Bounteous Brisbane: head north for sunshine and south for gold
Paddle power: kayak the Brisbane River for a waterfront view of the city
It’s the “aww” factor that initially pulls people towards Brisbane. Those photos you’ve seen of friends and celebrities holding a koala? They were almost certainly taken at the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary.
As introductions to Australia’s wonderful wildlife go, Lone Pine is tremendous. Wombats shuffle along logs, kangaroos hop over to be hand-fed and cockatoos squawk away with an ever-present sense of mischief.
This wildlife dose is a traditional curtain-raiser to south-east Queensland, but what follows next can be tailored to taste. Brisbane itself follows the curves of the Brisbane River. The South Bank is more family-focused, with museums and a giant artificial beach rubbing shoulders, while further north Kangaroo Point caters to more adventurous types. Here, novice rock climbers and abseilers learn the craft on the cliffs and kayakers paddle downstream, giving way only to the ferries.
Brisbane, the capital city of Queensland, is a dynamic and ever-evolving metropolis. Nowhere is this more evident than in Fortitude Valley, once a seedy district, but now transformed into a trendy hub boasting an array of independent shops and cool bars. Step into Winn Lane and Bakery Lane, where you'll discover an eclectic mix of stores offering everything from vinyl music to exquisite handmade jewelry. And don't miss Heya, a grungy Asian hawker court that leads the way to a hidden gem - a secret whisky bar.
While Brisbane exudes big-city energy, the Gold Coast to the south is all about unabashed fun. As the host city for the 2018 Commonwealth Games, the Gold Coast is a collection of vibrant beach towns that come together to create a uniquely Floridian atmosphere. Explore the excitement inland, where a cluster of major theme parks awaits, or soak up the coastal charisma from the comfort of an apartment tower with uninterrupted waterfront views of the sprawling sandy beaches.
Surfers Paradise, located in the heart of the Gold Coast, lives up to its name by offering some of the best surfing opportunities in the country. However, if you prefer a more relaxed water activity, you can opt for stand-up paddleboarding along the peaceful inland waterways.
If you've always wanted to ride the waves and learn how to surf, Surfers Paradise is the ideal place for a surf lesson. The Gold Coast's renowned beaches provide the perfect setting to catch your first wave and experience the thrill of surfing. For those who prefer a calmer water adventure, stand-up paddleboarding is a popular choice. You can explore the tranquil inland waterways, resembling picturesque duckponds, while enjoying the peacefulness of the surroundings.
Brisbane beaches: hand-feed wild dolphins at one of the world's largest sand islands
Head east, rather than south, and you’ll hit Moreton Island, which is almost entirely out of sand. Here, wild dolphins swim up to the Tangalooma Resort to be fed, while tours take intrepid visitors snorkelling among shipwrecks and sandboarding down towering sand dunes. It is a pretty simple process – wax the board, sit on it and hold on tight as you whizz downhill at increasingly high speed.
Go north and the pace of things goes down a few notches. Like the Gold Coast, the Sunshine Coast is a collection of beach towns, all of which have a slightly different vibe. Mooloolaba, the closest to a traditional family resort, is where Sunreef offers groundbreaking swimming-with-whales experiences. The boats head out to where the humpbacks are migrating up and down the coast, then dunk snorkellers in the water at a respectful distance to watch the big beasts of the ocean swim past.
If you're looking for a coastal getaway in Queensland, Noosa on the Sunshine Coast is a must-visit destination. This charming town offers a relaxed atmosphere with its low-rise buildings and a focus on enjoying the outdoors.
One of the highlights of Noosa is its stunning beaches, which can be found in almost every direction. These beaches are connected by the picturesque Noosa National Park, where you can take leisurely walks and keep an eye out for sleepy koalas in their natural habitat.
Speaking of nature, Noosa is also a gateway to the forest-covered Everglades. Embark on a boat trip into this enchanting wilderness and explore its hidden beauty. For adventure enthusiasts, the long beaches of Noosa function as four-wheel-drive highways, allowing you to explore further up the coast.
When your day of exploration comes to a close, ensure your accommodation is as stellar as your adventures. Experience the local hospitality by checking into one of the hotels in Queensland near Suncorp Stadium. Easy access to landmarks like the stadium offers an extra perk, turning your relaxing getaway into a multi-faceted experience of Queensland's attractions.