It’s getting chilly around Europe this time of year that’s for sure. Yet while the rain comes down and the temperatures plunge to more shivering depths in this half of the hemisphere, there’s plenty of warmth south of the equator. So while England’s cricket team continued to get battered in the hot Australian heat, why should they be having all the fun (or, in that case, misery?). Australia – and Brisbane in particular – offers more than just warmth for the tepid tourist. There’s a great bunch of stuff to do too. Just look at some of these great ideas.
Brisbane by Camper
Seeing the land down under via the comfort of a campervan has always been a popular hit with both tourists and backpackers alike. Slipping in behind the wheel, hitting the road and coming into rest in the many special camping parks dotted around the country has always had a certain key appeal.
My Drive Holiday campervan hire in Brisbane is a great way to have this sort of adventure yourself without having to go on something a lot more organised. That way you can break free from the rigidity of a group tour and take in some of Brisbane’s biggest highlights like 220-hectare bush reserve, Mt Coot-Tha, at your own pace.
Mt Coot-Tha, specifically, is a great place to camp out for a few days, offering further attractions beyond its famous possums and bush-turkey like its planetarium and stunning lookout spot.
Brisbane City Culture Tour
Perhaps getting up close and personal with nature (and all those pesky bugs) isn’t quite your thing? Especially given the heat Brisbane’s experiencing throughout its summer months, it might make more sense for the more sun sensitive among you to head to the city and get a crash course in Brisbane’s thriving cultural hotspots.
The Queensland Cultural Centre, just over Victoria Bridge on the city’s South Bank, delivers a hearty dose of history about the city, state and the country at large as well as offering top acts and artists at its theatre and concert hall. Similarly placed in terms of the arts is Brisbane’s Riverfront area, the former colonial docks now redeveloped to offer prime shopping and eating opportunities.
And that’s not to say you can’t enjoy a big slice of the great outdoors without remaining firmly in the epicentre of the city either. Brisbane’s Roma Street Parkland, in the northern edge of the city, and the City Botanic Gardens, housing the Queensland University of Technology, are great little urban retreats to enjoy and explore.
Brisbane’s Creature Comforts
Head back out on the roads surrounding the greater Brisbane area and you’ll get to know the Australia of television, books and magazines. Australia as the land of exotic animals, rainforest and unique charm.
Daisy Hill Koala Centre, situated about 25km southeast of the city, is an important koala conservation area part of a 435-hectare park. Enabling visitors to take Australia’s most furry yet shy friends to their arms, Daisy Hill is a must-see spot for any traveller making their way through Brisbane this winter.
If that’s not enough to tickle your wildlife watching tastebuds then Alma Park Zoo, 28km north of the centre of the city, is another great little stop to make. Not only will you get another chance to get up close and personal with koalas once again, but you can also see other great Australian symbols in the kangaroo, emu and dingo too.
Brisbane is bursting with things to see, do and experience this winter. Give up the slow, dark long days of Europe over December, January and February and make an adventure in Oz the only thing worthy of jingling your bells.
