One of Australia's largest cities is drawing crowds—and not just because it's a convenient place to stay while enjoying nearby subtropical forests, wildlife and beaches. Downtown, centered along bends in the Brisbane River, is a vibrant mix of modern skyscrapers and older buildings—some of which date back to the city's days as a penal colony. Mount Coot-tha, a scant 5 mi/8 km away, overlooks the city—go there at night for the view or during the day to visit the botanic gardens (subtropical flora). The city has lovely downtown parks, including the South Bank Parklands (across the river from downtown) and the Brisbane Forest (65,000 acres/28,500 hectares of natural bushland just outside the city). Visit the outstanding Riverside Markets (Sunday 7 am-4 pm) for locally crafted and imported handicrafts, clothing, jewelry, furniture, housewares, local produce, plants and homemade treats.
Once you've explored Brisbane, head to the animal sanctuaries and parks. At the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, a 7-mi/11-km drive (or a cruise on the Brisbane River) southwest of town, visitors can see koalas, kangaroos and other Australian animals close up. And don't miss the Natural Trust of Queensland's Currumbin Sanctuary (11 mi/18 km south of Surfers Paradise), noted for huge flocks of brightly colored lorikeets (a type of parrot). Still another interesting animal sanctuary is Bunya Park, about an hour's drive from town. The Australia Zoo, run by the family of the late Steve Irwin, the legendary crocodile hunter, is only an hour's drive from Brisbane via the Bruce Highway. The Australian Woolshed (7 mi/12 km northwest) offers sheepshearing and sheepdog demonstrations. Southwest of Brisbane is Lamington National Park, a large subtropical rain forest with waterfalls, birds and hiking trails.
Although Brisbane is inland, it's close to some good beaches. The Gold Coast, south of Brisbane, is the country's most popular and most developed resort area. More than 4 million visitors a year flock to the high-rise hotels and the golden-sand beaches, creating a festival atmosphere similar to Hawaii's Waikiki Beach and Florida's Miami Beach. Traffic jams, casual cafes, exclusive shops and loud late-night bars abound, particularly in the area known as Surfers Paradise. (You'll either love the Gold Coast or hate it.) North of Brisbane is the more sedate Sunshine Coast (low-rise accommodations and less traffic). If you have some extra time, we recommend the scenic drive north from Brisbane up the Sunshine Coast to the striking cape with the peculiar name, Noosa Heads. Lizard fans will appreciate the large monitor lizards, called goannas, that roam freely above the surfing beach. Koalas can also be seen in the gum trees at Noosa National Park. In the nearby town, you can shop and dine on trendy Hastings Street.
Moreton Island lies just off the coast near Brisbane. Famous for the Tangalooma Wrecks, a brilliant dive site, the island is also home to Tangalooma Wild Dolphin Resort. Wild dolphins pay a nightly visit to the resort, where they are hand-fed by eager tourists. Brisbane lies 460 mi/740 km north of Sydney.
