Forget Sydney Brisbane is the tourist city of Australia

Whether this will be your first visit to the river city or you've been to the city before or even if you're a local, the following are some of the better locations we feel visitors should see in Brisbane to gain an perception into the city and its inhabitants. Please note that these are in no specific order:

The top of Mount Cooth-tha

Drive to the summit of Mount Cooth-tha (7km west from the CBD) where you'll find a fantastic view of the skyline that includes the full range of Brisbane metropolis and surrounds. On a clear day you can see all of the way to the distant ranges in the south-west and Moreton Bay towards the east. On top of the mountain you are able to time at the cafe sipping a latte, cool down having a gelato ice-cream or enjoy the well-known SMT restaurant on the mountaintop. For any real buzz arrive here at evening and you will begin to see the metropolis ablaze with lights (very romantic indeed!)

Mt Coot-tha Botanic Gardens

Although you're at Mt Coot-tha Lookout, visit the Botanic Gardens. These fifty two hectare gardens contain subtropical and Australian flora inside a setting of lakes, ponds and streams. Mt Coot-tha also hosts a planetarium, the Sir Thomas Brisbane Planetarium, a particular favorite of kids.

Tale Bridge

For the more adventurous, take a two and a half hour climb towards the prime of Brisbane's iconic Story Bridge. Here you will experience uninterrupted 360 degree views of Brisbane, its river and surrounding mountains. Dawn climbers will capture the beauty of dawn more than the bay, while dusk climbers will begin to see the setting sun mirrored within the glass and steel from the city's high-rise apartment and office buildings. If you happen to be going to Brisbane on New Year's Eve, 1 from the issues to complete on New Years Eve in Brisbane would be to head lower to Southbank and watch the fireworks explode across the Tale Bridge.

Ale Home

Take the 1 hour brewery tour at the Ale Home at Milton where you'll get a glimpse in to the historical past of the Castlemaine Perkins brewery and its world-famous beers. Only minutes from Brisbane's CBD, you are able to experience an entertaining and interactive brewery tour, pick up some souvenirs and sample some ales at the Ale House bar - a real experience. And what might be much more Australian than beer!

Southern Bank

It is tough to assume Brisbane without Southern Financial institution. Just throughout the river from the CBD, you are able to appreciate South Bank's sandy beach (Streets Beach), open grassy picnic areas, retailers and a plethora of eating spots. Totally free live leisure, festivals and fireworks throughout the year add towards the vibrancy you'll expertise here. On Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, visit South Bank Art & Craft Market where you will find crafts by local artisans including fashion, jewellery, homewares, tarot, and even a massage. It's at South Bank where you will also find Queensland's arts and theatres. Locations to visit consist of the Queensland Art Gallery and Gallery of Modern Artwork. The Queensland Museum Sciencentre is popular with children.

Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary

Should you are wanting to expertise Australian wildlife without leaving the metropolis, then Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary is for you! Hold a koala, feed a kangaroo, hear a talk about our reptiles. You are able to the RiverCat from the metropolis to Lone Pine for any truly Brisbane expertise.

Brisbane River

Many say that Brisbane River defines Brisbane, after all, we're known as the RiverCity! A great way to see Brisbane would be to take a ride on the CityCat - a cheap and easy method to get around. Acquire a cruise up and lower the riv, stopping where ever you like along the way - Southern Bank, University of Queensland, New Farm. Another way to begin to see the sights of Brisbane is with an entertaining cruise down the Brisbane RIV on 1 from the Kookaburra RIV Queens.

Brisbane CBD Historic Walking Tour

Brisbane hasn't had a great reputation for preserving its heritage buildings. The drive to modernize the metropolis for economic purposes saw a large number of historic sites torn lower in the 1970's and 1980's. There are still a number of them close to, particularly within the CBD districts, but a day or two's walking will be enough for you to see most of the really old sites.

Queen Street Mall

Within the heart of Brisbane's CBD, Queen Street Mall is a busy fifty percent kilometre pedestrian open air thoroughfare including al-fresco shopping and dining. With wide swooping sails to provide necessary shelter from the sun and rain, Queen Street mall draws more than 26 million visitors annually. Queen Street Mall is considered to become the largest retail precinct between Sydney and Singapore, and is house to an outstanding choice of higher fashion labels, national and international retail chains, independent boutique outlets, jewelry designers, bookstores, shoe shops and more. If you like to people-watch, come right here as the mall is a hive of activity. A purpose built performance stage features regular free reside leisure, and buskers never fail to delight passers by with their antics. There are several 24 hour eateries and bars to become found along the mall's central spine for those that want to party on.

City Botanic Gardens

Brisbane's (original) botanic gardens stretch out to the riv on three sides where you can walk or cycle your way around to acquire in the exotic plants that flourish in our sub-tropical climate. An easy and relaxed walk through the CBD, a must do would be to acquire a walk through the mangroves around the boardwalk. If you are right here on a Sunday, continue alongside to Eagle Street pier to browse the many stalls at the Riverside Markets, open every Sunday from 7am.

Fortitude Valley

Fondly known as 'The Valley' it has made a name for itself with locals and visitors alike and continues to become at the forefront of alternative and emerging fashion, music and leisure. Walk into any main street within the Valley and you're sure to find a selection of trendy locations for drinks, dance or food. Try James Street, Brunswick Street, or Ann Street. There are dozens of venues on offer, each with their own style and atmosphere. Some compare the Valley to Sydney's Oxford Street for nightlife. Acquire your pick of designer nightclubs and be sure not to miss Family Nightclub, recently awarded Australia's best nightclub. The Valley is also at Brisbane's forefront in live music experiences. A good place to start a visit towards the Valley is the Brunswick Street Mall which is lined with cafes, bars and eateries. Right next to Brunswick Street is Ann Street, with many avant garde fashion boutiques which feature cutting-edge and retro designs.


Hopefully you have found this article about Brisbane worth reading. If you are considering a stay in Brisbane and you you are interested to know more about Brisbane airport parking or you are considering staying at the Grand Chancellor Brisbane or you would like to find out more about Brisbane airport transfers or you would like to know whats on in Brisbane then please go to BrisbaneBlog.com.au.