Sunshine-City Brisbane

Be captivated by the skyline, visit the unique lagoon in the heart of the city, or set off to one of the nearby dream beaches! A visit to Brisbane should definitely be on your bucket list!

While Sydney impresses with its stunning harbor and Melbourne boasts cultural diversity, Brisbane exudes perhaps the most Australian charm of all the major cities Down Under. When dreaming of Australia, most people envision tropical temperatures, an exciting wildlife, long sandy beaches, and lush landscapes. And that's exactly what awaits you in Brisbane - Australia as it appears in the picture books! Join us today at the other end of the world and let yourself be inspired by the cheerful nature of the locals.

Once you've overcome the jet lag, we recommend starting your journey with a free city tour to get a first impression of the capital of Queensland. The tour, where real locals show you around Brissie, runs Monday to Friday around noon in front of the tourist information center. As the best insider tips are in high demand, the crowd can get quite big. It's best to reserve a spot in advance to avoid long waiting times and start exploring the metropolis right away.

Since Brisbane is located by the river of the same name, numerous bridges shape the fascinating skyline of the city. In particular, the Story Bridge awaits you with a special experience. Brave souls, please step forward! After being secured and given safety instructions, the truly exciting part of the adventure begins. Conquer your fear of heights and climb to the top of the bridge. As a reward for your courage, you will be treated to a spectacular view over Brisbane. Especially in the evening, it provides an impressive perspective, with the moon shining down on you, bats flying through the air, and lights illuminating the bridge. A truly unforgettable experience!

Do you want to admire Australia's iconic wildlife up close? Then don't miss a visit to the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary. Adorable koalas and hopping kangaroos are waiting for you in large open enclosures. Even though the renowned Australian Zoo, famous primarily due to Crocodile Hunter Steve Irwin, is located just an hour's drive north of Brisbane, I highly recommend experiencing the joys at Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary. The ambiance of this smaller zoo is more family-oriented and the atmosphere feels more personal. The caretakers are very attentive to the koalas and patiently answer all the questions of curious visitors. I had no doubt during my visit that the animals feel comfortable in this place. By the end, when you've held a eucalyptus-scented koala in your arms, you won't be able to hold back a happy smile.

To immerse yourself in the Australian way of life, you should take a cue from the Australians. In the Sunshine State, life takes place outdoors, where people sit together enjoying a Ginger Beer and savoring life.

Vacation Guru Tip: Visit Mount Coot-tha Lookout, the highest point in Brisbane, and enjoy a panoramic view of the city and Moreton Bay. This is where the residents of Brisbane meet after a well-deserved workday and unwind for the evening.

A staple of Australian culture: the BBQ. Australians are true grill masters. To celebrate their favorite hobby in the great outdoors, public barbecue stations with cozy seating have been installed throughout the city. Grab your steak or veggies, head to the great outdoors, and enjoy a delicious feast with a view of the sparkling lights of Brisbane. By the way, prices in Australia are higher than we are used to.

Brisbane doesn't have its own beach, but the city came up with an incredibly innovative idea to provide its residents with cool places. Forget about all the public pools you've visited before - here you will find a swimming experience like no other! The South Bank neighborhood will enchant you with a unique urban lagoon landscape. To make the beach experience particularly authentic, white beach sand was used in the creation of the artificial pool area. So you can escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life in Brisbane, surrounded by skyscrapers, and recharge under the sun.

But not only during the day, but also in the evenings when the area transforms into a romantic promenade, the life here is vibrant. Listen on a warm summer evening to artists enchanting the impressive riverside of Brisbane with live music and soak in the Australians' zest for life.

If the lagoon paradise in the midst of the urban jungle isn't serene enough for you, you can let the fresh sea breeze sweep over you at one of the many beaches surrounding Brisbane! The gateway to Queensland is also an ideal starting point to explore the coastline on an unforgettable road trip with a rental car. If you're interested in exploring the diverse Gold and Sunshine Coast, check out our helpful travel magazine articles about Noosa and Byron Bay.

The small, charming island is only 25 km from Brisbane's coast and is perfect for a day trip. A real insider tip, as so far only a few tourists make it to this magical place. The third largest sand island in the world is lined with white beaches along its west coast and impresses visitors with its turquoise sea. If you're looking for adventure, the picturesque backdrop of the sand dunes invites you to a desert safari. On the east side of the island, you can dive into crystal-clear waters and discover the colorful underwater world.

Vacation Guru Tip: You definitely don't want to miss out on our personal highlight in the evening. As the sun slowly sets into the sea and the sky glows with the most beautiful colors, wild dolphins make their way to the shore. The playful dolphins put me in the most special mood - an unforgettable moment!

The Glass House Mountains consist of 16 volcanic cliffs dramatically rising from the landscape. From the viewpoint 'The Lookout', you get a breathtaking panoramic view of the mountain peaks. In this moment, it's just you and the impressive nature. The seemingly endless view brings a feeling of unlimited freedom. Particularly, the four main mountains are ideal for an adventurous hike where you can absorb the serenity of the place and take a break from the hustle and bustle.

If you want to stay longer in the national park and experience the sunrise, consider staying at the Glass House Mountains Ecolodge. The warm owner welcomes guests in extraordinary bungalows, such as one made from a converted church or a train carriage. Another lovely highlight, which is not found in every hotel: In the beautifully landscaped 'Garden of Eaten', all guests are invited to help themselves to the bountiful fruits and vegetables.

So, has the wanderlust taken over you? Then don't wait any longer, grab one of our flight deals and head Down Under! If you're already at the other end of the world, take the chance to spend a bit more time discovering other corners of the country.