Brisbane offers the excitement and diversity of a big city with an abundance of sunny days throughout the year. However, peaceful bush and rainforest hinterland, the islands of Moreton Bay, the Sunshine Coast and Gold Coast are all within an hour’s drive. Whether you choose to relax or embark on lots of adventures, there is something to suit everyone!
Don’t forget to take your sunscreen and a hat! You can also purchase your theme park tickets and tours from Brisbane Holiday Village!
Brisbane
Climb Brisbane’s Icon
(Brisbane CBD, 10-12 mins drive North)
The Storey Bridge Adventure Climb is a soft adventure experience with a difference and the most spectacular way to discover Brisbane. One of only three bridge climbs in the world, this 2 1/2 hour experience can be done in the morning, during the day or at night.
South Bank
(Brisbane CBD, 10-12 mins drive North)
Take the time to explore South Bank Parklands, where you can stroll through the shops; enjoy a meal at one of the 20 restaurants, cafes and takeaways available; watch a show at the IMAX theatre or the FREE outdoor cinema; visit the weekend markets; cook up a BBQ or splash around in Australia’s only beach in the heart of the City, South Bank Beach. During your visit to South Bank, make sure you catch a ride on the CityCat up the Brisbane River.
Museums and Galleries
(Brisbane CBD, 10-12 mins drive North)
South Bank is also Brisbane’s art precinct - home to the Queensland Art Gallery which houses permanent collections of Australian, Aboriginal, European and Asian art. The adjacent Queensland Museum combines natural history exhibits with folk history of indigenous and European settlers. Nearby, you can also explore the Queensland State Library, Queensland Sciencentre, Maritime Museum, Customs House and Brisbane City Hall.
Manly
(30 minute drive North East)
Just south of the mouth of the Brisbane River, Manly is popular for fishing, boating and fi sh and chips by the water. It’s also worth a visit to the Manly Boat Harbour; the area’s oldest home - the Edwin Marsden Tooth Memorial Home; and the Great Wall - a retaining wall that was built during the Great Depression.
Markets
(various locations)
Brisbane offers a variety of weekend market stalls. The South Bank and Valley markets are popular for arts, crafts and food stalls, while the Fortitude Valley and Riverside markets offer an assortment of clothing and fashion items. If fresh fruits and vegetables is what you’re looking for, the Rocklea and Farmers’ Markets are value for money.
Shopping
(various locations)
Garden City Shopping Centre (15 minute walk from BHV), is a great local shopping spot with free parking, whilst Stones Corner and DFO (near the airport) offer some outlet stores with lots of bargains. Brisbane City also has the Myer Centre, Queen Street Mall and the Wintergarden that boasts Australia’s major department stores, arcades and side streets housing leading international brands and emerging design talent.
Gold Coast
The Gold Coast is about a 40 minute drive south of Brisbane and is renowned for its world class theme parks, hinterland and beaches. Our recommendations:
- Dreamworld: Pacific Motorway, Coomera - 25 minutes south (take exit 54 off the Pacific Motorway)
- Movie World & Wet ‘n’ Wild Water World: Pacific Motorway (M1), Oxenford - 30 minutes south (take exit 60 off the Pacific Motorway)
- Sea World: Sea World Drive, Main Beach - 55 minutes south (take exit 69 off the Pacific Motorway and follow route 20. Turn left off the Gold Coast Highway onto Sea World Drive)
- Harbour Town Shopping: a great range of outlet stores, corner of Gold Coast Highway and Oxley Drive, Biggera Waters - 45 minutes south (take exit 62 off the Pacific Motorway)
- Surfers Paradise is the heart of the Gold Coast and the beach has been voted the best in the world. Experience the shopping, restaurants and specialty stores on Cavill Avenue - 50 minutes south (take exit 69 off the Pacific Motorway and follow the Gold Coast Highway)
- Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary - 60 minutes south (follow the Pacific Motorway to the lights at Tugun, turn left at the lights and follow the Gold Coast Hwy to the Currumbin Hill lights and turn right into Tomewin St)
- Australian Outback Spectacular - a unique and exciting evening dinner show capturing the grandeur of the Australian Outback and a fi rst of its kind in Australia. Located on the Pacific Motorway between Warner Bros. Movie World and Wet’n’Wild Water World.
Sunshine Coast
The Sunshine Coast offers a laid back environment as well as lots of tourist and natural attractions:
- Australia Zoo: Beerwah - 60 minutes north (take the Glass House Mountains Tourist Drive exit off the Bruce Highway)
- Aussie World: Frizzo Road, Palmview - 60 minutes north on the Bruce Highway
- Underwater World is located adjacent to Mooloolaba Beach on the Wharf complex, Parkyn Parade, Mooloolaba - 70 minutes north (take the Sunshine Coast Motorway (70) exit off the Bruce Highway and follow the signs)
- The Big Pineapple & Macadamia Nut Factory - 75 minutes north (take the Nambour Connection Road exit off the Bruce Highway)
- Ginger Factory - 80 minutes north (take the Yandina-Coolum Rd exit off the Bruce Highway and follow the signs)
- Noosa offers trendy restaurants and shops by the beach - 90 minutes north (take the Emundi-Noosa Rd (12) exit off the Bruce Highway and follow the signs)
North Stradbroke Island
Stradbroke Island (Straddie) is a 30 minute water taxi (or 45 minute ferry ride) from Cleveland and is an ideal place for surfing or fishing. In summer, head for the Blowhole at Point Lookout to view the dolphins and manta rays and from June to October you can catch a glimpse of the humpback whales as they head south.
Moreton Island & Moreton Bay
Moreton Island is an hour ferry ride from Lytton and offers a wealth of beauty and recreational opportunities. Almost all of the island is a national park, however you can toboggan down the huge sand dunes or explore the island by 4WD (tours available). Alternatively, Moreton Bay is a popular recreational fi shing and snorkelling destination on Flinders Reef and around the sunken vessels that fringe Moreton Island. Or, why not hand feed the dolphins at Tangalooma Wild Dolphin Resort!
Other Things To See & Do
- Roma Street Parklands, Brisbane CBD
- Brisbane Lookout, Mt Coot-tha
- Brisbane Botanical Gardens, at the base of Mt-Coot-tha
- Brisbane Forest Park, rainforest on the western edges of the city.
- Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary
- Tamborine Mountain, a scenic volcanic plateau featuring waterfalls, subtropical rainforests, panoramic views, arts & crafts stalls and restaurants
- Treasury Casino, located at the top of Queen Street in the city - open 24 hours with numerous gaming tables, machines and five restaurants
- Local Restaurants
- The Glen Hotel 07 3341 9222 Cnr Logan Rd & Gaskell St Eight Mile Plains
- Dicey Riley’s Restaurant 07 3219 4333 Garden City Shopping Centre
- Michael’s Oriental Licensed Restaurant 07 3841 1688 223 Padstow Road, Eight Mile Plains
- In the city, you’ll find an array of dining options along Queen Street, Albert Street, Eagle Street and in the South Bank Parklands
- Other popular dining spots include China Town in Fortitude Valley; Caxton Street and Park Road in Milton for trendy alfresco dining, cafes and bars.
