Brisbane Hotels

They say it’s the people who make a place, and in Brissie, there’s an infectious enthusiasm that you simply don’t find in Sydney. Fortitude Valley is the pulsing home to passionate party-goers and music-makers who are leading Australia’s charge into the dance music and electro scene. On any given weekend, Suncorp Stadium and the Gabba are packed with sports fans cheering on the Broncos or Lions or Bulls or Aussies, and even the black-clad, rainbow-haired, skateboard-clutching youths that seem to be a constant fixture around Queen Street Mall have a general joie de vivre about them that belies their emo clothing. Brisbanites are what they are – and don’t really care what anyone else thinks.

The recent floods that hit Brisbane only served to highlight the mateship and spirit that flavour the town. The city stood united against inconceivable tragedy, and stood united again to reopen its doors to tourism. As the town recovers, the smiling locals and touching cleanup efforts are the single most powerful sign to would-be visitors from Broome to Ballarat that Brisbane is well and truly open for business.

BRISBANE’S TOP 10

BRISBANE LOCAL

CBD

There are an incredible number of shopping hubs located within the CBD, so get that plastic ready for a workout at Queen Street Mall and push it to the limit at QueensPlaza and Brisbane Arcade, which are both home to leading local and international brands, as well as other little gems if your taste leans to the quirky side. If they don’t tickle your fancy, try MacArthur Central, Broadway on the Mall and The Myer Centre.

South Bank

Brisbane’s South Bankis home to some seriously impressive local and international art, so we’d recommend starting your day at the Queensland Art Gallery and Queensland Gallery of Modern Art (situated conveniently next to each other, so you don’t have to walk too far in the Queensland heat!). If you’re travelling with children, chances are they’ll get more of a kick out of the Queensland Museum for a nice mix of education and entertainment (the Science Centre is especially impressive). And no matter who you’re travelling with, the Wheel of Brisbane is a fun way to take in matchless city views.

If all that art, culture and wheel-shaped entertainment has worked up an appetite, Little Stanley Street is the perfect place to venture for an abundance of restaurants and chilled-out bars. Once you’ve recharged the batteries, a walk on Goodwill Bridge is the perfect way to end your South Bank adventure, not forgetting to stop in at The Parklands, which have recently re-opened after the floods.

Fortitude Valley

Fashion, fun and funky house music epitomise this area of Brisbane. Not only is there a range of local Australian and international designers with boutiques here, but there’s also a thriving, throbbing nightlife to be enjoyed once the sun goes down. Make sure you pay a visit to Chinatown for mouth-watering Asian grub (and even more shopping).

For a more ‘meaningful’ visitor experience, head over to The Fort for some seriously cool art displays (the street art in particular is incredible) and the Judith Wright Centre of Contemporary Arts.

And if you still haven’t had enough of shopping (what kind of a masochist are you?), the Valley Laneway Markets, held every Sunday, provide a range of local goodies.

New Farm/Teneriffe

The New Farm/Teneriffe district caters for upmarket tastes and hosts a bevy of fine-dining venues and trendy bars. The London Club or Salon Bar and Tapas are great venues if you’re looking for a bite and cocktail to fuel your feet. Suitably sated, head to the Fireworks Gallery for a spectacular array of contemporary art, including a large collection of Aboriginal works. Finally, the Brisbane Powerhouse will sort you out for fine food, plus various shows and exhibits.

Mount Coot-tha

If relaxation and/or ‘being one with nature’ (American term but and Australian way of life) is on your mind, you’ve just found nirvana. Start your day with a stroll up to The Lookout to enjoy the view, then head to the nearby café for some brekkie. Then strap on your walking boots for a hike through the Mount Coot-tha Reserve (or a drive if you really can’t be bothered) and luxuriate in gorgeous scenery and native wildlife. Then end your day at the Zen-inducing Brisbane Botanic Gardens at the bottom of Mount Coot-tha itself.

BRISBANE EAT & DRINK

BRISBANE EVENTS

Want to enjoy movies by moonlight? Grab a date or head over with a bunch of mates to the Moonlight Cinema. Feel free to bring along food, non-alcoholic beverages (there’s a bar there!) and comfy things to sit on. Movies are always better by moonlight. Mid-December to late-January.

The Brisbane Blues Festival in mid-May has been around for nearly 20 years and is one of the most anticipated music events on the Brisbane calendar. The Tempo Hotel in Fortitude Valley sees stacks of people bopping along to bands on the main stage and chilling to some solo artists on the second stage downstairs.

Greek food and dancing are legendary, so come and enjoy copious amounts of both at May’s Paniyiri Festival. There are also rides, eating contests (!), fireworks, movies and loads more. For the over 18s, ‘Trella’ (which means ‘craze’ in Greek) lives up to its name and is one hell of an after party.

The Ekka in mid- to late-August is just plain fun. The kiddies get a bunch of rides, shows and games to enjoy and the adults have great food and exhibits to explore. Plus, there are showbags! Head over to the RNA Showgrounds for this one.

WHEN TO GO

You won’t need telling that summers are very hot and humid in Brisbane, so if that’s not your cup of tea, avoid coming in late-December through to February. You’ll find plenty of nice, sunny days and minimum humidity in September through to early December, and the same goes for most of autumn.

WHAT TO MISS

The sun is incredibly hot, and even when it’s overcast you can still get burned. Avoid the humiliation of looking like an English tourist and keep your Aussie street-cred with a decent slathering of sunscreen.

GETTING AROUND

TRANSlink is one of the main transportation services in Brisbane and provides buses, trains and ferries. Grab a go-card – not only is it cheaper than buying tickets each time you travel, but it also works across all three modes and can be topped-up.