Three Top-rated Attractions in Brisbane, Queensland

Brisbane is a top city in Australia known for its laid back lifestyle, friendly citizens and splendid sun-soaked climate that is near perfect throughout the year. Being the third largest city in Australia and the capital of Queensland, Brisbane receives a fair share of visitors from around the globe every year. This stunning city holds a rich history and cultural heritage and offers its visitors numerous unique destinations to keep them entertained throughout their visit. If you're visiting Brisbane for the very first time and are in doubt of picking the perfect places to visit, read along for some tips.

Explore the city on a River Cruise

You’ll notice the unbeatable beauty of Brisbane right when you step foot in the capital for the first time and you may notice that at the heart of the city flows a river. The Brisbane River, the longest in South-East Queensland, flows through the city and the best way to experience the beauty of Brisbane is to get to know the river. One of the most popular activities you can jump on is to board a boat cruise in Brisbane which offers you an opportunity to see the splendid sights of the city skyline along with the patches of interesting neighbourhoods residing by it. Share refreshing moments with your companions onboard these cruises as you move past the iconic Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, Story Bridge, Kangaroo Point Cliffs and many other attractions. Click brilliant photographs of you and your loved ones set against this unique backdrop and go home with unforgettable memories. Some of the Brisbane River cruises also offer onboard lunch and dinner and some forms of entertainment so if you're looking for much more than sightseeing, go for the vessels that provide such inclusions. If you're lucky you may even be enlightened with some knowledge about the river and its surroundings by the captain himself in the form of live commentary.

Hit the waves at Streets Beach

You haven’t completed your trip to Brisbane unless you unwind yourself at the nearby beaches. The Streets Beach in South Bank Parklands is an iconic inner city man made beach boasting a sparkling blue lagoon surrounded by white and golden sands and subtropical trees, which is a treat to many eyes. Some even call it an oasis in the middle of the city. The beach is shallow enough to bring your children and perfect for beginners to learn swimming. Take a dip into the lagoon to rejuvenate, stroll along the sands or give out crazy poses with your family or friends for an amazing picture. The area is free to use and is often patrolled by expert lifeguards so that you can enjoy a stress-free experience. You can even drop off your children at the nearby aquatic playgrounds– the Boat Pool and Aquativity, an interactive water-play park for children of all ages.

Dive at the Tangalooma Wrecks

It is of little surprise that a water-related activity comes up when talking about a river city like Brisbane. A visit to Moreton Islands, just east of the city, is one of the best things to do in Brisbane. Dive or snorkel at the Tangalooma Wrecks and get a deeper insight of the ecosystems that thrive off the sunken shipwrecks just off the island. The ecosystem here consists of a plethora of different species of fish, coral reefs and marine life. Hop on one of the tours that takes you to the wrecks on a boat and provides you with all the gear including wetsuits, flippers, masks, snorkel, life jacket and pool noodles, before you set out for an immersive experience underwater guided by a professional diver. If you're a person who likes to stay on land, jump on an ATV quad biking and sand tobogganing on the island. Stay until sunset for a gleaming view above the land and if you're up for it, feed a wild dolphin that lives in the island waters.