Brisbane: The Best of Queensland Along the River

Image courtesy of paul’s parking / Flickr.com

With all the amazing places in the world to visit, it can be easy to miss the treasures nearest to home. For Australians, one of the most fascinating yet frequently overlooked vacation destinations is Brisbane.

What’s more, with the cheap flights to Brisbane that are on offer all year round, there’s no excuse to do one of the many things that you can find in here that rivals ‘go-to’ spots from afar.

Once you have a flight booked, check Expedia’s travel guide to Brisbane hotels for one that is right in the heart of all the things you want to do. This will be great to cut back on travel time, which can really add up and effect your trip.

Travelling the Waterway.

A good starter is to see the city from one of the iconic CityCats – catamarans that travel through the city on the Brisbane River. These high-powered boats transport tourists from the city centre to suburbs and back, or out to South Bank. If you prefer to move at a slower pace and take advantage of more stops along the way, the CityFerry is your best bet. Both modes of transportation offer a scenic view of Brisbane and the surrounding area.

City Centre.

Upon arrival in the city centre, there’s any number of unique attractions to feast on. Roma Street Parklands – a beautiful subtropical garden near the heart of Brisbane, boasts over 1,800 unique flora species, and admission is free to the public. For the shoppers, the city centre is where you’ll want to take a stroll. Head on down Queen Street Mall and explore the shops and unique surprises hidden throughout this fabulous corridor of Brisbane.

South Bank.

In South Bank, visitors can enjoy exhibits at the Queensland Art Gallery and the Gallery of Modern Art. History enthusiasts and those who love science are sure to enjoy the Queensland Museum, where extensive collections and interactive exhibits offer fun for an entire family. In the evening, you can enjoy theatrical and musical performances at the Queensland Performing Arts Centre.

Story Bridge and Water Recreation.

East of the city centre lies one of Brisbane’s most famous attractions: the Story Bridge. The adventure climb here is one of only three in the world, and the views from Story Bridge needs to be seen to be believed!

A city like Brisbane built on the water, offers much by way of water sport and entertainment. You can take a ride on one of many river cruises and enjoy guided tours of the region, or simply dine while you dance under the stars while floating along the river.

Nearby, you will find beaches with fishing and kayaking excursions. If days on the water aren’t their cup of tea, you might prefer other outdoor activities such as abseiling or rock climbing on the Kangaroo Point Cliffs.

Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary.

Animal lovers will be enamoured with the world’s first koala sanctuary, Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, where they can come face to face with these amazing creatures. Far more than just a chance to pet a koala and feed kangaroos, a visit to Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary provides education on what individuals can do to save endangered populations across Australia.

For Aussies wanting to explore one of the best cities in OZ, Brisbane offers entertainment and recreation in a relaxing atmosphere. Get yourself cheap flights and pack your bags for a fun-filled long weekend or stay longer and enjoy the city in all its splendour. Sometimes…the best getaways aren’t all that far away!