Alpha Flight Guru Travel Blog
11.28.2016

5 Reasons to Love Brisbane, Australia

Posted By AFG Team

Fly to Brisbane to experience the third largest city in Australia. It is blessed with affable and brilliant Brisbanites and weather. It’s sunny here almost 300 days a year. Small wonder why it’s quickly evolving as a modern hub of culture, arts, and commerce. Queensland’s state capital always has something to dazzle first-time or returning visitors. Brisbane is for modernization, and at the same time, in favor of preservation. Throughout the capital, you will find wildlife wonders, postcard beaches, and rich greeneries. Then there’s captivating colonial architecture, cuddly koalas, and much more to discover.

The city has something to offer for every type of traveler. But it helps to get an idea of what you’d like to see. Find out the top five reasons why a trip to Brisbane is pure bliss.

1. Brisbane River Cruise

As a thriving river town, Brisbane is best experienced by sailing on its waters. Most Brisbane River cruises combine fantastic entertainment, amazing dining options, and sweeping views of the city’s landmarks. You may choose from paddle wheel boats, CityCat or ferries for your first-ever river cruise. The Brisbane City Council provides a free map of the route, marking boat stops at famous tourist spots (e.g. the Story Bridge, Kangaroo Point Cliffs, Maritime Museum, Eagle Street Pier, etc.). Tip: There’s also an option to sail for free aboard the CityHopper, a service that runs every 30 minutes from 6am to midnight throughout the week. For an updated timetable, visit the TransLink’s website, and plan your journey accordingly.

2. Brisbane Cultural and Historical Immersion

While wandering around Brisbane CBD, visit City Hall, the capital’s most iconic neo-classical building constructed in the 1930s. It also has a charming 85m-high clock tower, Australia’s largest timepiece when it was first unveiled. The Brisbane Museum is in the same building, and the entrance is free with daily tours available. Some major heritage sites scattered throughout the city center are the Former Treasury Building (constructed in Italian-Renaissance style), Commissariat Stores Building (convict and colonial museum), Parliament House, Newstead House, and more. Tip: Grab a free copy of “Brisbane’s Living Heritage” at the Visitor Centre to cover the highlights of this city tour.

3. World’s largest (and oldest) koala sanctuary

Required cliche: a picture with adorable koala bears. Less than an hour from Brisbane city center are tons of lovely koalas waiting for your hugs. Now with 120 koalas from the wild, it’s hard to imagine that this picturesque parkland only started with two koalas in 1927. Taking a photo with your own camera is not allowed in the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary but that’s a blessing, especially if you want to have gorgeous pictures with these fuzzy bears. The park has a professional photographer on duty to capture your rare encounter on film. This tranquil animal park has a misleading name because there are more than just koalas here. If you’re the kind of person who gets excited about hand-feeding a kangaroo, watching pretty platypuses, or holding a live snake, you should definitely check out this wildlife sanctuary.

4. Brisbane’s Mountains and Gardens

For an incredible view of the relatively flat Queensland capital, hike up the summit of Brisbane’s highest peak, Mt. Coot-tha. Only 7km from Brisbane CBD, Mount Coot-tha provides a breathtaking panoramic view of the city below. When you’re done marveling at the scenic city view and have taken tons of Instagram-worthy pictures, head north to JC Slaughter Falls for a picnic. Then, upon reaching the foot of the mountain, you will find the magnificent Brisbane Botanic Gardens, a 52-hectare reserve that boasts over 20,000 plant species and Sir Thomas Brisbane Planetarium - the largest in Australia. While roaming within the garden, sci-fi aficionados should not miss the Cosmic Skydome.

5. Go for a Day Trip to Moreton Island from Brisbane

Great water adventures and sand expeditions await guests at Moreton Island, a sand island 25km off Brisbane shores. Greet mesmerizing marine animals, explore the rich waters on see-through kayak or paddleboard, go sand boarding on the island’s sprawling sand dunes, and tour the island on a 4WD in just one day. If you’re fond of shipwrecks, snorkel or dive at the Tangalooma Wrecks and discover untold mysteries of the island. Tip: The best time to visit the island is from April to May when classes are still on, and the weather is generally sunny. During the tour around the island, you will likely spot a towering lighthouse, which is called Cape Moreton Light. It is the oldest in Queensland.

Have an upcoming business flight to Brisbane? Or visiting a relative in the city? Extend your trip, and enjoy innumerable travel experiences for a richer, more memorable stay. Which of these Brisbane attractions and activities are you thrilled to try? Let us know in the comments.

Category: