go out of the city to enjoy some clean air and lush greenery – Roma Street Parkland, South Bank Parklands and City Botanic Gardens are all centrally located. Within them are famous beaches, barbecues, walking and cycle paths, restaurants and cafes, a cultural precinct and even an inner-city beach.
Mt Coot-tha
10 minutes out of town is Mt Coot-tha, which at 287 metres above sea level offers stunning views from the top and loads of scenic bush trails to get there. Or, you can head right down to sea level (and to the north) to enjoy the sandy beaches and turquoise waters of Moreton Bay, which just happens to have some of the largest sand islands in the world.
Culture & Tourist Sites
But nature aside, Brisbane also has a great and growing cultural scene. There are exhibitions, galleries, theatre productions, performances, outdoor cinema and street art. In terms of cool touristy things in the city, there’s the Story Bridge Adventure Climb, which is an easy climb that takes you up the side of the bridge up to 80 metres above sea level. You’ve also got the option to abseil down it, should that take your fancy. Or to really go all out, there are daily hot air balloon flights over the city.
Shopping
Any visit to a major city is not complete without checking out its major shopping centre, which in Brisbane is Queen Street Mall. This premier mall is the fashion and retail centre of the city, and comprises 700+ retailers. It also houses restaurants, cafes, bars, cinemas, salons and day spas. Head right to the top and there’s even a casino, Treasury Casino and Hotel.
Beer & Sport
Beer lovers should make a trip out to the XXXX Brewery, which is located in Milton. You’ll get a tour of the facilities, learn about the history of XXXX beer and get to sample the stuff poured fresh at the brewery. You’ll even get taught how to pour the perfect pint. The brewery has also partnered up with the Suncorp Stadium and do a stadium and brewery combo tour. Footy and beer… a match made in heaven, for many.
