Holidays in Brisbane

There’s plenty to do during your Holidays in Brisbane. In fact, Brisbane is third-most popular destination for international tourist after Sydney and Melbourne.

The following short-list is well within easy walking distance of Brisbane CBD.

One of my favorites is the popular tourist and recreation area near central Brisbane called the South Bank Parklands which was opened to the public in 1992 on the transformed site of Brisbane’s World Expo 88.

- Brisbane

Located on the southern bank of the Brisbane River, at South Bank, directly opposite the Brisbane central business district. South Bank Parklands are connected to the Brisbane CBD by the Victoria Bridge at the northern end, and by the Goodwill Bridge at the southern end (Not far from the Brisbane City Botanic Gardens).

There are numerous attractions at the including the Wheel of Brisbane, a swimming lagoon with sandy beaches, rainforest walks, picnic areas and a picturesque riverfront promenade.

Entertainment venues at South Bank Parklands include the Queensland Conservatorium, Griffith University and Suncorp Piazza. It’s estimated that about 9 million people visit South Bank Parklands each year.

Among other beautiful; and restful locations are Roma Street Parkland, the Brisbane City Botanic Gardens, Brisbane Forest Park, Portside Wharf and the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary.

Roma Street Parkland covers 16 hectares in the centre of Brisbane and is adjacent to Brisbane Transit Centre and the Roma Street Station. Easy to find, there is pedestrian access to the Roma Street Parkland from the Roma Street Station, as well as from Albert Street, and from the section of the Parkland which used to be called Albert Park, in Wickham Terrace.

Roma Street Parkland is the world’s largest subtropical garden in a city centre and features a wide variety of themed gardens and recreational areas, with a network of pathways and boardwalks traversing waterways and rocky outcrops, along with the works of 16 local artists.

It’s also worthwhile pointing out that Brisbane has over 27 km (16.8 mi) of bicycle pathways, mostly surrounding the Brisbane River and city centre, extending to the west of the city.

One of the places you can hire bicycles is just inside the Brisbane City Botanic Gardens located on a point known as Gardens Point on the Brisbane River, adjacent to the central business district of Brisbane City. The gardens area can also be easily accessed from both Alice Street and George Street.

- Brisbane City Botanic Gardens

Roughly triangular and about 2km in circumference, the Brisbane City Gardens are bordered by the Brisbane River on one side, and the grounds of Parliament House and the Queensland University of Technology’s Gardens Point campus on another. The Alice Street frontage stretches from George Street (immediately opposite to Queensland Parliament House) to Edward Street at the Brisbane River.

The Gardens include Brisbane’s most mature gardens (established in 1855), with many rare and unusual botanic species. In particular the Gardens feature a special collection of cycads, palms, figs and bamboo.

Easily accessible by Alice Street, the Goodwill Bridge and Brisbane City Council’s ferries and CityCats at the Gardens Point and Eagle St wharves. The river frontage also features a mangrove boardwalk, plus it’s a great spot for early morning oor evening runs.

The Garden’s are also a popular venue for weddings, with a wedding seen nearly every weekend. You’ll also find it a refuge for students and office workers alike. Just recently the Brisbane City Council ran a series of free Tai Chi classes at lunchtime.

At the rear of the gardens is Brisbane River Stage, in which many council concerts and big band names take place, as well as the annual Lord Mayor’s Christmas Carols every Christmas. There are also guided walks, self-guided walks, picnic areas and a restaurant on the grounds of the botanic gardens.

However, we cannot possibly say it all about Brisbane on one page. Take a look at the Holidays Brisbane sitemap to see more.

Enjoy your stay!