Brisbane, Australia

Brisbane guide

Brisbane is in Queensland and has a sub-tropical climate so if you like it hot this is the place for you! Brisbane is a place for everyone; the city is a shoppers paradise particularly for women. There are some lovely boutiques to while away your time in to larger shopping malls. The busy Brisbane river cuts through the sky scrapers and on a hot summers day is a perfect way to spend some time cruising on a river boat listening to Waltz Sing Maltida!. If you want to get to know the city there is a bus tour that departs from Adelaide Street on King George Square; this will take you round the historic buildings and sights.

If you're an early riser and want to make the most out of your day how about a balloon flight over brisbane at sunrise. This is such a memorable experience; just imagine floating above a quiet sleepy Brisbane just before everyone has woken up to start the day. You can book through www.flymetothemoon.com.au

Australia has so many unique native animals that are very special to Australians and they will do anything to preserve and protect them. Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary in Fig Tree Pocket dedicates all its time to the preservation and well-being of koalas. Koalas are very fussy eaters and out of all the different types of eucalyptus trees Koalas eat the type that is decreasing in numbers. Part of the monies raised goes towards the plantation of new trees. The koalas are split into different areas such as the nursery and the bachelor pad! You can also have the chance to hug a koala. The sanctuary also has kangaroos in an open area. You can buy some food from the shop and freely walk into see the roos; they will let you stroke them and eat from your hands! www.koala.net. There is a bus that goes from Adelaide Street to Lone Pine or you can take a river taxi (Mirimar boat) from North Quay.

If you want to venture out of Brisbane hire a car and drive down to the gold coast. Famously named surfers paradise it really does live up to expectations. If you don't want to surf or sun bathe all the time there are other things to do such as water and theme parks.

There are also rain forests around Brisbane if you want to get back to nature and visit the jungle!

Flights to Brisbane Airport (BNE)

Brisbane International Airport is 16 km north-east of the city; the international and domestic terminals are 2 km apart but linked by airtrain.

To and from Brisbane Airport

Activities and sightseeing in Brisbane

Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary (koalas and kangaroos), Fly me to the Moon Balloons, City Bus Tours, Catamaran trips to Moretin Island (hand feed dolphins!), Gold Coast, Rain Forests, water and theme parks, scenic flights, Fraser Island, South Sea Island cruise, Seaworld, Botanical gardens, Brisbane river, Sand-tobogganing, surfing, jet skiing, shopping markets, aboriginal art, casinos, performing arts

Eating and drinking in Brisbane

Brisbane is great for something to eat with such a warm climate it's good to go alfresco! Fortitude Valley is very trendy; there are plenty of hot drinking spots and some lovely restaurants that cater for many tastes; Italian, Chinese, Thai, Mexican and Tapas. Paddington is another trendy area with lots of outside seating and some good pubs. There are plenty of places along the riverside that will give you a lovely view whilst dining.