Sunshine City Brisbane

Are you ready to fall in love with Australia?

Be impressed by the skyline, visit the unique lagoon in the middle of the city centre or head to one of the nearby dream beaches! A visit to Brisbane should be on your bucket list!

While Sydney impresses with its impressive harbour and Melbourne with its cultural diversity, Brisbane exudes the most Australian flair of all the big cities down under. When most people dream of Australia, associations such as tropical temperatures, exciting wildlife, long sandy beaches and lush green landscapes emerge. And that’s exactly what awaits you in Brisbane – Australia, as in the picture books! Join us today to the other side of the world and let the sunny disposition of the residents infect you.

Quick info about Brisbane

• Brissie, as the capital of Queensland is affectionately called by Australians, is the third largest city on the continent, with approximately 2.5 million inhabitants.
• The average age of Brisbane’s citizens is just 35 years old. The university city has adapted its varied leisure activities to its residents and offers a variety of hip cafés and trendy restaurants.
• In 2003, the International Downtown Association named Brisbane’s city centre the most beautiful cityscape in the world, outshining even the most glamorous metropolises.
• The subtropical climate spoils visitors to Brisbane with 283 days of sunshine and ensures that even in the Australian winter, the temperatures rarely fall below 20 degrees! So don’t forget to pack enough sunscreen in your suitcase. Although you can get it in Australia in an emergency, you’ll pay disproportionately more there than in Germany. To ensure you don’t forget anything, we’ve assembled the ultimate packing list for your vacation.
• Our travel calendar shows you the best time to travel to Australia.
• Remember that you will travel for around a day to reach beautiful Australia. To prepare for the long journey, read my best tips for the long-haul flight to Australia. This way, the journey will fly by – literally.

Attractions in Brisbane

Once you’ve overcome the jet lag, we recommend starting your trip with a free city tour to get a first impression of Queensland’s capital. The tour, on which real locals show you their Brissie, starts from Monday to Friday at lunchtime in front of the tourist information office. Since the best insider tips are in high demand, there is a correspondingly large crowd. It’s best to reserve a place in advance to avoid long waiting times and start exploring the metropolis immediately.

Story Bridge

Since Brisbane is located on the river that gives the city its name, numerous bridges play a decisive role in shaping its fascinating skyline. The Story Bridge, in particular, offers a special experience. If you are brave, please step forward! The exciting part of the adventure begins after you have been secured and introduced to the safety precautions. Conquer your fear of heights and climb to the top of the bridge. You will be rewarded with a spectacular view over Brisbane as a reward for your courage. It is an impressive perspective, especially in the evening when the moon shines down on you, bats float through the air, and lights illuminate the bridge. A truly unforgettable experience!

Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary

Do you want to admire Australia’s animal landmarks up close? Then you shouldn’t miss a visit to the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary. Cuddly koala bears and hopping kangaroos await you in huge outdoor enclosures. Even though the famous Australian Zoo, best known for Crocodile Hunter Steve Irwin, is only an hour’s drive north of Brisbane, I recommend you visit the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary. The flair of the small zoo is more familiar, and the atmosphere more personal. Keepers take loving care of the koalas and patiently answer all questions from curious visitors. During my stay, I never doubted that the animals felt at home in this place. At the very latest, when you have held a koala smelling of eucalyptus in your arms as the crowning glory, you will no longer be able to suppress a happy smile.

Mount Coot-tha Lookout

To immerse yourself in the Australian way of life, take a leaf out of the Australian book. In the Sunshine State, life takes place outside. People sit together with a ginger beer and enjoy life.

Holiday Guru Tip: Visit Mount Coot-tha Lookout, the highest point in Brisbane, and enjoy a panoramic view of the city and Moreton Bay. This is where Brisbane residents meet after a well-earned day at work and relax in the evening.

An integral part of Australian culture is the BBQ. Australians are true grill masters. So that they can celebrate their favourite hobby in the great outdoors, permanent grill stations with comfortable seating have been installed throughout the city. Just grab your steak or vegetables, head out into the countryside and enjoy the delicious culinary delight with a view of Brisbane’s sea of lights. By the way: the price level in Australia is higher than here.

South Bank

Brisbane may not have its own beach, but the city had an incredibly innovative idea to cool off its residents anyway. Forget all the outdoor pools you’ve visited so far – here you’ll find a superlative pool! The South Bank district will enchant you with a unique inner-city lagoon landscape. To make the beach experience particularly authentic, even the white beach sand was considered when the artificial pool landscape was created. This way, you can escape from everyday life in Brisbane, surrounded by skyscrapers, and recharge your batteries in the sun.

But life is bustling during the day and in the evenings when the district turns into a romantic promenade. Listen to the artists who enchant Brisbane’s impressive riverbank on a warm summer evening with live music and soak up the Australians’ zest for life.

Excursion destinations in the area

If the lagoon paradise in the middle of the urban jungle isn’t idyllic enough for you, you can let the fresh sea breeze blow around your nose on one of the many beaches in the Brisbane area! The gateway to Queensland is also an ideal starting point for getting to know the coast on an unforgettable road trip in a rental car. If you want to explore the diverse Gold and Sunshine Coast, browse our helpful travel magazine articles about Noosa and Byron Bay.

Moreton Island

The small, enchanting island is only 25 km from Brisbane’s coast and is perfect for a day trip. This is a real insider tip, as only a few tourists have found this magical place. The third largest sand island in the world is lined with white beaches on the west coast and impresses visitors with its turquoise blue sea. If you’re more adventurous, the picture-perfect backdrop of the sand dunes invites you to go on a desert safari. On the east side of the island, you can dive into the crystal-clear water and have the opportunity to discover the colourful underwater world.

Holiday Guru tip: You shouldn’t miss our personal highlight in the evening. Wild dolphins make their way to the shore when the sun slowly sets in the sea’s waves, and the sky glows in the most beautiful colours. The playful dolphins put me in a special mood – a priceless moment that gives you goosebumps!

Glass house Mountains

The Glass House Mountains comprise 16 volcanic cliffs that rise dramatically from the landscape. From the lookout point “The Lookout”, you have a breathtaking panoramic view of the mountain peaks. At this moment, there is only you and the imposing nature. The seemingly endless view brings with it a feeling of unlimited freedom. The four main mountains are ideal for a varied hike, where you can take in the silence of the place and take a break from the hustle and bustle.

If you want to stay longer in the national park and experience the sunrise, stay overnight at the Glass House Mountains Ecolodge. The friendly owner welcomes his guests in unusual bungalows, such as a converted church or a railway carriage. Another lovely highlight that you don’t experience in every hotel: in the beautifully landscaped “Garden of Eaten”, all guests are invited to help themselves to the lush fruit and vegetable beds.

So, have you got the urge to travel? Then, secure one of our flight deals and head down under! If you’re already on the other side of the world, take the chance and take a little more time to discover other corners of the country. 

https://youtu.be/kZhUNE_syKY?si=CTGuUDLh9kCn5zxC