Discovering Brisbane: 5 Essential Experiences
As one of Australia’s fastest growing cities, the buzz around Brisbane is definitely palpable these days. Sitting in the subtropics within easy striking distance of some the world’s finest beaches, it makes an excellent urban base to get your body clock sorted after a trans-Pacific flight.
However, many rush off to Cairns, Port Douglas, or the Gold Coast without realizing that there is a vibrant city chock full of stimulating attractions right in front of them. While you are checked in at your stylish Accor hotel in Brisbane, get out and make the most of your time in this dynamic Aussie burg by taking in the five essential experiences that it has to offer…
1) Lay out In The Queensland Sun At South Bank
If you’ve arrived in Australia from a significantly colder part of the globe, getting out of your bulky clothes and exposing yourself to the eternally warm Brisbane sun is definitely a priority. While laying my your hotel pool is definitely a doable plan, those that are more extroverted will just love South Bank, which is a positively stunning city district with an urban beach that draws locals to its sands in droves on the weekends.
This man-made wonder glistens like crystal in the strong sun, and with swaying palms and tonnes of greenspace in the foreground, and the office towers of the CBD in the background, it is an atmosphere that the true blue urbanite will fall in love with at first sight!
2) Taking In An Evening View Of The Brisbane Skyline From Mount Coot-tha
While the peaks of the Glasshouse Mountains are more than an hour out of the city, those looking to get in a hike within city limits will find Mount Coot-tha more than up to the task. Go in the later parts of the afternoon and early evening, when the heat is less intense, and as darkness falls, admire the view of the downtown core as the modern glass and concrete towers light up from a café that is situated near the summit.
3) Try Your Hand At Rock Climbing At Kangaroo Point
If you are seeking to pick up a new activity on this trip to Australia, Brisbane gives you the chance to try out rock climbing in a natural setting at a place called Kangaroo Point. A rocky escarpment near the Brisbane River is filled with avid climbers, with plenty of lessons available for newbies.
4) Cuddle A Koala At The Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary
Oz’s geographic isolation from the rest of the world has resulted in the evolution of animal species that differ greatly from others on other continents elsewhere. One of those is the Koala bear, whose cuteness has made it a cultural ambassador for this country. At the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, not only can you cuddle koalas, but kangaroos, emus, platypuses and other Australian wildlife are located in one convenient place for your viewing and interaction pleasure.
5) Take In Some Aussie Rules Football At The Gabba
One of Australia’s most popular sports is also its most unique, with Aussie Rules Football not being commonly found outside the country. The local team is called the Lions, and they pull in tens of thousands of jubilant locals that will likely be happy to explain the intricacies of this unique game to you.
Brisbane: Your Gateway To The Pleasures Of Queensland
While the Australian state of Queensland has many attractions that tempt the beach bum in all of us, its capital has much to offer the dedicated traveler as well. By taking a few days to explore its charms, you might find yourself looking at a return trip here before you even realize it!
