Brisbane

Brisbane’s perpetually summery weather is as much of an attraction for visitors as its gorgeous setting beside a meandering, mangrove-lined river, just shy of the deep waters of Moreton Bay. But while people spend a lot of time outside here, the Queensland capital also has an energetic interior life, thanks to the cosmopolitanism that flourished in the wake of the 1988 World Expo. Get your bearings by taking a cruise up the broad Brisbane River, perhaps as far as the koala sanctuary at Lone Pine, or by hopping on and off the speedy CityCat catamarans. For a breathtaking aerial perspective, clamber up the steel framework of the historic Story ...

Brisbane’s perpetually summery weather is as much of an attraction for visitors as its gorgeous setting beside a meandering, mangrove-lined river, just shy of the deep waters of Moreton Bay. But while people spend a lot of time outside here, the Queensland capital also has an energetic interior life, thanks to the cosmopolitanism that flourished in the wake of the 1988 World Expo. Get your bearings by taking a cruise up the broad Brisbane River, perhaps as far as the koala sanctuary at Lone Pine, or by hopping on and off the speedy CityCat catamarans. For a breathtaking aerial perspective, clamber up the steel framework of the historic Story Bridge. Brisbane has numerous cultural attractions, the best arguably being the Gallery of Modern Art — GoMA in shorthand – which houses Australia’s biggest collection of contemporary artworks. The exhibits are best reflected on while sprawled under ancient fig trees in the Botanic Gardens or within South Bank’s lush parklands. The gritty, unpredictable Fortitude Valley is the best place for a late-night drink or dance.

About the Expert

Paul Smitz has coauthored a dozen guidebooks for Lonely Planet on places such as Australia, New Zealand, Malaysian Borneo, Brunei, various Pacific Islands, Prague, and Brussels.