When Matthew Flinders sailed into what would later be known as the Brisbane River, he knew he was onto a good thing – and the locals agree. Known for a friendly laid-back attitude that sees Brisbane affectionately called “Australia’s largest country town” despite its urban sprawl, this is a place that will soon see you feeling just as relaxed as the people who call it home.
Fine Dining and an Unforgettable View
The Brisbane river is host to all manner of activities to delight visitors but one of the most iconic is the “Kookaburra Queen” and her sisters – a fleet of beautifully restored Paddle Steamers that offer a range of cruising and dining options for the whole family. From wild night-club style parties to family friendly dinners there is something to delight everyone amongst their offerings.
A Beery Good Time
Queenslanders are known for their love of brewed beverages, and there is none more iconic than the famous “four ex” XXXX beer. Brewed in the midst of the CBD for more than 140 years, the brewery’s distinctive towers are an intrinsic part of the city skyline. The doors are open every day here, with locals considering it a cultural pilgrimage to come and see exactly where the magic happens. In addition to factory and tasting tours, the brewery also runs a wide range of classes, too, with cooking and brewing top on the curriculum.
Koala Cuddles
Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary is world-renowned for their conservation work advocating for Koalas and their habitats, and when you get your obligatory Koala Cuddle photo here you’ll know you’re contributing to their important wildlife conservation activities. There are lots of other Australian wildlife to get close to here, too, with rainbow lorikeets flying down daily to interact with visitors and a range of other animals to feed and pet too.
Dining under the Bridge
A fairly recent, but very welcome addition to the city is the dining precinct nestled under the Story Bridge – there are microbreweries, nightclubs and restaurants to explore here, all with spectacular river and city views. Start with brunch and let it flow into a lazy afternoon, with live music, great food and let your worries wash away with the gentle flow of the river.
Brisbane’s Green Fields
With a subtropical climate that makes being outdoors pleasant the majority of the year, Brisbane is a town that loves its parks. The City Botanic Gardens are the most extensive ones to explore, and well worth spending a day at. There are boardwalks along the edge that take you into the mangrove swamps, letting you see the city from a whole new angle, and a range of different landscapes to explore. There are also an extensive schedule of events year-round, with concerts, festivals, markets and more happening all the time to suit a variety of tastes. There’s also always the opportunity to pack a picnic basket, spread out a rug and simply enjoy the beautiful surroundings of the gardens.
