Emerging as one of the most desirable places to live in Australia, Brisbane has outgrown its onetime, sleepy country town image.
Blessed with a sunny, subtropical climate and friendly locals known for their down-to-earth attitude, the city crowds the banks of the winding Brisbane River.
The city boasts world-class art galleries, fine-dining restaurants, lively bars and trendy cafés just a short walk or taxi ride from the compact central business district (CBD).
Culturally rich riverside neighbourhoods add to the city’s relaxed and confident atmosphere.
Escape the city streets on riverside pathways that are ideal for inline skating, cycling, jogging and walking.
Stroll beneath giant fig trees in the riverside Botanic Gardens or hop on a cross-river ferry to South Bank Parklands, a 16-hectare complex of riverside parks, meandering pathways and swimming lagoon with beach.
Paddle the river in a kayak or view the sleek riverside skyscrapers from atop the 44m-high Storey Bridge or the 20m-high Kangaroo Point cliffs, then abseil back down.
After dark, check out the eclectic mix of bars, clubs and restaurants in trendy Teneriffe, friendly West End and lively Fortitude Valley, savour cool sounds head to the riverfront Brisbane Jazz Club or enjoy a flutter at the European-styled Conrad Treasury Casino or for some
Take control from the driver’s seat and discover a range of exciting getaways just a short drive from Brisbane.
Spend time exploring the local history, art and culture, then perhaps try an adventure activity followed by an evening of fine dining on fresh local produce and wine in a quaint hotel.
Discover why Noosa is one of the most popular holiday and honeymoon destination in Australia.
Regarded as one of Australia's most fashionable resort towns, Noosa's lush, low-rise centre backs onto pristine subtropical rainforest and the typically calm, crystalline waters of Laguna Bay. The result is a relaxed, intimate and exclusive atmosphere.
The town lies within the Noosa Biosphere Reserve, a Unesco-recognised area known for its highly diverse ecosystem.
Here you can find pristine beaches, turquoise bays, lush national parks and the fashionable tree-lined boutique shopping district of Hastings Street.
While the Noosa River and headlands of the Noosa National Park form the town's main boundaries, the residential and commercial suburbs of Noosaville, Tewantin and Noosa Junction create a continuous urban area along the river.
Noosa is actually a collection of villages each with their own unique style. There's the upmarket and beach-front Noosa Heads with Hastings Street and extending to Quamby Place; the more relaxed Noosaville fringing the Noosa River; Noosa Junction with it's buzz of bars, eateries and live music venues; and Tewantin – the administrative hub of the Noosa region.
To the southeast, Sunshine, Sunrise and Castaways beaches are all considered part of Greater Noosa.
Read more about the Noosa Heads…
Take the road less travelled and venture through the Brisbane Valley and the Garden City of Toowoomba to the cool Bunya Mountains.
Drive by rolling hills and rich farmlands, enjoy scenic lookouts over Brisbane and Moreton Bay from Mount Glorious, take a picnic at the Benarkin State Forest and come face to face with the largest Bunya Pine rainforest in the world.
Read more about the Bunya Mountains…
Head north to explore the winding roads and crisp air of the Sunshine Coast Hinterland.
The charming towns of Maleny, Montville and Mapleton are perched amid lush green fields and pockets of rainforest on the Blackall Range.
Prepare yourself for natural splendour and any number of short break indulgences. The Sunshine Coast region, from Caloundra to Noosa, offers a huge range of options for relaxing or having an adventure.
Paddle the Pumicestone Passage or the Noosa River, swim with playful seals at UnderWater World, cuddle a Koala at Australia Zoo, dive the HMAS Brisbane and dine on gourmet cuisine along Hastings Street.
Read more about the Sunshine Coast…
Drive from Brisbane across the Great Dividing Range to Warwick then down through the valleys of the Border Ranges before heading back across the border to the villages of Tamborine Mountain.
Along the way, discover mountain ranges, ancient trees, colourful wildlife, waterfalls and easy rainforest walks with wonderful views.
Read more about the Border Ranges…
Explore one of Australia's leading holiday playgrounds. Bright and energetic, the Gold Coast offers 42km of sun-drenched beaches, several theme parks, World Heritage-listed rainforests and a range of shopping and nightlife options.
Read more about the Gold Coast…
Brisbane offers an ever-growing range of luxurious accommodation options for couples celebrating a honeymoon or romantic getaway, including the following hotels…
Emporium Hotel
Location: Fortitude Valley, Brisbane
Rating: 5-star
Prices: from AUD243 per double room
Description: The rooftop terrace at this luxury boutique hotel features a heated 15-metre pool with sun loungers and views of Brisbane city centre. Guests can enjoy 24-hour in-suite dining and drinks at the cocktail bar. All rooms at Emporium Hotel Brisbane feature a state-of-the-art entertainment system, including a 42-inch plasma-screen TV, Bose stereo system, movies-on-demand and 10 free cable TV channels. Guests will find a marble kitchenette and private laundry facilities in every suite. Each private bathroom has a glass-enclosed marble shower with luxury Molton Brown toiletries or luxury Etro toiletries in Emporium and Deluxe Corner Suites. Some suites include a spa bath. Facilities include a fully equipped fitness centre, business centre, pillow menu options, concierge service, valet parking, express laundry service and a free local newspaper. Reception is open 24 hours. Situated in the lively district of Fortitude Valley, Emporium Hotel is located just 10 minutes’ drive from Queen Street Mall. The hotel’s Belle Epoque Patisserie serves coffee and French-style pastries. Fortitude Valley is a great choice for travellers interested in nightlife, restaurants and food.
