BRISBANE AND BEYOND
It’s worth sticking around for a few days in the gateway to Australia’s Gold Coast, says JEMMA CREW
BRISBANE, the urban crown of Queensland, should need little introduction. But bafflingly, this up-and-coming city, one of Australia’s fastest growing, has – until now – been somewhat overshadowed by its showier rivals.
Simmering with opportunity and sunny skies, Brissie balances a laid-back, outdoorsy vibe with the excitement of a global city.
Here are six of the best experiences in
Brisbane and beyond...
1 DRINK SOME CRIMINALLY GOOD BEER
UNDER the curves of
Story Bridge (which lights up at night), Felons Brewing Company is the first development of Howard Smith Wharves to open, and also somewhere you can drink a beer on the water’s edge.
The name of the bar pays homage to the first settlers to discover the Brisbane river – four sea-faring felons who were said to be terrible adventurers, but somehow found a cracking spot. ■ A 425ml schooner of their best Australian Pale Ale costs 12 AUD (£7). Visit felonsbrewingco.com.au
2 ESCAPE IN A HOT AIR BALLOON
HEADING out at 4am may not sound like your ideal holiday experience, but the brutal early start is undoubtedly worth it.
Rising higher than a 10-storey building, these balloons carry up to 24 people and take off in the midst of the Scenic Rim’s hinterland, less than an hour’s drive from the city. Within minutes, neck-tickling blasts of hot air lift you 1,000m above the ground.
The perfect end to this voyage is a Champagne breakfast at O’Reilly’s Vineyards, a gorgeous spot in the Canungra Valley, which breaks up the return journey.
■ A half-hour flight, Champagne breakfast and return city transfer is 329 AUD (£183) per adult, 250 AUD (£139) per child. Visit hotair.com.au
3 MAKE SOME FURRY FRIENDS
DESPITE the name, Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary has much more to offer than Australia’s cutest national icon. Docile and dozing in the sun, you can get within selfie range of kangaroos, but make sure you don’t touch the joeys.
Take the Koala Express – a 40-minute boat ride– from the heart of Brisbane, for a waterside view of the suburbs; just be prepared for the steps up from the jetty. Otherwise it’s a 20-minute drive south-west.
■ Adults 34.20 AUD (£19), children 19.80 AUD (£11). Visit koala.net
4 STROLL ALONG THE SOUTH BANK
GET to know Brisbane’s cultural heart and history with a BlackCard tour.
“We want people to know that you can come to any capital city and meet real Aboriginal people sharing our culture,” says tour manager Yarraka Bayles, after we’re treated to a didgeridoo performance.
As you wander the south bank of Meanjin – the Aboriginal name for the city – you get the chance to explore the Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre. Its Plaza Gallery – one of the most significant collections of Central Desert art – is a hidden gem.
Finish off by watching your Aboriginal guides perform a song while sitting ‘round the only legal fire pit in Queensland.
■ A three-hour walking tour is 85 AUD (£48) per person. Visit theblackcard.com.au/tours
5 PICNIC IN A PARK
INDULGE in a spread with a difference with the Vintage Picnic Company. It’s no exaggeration to describe their offering as a banquet, with full cutlery and glassware, bouquets, candles and lace decorating a low table, and a colourful array of cushions and rugs to settle down on.
Either collect your picnic and head off to wherever takes your fancy, or arrange for it to be set up in one of the city’s sprawling parks.
Check out New Farm Park on Sundays and grab a spot near the bandstand to enjoy your fare with a backdrop of live music.
■ A picnic for 8-10 people, with full set up and food, is 60-80 AUD (£33.50-44.50) per person. Visit vintagepicnics.com.au
6 DISCOVER MORETON ISLAND
TANGALOOMA, a resort on Moreton Island, whose name means many fishes in Aboriginal, is just 75 minutes by catamaran from the city.
A helicopter ride will give you an incredible look at the wrecks – a cluster of 15 out-of-service ships scuttled by the Queensland Government decades ago, to give smaller vessels a safe anchorage spot. Alternatively, take a snorkelling tour for a closer look at the coral.
But it’s not known as ‘dolphin island’ for nothing, and one of the most popular attractions is the opportunity to stand knee-deep in the water and hand feed two families that swim to the shore each evening. ■ Return day trips by boat start from 89 AUD (£50) per person. Rooms start from 159 AUD (£159) per night. Visit tangalooma.com