Brisbane and beyond

It’s been a long time of patiently waiting for the world to start opening its doors again, luckily the perfect place to reinvigorate our appetite for international travel happens to be right next door.

As the third-most populated city in Australia, Brisbane is an intoxicating mix of arts, culture, shopping and nature, while providing the ideal springboard to inspiring once-in-a-lifetime Queensland adventures.

Big winter skies, friendly people, great food and wine, and just under four hours flight away - your next big Australian adventure awaits in Queensland.

Year-round thrills

The heartbeat of Brisbane life revolves around the river. Stroll its banks, stop for a coffee or a swim at South Bank, explore the arts and culture precinct, check out Howard Smith Wharves, or get on the water itself and cruise from stop to stop at your leisure. You can even do a craft beer tour by boat. There is always something going on, so time your trips around the year-round calendar of blockbuster events, performances, festivals and exhibitions - think the Brisbane Festival, concerts, rugby games, The Winter Village and so much more.

Memorable stays

Brisbane has really stepped up its luxury game in recent years. Hotel X, a lavish five-star property, just metres from the prime shopping avenue of James Street, opened in 2021 and guests are already loving the laid-back rooftop bar, with its Palm Springs vibe. W Hotel, The Crystalbrook Vincent and The Calile are also bringing the glam with five star suites, great cocktail bars, gorgeous pools and plenty of ways to relax and have a good time. Combine this with new wharf developments and rail projects and Brisbane is ready to party.

Beyond Brisbane: Unexpected delights

After a few days in the city, there are some truly unexpected and epic new experiences to be had just a short drive or an overnight stay away from Brisbane in either the Sunshine Coast, Gold Coast or Scenic Rim.

Before you know it, the bustle of city life gives way to charming rural towns and rolling hills. Farm stays, craft breweries, boutique wineries, galleries, festivals, camping, glamping abound and there are a myriad of memorable paddock to plate experiences. If farmers markets and artisan producers are your thing, you’re really in luck in this part of Queensland.

From iconic Tamborine Mountain to beautiful Lake Moogerah, with its ancient rainforests, and historic national parks, inspiring natural experiences are refreshingly close to Brisbane.

In warmer weather a swimmers paradise reveals itself, with gorges, rivers, lakes and beautiful waterfalls to cool off in the sunshine. Some of southern Queensland’s more spectacular waterfalls can be found in Lamington National Park including Elabana Falls, Yarrabilgong Falls, Coomera Falls, Morans Falls and more.

With the drive into the Scenic Rim area being only just over an hour, it’s entirely possible to do day trips while based in Brisbane, or stay a few nights in some of the fascinating boutique accommodation in the area.

The region's connection network is also convenient and flexible; holidayers can fly back home to New Zealand directly from Brisbane or Sunshine Coast airport.

A sojourn South to the Gold Coast

Just one hour south of Brisbane is the Gold Coast, well-known for its beaches - but also now a booming and respected arts centre in its own right.

Mooch around HOTA Gallery during the day (the brand new $60.5 million gallery that has just opened at Home of the Arts) and hit up Miami Marketta for incredible night market action every Wednesday, Friday and Saturday evening.

It’s not just art, culture, beaches and theme parks this area is known for. The Gold Coast is also a hiker’s haven with world-heritage listed national parks, horse riding, glamping and the Spicers Scenic Rim Walk is getting rave reviews if you’re looking for a challenge with some relaxed luxury along the way. The region is replete with numerous opportunities to enjoy the magical combination of fresh air and gorgeous scenery we’re all craving right now.

The Sunshine Coast awaits in the North

One hour north of Brisbane lies the start of the Sunshine Coast, a series of coastal towns that hug the beach, and hinterland hilltop villages. Walk the Coastal walk between Caloundra and Mooloolaba; hop from gallery to gallery in The Sunshine Coast Hinterland (with some good craft beer and foodie stops in between); cruise on a 100-year old ketch; stand up paddleboard the Everglades; take the Great Beach Drive tour from Noosa to Double Island Point; visit Fraser Island, swim with the Humpback Whales at Hervey Bay or learn to surf in the Noosa world surfing reserve.

An abundance of unique experiences is sure to inspire any traveller and adventurer, but if all you want to do is take a load off, relax and bask in the stunning coastal scenery, true serenity is surprisingly close to one of Australia’s major cities.