Queensland’s relaxed capital of Brisbane, just an hour’s flight north of Sydney, was historically a small city representing the enormous state, which consists of tropical coastal towns, dramatic desert and rain-forests, and it’s also the gateway to the incredible Barrier Reef.
But Brisbane in recent years has grown into a charming metropolis, with its own brand of culture, dining and unique cultural experiences. There’s even an inner city beach where you can cool off for a bit.
Check out South Bank, Queensland’s Cultural Centre, which attracts an enormous number of world-class exhibitions. Filled with galleries, museums, art spaces and theatres.
At the Gallery of Modern Art, the largest of its kind in Australia, you can wander through galleries featuring over 10,000 Australian and international pieces of art. Both Andy Warhol and Valentino exhibitions have toured and featured here amongst many other contemporary art legends.
Project China Exhibition, Queensland Art Gallery
Then head to the Queensland Museum and see the massive, and very authentic skeleton of an Australian dinosaur. Kids will love the Sciencentre downstairs, which offers hands on, interactive fun with science.
Polish off your best dress/suit and attend an incredible ballet, opera or musical experience at the Queensland Performing Arts Centre.
For a more local and eclectic experience, check out the inner city suburbs of New Farm and Fortitude Valley, where you can find some great street art, heritage buildings, antique and curios shops.
The Brisbane Powerhouse in New Farm, once an industrial space, is where you’ll find local theatre, comedy, art, dance and great markets. It’s also the location of regular festivals, so be sure to check the calendar of events for the time you visit so not to miss out.
From here you can walk along the floating walkway to nearby Fortitude Valley. Catch the buzz of a true bohemian neighbourhood, with hipster cafes, old style bookshops, independent movie theatres and loads of live music venues.
In Brisbane they take their culture quite seriously, and it’s not surprising to see a small orchestra playing music at the front of historic and heritage-listed, Customs House in the middle of the city.
Another historic site, the Treasury Building, hosts cabaret, comedy shows and all manner of entertainment.
But the city absolutely bursts at the seams from mid-September to early October during the Brisbane Festival. From breathtaking circus performances, giant plasma screens featuring multi-media shows, or the newest Queensland Ballet productions, the city is entertained by incredibly talented artists from both Australia and overseas.
The best thing about the cultural boom in Brisbane is the diversity. At every turn there’s something to see, hear and do to suit everyone, no matter how extreme or humble your tastes are.
Check out these great flight deals to Brisbane.
Images courtesy of Brisbane Marketing
