Brisbane, Queensland — Things to Do
Shopping in Brisbane
A shopping trip in Brisbane is nothing to turn your nose up at. With dozens of shopping malls, stalls and open air markets to browse, it may not be up there with Sydney when it comes to shopping, but Brisbane can definitely hold its own. The Central Business District is a good place to start where the Queen Street Mall, a pedestrian shopping mall that prides itself on being the 'one-stop-shop' for all your shopping needs in Brisbane, and attracts 26-million visitors a year. Located between Edward and George Streets, shoppers can stroll along the city's most popular shopping strip where centers such as Wintergarden, the Myer Center and the lavish Queen's Plaza featuring Louis Vuitton, Tiffany & Co and Max Mara, can be found. Numerous hotels, restaurants, coffee shops, cinemas, clothing, music, jewelry and book stores also line the mall - what more could a shopaholic want? Shoppers wanting something a little more informal should visit the South Bank Art and Craft Markets from Friday to Sunday where they can pick up souvenirs such as didgeridoos, boomerangs and Aboriginal art works, as well as everything from clothing and leather goods to fresh produce and plants. The Sunday Discovery Market at Rocklea is another place to find trash and treasures, while Trendoids looking to keep up to date with the hottest fashion trends should visit the monthly South Bank Young Designers' Market which takes place on the first Sunday of every month.
Attractions for Kids
Visitors in Brisbane who are traveling with kids in tow will be pleased to know that besides being in one of the most naturally beautiful countries in the world, Brisbane itself offers plenty of activities, both outdoors and in.
Take the kids to the Children's Art Center at the Queensland Art Gallery and Gallery of Modern Art for a more cultural outing, while a trip to Sea World, Queensland's most popular attraction, is guaranteed to please with dolphins, penguins and even sharks to captivate and enthral kids of all ages. Pack a picnic, plenty of sunscreen and a Frisbee or ball and head to the New Farm Park where rolling green grass, fig trees and playgrounds will tire the little ones out while mum and dad relax under the shade of a tree.
Kids love animals and what could be better than a trip to the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary where children can interact with cuddly koalas and even get to hold them or feed and pet them - a once in a lifetime experience for many since this is the only koala sanctuary in the world where this is permitted.
For those spending a day in the city, stop off at the South Bank Parklands where children can swim at the artificial beach, enjoy a ride on the Wheel of Brisbane, meet other kids in the playgrounds or even rollerblade or skateboard along the river's edge. Other parks which are perfect for kids include Marchant Park and Peace Park, which both feature excellent playground areas and other attractions for children on vacation in Brisbane.
