Brisbane

Travel Tips

1. Cuddle a koala at the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary – or, if you are feeling brave, have your photo taken holding a snake or baby crocodile! Set in a beautiful two-acre spot on the Brisbane River, the world’s first and largest koala sanctuary houses more than 130 koalas,130 kangaroos, dingoes, wombats and many other Aussie native animals. Young ones – and the young at heart - will love hand feeding the kangaroos, wallabies and wild Rainbow lorikeets. Afterwards, watch amazing birds of prey fly high and swoop low in the free flight shows and then have your photo taken with an owl or wedge tailed eagle afterwards. For a taste of the outback, watch award-winning sheep dogs being put through their paces.
2. Get a view of the iconic Brisbane River from a kayak – by day or night. Experience the luminous splendour of the city on a guided night kayak or enjoy the warm Queensland sunshine on a tour led by experienced instructors – they’re happy to take kids (minimum age eight) and first-timers! Situated at the base of the Kangaroo Point Cliffs, the award winning Riverlife Adventure Centre offers a range of activities for you to explore Brisbane's natural environment – and a comfortable riverfront deck on which to relive your experiences over a coffee or glass of wine afterwards.
3. South Bank is Brissie’s city oasis – and best place to relax on the riverside. Boasting Australia's only inner city beach, Streets Beach, it also features the Wheel of Brisbane – their London Eye equivalent - an Aquativity water park, rainforest walks, outdoor cinemas where you can catch free movies, a swimming lagoon, parkland, restaurants by the bucket load and promenades to keep the active crowd cheery. Join in the hustle and bustle of Little Stanley Street, which is filled with restaurants, cafe's, boutiques and the Queensland Cultural precinct which features the Gallery of Modern Art and Queensland Performing Arts centre.
4.  If, like the Aussies, you love your tinny’s and stubby’s (small cans and bottles of beer), a brewery tour is just the thing for you. Brisbane is home to the XXXX brewery, which made its name in the UK with the advertising slogan ‘Aussies wouldn’t give a XXXX for anything else’. On its tour, lager lovers can learn about the history of beer in Australia at the revolving theatre and watch the amber nectar being bottled. For something different, the Thirsty Critters micro brewery tour visits a number of innovative small breweries and distilleries.
5. To truly get to the heart of Brisbane, a visit to one of its thriving markets is a must. Nestled below the glass giants of Brisbane's downtown business district and hugging the Brisbane River, the Riverside at the Pier Markets offers everything from freshly baked breads and pastries hand-made jewellery, rugs, wood carvings and clothing of all kinds – even 2nd hand books. With a weekly line up of live music and entertainment on offer, there’s no better way to spend a Sunday morning. Arty types may prefer the Young Designers Market which features up and coming designers selling a range of fashion and accessories, jewellery, object design furniture and arts. The markets are generally held on the first Sunday of every month from 10am - 4pm.