Tropical allure

Savour the sub-tropical beauty and solitude of the 56ha Brisbane Botanic Gardens Mount Coot-tha, just 7km from the CBD. From an idyllic Japanese garden to a tropical display dome, there is something for all tastes, with the exotic rainforest being a cooling summer favourite. Open every day from 8am to 6pm (8am-5pm, April-august), with free entry. For more info, go to brisbane.qld.gov.au under ‘Things to see and do’.