Brisbane is one of the largest cities on the east coast of Australia and is also the capital of the state of Queensland. It is a much-visited city for backpackers and travellers making a trip from Sydney to Cairns. The city is about 1½ hours' flight or 10 hours' drive from Sydney.
With over 2 million inhabitants, the city is second only to Sydney and Melbourne, it ranks third among Australia's largest cities. However, the city does not feel big, partly because of the Brisbane River that divides the city in two. Due to the city's eastern location, Brisbane was one of Australia's most important defence sites during World War II. After the war, Brisbane grew rapidly due to migration.
In 1982, for instance, the city became the venue for the Commonwealth Games, and in 1988 it hosted the World Expo. Meanwhile, Brisbane is known for its thriving music and art scene and nightlife. Want to visit Brisvegas, as the city is also known? Find great tips for a holiday in Brisbane here!
Sights and things to do in Brisbane
South Bank Parklands
Located on Moreton Bay, Brisbane has no public beaches, which is exceptional for a city along the east coast. To still offer some cooling off, Streets Beach was established. A fine city beach surrounded by the many cafes and restaurants of South Bank, a popular spot in the city.
South Bank Parklands was originally set up as the location of the 1988 World Expo in Brisbane, but has since become a popular spot among young people. The place is ideal for having lunch or a drink with friends. You can also take a ride on The Wheel of Brisbane (www.thewheelofbrisbane.com.au), a 60-metre-high Ferris wheel. From the gondolas, you have stunning panoramic views of the city.
Queensland Art Gallery
Brisbane's Queensland Art Gallery leaves a fresh impression: years-old Aboriginal art combined with modern art and bright colours with archives of a total of 17,000 works. The emphasis of the gallery is on contemporary art from Asia and Australia. It is Australia's largest modern art gallery and had an Andy Warhol exhibition, among others. The bright, high-ceilinged gallery is highly recommended and admission is free. Address: Stanley Pl, South Brisbane QLD 4101, Australia. Website: www.qagoma.qld.gov.au
Take a Brisbane River tour
The Brisbane River is the river that divides the city in two. The river runs from Moreton Bay to a lake over 300 kilometres from Brisbane. To make things a little easier for Brisbane residents, there are several ferries from the city centre that go to the other places along the river, such as South Bank, the universities or the many restaurants at Eagle Street Pier.
One of the ferries, the red one, has a 'Hop on, hop off' system. After an hour, the ferry returns you to where you got on and you've had a fun tour of the river, a great way to explore the city.
Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary
Have you always wanted to cuddle a koala? Southeast of the city centre is the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, one of Brisbane's most popular attractions. This is the largest koala sanctuary in the world, where more than 100 of these cute and furry marsupials roam. It is also home to 70 species of other Australian animals, from kangaroos and wallabies to amphibians and reptiles. New is the viewing dome where you can come face to face in 360 degrees with the monstrous saltwater crocodile, Australia's largest predator.
At the reserve, you can get to know koalas and other animals up close in their natural habitat, but there is also plenty to do. There is a daily programme of shows, presentations, feeding sessions and photo opportunities. There are shows with sheepdogs, you can feed colourful loris yourself or hold a koala for a selfie. The wildlife park is located on the Brisbane River. A boat trip from the city centre is a fun way to visit the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary. Address: 708 Jesmond Rd, Fig Tree Pocket QLD 4069, Australia. Website: www.lonepinekoalasanctuary.com
City Botanic Gardens
An oasis of calm in downtown Brisbane are the City Botanic Gardens. These riverside gardens were created as early as 1825 by prisoners of a penal colony to provide for themselves. In 1855, it was transformed into a botanical garden that has been open to the public for free ever since. It is a beautiful serene place with bamboo groves, ornamental ponds with water lilies and an avenue of giant fig trees. See the 1803 canon overlooking the river, take a leisurely stroll or have a picnic on the grass.
Want to know more about the botanical garden? From Monday to Saturday at 11am or 1pm, you can join a free 1-hour guided tour. A volunteer will then take you past the highlights. And keep an eye on the calendar for performances at the Riverstage, an open-air stage on the south side of the gardens. Artists such as Ed Sheeran and Florence & The Machine have previously performed here. Address: 147 Alice St, Brisbane City QLD 4000, Australia. Website: www.brisbane.qld.gov.au
Australia Zoo
Should you be in Brisbane for more than a few days, take the train to Beerwah or rent a car. Indeed, just a few kilometres from Beerwah is the well-known Australia Zoo, founded by Steve Irwin's parents in 1970, where he took over from his parents in 1992. After his death in 2006, his wife and two children look after Queensland's most popular attraction.
It doesn't feel much like a zoo, more like a big park full of wallabies, koalas and other Australian animals. There are also daily shows with snakes and huge saltwater crocodiles. A ticket costs $59.00, but family and student tickets are also available. Website: www.australiazoo.com.au
Holidays in Brisbane: practical tips
Staying in Brisbane
When it comes to experiencing the magic of Australia, Queensland stands as a true gem with its diverse landscapes and vibrant cities. The state offers a plethora of accommodation options that cater to every traveler's desires. Whether you're planning a beach getaway, a nature retreat, or a city adventure, Hotel Deals in Queensland has something extraordinary to offer.
For couples seeking a romantic escape, Brisbane Romantic Hotels Queensland offers an array of charming and intimate hotels. From boutique hotels with breathtaking views to secluded resorts nestled in nature, these accommodations are perfect for creating lasting memories with your loved one.
Brisbane offers a wide variety of hotels for your holiday, so there is a suitable place for every target group. The city is very popular among backpackers, so there are around thirty hostels to be found. Besides hostels, there are plenty of hotels, but you can also rent a flat if you're staying in Brisbane for a bit longer.
One of the favourites is The Calile Hotel, especially since some influencers touted it on Instagram. Located not far from Brisbane city centre, the 5-star hotel immediately evokes a holiday feeling with its pastel shades, palm trees and retro decor. Think 1950s Miami. Don't just take photos, relax by the pool or enjoy a spa experience at the hotel's spa. There are six bars and restaurants, including Hellenika, the best Greek restaurant in town. Once outside, you can stroll to trendy bars, hip fashion boutiques and Brisbane's best museums. ► Book an overnight stay at The Calile Hotel from €289
Travelling to Brisbane
Brisbane is located on the east coast of Australia, between southern Sydney and northern Cairns. If you want to fly there from the Netherlands, it will take at least 23 hours. There are no direct flights from Amsterdam Schiphol Airport, but you can reach Brisbane with a transfer in Dubai, Qatar or Singapore. Flights to Brisbane from all major Australian cities go all day long, on a variety of airlines. You can fly from the likes of Sydney (1½ hours), Melbourne (2 hours) and western Perth (4½ hours).
Flights arrive at Brisbane Airport (BNE) (www.bne.com.au), Australia's third busiest airport. The airport is located 14 kilometres northeast of Brisbane city centre. There are several offices of car rental companies if you want to rent a car for a road trip in Australia. The Airtrain (www.airtrain.com.au) is a quick and easy option to get from the airport into central Brisbane. The ride takes just 20 minutes and the train departs every 15 minutes during peak hours. During off-peak hours, it is every 30 minutes.
