With its subtropical climate, gently rolling hills, river weaving through it and grand old Queenslanders (‘Queenslanders’ as in the houses; few Brisbanites people would describe themselves as ‘grand’), it’s always a wonder Brisbane isn’t a bigger fixture on the traveller map.

Queensland’s easygoing capital is a city for those who reckon life’s better lived outdoors. The days here start early, the evenings run late, the sun shines 260 days a year and public parks and picnicking spots are everywhere. Beaches? Inner city South Bank has a good version, but there’s no beating the real ones on North and South Stradbroke Islands. Given this obsession with enjoying the elements, it might then seem a surprise that Brizzy also boasts a vibrant indoors scene. Art galleries are popping up everywhere, café culture’s truly taken hold, and the city’s birthed some of the country’s biggest bands of recent years. Cultural cringe what?

Brisbane tours