Thinking of heading down under?

Welcome to Brisbane, the sunny capital of Queensland. Get ready for the perfect blend of laid-back Aussie lifestyle, natural beauty, and urban sophistication.

Planning an international trip can be overwhelming but it doesn’t have to be.

How?

You just need a plan for your plan.

It’s important to prepare with enough time for things like:

Brisbane has something for everyone, from the cutest wildlife, to sandy beaches, and buzzing food scene. Here are our recommendations to help you make the most of your trip!

Holding a koala is not allowed everywhere in Australia. It's regulated at the state and territory level to ensure the welfare of the animals. Queensland is a place where you can hold one, and here are two great places to do so:

As the world’s first and largest koala sanctuary, Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary is a must-do. Located just 12 km from the city center, this peaceful riverside spot lets you hold a koala and hand-feed kangaroos in a spacious, open setting.

We loved our time at Lone Pine. It was here where we held a koala named Connery.

The Australia Zoo is perhaps the most famous zoo in the world. It was founded by the Irwin family, and is just 1 hour north of Brisbane by car or train. It’s home to hundreds of species, thrilling croc shows, and a true celebration of Steve Irwin’s legacy.

This zoo was unlike anything we had ever seen the United States before.

Picture this: you’re standing underneath a tree, look up, and discover there are koalas sleeping just a few feet above your head.

Take the train from Brisbane to Beerwah Station, then hop on the free zoo shuttle. You will need an entire day here to really enjoy it. This zoo is massive.

South Bank is Brisbane’s cultural heart, packed with museums, restaurants, markets, and the famous Streets Beach, a man-made lagoon right in the city. Don’t miss the Wheel of Brisbane for panoramic views of the skyline and river.

Hop on a CityCat ferry for a relaxing and scenic way to explore Brisbane. Cruise past historic landmarks, sleek skyscrapers, and riverside neighborhoods all for the price of a public transport ticket.

Get sweeping views of the city from Mt Coot-tha, just a short drive from downtown. You can hike or drive up, and grab a coffee at the summit café.

Visit the Botanic Gardens Mt Coot-tha nearby for tropical plants and tranquil vibes.

The Queensland Art Gallery and Gallery of Modern Art (QAGOMA) features cutting-edge installations and Indigenous Australian art. Entry is free for the main exhibits.

This pedestrian mall is in the heart of the CBD (Central Business District), and is perfect for shopping, street performers, and cafés.

Take a ferry to Moreton Island for snorkeling, sandboarding, and even dolphin feeding. It’s one of the few places in the world where you can snorkel around shipwrecks just offshore.

There are direct flights to the Brisbane Airport (BNE) from cities such as Los Angeles, San Francisco, Doho, Singapore, Dubai, etc.

Brisbane’s public transport is efficient and easy. Grab a go card for tap-on access to buses, trains, and ferries. CityCat ferries offer the best views while commuting!

If you prefer to drive, remember Australians drive on the left side of the road. Give way to your right at roundabouts, and be mindful of speed limits (enforced by cameras!).

Meriton Suites Herschel Street - this is where we stayed and loved it!

Heal House - guest house with breakfast included

Adina Apartment Hotel - stay in an entire apartment

Kangaroo steak – lean, healthy, and surprisingly delicious

Lamingtons – sponge cake coated in chocolate and coconut

Tim Tams – Australia’s favorite chocolate biscuit

Barramundi – iconic local fish, served grilled or fried

Pavlova – a sweet meringue dessert with fresh fruit

It’s important to remember that Australia’s seasons are the opposite of those in the northern hemisphere.

Summer runs from December to February, while winter is from June to August.

Brisbane has a subtropical climate, meaning it’s generally warm and humid for most of the year.

Pack lightweight, breathable clothing, a hat, sunscreen, and a swimsuit for the summer.

Winters are mild and dry, and you’ll want light layers, a sweater or jacket for cooler mornings and evenings, but nothing too heavy.

Rain is most common in summer (often via short but heavy afternoon storms), so a compact umbrella or rain jacket is also a good idea.

Don’t forget comfortable walking shoes, especially if you’re planning on exploring parks, wildlife sanctuaries, or the riverwalks.

Here are a few of our affiliate links to help you when in Brisbane. It’s no extra cost to you and helps us keep this email free for everyone. 😀

See you next week,

Trisha & Bob