Queensland is home to some of the best island adventures across the country, but there’s no way you can visit the Sunshine state without a trip here.

Brisbane has plenty of new and undiscovered delights for holiday-makers.

Brisbane will always deserve a place on the podium for great Australian holiday spots. With perfect weather, a relaxed lifestyle and stunning natural surrounds, our third-largest capital city is already one of the Sunshine State’s most popular destinations for food, art and adventure. And as the sports-mad city gears up to host the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, there’s never been a better time to visit.

TAKE TO THE WATER

Treat Brisbane River like your highway to the city’s delights. Recent improvements to the CityCat ferries will help get you where you need to go. A day of fun on the water also comes highly recommended – hire a kayak or water bike through Riverlife, pack a picnic to enjoy aboard an electric motor boat hired from GoBoat, or book a cocktail tour with River to Bay, which will ferry you to some of the city’s most scenic bars. What better way to savour a picturesque Brisbane sunset over the water?

CULTURE CENTRAL

There’s always something new to see at South Bank, the city’s premier creative precinct. Dedicated culture vultures should plan for a day or two exploring the thousands of works on display at Queensland Art Gallery and Gallery of Modern Art (QAGOMA). Queensland Museum and its impressive interactive science gallery, SparkLab, Sciencentre, is also a must for curious minds. To finish your day of art and culture, catch a show at the Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC). For almost 40 years, it’s been the hottest ticket in town.

LIVE AND LOUD

Brisbane’s live music scene is constantly evolving – you’d expect no less from the city that produced Aussie rock icons like Powderfinger. Must-visit venues for music lovers include relative newcomers The Triffid, a modified former WWII hangar, and The Fortitude Music Hall, one of Australia’s premier live music venues. There’s also Lefty’s Music Hall, a honky tonk saloon on famous Caxton Street and local institution The Tivoli.

ISLAND HOPPING

Brisbane offers easy access to incredible islands for a relaxed day trip or weekend away. Bribie, North Stradbroke and Moreton islands are all go-tos for pristine beaches, wildlife and adventure experiences. Wander sandy trails, explore the headland, spot a whale or catch a wave – there’s something for everyone.

EAT IT UP

The only thing better than dinner is dinner with a view. The Howard Smith Wharves dining and entertainment precinct has fast become Brisbane’s new go-to place to unwind after a busy day, whether you’re sipping a schooner of locally brewed ale from Felons Brewing Co or enjoying the contemporary fare at restaurants like Greca, Yoko, Stanley and Ciao Papi.

FOOTY FEVER

They don’t let you host the Olympics if you can’t put on a show. Brisbane is one of Australia’s event capitals and never is this more evident than during the NRL Magic Round, which is set to take place in May 2022. Brisbanites live and breathe footy, and the energy around Suncorp Stadium at this time of year is contagious.

STAY AND PLAY

Holiday-makers are spoiled for choice when it’s time to rest in style. Try the new Hotel X for indulgence in vibrant Fortitude Valley, or Emporium Hotel South Bank for a luxurious option in the city’s cultural heart.

Tips from an expert

Make the most of your next holiday with these top picks from My Queensland ambassador Natalie Gruzlewski, a former Getaway presenter who lives on the Gold Coast.

Moreton Island: “My family and I love snorkelling the Tangalooma Wrecks, building sandcastles on the beach and handfeeding wild bottlenose dolphins at sunset. We can’t wait to go back.”

Crystalbrook Vincent: “This is one of the most stylish hotels I’ve stayed in, and I love its commitment to sustainable luxury. It’s in a great location, too, right next to the Howard Smith Wharves, which is one of my favourite spots in Brisbane.”

SOURCE: https://www.news.com.au/travel/australian-holidays/queensland/29-reasons-you-need-to-visit-brisbane-right-now/news-story/0d7148a263a7ebe7669cd6b8dd37f565