1. The City For A Day
Park the car and catch a free City Hopper Ferry to the city, and then catch the free city centre Glyder buses to explore. Must-see places in the city are the Queensland Museum, The Art Gallery and the Science Centre and the Streets Beach, a man-made lagoon-style pool in the middle of the city. There is also an amazing park and eateries within walking distance. Finish the day with a trip on the Wheel of Brisbane.
For the adventurous, take a walk over the top of the Story Bridge in the City Centre and see the views from above.
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2. Explore the Islands
You may not really think of island life when you think of Brisbane but there are a number of island paradises just on Brisbane’s doorstep that you should explore whilst here. Drive to Bribie Island, walk to King Island, take the ferry to Moreton or North Stradbroke Island, or take a water taxi to Coochiemudlo Island.
And while you’re there, there’s so much to do! Bribie’s Bongaree and Bellara beaches are popular with families. Between June and September, you can watch whales migrating from Stradbroke Island’s Cylinder Beach (amongst others). You can check out the famous Tangalooma Wrecks on Moreton Island. Or explore history on St Helena or Peel Island.
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3. Beach Driving
Get a Vehicle Access Permit and enjoy a 4WD in Bribie Island’s National Park or on one of the 2 main islands off the mainland from Brisbane; Moreton and North Stradbroke. The Ocean Beach Drive on Bribie Island is 23km long and takes you past white sandy dunes and freshwater lagoons. Check tides and requirements before you start.
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4. Animal Adventures
You only need to head a few kilometres out of the city to have an animal encounter. Lone Pine Animal Sanctuary is perhaps the most popular with its koala photo ops and daily lorikeet feedings but there are many more wildlife based attractions. Check out Trevena Farm, one of the many Llama farms, Ipswitch Nature Centre, Summer Land Camels or the Dolphin Feeding Experience at Tangalooma Resort.
You can also spot animals in the wild on the various walks around the area, including whales from June to September from on of the islands’ various vantage points.
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5. Shop Til You Drop
Choose between Direct Factory Outlet shopping near the airport and the other Westfield plazas and malls and you will be able to shop till you drop. Whatever you are after you will find it in one of these locations.
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6. Step Back In Time
If you’re a history buff, Brisbane is home to some great historical sites and memorials. Try Beenleigh Historical Village, Caboolture Warplane and Flight Heritage Museum or Fort Lytton. The latter is Queensland’s largest military museum, which allows you to step back in time with live re-enactments. With 13 hectares of war memorabilia to explore, it’s free for the whole family. Open on Sundays and Public Holidays 10am-4pm.
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7. Head To Redcliffe
Known for its diversity of activities, Redcliffe boasts beautiful history sprinkled in amongst the hustle and bustle of daily living. Take a walk up Bee Gee’s Way where the story is told of 3 brothers who started their career in the Redcliffe area. Grab a bite and walk the foreshore or jetty. Make sure you take a swim at the lagoon by the water along the esplanade.
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