Queensland

Despite it being a tourist hotspot, Queensland is not the kind of place that most tourists know about, like say Melbourne or Sydney, for instance. By now a great majority of the tourists themselves know certain parts of both cities inside out due to the fact that they have been visiting them for so long. However, this is not the case with Queensland. After all, one does yearn for the solitude and peacefulness associated with a relatively less-crowded place as compared to a tourist hotspot for the large majority of the year. You can be sure of that fact.

Having said that, Brisbane being the sunny capital of Queensland is pretty much the perfect place to start your journey. Not only are there a wide plethora of places to eat and drink serving you some of the choicest dishes and drinks, but it also boasts of an equally thriving nightlife that is compatible with Vegas at its best. Now that is certainly not a small claim to make.

During the peak seasons, there are a great many places to visit and things to do in Queensland. You could visit the pristine and exquisite art gallery soaking in the beauty of thousands of art works or even treat yourself to a lovely Island stroll basking in the beauty of numerous lagoons, lakes and beaches. For all those of you who are theme park fans, you need not look any further than Gold Coast which has enough variety in theme parks to keep you and your family entertained for days on end.

 

Things to do in Brisbane

Discover Brisbane, the sunny Capital of Queensland.

Spend two hours climbing Brisbane’s Story Bridge, learning about the bridge’s history and construction along the way. At the top, you’ll be treated to a breathtaking view of the city and the pristine Glasshouse Mountains to the north from you 80m high vantage point, and for the wild at heart, you can even abseil back down the anchor pier.

Arts

Explore the Queensland Art Gallery and Gallery of Modern Art (QAGOMA), located in South Bank. Home to more than 17,000 historical and contemporary artworks, QAGOMA caters to a wide range of artistic interests, and is sure to provide hours of wonder and appreciation. The Institute of Modern Art, located in Fortitude Valley, focuses on commissioning new pieces by Australian and international artists. After perusing the art, be sure to check out Brisbane’s rocking live music scene,  with venues like The Triffid and Lefty’s Old Time Music Hall hosting some of the world’s hottest music acts.

Where to eat & drink

Brisbane has a vibrant restaurant culture, with many restaurants proudly promoting local Queensland produce. Or unwind at one of the many rooftop bars with a cocktail or a wine.

Pumping nightlife

Brisbane is famous for its sunshine and tropical climate, but also for its pumping nightlife. With an array of rooftop bars, trendy lounges and electric nightclubs, every night’s a party in “Bris-Vegas”.

Markets & Designer Boutiques

Fortitude Valley is humming with activity, with a shopping precinct boasting hundreds of independent and high-end designer stores. Or, back in the city, be sure to check out The Collective Markets every Friday, Saturday and Sunday, featuring over 100 creatives selling their wares, from arts and crafts, handmade jewellery, antiques and photographs.

 

Nearby

Visit the Islands

Brisbane’s coastline is dotted with picturesque tropical islands, perfect for snorkelling, hiking, or just relaxing on the beaches. Moreton Island, just an hour’s ferry ride from Brisbane, is the world’s third largest sand island, and boasts a beautiful national park, along with its sandy beaches and lagoons. Also be sure to visit North Stradbroke Island, home to 3 quaint villages, as well as some first class surf beaches, tranquil blue lakes, and a lookout to spot migrating whales between June and October.





 

 





 

 





 

• Sunshine Coast

  The Sunshine Coast is home to some of the world’s most stunning beach towns, from Noosa to Caloundra, as well as the magnificent Hinterland, with its lush rainforests and volcanic peaks. Just an hour north of Brisbane, the Sunshine Coast embodies Australia’s sunshine and beach culture.
• Gold Coast

  An hour in the other direction, to the south, will find you in the tropical paradise of the Gold Coast. Home to Australia’s most popular theme parks, from Sea World, Dream World, to Wet n Wild Water World, there’s excitement and fun for the whole family. Or head to Surfers Paradise, with its world class surf beach, busy nightlife and thriving local markets.
• Cairns

  The gateway to Queensland’s tropical north, Cairns is a laid-back city best enjoyed outdoors.
• Whitsunday Islands

  Swim with sea turtles and rainbow-coloured fish, sail the clear waters of the Great Barrier Reef and sink your toes into the world’s most beautiful beach on a tropical Whitsundays holiday.
• Port Douglas

  The tropical town of Port Douglas, roughly an hour drive north from Cairns, has it all: the aquamarine waters of the Great Barrier Reef, the breathtaking canopy of the , the crystal creeks of , and the palm fringed golden sands of Four Mile Beach.