Brisbane’s blend of tropical beauty and relaxed atmosphere has been drawing visitors for decades. Much of the city’s attraction lies in the way it blends its natural beauty with well-designed urban development. There are great parklands just outside town, plenty of sea destinations offshore in Moreton Bay and green space all throughout the city. The mighty Brisbane River that winds through town offers the ideal place to indulge your appetite while soaking in the warm breezes and sublime views.

City Botanic Gardens
Brisbane’s oldest park was first planted in 1825 with the intention of feeding the convicts at the penal colony. Today, it is home to some truly massive tropical trees, rainforest glades and plenty of other exotic plants found only in this part of the world. Head to Alice street, and you can’t miss them. These easily accessed gardens are the ideal shady place to walk and relax. Free guided walks are given Monday through Saturday, twice a day.

Moreton Island
This fun and fascinating island is the world’s second-largest sand mass, boasting the largest sand hill on the planet, Mount Tempest. There are plenty of natural things to see and do to go with the cultural attractions, such as the sandstone lighthouse on Cape Moreton. Visitors can hand-feed a pod of wild dolphins at the Tangalooma Wild Dolphin Resort, or sled down the island’s sand dunes. There is also a 100-acre desert to explore, and more than 12 shipwrecks just offshore which can be seen by snorkelling.

Mount Coot-tha Botanic Gardens
This 128-acre garden full of exotic Australian plants which you’ll rarely see anywhere else is considered the premier botanical garden in Queensland. Gardeners will love the variety of biospheres such as the arid zone, cactus house, bonsai house, and the Tropical Dome with its rainforest plants. Walking trails and lakes provide a pleasant way to wander around the gardens, while the auditorium always has something interesting on display. The gardens are located on Mount Coot-tha road, three miles from the city centre. Phone: +61 7 3403 8888.

North Stradbroke Island
This island offshore from Brisbane has a long history of Aboriginal habitation, a feature which remains intact today. The main town of Dunwich has a historical museum exhibiting old photos from the early days of Brisbane, a nice collection of artefacts salvaged from shipwrecks and useful information about the settlement of the island. Self-guided historical walks start at the information centre; don’t miss taking the North Gorge Headlands walk. This stunning coastal trail nearly always provides glimpses of whales, dolphins and sea turtles to go with its amazing views. Phone: +61 7 3286 2666.

South Bank Parklands
The residents of Brisbane love this 40-acre complex of shops, restaurants and parks, and so will you. One of the city’s most pleasant and well-designed facets to its urban landscape blends a seaside environment with paths and cultural venues. The beach may be manmade, but the waves and palm trees are real. You can swim in the ocean or hang out at a sidewalk café and watch local life trickle by. From the Parklands, it’s a snap to walk to the Queensland Cultural Centre with all its attractions.

St John’s Anglican Cathedral
Brisbane’s most impressive church is this lovely neo-Gothic masterpiece which has been 100 years in the making. Stonemasons used traditional medieval techniques to construct the transepts which are as impressive as any from antiquity. Yet underneath it all this cathedral is still decidedly Queensland. Friendly tour guides explain all the quirky details which make this church different from others. The church is located between Wharf and Queen streets. Phone: +61 7 3835 2248.

Board a river cruise to Lone Pine and hug a koala. This wonderful koala sanctuary outside of Brisbane is one of the only sites in the world where you are allowed to physically hold a koala. You don’t have to be a kid to enjoy the cuddly warmth of a koala, and by far the nicest way to get to Lone Pine is by boat up the Brisbane River. The cruise aboard a comfortable boat takes 90 minutes, giving guests two hours to enjoy Lone Pine before returning to the city.

Catch the elevator to the top of City Hall for a bird’s eye view over downtown Brisbane. Although City Hall is no longer the tallest building in Brisbane, it still has the classiest antique elevator which carries passengers to the top of the sandstone clock tower. Along the way, the elevator operator provides an entertaining history lesson about the early years of the city before letting you out on the observation floor located right in the belfry. Be warned though that the bells chime every quarter of an hour.

Climb one of Brisbane’s bridges for a panoramic view to go with your adventure. Although there are nine bridges spanning the wide Brisbane River, only Story Bridge has a designated climbing route. You won’t need any special climbing skills to make your way 262 feet above the river to the viewing platform, just a sense for adventure. As one of only three bridge climbs in the world, you won’t get many other chances to say you’ve accomplished this unique feat. From the top you’ll be rewarded with 360 degree views over Brisbane, its river and all the islands dotting Moreton Bay. Climbs set off at various times throughout the day, but the one at sunset is particularly special.

See a show at the Queensland Performing Arts Centre. This amazing complex is home to the Lyric Theatre where opera, ballet and musicals are performed; the Concert Hall designed for orchestral concerts; and the Optus Playhouse Theatre for plays. There’s also a special site for theatre in the round called the Cremorne Theatre, where experimental art and cabaret shows are put on. A café and restaurant provide the nourishment needed to watch a show of your choice.

Stroll around ‘River City’ and see why so many people love Brisbane. One of the best ways to truly experience a city is to explore it on foot. Brisbane has an incredible network of bike paths along the river and Heritage Trails within the city, offering visitors a full range of walking excursions. The city’s tourism information centres provide free maps highlighting special walks through neighbourhoods dotted with quaint Queenslander cottages and tree-lined streets. Alternatively, the River Walk is a great way to enjoy the Brisbane River via its 13-mile network of paths, bridges and parks along the river.

Take the Art Walk at Roma Street Parkland. Brisbane’s unused railway yard has been converted into a lush subtropical garden where thousands of native and endangered plants have been crafted into a beautiful environment. There are different themes for different gardens, and guided walks are given every Thursday through Sunday twice a day. Of course, you can always wander the paths yourself. The ‘Art Walk’ is especially worth checking out as it guides you past the lovely public art on display in the park.