AROUND TOWN
It’s impossible to spend time gazing at the river without wanting to spend some time on the water. Try jumping aboard a KittyCat (seriously). These mini ferries look like kid’s toys but are part of Brisbane’s free CityHopper service. Or hop on a sleek CityCat, and venture further – perhaps upriver to the Cultural Centre at South Bank to catch an exhibition at Queensland Art Gallery/ Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA). Or make an afternoon of it, pre-order a picnic lunch and a GoBoat. These Danish-designed vessels don’t require a boat license, fit up to eight and there’s an awning overhead to hide from the sun. Just collect your pre-booked picnic at Breakfast Creek brasserie and patisserie Mica when you pick up the keys.
Bring a hat and take a stroll, or borrow one of the complimentary hotel bikes and cycle alongside the broad Brisbane River. A boardwalk extends out riverside from Howard Smith Wharves in both directions. Turn left to find yourself among the joggers and dog walkers streaming towards New Farm, with its magnificent park, cute bandstand, rose garden and the suburb’s lovely streets dotted with stately Queenslander homes. Turn right and you’re on your way to the heart of the city. The elegant City Botanic Gardens date from 1828. The grounds were originally planted by convicts to supply food to the growing settlement. These days it’s rather more restful, with shady figs, towering bamboo groves and water dragons scuttling around. Need caffeine? Try The Maillard Project, a clean-lined CBD shrine to everything that’s great about the coffee bean.