Sharing the same sea as Australian surfing meccas the Sunshine Coast and the Gold Coast, Brisbane, nevertheless offers hardly any of its neighbours’ exhilarating waves. Instead, the state capital of Queensland tempts with other adventures. Fly, swim, hike, sail – Brisbane’s active pursuits make wonderful holiday memories too. Touch the city skyline on a hot-air balloon; cycle around the scenic Brisbane River; scale the volcanic rocks of Kangaroo Point Cliffs; embark on a four-wheel eco-adventure on Moreton Island.
Yet abundant urban lifestyle trappings also remind us of Brisbane’s status as the third largest city in Australia. See fireworks fly at the annual September River festival at the South Bank Parklands; check out the latest happenings at the Queensland Cultural Centre then visit the Old Windmill, a landmark built by convicts in 1828. Finally, don’t leave home before stopping by the historic St Helena Island. So you see, surf may be out, but everything else in Brisbane is just so in!