After my last post about why I want to visit Iceland and reasons why it should be on your bucket list I thought I would do the same for another country I am desperate to go to - Australia. Having grown up in the South Hemisphere (South Africa) I know a lot of friends who have moved down under as the lifestyle is very similar. I love hot climates and living near the coast and I know I would just love it there and have been putting together a few favourite off the beaten track places I want to see in Brisbane, which is meant to be one of the most underrated cities in Australia.
So what is it that I find so appealing about Brisbane, well like anywhere I like to visit places that are vibrant but have less tourists, but still plenty to get your teeth into and Brisbane is just that. Still very much a large and bustling city with it's being the third most populated in Australia, the capital being Queensland means there is plenty of great cafes, art scene, nice establishments, and exhilarating outdoor activities.
Just like in South Africa the country is much bigger than the UK, everything is spaced out and even though there is public transport the best way to explore the city is to hire a car especially if you have kids with you and you plan to stay more than a few days. I've been getting some tips from a few school friendly who live in Australia and they recommended DriveNow car rental in Brisbane and after checking they come up with some of the cheapest rates. Anyway enough abut cars as Brisbane is also a relatively good city to walk around which is a great way really discover a place and just like London you can also hire bikes by the hour across the city.
Now that you have your transport ready, here are some more unusual and original activities you should add to your Brisbane itinerary:
Swim with manta rays
Up for something new? Try diving with the manta rays in Brisbane! Go to Manta Lodge, one of the best diving spots in the country, and experience this extraordinary water sport activity. You will be able to get up close with the beautiful manta rays as well as different creatures, such as turtles, bamboo sharks, octopus, wobbegongs, and leopard sharks. What a great way to explore the underwater!
Try out rainbow lattes
Coffee lovers will be delighted to taste the rainbow latte in Piggy Back Café. This coffee shop is situated in Jindalee, where you can try their special and one-of-a-kind latte. Emily Coumis, the head barista in this café creates rainbow latte art with the use of food coloring. Absolutely a must-try if you are into coffee and at the same time love trying out different things for the first time.
Witness performing arts underground
If you are an art lover, don’t forget to catch live operas and theatrical performances in Brisbane. What makes this one interesting is that you can watch performing arts underground. In fact, the underground spaces in Spring Hill Reservoirs were now transformed into a venue where you can watch performances by the Underground Opera Company and other small theatre groups. It is such an extraordinary experience that you will only find in this city.
Drink carrot beer
Calling all beer lovers out there! How does carrot beer sound to you? If you are in Brisbane, be sure to try its carrot beer that tastes really good. And it is actually color orange! You can find it at Four Hearts Brewing, a local craft brewery in town, which teamed up with a carrot farmer from Kalbar to create this special beer for everyone.
Choose Brisbane as your next travel destination and try these uncommon activities out. It does not hurt to experience something new from time to time, so make it a point to consider these things when you are visiting Brisbane. A well-traveled person is never afraid of doing new things, rather gets more thrilled to experience them. So, plan your Brisbane trip, pack your bags and you will love everything about this city.
Rainbow lattes and carrot beer sounds exciting. But yikes underwater swimming with manta rays sounds quite an adventure!
ReplyDeleteYes some great foodie options :)
DeleteLaura x
I love the sound of a rainbow latte, hopefully that concept will come to London soon!
ReplyDeleteI know me tooo!!!
DeleteLaura x
These are some great tips especially the underground art..that would surely be on my list to do list when I'm there.
ReplyDeleteI do a lot of travel writing and every time I read anything about Brisbane (or really Australia in general) I want to go there so bad!
ReplyDeleteI know me too - such a vibrant place
DeleteLaura x
I would love to visit Brisbane myself. It looks like such a great place to go with my husband. I love to explore new places and reading your post made me want to go even more.
ReplyDelete