Joanna James
'Brissie', as Australians affectionately call it, Brisbane is Australia's third-largest city and has plenty of sophisticated big city attractions to explore and have fun in a sun-splashed riverside setting!
Was cuddling a koala ever on your bucket list? Then consider paying a visit to the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary and tick that dream off your list. At the sanctuary, you will get the chance to get up close to more than 70 species of various lovable Aussie animals including kangaroos, wombats and wallabies. Keepers will take you through interactive demonstrations that will no doubt keep animal lovers engaged. Unsurprisingly visiting this popular Brisbane attraction is one of the top things to do with your family and little ones. In addition to a keepsake photo of you cuddling a koala, you can also take an exciting souvenir snap of you with a snake or dingo.
The heritage-listed Cultural Center is nestled on the leafy south banks of Brisbane River and is an ideal family-friendly location for a day out. Here you will find an impressive collection of performance venues, galleries and museums. Award-winning Australian architects further have added to the precinct's beautiful setting with carefully designed parklands and grounds. Here visitors will get the chance to browse an extensive and excellent collection of books at the State Library of Queensland, admire thought-provoking and leading-edge artwork at the famous Queensland Art Gallery of Modern Art. Additionally consider paying a visit to the Queensland Museum and Sciencentre's interactive exhibits that are guaranteed to keep kids riveted and entertained.
While visitors will be spoiled for choice when it comes to gardens and parks to explore in Brisbane. Brisbane's Botanic Gardens certainly takes the cake for its renowned offering of an impressive collection of green spaces featuring subtropical plants. Located about seven kilometres from the city, this diversely themed garden takes visitors through 128 acres of viticulture.
No visit to Brisbane is complete without getting in your shopping fix. Consider making your way to the sprawling and vibrant Queen Street Mall located in easy proximity to many a hotel in Brisbane CBD including the likes iStay River City Brisbane. This popular shopping precinct is home to over 700 retailers showcasing international and homegrown labels and designers. There are also plenty of cafes and restaurants where you can stop for a coffee or snack while on your shopping spree.
At Eat Street, food is a highlight! Here foodies can find hundreds of vendors offering mouth-watering dishes from around the world, ranging from Peruvian, Mexican to Malaysian cuisines. Adding the carnival-like atmosphere there are several stages hosting novelty acts and live musicians.
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