Destination Overview: Brisbane

Population:

1 Million

Vacation Packages Available:

Nature and Adventure
Beach and Islands
Heritage and Culture
Shopping and dining

Brisbane, State Capital of Queensland, is one of those rare cities built around people and lifestyle. In the vibrant city center, glass office towers and sandstone heritage buildings share broad, tree-lined streets or front the river. Alfresco cafes, parks, riverside walks and the central pedestrian mall give the city a very human scale.

Along with all the modern pleasures of a vibrant subtropical city, you'll find surprises like the sanctuary of the City Botanical Gardens, the Australian Woolshed with it's glimpse into outback life, and the architectural highlights of the Brisbane Heritage Trail and the casino, housed in a stately 19th century sandstone building. Brisbane is also one of the few places where you can actually cuddle a koala at the Lone Pine Sanctuary

Within an hour of the city center are the fishing and sailing waters of Moreton Bay, scenic country drives, and the beaches of the Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast. Places to note visiting are the Lamington National Park and Fraser Island.

Stradbroke Island

A 20 minute ferry trip will take you to some of the most beautiful and quite beaches on the Gold Coast. South Stradbroke Island features rainforest areas, native wildlife and vast stretches of surfing beach.
Two ferry services operate to South Stradbroke Island from the Runaway Bay Marina, 20 minutes drive north of Surfers Paradise.

Surfers Paradise

Along the busiest stretch of the Gold Coast is Surfers Paradise beach - this perfect swimming beach is also a hive of activity with sun-worshipping fun including free beach volleyball. Nearby cafes and shopping areas make it easy to take a break with a cool drink or tropical flavored ice-cream. Visit the evening arts & crafts markets which are set up along the Esplanade every Friday night.

Broadbeach

South of Surfers Paradise is Broadbeach. This area is popular with locals and has boomed as a dining and cafe precinct. Broadbeach is home to the Kurrawa Surf Life Saving club, host of the annual Australian Surf Life Saving titles.

Temperature (monthly averages):

Source:

Australian Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) - climate averages