The New Zealand Herald

PLAN YOUR BRISBANE TRIP

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Brisbane

Home to a thriving café culture, some of the country’s best restaurant­s and world-class events, Brisbane is a feast for the senses.

For a once in a lifetime arts and culture opportunit­y, check out the European Masterpiec­es exhibition at the Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA) until 17 October 2021.

Or for a different kind of masterpiec­e, Brisbane is home to some of the country’s best restaurant­s, cafes and bars to taste your way around. Make sure to stop at the popular Italian Biànca restaurant in vibrant Fortitude Valley – their

Italian donuts filled with creamy soft serve are a must.

And if you’re looking for somewhere just as delicious to stay, you’ll find a crop of refined hotels, including the brandnew Hotel X. Head up to the rooftop pool for panoramic views of the city.

Scenic Rim

Just a 60-minute drive from Brisbane is the Scenic Rim. Famous for its spectacula­r scenery, this leafy paradise feels a world away from the bustling city, with its country charm, craft breweries, art galleries, boutique wineries and expansive bushwalkin­g tracks.

Surrounded by flawless National Parks, it’s easy to connect with lush rainforest­s, cascading waterfalls and idyllic lookouts in Lamington National Park, Mt Barney National Park and Tamborine Mountain.

For relaxed luxury with a rural flavour, the collection of Spicers Retreats provides a unique escape from the every day. These lavish country lodges come with all

the creature comforts and award-winning cuisine you’d expect to find - you’ll never want to leave. The jewel in the

crown of Spicers Retreat’s nature-based eco offering is the 50km Scenic Rim Trail where you can walk through the World Heritage-listed Gondwana Rainforest and see native fauna and flora in all its glory.

Moreton Island

A short ferry ride away from Brisbane is Moreton Island, the world’s third largest sand island and an adrenaline junkie’s paradise.

Cruise down the dunes of Tangalooma Desert, experience the thrill of riding on an ATV quad bike along the beach, or snorkel the incredible Tangalooma Wrecks, all within metres of the palm-fringed shore. From June to November, you can even spot migrating humpback whales along the famous Humpback Highway.

With virtually all of Moreton designated as a National Park, nature lovers are sure to fall hard for making new

memories on this magnificen­t island.

Southern Great Barrier Reef Islands

Make the most of Queensland’s warm weather on the Southern Great Barrier Reef. Sprinkled throughout the southern end of the Reef, you’ll find hidden sanctuary

islands like Great Keppel, Pumpkin, Wilson, Herron, Lady Musgrave, and Lady Elliot just a few hours away.

Each island is home to pristine beaches and encircled by warm aqua blue waters and the seemingly endless

seascapes of the UNESCO listed Great Barrier Reef. Chill on the beach (and order a cocktail), take it easy on a nature and wildlife walk or dive right into this incredible underwater playground to see manta rays, turtles and more. If you’re looking to get your heart racing, try boomnettin­g off the back of a speed boat or take a guided jet ski tour.

 ??  ?? HELLENIKA AT THE CALILE
HELLENIKA AT THE CALILE
 ??  ?? MORETON ISLAND
MORETON ISLAND
 ??  ?? SPICERS SCENIC RIM TRAIL
SPICERS SCENIC RIM TRAIL
 ??  ?? QUEENSLAND ART GALLERY
QUEENSLAND ART GALLERY
 ??  ?? HERON ISLAND
HERON ISLAND
 ??  ?? WILSON ISLAND
WILSON ISLAND

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