Brisbane, the capital of Queensland, is where many travellers stop over when driving up or down the East Coast of Australia. Nestled only a few hours between Byron Bay and Rainbow Beach (K’Gari Island) either side many backpackers and road trippers stop in Brisbane for at least a day or two.
However, if you are not short on time there is plenty more to see in this city that oozes both culture and nature in Australia’s Sunshine State.
South Bank
Only a walk across the bridge from CBD is Brisbane’s South Bank, with a manmade lagoon for swimming, weekend markets, bars, restaurants and a rainforest walk ft a Nepalese Pagoda from the World Fair in the 80s.
Story Bridge/Felons Brewing Co
With an iconic view of Story Bridge no trip to Brisbane is complete without enjoying a schooner at Felons. This sprawling brewery also has a restaurant with delicious small bites, fish and chips and pizzas.
Street Art
World famous street artists have decorated Brisbane’s West End with beautiful artwork. My personal favourites are Head in The Clouds 2 by Fintan Magee and the three tiny doors all down Fish Lane (finding them is half the fun).
Moreton Island
While Brisbane doesn’t have a beach right on its doorstep like Sydney, it does have 2 out of 3 of the world’s largest sand islands.
Moreton Island, also famous for being the filming location of Spooky Island in the Scooby Doo Movie, hosts fun filled activities from snorkelling a ship wreck, sand boarding, clear kayaking and dolphin feeding.
North Stradbroke Island
The other of Brisbane’s sand islands, North Straddle, is possibly my favourite place in Australia. You can see koalas, kangaroos, turtles and dolphins all in the wild. We saw a koala near the Brown Lake which was also a perfect swim spot. You can spot dolphins at Amity Point, and kangaroos hang around North Gorge Walk in the late afternoon. Cylinder beach has crystal clear water to finish the day before driving back to catch the ferry.
With Brisbane hosting the Olympics in 2032 there is going to be a lot of attention on this amazing city in years to come. Beat the crowds and enjoy the culture and natural wonders Brisbane has to offer.