Sophistication or the good life? Culture or an adventure in the great outdoors? Brisbane has it all, on either shore of its river, combined with a subtropical climate to be enjoyed all year round.
Filled with green spaces, its riverside resembles an aquatic Garden of Eden where you can get away from it all and breathe in some fresh air. Explore the Botanic Gardens, an ecological paradise and the city’s lush green heart. It provides the perfect setting for a peaceful walk or an invigorating run, before you dive into the hustle and bustle of urban life. In Brisbane, nature lives in perfect harmony with its ultramodern landscape, and you can enjoy them both! The jewel in the crown of the skyscrapers that mark the city’s horizon, the Infinity Tower is the tallest in town, boasting contrasting architectural styles and is best enjoyed from Mount Coot-tha. The panoramic view from up there is stunning, and it’s the perfect place from which to familiarise yourself with the most heavily populated city in Queensland. Another dizzying experience to get your pulse racing is a climb to the top of Story Bridge, which links up Fortitude Valley and Kangaroo Point for a guaranteed energy rush!
Brisbane is indeed a very sporty city. Head to the Suncorp Stadium for some soccer or rugby – joining the crowds and soaking up their enthusiasm is an unforgettable experience. Brisbane also boasts a number of major events, including its International Tennis Tournament.
When it comes to culture, Brisbane certainly has a wealth of places to discover. In Fortitude Valley and New Farm, you’ll find trendy galleries and alternative exhibitions. These two neighbourhoods are the epicenters of the creativity that courses through the city. Next, head to New Farm, where the Brisbane Powerhouse, a vast arts center housed in a former power station, epitomises this energy. The more traditional Queensland Art Gallery and GoMA are also well worth a visit, for their modern and contemporary art as well as their Australian and Aboriginal pieces. This music-loving city also hosts plenty of festivals, including the Centenary Rocks Festival for fans of classic rock, and the Valley Jazz Festival. Last but by no means least, the Brisbane Festival puts on a multidisciplinary programme that explores a wide range of art forms and showcases the city’s talents in this field.
Brisbane’s energy and diversity also seeps into every aspect of the modern yet laidback lifestyle, illustrated by its countless outdoor markets. These typical, colorful events are particularly popular with locals. Check out the traditional Eagle Farm market, or explore the trendy, green Collective Markets. The environment is very important for residents of Brisbane, and they love hunting out organic ingredients from the cleverly organised stalls.
When it comes to fashion, Queen Street is definitely the place to be! A city within a city, dedicated to the joys of shopping, this part of town has a wide range of options, with a string of boutiques and shopping centers, including the Queen Street Mall, home to, among others, the legendary David Jones, as well as plenty of Australian and international labels.
When the sun sets, head to the city center to enjoy the nightlife around Brisbane River. The city is packed with fabulous restaurants boasting lovely views of the water, serving the best that European and Asian cuisine have to offer. Ryan Squires at Esquire or Matt Moran at Aria lead the way when it comes to ambitious contemporary cuisine. Once you’ve eaten, make your way to funky Brooklyn Standard to enjoy a typical night out in Brisbane, ending up in Fortitude Valley, where you can enjoy the trendiest DJs in town.
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