Short post here. I’m not a huge fan of Brisbane. I’m from Sydney. I dislike the place by default.
That being said, refer to this post about my thoughts on Brisbane airport and getting in to the City.
I’d recommend staying in the City. It’s really the only area I’ve spent much time. Even so, I find the city a bit boring. Fortitude Valley is the place to go for a party. Shopping is pretty much limited to Queen St Mall and a few side streets.
Things to do? Well really, sport is what the place lives for. Rugby league fans should go see a Bronco’s game or a State of Origin game if you’re there in June/July (GO THE BLUES!). Rugby union fans should go see the Qld Reds play. Football (soccer) fans should go see the Qld Roar play. Basketball fans should go see the Bullets play. Cricket fans should wait till summer and go and see Australia play.
Beyond that, I find the place a bit boring. The best thing about it is its proximity to the Gold and Sunshine Coasts. Sorry!
The Sunshine Coast? I like it, but I have to be honest and say I’ve not been there for about 10 years now. So I can’t really give much info. From what I’ve seen, the place has changed drastically since I was there last, so anything I knew about it is now totally out of date.
Getting there is just a short drive north of Brisbane. There may be other infrastructure in place by now though.
That being said…It’s got a few awesome surf spots like Alexandra Headlands or Noosa (if you’re not quite as adventurous). Australia Zoo, which was Steve Irwin’s baby, is also located on the Sunshine Coast at Beerwah.
There’s also golf resorts and beachside resorts and lots of other resorts. It’s a good family getaway type place. A slightly more relaxing getaway than the Gold Coast!
