Country Vacations & Resorts

The letter “B” favorite destination is for Brisbane.  This time it is more than a “wish” since I’ve been fortunate enough to have spent two weeks there…

On Australia’s Gold Coast is the city of Brisbane, state capital of Queensland, with a population of about 2 million – making it the third largest city in Australia.

Climate

Brisbane has a sometimes humid, sub-tropical climate with southern hemisphere winters that are mild, but prone to rather violent thunderstorms from November through March. December through February can see temperatures at or over 100 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees+ Celsius), so make sure you are in-tune with the climate before planning your travel to Brisbane.

Shopping and Entertainment

Although mainly seen as a resort and beach destination, Brisbane’s shopping has a distinctive and cosmopolitan attitude. The pedestrian-only Queen Street Mall has a huge variety of cafes and restaurants, theaters and arcades, and shopping, shopping, shopping. Although this is the most well-known and urban shopping center, the area boasts several others in fairly close proximity.

More info: Queen Street Mall

Tourist Attractions

Popular recreation areas and tourist attractions include the South Bank and Roma Street Parklands, the City Botanic Gardens, Brisbane Forest Park, and Portside Wharf. Visit the world’s first koala sanctuary, The Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, which has been open since 1927.  Also, don’t miss the Sir Thomas Brisbane Planetarium housed in the Brisbane Botanic Gardens

Fishing, boating, rock and adventure climbs, and nearly 17 miles of bicycle paths will surely give you plenty to do with your active time in Brisbane. Rest yourself for a bit by the area’s beaches…you will not be disappointed. But beware! The beaches are so beautiful and the water so inviting…a mid-winter (for you), sunburn may be in your immediate future. Take it easy your first few days at the beach. (Speaking from experience here…)

My favorite beach along the Gold Coast: Surfers Paradise.
More info: Surfers Paradise Alliance

Getting Around

I arrived in Sydney via New Zealand and caught a quick flight north to Brisbane – about 90 minutes as I remember. Current carriers at Brisbane International airport are: Virgin Blue, Pacific Blue, Quantas, and Jetstar.

Although the majority of locals travel by private car, I had no problem getting around Brisbane without one. Buses, taxis, rail, and the cool CityCat catamaran ferry will get you most places you want to go. Grab the CityCat without any destination in mind for a scenic ride along the Brisbane River.

More info: Brisbane International Airport (BNE)

More travel info: Brisbane, Brisbane maps, and Australia