The Australian Bucket List

Queensland

BrisbaneBlessed with endless sunny days, Brisbane is as laid-back as it is intoxicating. Al fresco dining, picnics by the river, kayaking and paddle boarding, everything is at your disposal.

A vibrant and lively destination that offers visitors an exciting mix of modern city amenities and laid-back, natural charm. Located along the beautiful Brisbane River, the city is home to plenty of parks, cultural attractions, and outdoor activities to explore. One of the most popular attractions in Brisbane is the South Bank Parklands, a sprawling green space that offers visitors the chance to relax, play, and enjoy the city's stunning views. The park features a variety of attractions, including the Wheel of Brisbane, a ferris wheel that offers a stunning view of the city's skyline, as well as an artificial beach, outdoor cinemas, and plenty of restaurants and cafes. Another must-visit attraction in Brisbane is the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, which is the largest koala sanctuary in the world. The sanctuary is home to over 130 koalas, as well as other Australian animals like kangaroos, wallabies, wombats, and more. Visitors can even hold a koala and have their photo taken with these adorable national treasures! For history buffs, a trip to the Museum of Brisbane is a must. This modern museum showcases the city's history, culture, and people through interactive exhibits, art displays, and historical artifacts. Visitors can learn about the city's indigenous history, its role in the convict era, and its evolution into a modern metropolis. For those seeking outdoor adventure, the city is surrounded by beautiful national parks and is a gateway to the stunning Sunshine Coast and Gold Coast regions. Visitors can hike, bike, or take a scenic drive to explore the natural beauty of the area. Foodies will also love Brisbane, as the city offers a wide range of dining options, from high-end restaurants to local street food vendors. The city is known for its fresh seafood, as well as its multicultural cuisine, with influences from Asia, Europe, and the Pacific Islands. Brisbane also boasts a thriving arts and cultural scene. The Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA) is a must-visit for art lovers, with its extensive collection of contemporary Australian and international art. The Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC) hosts a variety of performances, including theater, dance, and music, while the Brisbane Powerhouse is a popular venue for live music, comedy, and more. With its sunny climate, friendly locals, and relaxed vibe, Brisbane is the perfect place to unwind, explore, and create lasting memories.

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Things to do

River City Cruises

The river is central to the story of Brisbane and there is no better way to gain a feeling for the dynamic city and its unique relaxed lifestyle than to travel its river and sit back and watch the city and its people at work and play. River City Cruises offers a cost-effective, relaxing and informative perspective of Brisbane's distinctive river scene for both locals and visitors with its year-round cruises, so don't leave town without doing at least one tour. River City Cruises is the original and best sightseeing cruise on the Brisbane River. During the one and a half-hour guided tour, you will be entertained by the informative commentary while taking advantage of the fantastic photo opportunities as we cruise past Brisbane's most iconic sights including the Kangaroo Point Cliffs, City Centre and the Story Bridge. Daily departures 10.30 am and 12.30 pm - Jetty A South Bank Parklands. Take advantage of the onboard Coffee Shop and enjoy a Souvenir Map including other discount offers. Join River City Cruises for a memorable and unique Brisbane experience.

Kookaburra Showboat Cruises

Kookaburra Showboat Cruises, where great food, entertainment and cruising all come together. Whether it's a weekend lunch or evening dinner cruise, the ShowBoat is a must-do for all Brisbane locals and visitors alike. The iconic Kookaburra Queen paddle wheelers will take you on a cruising journey to view Brisbane's best sights including the beautiful Botanic Gardens, Kangaroo Point Cliffs, Southbank precinct, the Story Bridge and many more of this city's sensational attractions. On the weekday lunch and dinner cruises, you will be served a delicious seasonal buffet featuring mouth-watering international dishes, a sensational salad bar and delectable desserts. For High Tea, indulge in a decadent High Tea featuring sweet and savoury treats. Enhance your dining experience further and add a VIP platter. Ranging from Canapes, Tacos to Seafood, the opulent platters will transform your cruise to one of utter indulgence. Showboat entertainment is live, fun and exciting with live performances and dance floor. Indulge, be entertained, welcome to Showboat Cruises.

Story Bridge Adventure Climb

Brisbane's must-do experience, the Story Bridge Adventure Climb is a truly unique and memorable adventure for all levels of fitness and age (minimum 6 years old). The Story Bridge Adventure Climb is a soft adventure experience with a difference, and the most spectacular way to discover Brisbane. Whether you're a local or a visitor, you'll be exhilarated by a once in a lifetime experience that offers you the most breathtaking panorama of Brisbane and its surrounding natural beauty. The one and a half to two-hour experience include a unique journey up over the bridge's superstructure to the 80-metre summit which provides magnificent uninterrupted 360-degree views of Brisbane City, the river, mountain ranges and islands. One of only three such experiences in the world, the Story Bridge Adventure Climb also provides fascinating commentary about the history and heritage of both the bridge and city surrounds.

