With over 280 days of sunshine a year, Brisbane’s subtropical climate has instilled the city with a youthful spirit and a love of all things outdoors.
To take in the city sights from on high, you can take a ride on the Wheel of Brisbane for panoramic views from 60 metres up. Other popular viewpoints include the clifftop park of Wilson Outlook Reserve and Mount Coot-Tha, home to a hilltop restaurant, mountain bike trails and Queensland’s largest planetarium. There are plenty of things to do for free in the culture-filled South Bank neighbourhood, including markets, picnic areas for barbecuing and an artificial beach with a swimming lagoon. If you’re feeling energised, head to Kangaroo Point to go rock climbing, abseiling or bouldering.
Brisbane’s Contemporary Art and Architecture Public Art Trail will take you on a leisurely two-hour stroll past some of the best pieces of art in the Central Business District. There’s also the Queensland Art Gallery and Gallery of Modern Art to explore, jointly known as QAGOMA. The striking neoclassical building of City Hall is where you’ll find the Museum of Brisbane, housing exhibitions of Australian art and social history.
Getting around Brisbane is a breeze, thanks to its efficient public transport network of bus, metro, rail and ferry services. Electronic smartcards called ‘go cards’ are the best way to get about, and they work on all types of public transport.