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What to do in Brisbane

What to do in “Brisvegas”, the Capital of Sunny Queensland. 
By Bree, Backpackers World Travel, George Street

NORTH & SOUTH of the City:
Sunshine Coast - Heavenly places like Coolum and Noosa, and the three largest sand islands in the world – Fraser, Moreton and Stradbroke. Lots of sand, sunshine, rainforest, the occasional shark, dolphin and dingo. Only if you’re really lucky. Gold Coast – skyscrapers, thousands of teeny boppers in tiny bikinis, great beaches with great surf, theme parks galore! There’s also The Lamington and Springbrook National Parks, with beautiful rainforests just inland from the coast.

BRISVEGAS BABY!! Southbank:
Great spot to visit on a hot day! There is a man-made ‘lagoon’ - complete with lifeguards – the lovely river walk (all free), markets, delish restaurants and probably the cheapest movie theatre in Brisbane – the old IMAX. Southbank is also home to the QLD Museum and Art Gallery, and there is also a brand new ‘cultural’ precinct. See, we can be cultured in Queensland!!

Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary:
You can catch the local bus and spend the afternoon cuddling our national emblems for only $20. Or you can go the whole hog and head up to Australia Zoo and discover the legacy of Steve Irwin. Crikey!

Mount Coot-tha:
Possibly one of the cheapest and best ways to view Brisbane - from the top of a mountain! Take a local bus up to the restaurant and lookout that offers 360* views over the city. Best time is either early morning or just on dusk - just don’t forget to take your camera.

The River:
Okay so I wouldn’t exactly swim in it, but its lovely to walk alongside, cruise along, even kayak on. You can even go rock climbing/abseiling on the cliffs at Kangaroo Point overlooking the water. Or why not be super-adventurous and climb the Story Bridge (one of only three bridge climbs in the world) to see 360 views of our gorgeous city.

Sporting/Music Events:
Get your dose of AFL or Cricket at the famous GABBA, and good old rugby and NRL (Go the Broncos!!!) at Suncorp Stadium. Plenty of good concerts also appear regularly at stadiums like Suncorp (We love you Robbie Williams!!!) and the Entertainment Centre. We also get loads of festivals and indie gigs so check your gig guide, there’s bound to be something on!

Cairns

Cairns has so many things to see and do the problem will be deciding. The Most famous highlights are the Great Barrier Reef, Cape Tribulation & Atherton Tablelands but if it’s adventure you are looking for then you’re in the right spot-white water rafting on the Tully river, bungy jump at AJ Hackett’s bungy site or for the ultimate rush then skydiving.

Magnetic Island

magnetic-island.jpg

base Backpackers hostel - Magnetic Island

A great half way stop between Airlie Beach and Cairns. Maggie as the locals call it, has great walks through eucalypt forests where you can spot our native friend the koala. Up in the hill of the forest you will find a little bit of history (you’ll have to walk it to find out) as well as a fantastic view.If you want to stay on the island then look no further than the stunning Base hostel, located right on the beach.

Airlie Beach

Ok, so Airlie Beach doesn’t have the most gorgeous beach on the East coast, but it is the gateway to Australia’s most photographed beach – the stunning white sands of Whitehaven Beach on Whitsunday Island.

The best way to see all the Whitsunday Islands have to offer is by taking a 2 or 3 day Sailing adventure, relaxing on the deck soaking up the sun until you get so hot you have to plunge into the cool refreshing sea. If you don’t have 3 days then don’t miss checking out the many day trips on offer.

Fraser Island

Fraser Island is the world’s largest sand island, but it is more than just sand. Fraser Island has over 100 fresh water lakes and lush forest.

There are a few ways to see Fraser Island – a guided tour staying in a Resort; a self-drive camping travelling with a group of 10 our like-minded travellers in a hired 4wd or you can mix n match - self drive but staying in a Resort. No matter which way you choose you are sure to love this unique Island.

Hervey Bay

Hervey Bay is one of two gateways to Fraser Island; the other is Rainbow Beach, which lies 1 ½ hrs south of Hervey Bay. If you have ever wanted to see whales migrate then you have come to the right place, whale season runs from July to November.

The Sunshine Coast

The Sunshine Coast is the name given to the 100kms of beaches that run north of Brisbane. The most popular of the many beachside towns is Noosa which is 2 ½ hours north of Brisbane. Noosa has a fabulous golden sandy beach, which is great for beginner surfers, and for those who are not keen on surfing there is the National Park and everglades to explore.

Working in Brisbane

Unlike Sydney, Brisbane does not have a travellers contact point, but there are plenty of agencies that specialise in different industries, such as Nursing, Hospitality etc, that can help you search for work. The majority of Backpacker Hostels also have job clubs that you can join.

Brisbane

With a population of just under 2 million people Brisbane is the third largest city in Australia, and rapidly growing. Nestled between the Gold Coast and the Sunshine Coast, Brisbane is a great place for those beach loving travellers looking for work.

Byron Bay

Well beach side living doesn’t get much better than this! Byron Bay is a small seaside town that is popular with many - locals, tourists and celebrities.

Whether you want to skydive over the beautiful crystal clear waters of the Bay, learn to surf, hand glide or simply chill out on the beach and work on that Aussie tan, Byron Bay has it all! If you’re looking for a unique hostel then check out the Arts Factory, you can sleep in a teepee :)