Top 5 Must-Visit Places in Brisbane

Destination Tips

Brisbane has been often regarded as the Cinderella city in Australia with a reputation of being little more than a large country town. But in the last 30 years it has emerged from the shadows of its great Southern counterparts, Sydney and Melbourne, to become a highly popular destination in its own right as a modern and vibrant city.

Today, tourists have a wide choice of accommodation and many Brisbane hotels have been instrumental in establishing the relaxed outdoor lifestyle for which Brisbane has become famous.

Located just one hour’s drive from the Gold Coast and a similar distance from the dozens of famous beaches of the Sunshine Coast in the North, Brisbane is well-positioned for tourists looking for a variety of attractions in a subtropical climate.

Let’s take a look at some of Brisbane’s more popular attractions, some of which are not well known to tourists.

South Bank. Situated on the southern side of the Brisbane River in the CBD, this modern collection of art galleries and performing arts centres as well as parklands, beaches and dozens of restaurants and shops, South Bank is popular day and night with locals looking for somewhere to relax. Built on the site of the famous Expo of 1988, the conversion to a destination popular with all members of the family has been loudly acclaimed by tourists and locals alike.

Moreton Bay. Stretching for 100 km adjacent to Brisbane on the eastern seaboard, Moreton Bay is a mecca for sailors and tourists alike. Many of the islands in the Bay are now inhabited by Brisbane lights looking for a relaxed lifestyle away from the bustle of the CBD whilst tourists are keen to visit the reminders of the penal colony of the 1800s where many convicts were interred.

Coochiemudlo Island. Situated a few kilometres from the southern suburb of Wellington Point, this popular day destination will give tourists an insight into typical sub tropical flora and fauna of the region. You can relax at a pub or enjoy fish and chips in a park or even play a round of golf before boarding the ferry for home.

Parklands. Brisbane is blessed with many parks in and around the city which are popular as oases of relaxation in the middle of the CBD. The botanical Gardens in the south-eastern corner of the city are the oldest parklands in the State and are a real haven for lunchtime visitors looking for somewhere to relax just a short stroll from the office. The Roman street parklands are a new addition to the CBD and provide a pleasant break from the noise of the city streets.

Mount Coot-tha. Rising just 600 m on the fringe of the CBD, Mt Coot-tha provides a fantastic panoramic view of the city and surrounding suburbs. Tourists flock from far and wide to photograph the city and the local restaurant has the added advantage of providing first-rate meals where patrons can enjoy the view as well.

With so many destinations to choose from and a wide variety of accommodation to suit all budgets Brisbane is the ideal stepping off point for a great holiday in the northern parts of Australia.