Australia Zoo

Australia Zoo was opened in 1970 by Bob and Lyn Irwin, Steve Irwin's parents. Steve Irwin and his wife aimed to make the Zoo a wildlife conservation facility that is second to no other. Australia Zoo is the place to see a crocodile up-close without getting eaten.

• Web:

  www.australiazoo.com.au

• Address:

  1638 Steve Irwin Way Beerwah, Brisbane

• Phone:

  +61 7 5436 2000

Book a Wine Tasting Tour

Of course, you could get all the best Australian wines without leaving Brisbane's city limits, but what could be better than meeting the people whose hands made the wine and taking in the atmosphere of a lush winery. Book a tour or get into a car with a designated driver, and don't forget to pack a picnic basket. We suggest heading south to discover the Scenic Rim’s wine, beer and spirit makers.

• Web:

  visit.brisbane.qld.au/inspiration/wineries-breweries-scenic-rim

Brisbane Botanic Gardens Mt Coot-tha

The original Botanical Gardens were established in 1855 and were located on Alice Street on the south-east side of the city. Due to the proximity to the river, the gardens have been flooded eight times which lead to the new botanical gardens at Mount Coot-tha. Don't miss the Tropical Display Dome — a large geodesic dome.

• Address:

  Alice Street, Brisbane

• Phone:

  +61 7 3403 8888

• Opening hours:

  Daily noon–midnight

• More info:

  Entry to the gardens is free. Dogs are not permitted.

Brisbane City Markets

Brisbane City Markets deliver a premium selection of gourmet food and ingredients. Browse artisan goods, buy some premium meats and trawler-direct seafood, or bite into a freshly baked loaf of bread. The original market at Reddacliff Place is a favourite for city workers, local residents and tourists. The second location at Cathedral Square is smaller in size, but is more heavily focused on quality street food.

• Web:

  goodwillprojects.com.au/markets/brisbane-city

• Opening hours:

  Reddacliff Place: Wed 8am–6pm. Cathedral Square: Thu 8am–2pm

CityHopper

Brisbane City Council is runnings a free inner city ferry line called CityHopper. The tiny red boats cruise between six stops in central Brisbane between North Quay and Sydney Street, New Farm. The service runs every 30 minutes.

• Web:

  www.brisbane.qld.gov.au/traffic-and-transport/public-transport/citycat-and-ferry-services/inner-city-ferry-services

• Opening hours:

  Sun–Thu 5:30am–midnight, Fri & Sat 5:30am–past midnight

Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary

Less publicized, but no less astounding, the sanctuary is home to the world’s largest collection of Australian native animals. It was designated as a world heritage site in 2009. Check out their website to choose from a variety of experiences and encounters available.

• Web:

  www.currumbinsanctuary.com.au

• E-mail:

  moreaustralian@cws.org.au

• Address:

  28 Tomewin Street Currumbin, Brisbane

• Phone:

  +61 7 5534 1266

• Opening hours:

  Daily 9am–4pm