The Gabba
Named after the suburb of Woolloongabba in which it is located,
and with a seating capacity of 42,000, the famous Gabba Cricket
Ground is just a short bus ride from the city of Brisbane. Visitors
can check out locals, the Queensland Bulls Cricket team or the
Brisbane Lions Australian Rules football team, depending on when
you choose to visit. Over the years The Gabba has hosted athletics,
Australian Rules football, baseball, concerts, cricket, cycling,
rugby league, rugby union, soccer and pony and greyhound races.
Those lucky enough to catch an international cricket match are
ensured a great day out. Sport is integral to Australian culture
and even for those who are not themselves fanatical a visit to this
passionately supported sports ground will be an exciting
experience.
Address:
Vulture Street, Woolloongabba
The Gabba
Ryanlerch
Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary
The world's oldest and largest koala sanctuary, the Lone Pine
Koala Sanctuary is home to more than just the cute and cuddly
koala, but also to kangaroos, Tasmanian devils, wombats, echidnas
and various species of reptiles as well as Australian parrots,
cockatoos, kookaburras and cassowaries. Lucky visitors are actually
able to handle the koalas here (for a fee) making this one of only
a few sanctuaries in the world where this is possible - a dream
come true for many. Feeding and petting is also permitted and is
carefully monitored, making this an ideal activity for families
travelling with small children. The Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary is
arguably the best place to get up close and personal with
Australia's unique animals, and a delight for the whole family.
Address:
708 Jesmond Road, Fig Tree Pocket
Koala
Rennett Stowe
South Bank
The South Bank is a central Brisbane district packed with
world-class attractions and experiences for visitors. It attracts
nearly 10 million people each year, mostly to the South Bank
Parklands, which were established on the former site of World Expo
88. The Parklands contain Australia's only man-made beach and
lagoon, right in the heart of the city, known as South Bank Beach.
There are also rainforest walks, picnic and barbecue areas and
water features. One of Brisbane's most popular tourist attractions,
South Bank is also home to the Queensland Cultural Centre, which
includes Queensland Museum, Queensland Art Gallery, the State
Library of Queensland, the Greater Union Hoyt's South Bank Cinemas
and the Queensland Performing Arts Centre, which all line the
Brisbane River proudly.
Shoppers and fashion lovers will enjoy Little Stanley Street,
where all the latest in fashion can be picked up from the boutiques
and retails stores lining the strip. The South Bank Art and Craft
Markets take place every Friday night, as well as every Saturday
and Sunday during the day. Visitors should head to the South Bank
Visitors Centre which provides information on current events,
including cultural activities, accommodation options, event
information and details regarding restaurant and bar
facilities.
South Bank Streets Beach
Kevin Gibbons
Story Bridge
One of the oldest bridges in Australia, the Story Bridge is a
3,517-foot (1,072m) long cantilevered bridge which spans the
Brisbane River, connecting Fortitude Valley to Kangaroo Point.
Brave visitors who are certain they don't suffer from vertigo can
climb to the top of the bridge and be rewarded with breathtaking
views over Brisbane's cityscape. One of only a handful of bridge
climbs in the world, the Story Bridge is well worth a visit for
those travelling through Brisbane. Advance bookings are recommended
and money can sometimes be saved by booking online. Special deals
are available for groups and there is even an abseiling option.
Check out the official website listed below for more details.
Address:
Level 1, 170 Main Street, Kangaroo Point
Story Bridge
Cyron
Gondwana Rainforests of Australia
Formerly known as the Central Eastern Rainforest Reserves, the
Gondwana Rainforests are so-named as the fossil records show that
when Gondwana existed it was covered by the same kind of
rainforests. Gondwana was a southern supercontinent that existed
approximately 550 million years ago, about 250 million years before
Pangaea.
The reserve includes 50 national parks which include Lamington
National Park, Mount Chinghee National Park, Springbrook National
Park, Mount Barney National Park and Main Range National Park,
among many others that lie on the New South Wales side of
Queensland. There are very few places on earth that contain so many
plants and animals which remain fairly unchanged from their fossil
records. The rainforests are remarkable and hugely rewarding for
hikers and nature-lovers. Unsurprisingly, the forests have been
UNESCO-listed.
There are a number of entry-points to the rainforest and despite
the pristine nature of the region, there is sufficient
infrastructure to enable in-depth exploration of the forest, with
well-maintained access-roads and walking trails, a number of
adventure tour operators offering activities, and various
accommodation options.
Gondwana Rainforest
Andrea Schaffer
Sea World
One of Queensland's most popular attractions for visitors of all
ages and an absolute must while on holiday with the kids in
Brisbane, Sea World offers marine attractions, rides, shows and
much more. Check out the ocean's most fearsome predator at Shark
Bay, get up close and personal with Australia's only polar bears at
Polar Bear Shores or check out the Fairy penguins in their penguin
suits, before taking a stroll through the Sea World Aquarium to
discover Australia's exotic marine life. The adventurous can climb
aboard the Jet Rescue rollercoaster ride - an exhilarating ride for
kids of all ages.
