Brisbane

Basking in 300 days of sunshine a year, Brisbane is the ultimate outdoor oasis, where you’ll be welcomed by booming food scenes, alfresco entertainment venues and laneways woven with the latest coffee haunts (watch out, Melbourne!) - and all just moments away from islands, hinterland trails and ample opportunity to reconnect with nature.

Reinventing the sun-lit outdoor lifestyle through a new wave of open-air escapades, Brisbane City is a laid-back urban hub with a tropical twist. Sip a schooner in Fortitude Valley’s eclectic beer gardens, enjoy cocktails at a sky-high rooftop bar, find blissful reprieve from city scenes at Brisbane Botanic Gardens or admire views from the Brisbane Riverwalk. Even shopping here is outdoors; splurge along James Street’s leafy boulevard or the Queen Street Mall precinct.

Brisbane River links a string of edible offerings. Tuck into fine alfresco dining along South Bank or float up to Eat Street Northshore, where delicious eats from around the globe is served in more than 70 converted shipping containers. Experience river-top entertainment in a new way aboard OASIS, the city’s newest luxury floating venue perfect for an afternoon cocktail. Spend your final chapter under the Story Bridge at Howard Smith Wharves, a bustling dining and entertainment precinct home to some of the city’s top bars and restaurants.

Hop on the Brisbane Wheel, secure seats to an NRL game or live music gig at Suncorp Stadium, or spend a day exploring the state’s Cultural Centre along South Bank from the Queensland Gallery of Modern Art to the Queensland Museum.

When you’re ready for adventure, make the short drive to the City of Moreton Bay and hike the aptly named Mount Glorious, then continue to Lake Somerset and try your hand at wakeboarding. Climb aboard a River to Bay water expedition from Brisbane to Moreton Island (Mulgumpin) and explore the Tangalooma Wrecks, its giant dunes, and its pristine shores patrolled by dolphins perfect for snorkelling.

Redlands Coast is your gateway to Sirromet Winery with locally-made drops and picnics set amongst lavender fields. From the coast, you can take a short ferry ride to North Stradbroke Island (Minjerribah), where manta rays swarm crystal-clear waters year-round.

There is so much to Brisbane. The Queensland capital is a destination powerhouse, promising visitors with opportunity to eat, indulge and explore at every turn. From its world-class dining scene and cultural clout to the natural splendour that awaits only a short drive away; Brisbane is the best of both worlds. Experience it for yourself on your next luxe city escape.