Bustling Brisbane

Brisbane may be a busier city than Perth, but the locals are just as friendly and helpful and rightly proud of their city. With summer temperatures of around 30C, dropping to only 18C in winter, Brisbane life is lived outdoors. Situated on the Brisbane River (the longest in South East Queensland), it flows through the city, with plenty of businesses and bars and restaurants on its edge. Much of the city is ‘low rise’ with the taller buildings mostly found in the business districts and whilst there’s plenty to do, it’s a relaxed city, without the freneticism of Sydney.

One of the greatest ways to explore any city is by bike and Brisbane is no exception. We took a half day guided tour, proved by Ross, founder of ‘Brisbane by Bicycle’. Starting at the Wheel of Brisbane (a smaller version of our own London Eye) on the South Bank, we wended our way down to Kangaroo Point, passing numerous public barbecue sites on the way. Cycling over the Story Bridge was amazing, with views all round of the city and river. We then dropped into the suburbs, along to New Farm Park where the Brisbane Powerhouse is situated. This used to burn coal to provide the energy for the city, but is now a regenerated space with theatre, art, bar and restaurant. The park itself is stunning, with picnic spots and cycle paths and we made our way back along the waterfront, past microbreweries (a growing trend in Australia) along Eagle Street Pier, with more great restaurants and into the ‘business’ district. At lunchtime, it seems that the whole of Brisbane takes advantage of the weather and they’re either eating lunch outdoors or exercising. Take time to explore the Botanical gardens, a magnificent 56-hectare site in the heart of the city.

Brisbane is a vibrant city, which takes pride in its art and culture and there are numerous galleries and plenty of live music venues. It’s also got fantastic farmers’ markets and street food markets, popular on the weekends. They also love their wildlife and Steve Irwin’s zoo is just an hour’s drive away by bus, in the heart of the country, where you’ll pass numerous pineapple and avocado farms!

There are beaches aplenty here, with both the Gold coast and Sunshine coast within easy reach and plenty of surfers to feast your eyes upon. Or head to Moreton Island for whale watching, dolphin spotting and amazing scuba diving and snorkelling amongst shipwrecks. Hiking and walking are in abundance with nearby mountains to explore.

Whether you’re basing yourself in Brisbane, or it’s part of a larger itinerary, I defy you not to fall in love with it.