Joanna James
'Brissie' as the city is affectionately called, is the kind of Australian city you tend to fall in love with. From exploring the CBD, through which the Brisbane River runs, to indulging in loads of adventure amidst pristine surroundings, the place has many experiences to savour.
If cuddling a soft Koala is on your list of key Australian experiences to savour, the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary is perfect. The sunny sanctuary is home to a range of Australian critters such as kangaroos, wombats, crocodiles, snakes and dingoes. Platypus feeding and birds of prey flight demonstrations are some of the daily attractions the entire family will love. Check out the official website for more details of what's on each day. The place is easy to access from well-located Brisbane hotel apartments as it is not too far from the CBD, with properties the likes of Oaks Charlotte Towers among the available options.
Located on the South Bank the Culture Precinct is a heritage listed site. The place is perfect for a stroll and loads of fun explorations, as you check out the galleries, museums and entertainment venues. The precinct located close to lush parklands is further enhanced with the creations of award-winning architects, the place is ideal for the entire family to relax, let loose and enjoy a sunny day. Examples of what's located in the Culture Precinct include the Queensland Performing Arts Centre, Queensland Museum and Sciences, Queensland State Library and Queensland Art Gallery and Gallery of Modern Art.
A popular haunt for visitors, Mount Coot-tha is loved for its stunning views across the city. Located 7kms from the city centre the Mount Coot-tha Gardens are not the same as the City Botanic Gardens, which on its own is also a lush parkland worth exploring. Here you can wander the 128-hectare expanse of land to discover the Japanese Gardens, Australian Rain Forest trees and areas dedicated to exotic plants such as cactus, bamboo and a number of rustic indigenous plants.
South Bank is a lovely locality of parks, promenades and plazas. The place located right opposite the CBD is also a hub of sunny cafes and lovely restaurants. It is a riverside haven home to Street Beach where a manmade lagoon is a favourite swim hole on the warm balmy days. There you can visit the epicurean gardens or join a free fitness workout, ride the giant Ferris wheel or simply enjoy a leisurely stroll.
River cruises are top attractions in Brisbane, an ideal way of discovering iconic attractions from a different perspective; the tours are conducted by CityCat and City Ferries. The services operate 7 days a week and provide a hop-on and hop-off service together with a helpful narration of attractions you are passing. The route generally takes you from the University of Queensland to the North Shore including views of riverside mansions, parks and bridges.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
