Brisbane & The Sunshine Coast

Brisbane, the vibrant capital of Queensland, is a city that seamlessly blends modern sophistication with natural beauty. Located along the winding Brisbane River, the city is home to a rich cultural history, having been originally inhabited by the Turrbal and Jagera peoples. These Aboriginal tribes have deep connections to the land, and their heritage is an integral part of the city’s identity. Today, visitors to the city can explore the cultural significance of the area through art, history, and storytelling, gaining insight into the traditional custodians' deep connection to the environment.
Known for its friendly locals and sun-soaked climate, Brisbane boasts a thriving cultural scene, with highlights such as the Queensland Art Gallery, the Gallery of Modern Art, the Museum of Brisbane, and the Queensland Performing Arts Centre. South Bank is a must-visit, where visitors can enjoy riverside dining, relax in lush parklands, and take in the city’s stunning skyline. The highlight is the Brisbane City Beach—an urban oasis featuring sandy shores, swimming lagoons, and a relaxed, holiday vibe right in the heart of the city. The city also offers a vibrant food scene, from fresh local seafood to international cuisine.
Brisbane is the gateway to both coastal and hinterland adventures, with pristine beaches, lush rainforests, and mountain ranges just a short trip away. Its eco-conscious initiatives and numerous green spaces make it a great city for outdoor enthusiasts, while its easy access to nature adds another layer to its charm. Whether you're interested in cultural exploration, natural beauty, or urban sophistication, Brisbane is the perfect place to begin your Queensland adventure.

Make the most of your free day in Brisbane with a wealth of activities to explore at your own pace. From vibrant street markets to tranquil parklands, this is your chance to experience the city’s diverse attractions. Start your day by strolling through the picturesque South Bank, home to lush gardens, riverside walks, and cultural hotspots like the Queensland Art Gallery, the Gallery of Modern Art, and the Museum of Brisbane, where you can delve into the city’s rich history and artistic heritage. For a unique experience, visit the iconic Brisbane City Botanic Gardens or take a relaxing ride along the river on a CityCat ferry. Food lovers can indulge in Brisbane’s burgeoning culinary scene, with a wide variety of cafés, restaurants, and fresh food markets offering local and international flavours. For shopping, Queen Street Mall and Fortitude Valley offer everything from high-end fashion to quirky boutiques.
If you're looking to unwind, head to Brisbane City Beach—a sandy urban oasis complete with swimming lagoons and a relaxed atmosphere. It's the perfect place to soak up the sun, take a dip in the refreshing waters, or simply enjoy the vibrant surroundings.
For nature enthusiasts, take a short trip to the nearby Mt. Coot-tha Lookout for panoramic views of the city and surrounding areas, or explore the city’s many parks and walking trails. If you’re feeling adventurous, head to Moreton Bay for some beach time or enjoy water activities like kayaking or paddleboarding. To complete the day, a visit to the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary is highly recommended. As the world's oldest and largest koala sanctuary, visitors can cuddle koalas, hand-feed kangaroos, and get up close to a variety of Australian wildlife. With so much to see and do in Brisbane, it's the perfect opportunity to tailor your experience to your interests, whether you prefer culture, shopping, nature, or just relaxing and soaking up the city’s vibrant atmosphere.

A South Bank icon, Streets Beach is a must-visit while you’re in Brisbane. Escape the hustle and bustle of the city and unwind at Brisbane Street’s Beach, a unique urban oasis located in the heart of South Bank. It is Australia’s only inner-city, man-made beach, offering a sandy haven right by the river, complete with a refreshing lagoon-style swimming pool, perfect for a dip or a relaxing day in the sun. Surrounded by lush palm trees and scenic views of the Brisbane skyline, the beach is an ideal spot for families, friends, and solo visitors alike to enjoy a taste of tropical paradise without leaving the city. The beach is equipped with comfortable seating, sunshades, and plenty of space to relax or enjoy a picnic, making it the perfect destination for a leisurely day out. Located just a stone’s throw away from cafes, restaurants, and cultural attractions like the Queensland Art Gallery and the Museum of Brisbane, Brisbane Street’s Beach is an easy and enjoyable way to experience the laid-back charm of Brisbane's riverside lifestyle.

Experience the best of Brisbane’s natural beauty and wildlife with a Return River Cruise combined with admission to the renowned Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary. Begin your journey with a scenic river cruise along the Brisbane River, offering stunning views of the city’s skyline, the lush parklands, and iconic landmarks like the Story Bridge and Kangaroo Point Cliffs. The leisurely cruise is a perfect way to relax and soak in the sights while enjoying informative commentary about Brisbane’s history and river life.
Upon reaching the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, enjoy direct access to one of the world’s largest and most beloved koala conservation facilities. Wander through lush, expansive grounds and get close to a wide range of Australian wildlife, including koalas, kangaroos, wombats, and more. Hold a koala for a memorable photo or hand-feed kangaroos in their natural habitat. The sanctuary also offers a variety of animal encounters and educational presentations, making it a fantastic experience for animal lovers of all ages. Enjoy 3 hours exploring Lone Pine, before re-joining the cruise for a relaxing return journey on the river back to the city.

