Fun ways to spend time in Brisbane

Brisbane should be on everyone’s East Coast itinerary.  Most of the traveller friends I made over the last few weeks all stopped by Brisbane for a day or two before travelling further, without seeing much of what I believe is Australia’s most underrated city.

I lived in Brisbane for almost three weeks, while stayed with my friends who rented an apartment in West End, a young and fun suburb close to the city.

Here are a few fun ways to spend time in Brisbane;

• SHOPPING

Brisbane offers great shopping possibilities. Wander Queen Street Mall and nearby streets to find some local gems.

• SOUTH BANK PARKLANDS

Brisbane is a concrete city. There are a lot of apartment and skyscrapers, whereas the ocean is a bit of a drive. That’s why Brisbane created South Bank Parklands, a ‘fake’ but almost real remake of a beach, right in the city. This is a real tourists’ spot. Most locals drive up to Gold Coast, about an hour and a half drive, to chill out at the beach. It’s a great place to chill out. 

• LONE PINE KOALA SANCTUARY

Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary is only a 30 minute bus ride from the city and a great place to visit. I saw baby koala’s, tropical birds, crocodiles, a lot of lizards, snakes and a whole bunch of chilled out kangaroos. You will receive a lot of information about the animals, how to tread them, what they eat…

• FORTITUDE VALLEY

Time to hang out with the locals in Fortitude Valley, also known as The Valleys. Have some drinks at La Rouge and head over to T.B.C’s to show off some dance moves.

• CITY BOTANIC GARDENS

When you find yourself in need for some nature, simply visit the gorgeous City Botanic Gardens. Walk beside the Brisbane River and enjoy a stunning view over the city. Find your way into a (sort of) rainforest with palm trees, bamboo and tropical plants.

There is a lot of history in The City Botanic Gardens. Originally opened to the public in 1855, food crops were planted by convicts in 1825 to feed the prison colony.

I sat down under a blossoming tree and, apart from the bird noises, enjoyed the silence.  I could smell the aroma coming from the flower garden strongly, even though it was metres away. The park is very well maintained, with stunning nature and wildlife. At one point I was being chased by a white butterfly for more than 10 minutes.

Australia’s nature is great and oh so different than anything I’m used to.

Hostels I stayed in while in Brisbane:

• Brisbane Backpackers Resort (Not my favorite hostel. Most of the staff were very friendly, while others were just blunt. The common area didn’t feel very cosy, they charged $7 for only 4 hours of internet and when I booked my room I asked for an all girls room, but they put me in a mixed dorm. I’ve stayed at a few hostels in Australia and I’ve seen a lot better.