DESTINATION OF THE MONTH 

BRISBANE: THE SOPHISCATED AND SUN-SOAKED CAPITAL OF QUEENSLAND.

 

Looking for inspiration for your travels? Why not try Brisbane, the most populous city in the Australian state of Queensland and our ‘Destination of the Month’ for April 2017.

Blessed with sunny days and plenty of action, Brisbane is one of the fastest growing capital cities in the world and has a laid-back and joyful feel. Whether you love the outdoors or prefer the inner city buzz, Brisbane has it all.

What’s more, with fascinating surrounding landscapes, and as the main gateway to the Gold Coast and Australia’s Nature Coast, you will never be too far from your next adventure.

 

Why go

 

• -          Brisbane’s subtropical setting means it has the perfect climate for you to enjoy the outdoors all year around
• -          The city is home to Australia’s only inner-city beach, so you can enjoy the best of two worlds

• -          An abundance of markets, sophisticated rooftop bars, alfresco restaurants and a vibrant cultural scene

• -          Impressive surroundings - from vineyards to national parks and idyllic islands, all a short drive away

• -          Brisbane is the gateway to the Gold and Australia's Nature Coasts
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• See & Do

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There’s so much to see, do and experience in Brisbane, with plenty of spectacular ways to spend your days.  The winding Brisbane River is the lifeblood of the city, with many of its most interesting places dotted along it, so why not start your day with a coffee in a waterfront suburb like New Farm or West End? Or if you prefer, cycle up the river, then catch the CityCat catamaran back down, followed by a gentle stroll through the City Botanic Gardens. And if you’re feeling more adventurous, Brisbane’s heritage-listed Story Bridge is yours to climb (and abseil down the side).

Experiencing the buzz of South Bank is also a must-do, with its lively markets, bars, restaurants, live performances and Australia’s only inner-city beach. Streets Beach, with its attractive lagoon, is surrounded by white sand and parkland, providing you with a place to unwind, sunbathe and cool off in an inner-city setting. 

But if the cultural scene is you what you are after, then Brisbane won't disappoint. Make sure you head to the museums and art galleries of the Cultural Precinct, wander around the Gallery of Modern Art, Queensland Art Gallery or Queensland Museum, or discover independent dance, theatre and comedy in Fortitude Valley’s eclectic performance spaces.

End the day with an impressive sunset from the top of Mt. Cootha (287m), with panoramic views of Brisbane and beyond, or have a barbecue overlooking the river and the city, as the sun goes down in Kangaroo Point Cliffs.

 

Discover ‘100 things to do in Brisbane’, courtesy of Queensland Tourism.

 

Eat & Drink

Brisbane has a reputation for being a chilled out kind of place, which is clearly reflected in the city's culinary scene. Dining often takes place alfresco thanks to the typically spotless weather, with restauranteurs priding themselves on local produce. Expect plenty of native Queensland fruit and vegetables, seafood fished in Moreton Bay and excellent wine, for which Australia is well known. The city boasts most of Queensland's finest eateries. We suggest you get to know the inner-city hubs of Paddington, New Farm and Fortitude Valley with their renowned cafes (Brisbanites take the quality of their coffee rather seriously!), unwind in the alfresco restaurants and bars at South Bank and Eagle Street Pier, or eat your way around the world at the Hamilton Eat Street Markets.

 

Around Brisbane

 

Many of Brisbane's attractions lie in the natural wonders situated nearby. Within easy reach of the city, you can visits immaculate beaches, islands teeming with biodiversity, rainforests and unique wildlife.

Start by visiting the century-old Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, home to site's 130-odd koalas and the first and biggest koala sanctuary, just a few miles from town.

And if you travel east of Brisbane, you can find the aquatic playground of Moreton Bay and Islands brimming with wildlife and picturesque beaches, where you can swim, surf and snorkel, or even hand-feed wild dolphins. Whilst to the west of the city, you can discover the World Heritage National Parks of the Scenic Rim and the lakes of the Somerset region.

 

Gold Coast

Brisbane is also the gateway to the Gold Coast, famous for its 57 kilometers of sandy beaches to choose from, including the renowned entertainment playground that is Surfers Paradise.

But there’s more to the Gold Coast than just the beach, and in 2018 it will host the XXI Commonwealth Games.

 

Sunshine Coast

Part of Australia’s Nature Coast, which stretches from Bribie Island to the Fraser Coast, the  Sunshine Coast has endless beaches and lush rainforests, and it's a place to relax and discover. Sunbathe somewhere in the 100 kilometers of pristine coastline, or explore the natural beauty of the Sunshine Coast Hinterland.

 

Flying to Brisbane with THAI

With daily departures from Cork, Dublin and Shannon, journeys to Brisbane with THAI and our partner airlines have never been smoother. Whether you fly in our Royal First, Royal Silk or Economy classes, connect in London to experience our flagship Airbus A380, the world’s largest passenger aircraft, and arrive in Brisbane on the state-of-the-art Boeing 787 Dreamliner. These aircraft feature the latest in design and technology, helping you to arrive at your destination refreshed and ready to go. And on the return, why not add a stopover in Bangkok, a city famous for its shopping, food and nightlife?