Australia’s third largest city and the warm, welcoming capital of Queensland, Brisbane is a lively destination, that is surging forward as a modern metropolis with many interesting districts like the CBD and unique historic sites, superb restaurants and beautiful riverside parks, spectacular waterways and world-class art galleries, plus an incredible range of experiences that will keep you busy for a long time. From river side cruises to animal encounters to spectacular nature escapes, in Brisbane, there is nothing to stop you from getting outside and simply enjoying the city’s many attractions. Here are a few of them.
Sea World
Set on 25 picturesque hectares on Sea World Drive in Main Beach, Gold Coast, the Sea World is more than just a theme park. Besides having a myriad of exciting rides, attractions and shows, the park is also firmly committed to marine research and rescue, and is a great place to make contact with a variety of delightful marine animals, like dolphins, seals, sharks and polar bears and learn much about them.
Alma Park Zoo
A unique tropical paradise situated on 20 acres of award winning gardens, Brisbane’s Alma Park Zoo is a favorite spot for an enjoyable day out, where visitors can enjoy a genuine wildlife experience. Here you can see a wide collection of Australian animals, both exotic and endangered, including Koalas, Kangaroos, Red Pandas, Snakes & Reptiles, Wombats, Monkeys, Baboons and even Camels and Bears; enjoy free BBQ facilities and picnic lawns in the zoo’s rainforest gardens, and get close and personal with some animals by touching and feeding them.
Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary
Listed in the Guinness Book of World records, the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary is the world’s first and largest koala sanctuary with more than 130 koala species. Here you can enjoy these amazing creatures up close and for free, plus a number of diverse activities and presentations daily. The enclosures have low walls and no fencing, which gives visitors great viewing and photo opportunities. A wide selection of koala-themed goodies is available in the park’s gift shop.
South Bank
The South Bank is the heart of Brisbane’s cultural, recreational and entertainment scene. The 17 hectares, known as The Parklands, house some of the city’s best weekend markets, outdoor cafes, traditional pubs, as well as other attractions, including the Queensland Museum, with its fine exhibits from whales to dinosaurs, snakes to snails and crabs to crocodiles,; the Queensland Art Gallery; the Queensland State Library, where you can trace your family tree and last but certainly not least, the Performing Arts Complex, staging the best in theater and music, and the Queensland Performing Arts Center among others.
Another highlight of South Bank is its fabulous beach, a man-made lagoon beach, where sun, sand and lifeguards deliver a beach experience to the heart of the city.
City Botanic Gardens
Brisbane’s original botanic gardens located on the Brisbane River, City Botanic Gardens are a popular spot for walking, jogging, rollerblading, bird watching, skating, cycling and even picnicking. Among the garden’s attractions are Bamboo Grove, Weeping Fig Avenue, The Mangrove Boardwalk and ornamental ponds. Special events are held at the River Stage, and if you are looking for well-designed undercover areas for functions like wedding or birthday party, the City Botanic Garden again comes with full hands. With its idyllic setting surrounded by ancient trees, rain forest glades, and many exotic species, the City Botanic garden of Brisbane is truly a great place to take time out and relax at your heart’s content.