Book Flights to Brisbane

If there’s a sports fan in your group, then they’ll enjoy the chance to see rugby, soccer and cricket being played in some of Australia’s most prestigious stadiums. Australians are fiercely competitive when it comes to sport and that’s evident in the scale and variety of their stadiums, such as Suncorp Stadium, The Gabba, Brisbane Showgrounds and Ballymore Stadium.

If you’re travelling with children on your trip to Brisbane, then they are well catered for too. Be sure to take time out to visit the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary. Here, you can cuddle the slow-moving marsupials and feed kangaroos in the beautiful surroundings of one of the world’s best wildlife sanctuaries. Cruise to the sanctuary along the Brisbane River from South Bank with Mirimar Cruises.

 At South Bank, you can explore lush parklands, discover an inner-city swimming beach, take a spin on The Wheel of Brisbane, or enjoy a cycling tour with Brisbane by Bicycle. Alternatively, if you want to see the city at its best – and you’ve got a head for heights – you can climb the world-famous Story Bridge and soak up a breathtaking view from the top.

One of the city’s major features is the Brisbane River, which links its various quarters together. There are plenty of river cruises on offer or you can take a ride on the CityCat passenger ferries and see the city from the water. If you’re feeling energetic, you can even hire kayaks and paddle yourself along the river.

However, if that all sounds like a bit too much hard work, you can simply pop into the Museum of Brisbane and discover more about the river, the city and its rich history. If you’re travelling to Brisbane in search of arts and entertainment, then be sure to pay a visit to the Cultural Centre, located at South Bank. Here, you’ll find a bounty of cultural attractions including the Queensland Art Gallery, Gallery of Modern Art, the Queensland Performing Arts Centre and the Queensland Museum and Sciencentre.

Offshore, discover the beautiful sand islands and beaches of Moreton Bay, where you can hand-feed wild dolphins, go four-wheel-drive exploring and take part in a wide range of water sports. Inland, Brisbane’s hinterland is home to picturesque countryside, World Heritage-listed rainforests, mountainous national parks and luxury retreats and farmstays.

From sizzling a steak on the ‘barbie' to fine dining, you’ll find that food is something that Australians take very seriously. You’ll also find that, thanks to the superb climate and an abundance of fresh produce, most meals tend to be served al fresco, creating a savoury plethora of meats, fish and vegetables in certain parts of the city, including Eagle Street Pier, South Bank, Howard Smith Wharves and the evolving laneways of Fortitude Valley.

There is a burgeoning movement for haute cuisine and many of the best chefs favour the fresh seafood that is so abundant.

On your trip to Brisbane, you may find you sample dishes such as fresh tuna served with chilli and lime, grilled Moreton Bay prawns and vibrant vegetables from Lockyer Valley.

Shopping is an important part of Australian life and Brisbane has something to offer every kind of shopper you could imagine. Whether you’re after glistening malls, chic designer stores, sleek boutiques, rustic crafts or the hustle and bustle of a street market, this is the city in which you’re going to find it.

The Queen Street Mall and Edward Street precincts are where you’ll find the majority of high-end stores. If you’re looking for locally-made produce then head down to James Street and Fortitude Valley, while those with an interest in antiques and collectables should check out West End or Paddington.