Brisbane

The iconic Wheel of Brisbane takes you up 60 metres above the ground for a spectacular 360-degree panoramic view of the city. The gondola is fully enclosed and air-conditioned, and seats up to 8 people. One ticket gets you four revolutions within 10–15 minutes. The ride is especially magical during sunset.

Australia Zoo was opened in 1970 by Bob and Lyn Irwin, Steve Irwin's parents. Steve Irwin and his wife aimed to make the Zoo a wildlife conservation facility that is second to no other. Australia Zoo is the place to see a crocodile up-close without getting eaten.

Less publicized, but no less astounding, the sanctuary is home to the world’s largest collection of Australian native animals. It was designated as a world heritage site in 2009. Check out their website to choose from a variety of experiences and encounters available.

Tangalooma Island Resort offers a wide array of excursions, many of which are free. This is one of the few places in the world where it’s possible to hand-feed dolphins in the wild. They come swimming up alongside the jetty at dusk for their nightly feed.

Moreton Bay Escapes offer tours to astoundingly beautiful Moreton Bay Marine Park and Moreton Island National Park. Their tours are a good match for outdoorsy people and their guides are experienced with senior first aid.

Brisbane’s Queensland Art Gallery and the Gallery of Modern Art are the largest, modern and contemporary art galleries in Australia. The complex is situated at the Kurilpa Point on the Brisbane River.

Mount Coot-tha is one of Brisbane’s most popular tourist destinations, but also offers an escape from the city life through its 220 hectares of natural bushland and native wildlife that make up the Mount Coot-tha Reserve. See the breathtaking panorama of Brisbane City all the way out to the ocean at Moreton Bay from the observation deck. There are also a handful of bushwalks around the vicinity of the Lookout. The hillside is dotted with picnic areas equipped with gas barbecues.

The original Botanical Gardens were established in 1855 and were located on Alice Street on the south-east side of the city. Due to the proximity to the river, the gardens have been flooded eight times which lead to the new botanical gardens at Mount Coot-tha. Don't miss the Tropical Display Dome — a large geodesic dome.

This scenic 2.5km walk takes you along the shoreline from the 350m long timber Shorncliffe Pier to the former Sandgate Baptist Church. It's great for dog walking, jogging, taking in the ocean and mountain views. Grab fish'n'chips from one of the local vendors and enjoy the sunset.

Brisbane City Council is runnings a free inner city ferry line called CityHopper. The tiny red boats cruise between six stops in central Brisbane between North Quay and Sydney Street, New Farm. The service runs every 30 minutes.

Brisbane City Markets deliver a premium selection of gourmet food and ingredients. Browse artisan goods, buy some premium meats and trawler-direct seafood, or bite into a freshly baked loaf of bread. The original market at Reddacliff Place is a favourite for city workers, local residents and tourists. The second location at Cathedral Square is smaller in size, but is more heavily focused on quality street food.

Right underneath the north end of the Story Bridge is a trendy waterside development with restaurants, bars, a huge brewery and a hotel. Enjoy a cold one from the large green space and take in the river view.

Here and there around the inner city, you will find secluded fig trees covered in fairy lights. Perfect location for a romantic moment or a little photoshoot. Check out Brisbane City Council's City of Lights interactive map to discover the lighting installations that illuminate the city every evening.

Of course, you could get all the best Australian wines without leaving Brisbane's city limits, but what could be better than meeting the people whose hands made the wine and taking in the atmosphere of a lush winery. Book a tour or get into a car with a designated driver, and don't forget to pack a picnic basket. We suggest heading south to discover the Scenic Rim’s wine, beer and spirit makers.