Brisbane By Bicycle

Brisbane By Bicycle offers daily bicycle tours of Brisbane. Join them on a fun, easy-paced bike tour and discover Brisbane. Their tours are designed around ensuring that your stay in Brisbane reflects the authentic local experience. Recommendations about cheap eats, things to do in Brisbane, the best place for a drink, free entertainment options and things to do during your time here are an important aspect to their tours. They are also happy to help with recommendations for Brisbane's best tourist attractions. Their standard tour finishes at a funky inner-city bar where all riders receive a complimentary beer or soft drink! Whether you are in Brisbane for one day, one-week or looking to move here permanently, a Brisbane by Bicycle tour is by far the most authentic and fun introduction and orientation to everything Brisbane has to offer. The standard tour includes bicycle and helmet, halfway picnic in one of Brisbane's most beautiful parks, plenty of stops for photos and breaks, water and healthy snack foods provided, this is a fun, easy-paced tour suitable for everyone.

Riverlife Adventure Centre - Brisbane Outdoor Activities

Riverlife Adventure Centre offers a range of exhilarating activities! Whether you're a local or a visitor, you can experience the thrill of real outdoor adventure in a fun, friendly and safe setting. Their location, a short ferry ride from Brisbane's Central Business District, offers a window into the geography, history and culture of Brisbane! Challenge yourself to rock climbing or abseiling the Kangaroo Point cliffs or take a leisurely kayak on the Brisbane River. If you are up for some night action, take a night kayak along the river followed by great food, wine and beers overlooking the luminous city lights. Choose from their Friday night paddle and prawns experience or try their Saturday paddle and barbecue. Whatever it is they guarantee to get your adrenaline pumping! No experience is necessary as each session includes instruction, a safety briefing and equipment. Minimum eight years of age and bookings are essential. Take advantage of Brisbane's beautiful weather and explore the city hot spots on your own, hire a bike, kick bike, inline skates or a kayak! They also offer incredible aboriginal cultural experiences presented by the Uggera Aboriginal Dancers. Visit the operator's web site for more details.

Kangaroo Point

Few other suburbs in Brisbane can match Kangaroo Point for its views and natural beauty. Standing atop the ancient cliffs, the unmasked views of the river, city and mountains show the city at its best, whether it's as the sun is rising, or as the city skyline lights up in the evening. Enthusiasts can climb the iconic Story Bridge, built in 1940 and towering 80 metres above the river or step off the top of the famous cliffs and abseil down to the riverside. However you decide to arrive at the foot of the cliffs - on foot, by City Cat or (for the more adventurous) via abseiling rope - you will be greeted by parklands, bikeways, playgrounds and riverside picnic and barbecue spots. Get your feet tapping at the Brisbane Jazz Club or jump in a kayak for a paddle down the Brisbane River at Riverlife Adventure Centre. Directly under the famous Story Bridge, Caption Burke Park is a popular place for barbecues looking back at the Central Business District.

South Bank Parklands

South Bank Parklands is Queensland’s premier lifestyle and cultural destination, open 365 days a year. Its world-class entertainment and leisure facilities include: South Bank Parklands Covering 17 hectares of riverfront land, the Parklands feature free swimming facilities, walking tracks, licensed picnic areas and more. It is also home to a year-round calendar of events and plenty of eateries, including the award-winning River Quay. Little Stanley Street Known as one of Brisbane’s most popular eat-streets, Little Stanley Street is bursting with more than 30 cafes, bars and restaurants offering an array of cuisines styles including Vietnamese, Italian and more. Grey Street Like its sister street Little Stanley, Grey Street is a foodie haven - a stroll along the street will offer you plenty of places to eat. Grey Street is also home to the South Bank Cineplex, which is renowned for its cheap prices. South Bank Cultural Precinct The South Bank Cultural Precinct has something to suit all ages. It includes the Queensland Performance Arts Centre; Queensland Museum and Sciencentre; Queensland Art Gallery and Gallery of Modern Art; and State Library of Queensland.

Visit the world's largest Koala Sanctuary

Recognised by the Guinness Book of World Records, Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary is the world's first and largest koala sanctuary. With over 90 years of experience, Lone Pine is home to 130 koalas and over 70 species of other native Australian animals. Meet a koala, hand-feed the kangaroos or wild lorikeets, and marvel at their two playful platypus. In both 2015 and 2018, Lone Pine was inducted into the Trip Advisor Hall of Fame for consistent 'excellent' guest reviews. In 2018, the sanctuary also opened the Brisbane Koala Science Institute; a world-class koala research facility constructed in partnership with the Brisbane City Council. Unwind with a coffee in the 'Koala Forest', surrounded by some of the sanctuary's beautiful female koalas, or catch the action in the Free Flight Raptor Show. You can also enjoy an Australian outback farm experience at the daily Sheepdog Show, performed by experienced sheepdog handlers and their loyal dogs. Free wi-fi is available throughout the sanctuary, along with three bloggers areas, providing guests with comfortable seating, USB power stations and great sanctuary views.

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