Best tourist destinations in Brisbane and Gold Coast

Brisbane is Australia’s third-largest city with a riveting scene of tourist destinations and eateries that offer various cultural mixes. The Riverside City rose to its current fame when the Common Wealth Games were held in 1982 and the World Expo 1988. These two events brought thousands of people to the city worldwide, becoming one of the most incredible tourist destinations. The River city came to the map as the Gold Coast’s glorious beaches became known for their white sands and surfing scene.

One of the best things about the city is the mild and subtropical weather that makes it great for tourists to enjoy. Whether you live in Australia or are visiting, you must visit the Gold Coast and Brisbane as it’s a great tourist destination burgeoning with more and more fun activities and places to visit. From tropical beaches to lush gardens. We have enlisted some of the most attractive tourist destinations of Brisbane and the Gold Coast. Read below to find out more:

South Bank Parklands:

South Bank Parklands offers a wide variety of activities to its customers. From a Man-made lagoon to the Epicurious Garden, the streets and parks provide various activities for families, couples, and friends. You can partake in the free fitness sessions, ride your bike or stroll along the trails. The beach offers a unique experience that is perfect for a dip on a sunny morning. Of course, there are no waves so children can have fun in the water easily. The beaches are made secure with lifeguards there to protect you and your family.

With the Epicurious Garden, you can learn how to cook with organic food as volunteers help you from 7 to 11:30 am from Tuesday to Thursday. On these days you can also collect free produce from the gardens. And last but not least, the Ferris Wheel, also known as the wheel of Brisbane, takes a round of 15 minutes, whether day or night, and you can capture some great views of Brisbane city and the Gold Coast. Mostly in the evenings, when the city lights are turned on, you can marvel at the sights with a beautiful sunset and watch the city coming to life.

Brisbane River:

Brisbane River offers great Cruises where you can enjoy the view of the city life with a great dining experience. The Miramar cruise offers a variety of trips to different locations. You can take a journey from Koala Cruise to the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary. Other trips and entertainment like the Classic River Cruise and the Twilight Cruise allow you to take in the city’s sights and watch the sunset with a drink in your hand and a wide variety of food on board.

If you want to try the Brisbane Classic, then go for Kookaburra Queen. It’s a great dining and refreshing way to experience the mix of old and modern techniques with dining and drinks for all aboard the old paddle steamer.

Surfers Paradise:

Surfers Paradise is a mix of energetic, eclectic, and vibrant entertainment opportunities that the tourists and the residents can enjoy at any time of the day. Surfers Paradise is known for the events that are hosted by it annually. Surfers Paradise also offers a great dining, bar, and a great nightlife experience that is not worth missing. Annual events like Surfers Vodafone Gold Coast 600 race and Surf Life Saving events and many other smaller events are held regularly. The Surfers Paradise Beach Front Market operates between 3:00 pm till 8:00 pm on Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday night only. Not only that, there is a multitude of free cultural and artistic events happening throughout the area.

Mount Coot-tha Botanic Gardens:

Underneath the tallest mountain, Mount Coot-tha is the Botanic Garden. Please do not confuse it with the City Botanic Gardens, though. A serene place filled with themed gardens and acres of wild forestations. The trails guide you through to the famous Japanese Gardens and the most expansive collection of Australia’s Rainforest trees. Your children will especially enjoy the Hide’n’seek Children’s Trail through the rain forest. It houses selective sections dedicated to the bamboo houses, cactus, fragrant plants, and indigenous plants. At about a four-minute drive from the Mount Coot-tha Botanic Gardens is the Brisbane Lookout Mount Coot-tha, which overlooks the entire area and offers a panoramic view. A restaurant serves up delicious food that can be found by following the tracks weaving through the National Park.

Shorncliffe:

Shorncliffe is a perfect beach if you want to hang out with your friends and have a relaxing day. It’s best for kids and pets as there aren’t any strong waves, don’t expect Gold Coast vibes here. As its more of a serene kind of beach with just the right amount of fun and relaxing time. It’s perfect for a walk on the pier, fishing and climbing trees, and other kid-friendly activities. It’s a tranquil spot where you can sit back and relax with your families or friends.

City Botanic Gardens:

City Botanic Gardens is the most serene spot offering a pleasant and peaceful place for many tourists and residents. The gardens provide excellent exposure to some of the subtropical plants and wild forest plants that grow in Australia. An array of palm and fig trees can be seen covering the city’s skyscrapers from afar. The garden offers a breathtaking view and pure tranquillity. Initially built as a crop garden for feeding the city’s prison has become a tranquil and recreational park for locals and tourists, with statues and sculptures placed alongside the picnic areas and cafes.

Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary:

What’s cuter than cuddling a koala? The Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary isn’t just dedicated to koalas. A wide array of animals can be found in the sanctuary, such as wombats, dingoes, snakes, crocodiles, wallabies, and kangaroos. With daily demonstrations of bird prey flight, sheepdog, platypus feeding, Tasmanian Devil Keeper Talks, and barn animals. Furthermore, you can take a picture home as a souvenir of holding a snake or a baby crocodile. You can travel to this location via the Koala and River Cruise, enjoying the sights around you and joining the crew as it departs from Brisbane’s Cultural Center Pontoon every morning.

Conclusion:

These are some of the top destinations that Brisbane and the Gold Coast have to offer. However, there is much more to see in these two cities. We hope you enjoyed the article. If you have any suggestions, please let us know via our Telegram/WhatsApp/Facebook messenger.