Brisbane, or 'Brisvegas' as it is often called, is a burgeoning city with big city attractions yet friendly and easy to navigate like a small town. It is home to Australia’s largest city hall, the second and third largest sand islands in the world and boasts 283 days of sunshine a year. However, this article is about more than that, it is an insider’s look at the top attractions and hidden spots in Brisbane. We interviewed Leah Feldmann, our General Manager from Mantra South Bank to provide you with some lesser known Brisbane facts.
Best hidden spots in Brisbane to take the kids Walkabout Creek Wildlife Center – The Gap Enjoy a trip to the Wildlife Center to discover an array of local wildlife including owls, snakes, wallabies, platypuses, possums, frogs and birds. For a minimal cost, walk around the center and learn about the animals as you observe them. Follow it up with a walk in the park, a BBQ or a visit to the spectacular nearby lookouts. Ipswich Nature Center Showcasing the local nature and wildlife, this beautiful venue is open Tuesday to Sunday and entry is free. Sit with the ducks, observe birds taking flight, see a digging wombat or a bouncing kangaroo; for those with a passion for the outdoors, this place is great for the whole family. Kangaroo Point Riverlife Center If exhilarating adventure is the thing for your family, this is the best place to go. Choose from the many activities including rock climbing, abseiling, stand up paddle boarding or kayaking. The Riverlife center offers something for people of all levels.
Mt. Cootha Walk Offering numerous trails for varying skills levels, you can choose the circuit that best suits you and your family. Choose from the Aboriginal art trail, the Simpson Falls Track or visit the old mines on the Ghost Hole track. Make sure you head up to the summit for a great view of the city! New Farm Park Attracting over 18,000 visitors a week and spanning 15 hectares, this park is popular for its beautiful landscaping and amazing facilities which include a rotunda, tennis courts, a croquet lawn, cricket wickets and a football field. It also hosts many events and fairs throughout the year. Have a picnic, play a game of hide and seek or throw around a frisbee and simply enjoy the hustle and bustle of this coveted spot. Roma Street Parklands Covering 16 hectares of central Brisbane real estate, this parkland is an urban getaway and one of Australia’s best contemporary gardens. Featuring many winding pathways, lush plant life, local birds, reptiles and even an amphitheater, your family will enjoy all that the park has to offer.
"It is home to Australia’s largest city hall, the second and third largest sand islands in the world and boasts 283 days of sunshine a year."
Best Brisbane restaurants and coffee Start your day off at Campos on Wandoo Street with a great breakfast and coffee, or try a fresh juice at Spoon at the James Street markets. For a nice family dinner head to Ribs & Rumps on Wickham Terrace or for a delicious, but wallet friendly dinner, head to the Jubilee hotel for $2 steaks on Sundays.
Best Brisbane outdoor attractions Streets Beach, Southbank Enjoy the only urban man made beach and cool off with your family, friends or partner. With a crystal clear lagoon, white sand and of course palm trees, this oasis could be a mirage. Luckily it’s not and without the worries of rips, currents or waves, it’s a great place to enjoy a leisurely swim. Follow your swim with a beautiful walk about Southbank or hire the fantastic CityCycle bikes. Brisbane Botanical Gardens Just 7 km from the CBD is this lush subtropical botanic garden. Open 7 days a week, the garden spans 56 hectares and is free to enter. Also located in the Gardens is Brisbane’s Planetarium. Here the kids can take a journey through space and time and enjoy a projection of the night sky on a 12.5 meter dome.
Fun Brisbane insider secrets
Situated on the riverside within the Brisbane CBD, these one and two bedroom apartments offer all you need...Read More »
Featuring self-contained apartments with sweeping views across the city, these...Read More »
Soak in views of Brisbane city from the heated lap pool, or warm up in the spa...Read More »
Sophisticated and refurbished, this hotel offers a swimming pool, spa, gym and undercover parking...Read More »
Studio, One, Two and Three Bedroom Apartments, with everything you need...Read More »
Choose from the Hotel Room, Studio Suite, or Hotel Deluxe with views of Spring Hill...Read More »