Address:
Sea World Drive, Main Beach
Sea World, Queensland
Kevin Gibbons
Brisbane enjoys a subtropical climate with very high humidity
and temperatures in the summer months, between December and
February, and dry, mild winters, between June and August. Summers
in Brisbane are often plagued with thunderstorms, heavy hailstorms,
cyclonic winds and drought, but generally the warm, sunny weather
is well suited to the holidaymakers who visit for leisure and
pleasure all year round. The rainy season runs from November to
March. Temperatures average between 67°F (19°C) and 84°F (29°C) in
the peak summer months, but it is only marginally cooler the rest
of the year, with the exception of the winter months, when
temperatures average between 49°F (9°C) and 71°F (22°C).
Brisbane Airport
Location: The airport is situated eight miles (13km) northeast of
Brisbane.
Time: GMT +10.
Transfer Between Terminals:
The Airport Transfer Bus takes passengers between terminals and
from both terminals to the Skygate shopping precinct for free.
Getting to the city:
The Airtrain Rail Link departs every 15 minutes to and from the
Brisbane Central Business District. It operates between 5.15am and
10pm, taking about 20 minutes. There is also a direct link to the
Gold Coast. Taxis, limousines and airport buses are also available
from both terminals.
Car Rental:
Car hire companies represented at the airport include Avis,
Budget, Hertz, Europcar, Redspot and Thrifty.
Airport Taxis:
Black & White Cabs and Yellow Cab Co can be hailed at the
airport. A A$3.70 airport pick-up fee is charged in the airport
taxi ranks, and the meter fee is added to this cost.
Facilities:
The airport includes cafes, bars, and restaurants, bureaux de
change and ATMs, duty-free shopping facilities, and a huge variety
of other shopping opportunities. Hotel reservation and visitor
information services are also available.
Parking
Short-term parking is adjacent to the terminals, and costs A$5
for 15 minutes, A$9 for 30 minutes, A$18 for an hour, A$22 for two
hours, A$27 for three hours and A$28 for four hours. Long-term
parking is connected to the terminal via a covered walkway and
costs A$56 for four to 24 hours, while the Airpark costs A$20 for
one day and is farther from the terminals, accessible by the
complimentary shuttle service.
There are three main types of public transport in Brisbane:
buses, trains and ferries (CityCats), all operated by TransLink.
Bus routes may be somewhat complicated for visitors, but they do
cover most of the city. Buses need to be flagged down and will not
automatically stop at bus stops. Two free bus routes that cover a
number of popular tourist attractions are available in Brisbane:
the City Loop operates around the CBD between red signposted bus
stops, using distinctive red buses; and the Spring Hill Loop
operates between the CBD and Spring Hill between yellow signposted
bus stops, using distinctive yellow buses. Trains are quick and
efficient, covering most of the city and suburbs. The ferry system,
which serves points along the Brisbane River, is very popular with
visitors. Ticketing for all forms of transport is cheap, and works
on a zoning system. A variety of passes are available. Cycling is a
popular option, and the city has many dedicated cycle-paths.
Trains, buses and ferries are equipped to carry bicycles. Taxis can
be found in ranks in the city centre and near most major hotels.
Taxis may be pre-booked or hailed on the street. Driving a car in
the city centre can be confusing because it consists mainly of a
grid of one-way streets. There are parkades available downtown.
The most popular tourist attractions in Brisbane include Sea
World, the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, South Bank, and the
Queensland Maritime Museum, located on the southern bank of the
Brisbane River. The best views of the city can be earned by
climbing the iconic Story Bridge on the Story Bridge Adventure
Climb, or hiking up Mt Coottha for splendid panoramic views.
Visitors to Brisbane who are travelling with kids in tow will be
pleased to know that besides being in one of the most naturally
beautiful countries in the world, Brisbane itself offers plenty of
activities, both outdoors and in. Take the kids to the Children's
Art Centre at the Queensland Art Gallery and Gallery of Modern Art
for a more cultural outing, while a trip to Sea World, Queensland's
most popular attraction, is guaranteed to please with dolphins,
penguins and even sharks to captivate and enthral kids of all
ages.
Pack a picnic, plenty of sunscreen and a Frisbee or ball and
head to the New Farm Park where rolling green grass, fig trees and
playgrounds offer options for exercise and relaxation. Animal
lovers can't miss a visit to the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary where
visitors can interact with cuddly koalas and even get to hold or
feed them - a once in a lifetime experience. At the South Bank
Parklands children can swim at the artificial beach, enjoy a ride
on the Wheel of Brisbane, meet other kids in the playgrounds or
even rollerblade and skateboard along the river's edge. Other great
parks in Brisbane include Marchant Park and Peace Park, which both
feature excellent playground areas.