Pullman Brisbane King George Square
Location: Brisbane CBD
Rating: 5-star
Prices: from AUD275 per double room
Description: Pullman Brisbane King George Square is opposite City Hall. Rooms are extremely spacious and there is a rooftop swimming pool. The modern guest rooms are expansive and well-furnished. All rooms are equipped with modern amenities, including satellite TV and bathrobes. Bistro Allure features contemporary Australian cuisine, with Asian and Pacific Rim influences. It is open daily for breakfast and evening meals. KG Bar has an extensive wines, beers, spirits and cocktail list, and Espresso Café is open for quick snacks and freshly brewed coffee. Located in Brisbane's CBD (Central Business District), Pullman Brisbane King George Square has a rooftop recreation deck with a modern fitness centre. Roma Street Transit Centre and Queen Street Mall and Central Train Station are a 5-minute walk away.
The New Inchcolm Hotel & Suites Brisbane - MGallery Collection
Location: Brisbane CBD
Rating: 5-star
Prices: from AUD269 per double room
Description: The New Inchcolm Hotel and Suites has been elegantly refurbished and offers luxurious boutique accommodation in the heart of Brisbane. Set in a 1920’s era building this hotel features an on-site restaurant and bar. The stylish rooms and suites are air-conditioned and offer a flat-screen TV. They feature a minibar and tea and coffee making facilities. The private bathroom includes a shower and a hairdryer. Guests can unwind with a drink at the bar, or dine at Thomson’s Reserve Restaurant, which offers an enticing seasonal menu using local organic produce. The New Inchcolm Hotel is just 5 minutes’ walk from Queen Street Mall. Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre 10 minutes’ drive away.
Stamford Plaza Brisbane
Location: Brisbane CBD
Rating: 5-star
Prices: from AUD255 per double room
Description: Featuring elegant rooms with stunning views over Brisbane River, Stamford Plaza Brisbane is only 300 metres from the Botanical Gardens. It offers an outdoor swimming pool, 4 restaurants and a fitness centre. A luxurious marble bathroom and flat-screen cable TV are standard in all rooms. Each air-conditioned room is traditionally furnished and has a spacious seating area, minibar and tea and coffee maker. Guests can relax in the hot tub, or enjoy the sun on the poolside terrace. The hotel also offers a 24-hour reception, 24-hour room service and concierge services. Featuring water views, Brasserie On The River offers indoor or outdoor dining. Kabuki serves traditional Japanese cuisine, while Pav Bar features light meals and an al fresco courtyard. Located in the heart of Brisbane's CBD (Central Business District), Stamford Plaza Hotel is 2 minutes’ walk from Brisbane River and 5 minutes’ drive from The Gabba and Southbank Parklands. Brisbane Airport is a 20-minute drive away.
Sofitel Brisbane Central
Location: Brisbane CBD
Rating: 5-star
Prices: from AUD234 per double room
Description: Located in Brisbane's CBD (Central Business District), the 5-star Sofitel Brisbane Central features a day spa, an outdoor pool and luxurious rooms with an LCD TV. It offers direct access to the Central Station. All rooms of Sofitel Brisbane Central are equipped with satellite TV, bathrobes and slippers, and a fully stocked mini-bar. Stephanies Spa Retreat offers several health and beauty treatments, including their signature cleansing treatment, the Opal Rasul Temple. The SoFit Gymnasium offers guests an opportunity to work out. Guests can watch the chefs of Thyme2 Restaurant cook international dishes live in the open-plan interactive kitchen. Cuvée Lounge Bar serves a wide selection of vintage and non-vintage champagnes and wines. Sofitel Brisbane Central also has a fully equipped business centre which offers high speed wireless internet, video conferencing, technical services and a professional support team.
NEXT Hotel Brisbane
Location: Brisbane CBD
Rating: 4.5-star
Prices: from AUD184 per double room
Description: Centrally located opposite Queen Street Mall in Brisbane's CBD, NEXT Hotel Brisbane boasts a restaurant, a fitness centre and a rooftop swimming pool with a pool-side bar. All rooms offer city views, free WiFi and access to the NEXT guest lounge. Each air-conditioned room features a desk and a 48-inch flat-screen TV with free satellite channels and free movies. Rooms also include an espresso coffee machine with free coffee, and a minibar with 4 free items per night. Conveniences include 24-hour check in and the 'Transit Zone', which offers sleeping areas perfect for a power nap, as well as shower facilities and free toiletries. A concierge service and laundry facilities are also available. Guests can dine at the onsite Lennons Restaurant and enjoy a drink at the bar. In-room meals can be arranged via room service. Situated in the CBD (Central Business District), Next Hotel Brisbane is a 4-minute drive from Suncorp Stadium and a 7-minute drive from South Bank. Brisbane Airport is a 17-minute drive away.
Brisbane is the capital, and most populated city, in Queensland.
The city is located on the Brisbane River, about 15km (9mi) from its mouth at Moreton Bay in southeast Queensland. Brisbane extends in all directions along the Brisbane River Valley between Moreton Bay and the Great Dividing Range.
The most convenient route to Brisbane, from overseas or interstate, is by air to Brisbane Airport (BNE), located about 12km (7.4mi) northeast of the city centre.
More information on How to get to Brisbane…
Latest update: Brisbane: 9 September, 2022
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