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Head north out of Brisbane and through the Glass House Mountains. Passing through Beerburrum State Forest you can take a detour to Beerwah, home of Steve Irwin's Australia Zoo, where you can see over one hundred different species including crocodiles, Tasmanian devils, koalas, wombats and dingoes.
Continuing north through the Sunshine Coast, you will turn towards the coast at Eumundi - if you are driving through on a Wednesday or Saturday morning, stop in at the Eumundi markets for local food, arts and crafts.
From Eumundi, it's just 25 minutes to your destination, the beautiful coastal town of Noosa.

Noosa is nestled on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast and is surrounded by beautiful beaches, lakes, and the dense hinterland of Noosa National Park. The name 'Noosa' came from the Aboriginal Kabi word meaning "shade" or "shadows", which is thought to be a reference to the respite from the sun offered by the tall forests in the area.
Noosa has an array of outdoor activities for all ages to choose from. Here, you can learn to surf or have a go at stand-up paddleboarding; go kayaking in the Noosa Everglades or join a sunset cruise along the river. It is also home to world-class golf courses, exquisite day spas, shopping and enticing cuisine.

This Nature Tour to Fraser Island takes you into the best areas of this environmentally sensitive region. You will get the chance to discover its precious eco-systems, abundant wildlife and natural paradise. Seemingly endless golden beaches encompass towering forests, pristine rainforests, mosaic coloured sands, crystal clear freshwater lakes, gurgling red streams and prehistoric ferns.

Noosa, located on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast, is a haven for beach lovers, nature enthusiasts, and foodies. Relax on Noosa Main Beach, perfect for swimming and paddleboarding, or explore quieter spots like Little Cove and Tea Tree Bay. Take in breathtaking coastal views and spot wildlife like dolphins and koalas on the scenic trails of Noosa National Park, with the Coastal Walk to Hell’s Gates being a standout. For water adventures, paddleboard along the Noosa River or explore the stunning Noosa Everglades, one of only two in the world. Hastings Street offers boutique shopping, art galleries, and dining options ranging from beachfront cafes to fine restaurants. Explore further to the Noosa Hinterland or nearby attractions like Australia Zoo for even more adventure.

Explore deep into the tranquil waters of Australia's only everglades in the Noosa River system, within the sand dunes of the Cooloola National Park. Immerse yourself in the natural beauty of this diverse ecosystem which showcases ancient landscapes and spectacular photo opportunities. The cruise will take you on a journey through the southern end of the everglades system whilst your guides provide expert commentary on the fauna, flora and rich history of the region. Throughout the afternoon you will also get to enjoy a glass of beer or bubbles whilst gliding through the reflective waterways as the sun begins to set.

Brisbane is an easy ninety-minute drive from Noosa. Begin the journey by travelling towards Eumundi, famous for its markets which operate on Wednesdays and Saturdays. From here, you will follow the Bruce Highway (M1) all the way to Brisbane. Along the way, you can stop in at the Yandina Ginger Factory for a tour and a tasting, see the Big Pineapple in Woombye, or visit the animals at Australia Zoo. You'll also get a great view of the Glass House Mountains just after Beerwah, and there are plenty of opportunities here to get out and stretch your legs.
Farewell Queensland by arriving at Brisbane Airport, it is the largest city in the state and has been built around the Brisbane River, which winds its way through the middle of the city. 

Unlock a full day of wildlife adventure with the Australia Zoo One Day Admission Pass. Set across 110 acres, this iconic zoo, made famous by the late Steve Irwin, offers an unforgettable experience with up-close encounters with Australia’s most iconic animals. Explore the expansive grounds, where you’ll meet koalas, kangaroos, wombats, and the famous crocodiles in their natural habitats. Enjoy thrilling shows like the Wildlife Warriors demonstration, where saltwater crocodiles leap from the water’s edge in a spectacular display. Visit the Wildlife Hospital, one of the busiest in the world, and witness firsthand the vital care given to endangered animals. Discover the Tiger Temple, home to majestic Sumatran and Bengal tigers, and stroll through Queensland’s only multi-species African exhibit. With a variety of live presentations, animal encounters, and opportunities to learn about conservation efforts, the Australia Zoo One Day Admission Pass offers a full day of fun and education. 

Explore more of Brisbane before dropping your rental car at the airport depot and continuing your onward journey.