Things to Do and Places to Visit when On a Brisbane Holiday

A spectacular holiday spot three-quarters of the year, and ideal for a winter gateway, holidaying in Brisbane will leave you whisked away to the world-class resorts and golden beaches while Britain endure the season’s cold breeze. Holidaymakers will find Brisbane a bustling city, loaded with history and culture.

Brisbane is Australia’s 3^rd-largest city, a vivacious city with humble and welcoming people. The stunning series of global events that marked the goodwill of the city commencing in 1982 made it one of the popular Aussie cities, and today tourism is a prosperous sector in Brisbane.

 So do not think much and plan your next holiday in Brisbane; relish city life under the shadow of the Australian sun during holidaying in Brisbane. This vibrant place renders all you can desire from an Australian city – plush hotels, ample culture, rocking nightlife, great shopping centers and easy access to some of the nation’s best beaches. 

Brisbane vacations are spent under the sun that shines brightly throughout the year; perhaps that is the reason why the place benefits from a simple laid-back vibe where days are usually spent sipping cold coffees in sidewalk cafes and evening are spent in awesome eateries along the waterfront.

There is a direct flights to Brisbane International Airport and you will land in the city around 14-miles inland from the eastern coast of Australia, where the Brisbane River flows into Moreton Bay and meets the ocean.  The capital of popularly known as “ Sunshine State of Queensland”, Brisbane offers to its tourists the chance to travel north and soak the rays and waves of the Sunshine coast, or travel south to lounges located on the Gold Coast.

The charming city is situated on the bend in Brisbane River, and life here is centered on the flowing water. The city features a flawless blend of ancient Victorian buildings and state-of-art skyscrapers.

 Here are a few tips on what to do when on a holiday in Brisbane, Australia?

Despite a lot of people bypassing Brisbane during their visits to Brisbane, as Sydney seems to steal all the attention, there is so much to do in Brisbane. It is worth spending time here and experiencing the pleasant vibe of the place instead of just using Brisbane as a halt point on the road to Gold Cost, Byron Bay, the Sunshine Coast or Noosa.

Things to Do and See in Brisbane during holidays

Visit the Top of Mount Coot-tha

There are regular buses to the acme or to the planetarium at the base (in case, you would want to walk to the top via the botanical gardens). Go at the time of sunset for fabulous 360-degree view over Brisbane city to the coast. There is a café and a restaurant at the acme, both of which according to me are over-priced for food they serve, but are still a fine place to hang out for a drink with mind-sweeping top view. 

Take a Chill-Pill in Fortitude Valley along with rocking young people, lots of restaurants, bistros, nightclubs and boutique shops.

Take a Ferry to Brisbane River – There are numerous boat tours to Brisbane and CityCat ferries to succor you get around, but I would recommend a free Cityhopper. Cityhopper started on 1st July and connects various Brisbane great spots like South Bank and Eagle Street, along the inner stretch of the Brisbane River and it runs from early morning 6AM till midnight.

Ferry in Brisbane

The Sciencenter next to Queensland Museum is fantastic if you have kids along. There is a charge for entry; however, it is worth it as kids will certainly want to play and stay all day there.

South Bank Museums – Make sure to see Queensland Museum, it is Brisbane State Museum where you can know about Queensland’s geography, native people and history through the hands on display and enticing exhibits. 

Promenade alongSouthbank – The city boasts of long river walks on both sides of river; however, Southbank is extremely vibrant.  There are free swimming pools for the warmer months. Additionally, there are playgrounds for kids, street performers to entertain you and markets. The ultra-shining Brisbane River sets everything beautiful and there is a wide array of restaurants and cafes.

South Bank Parklands

Go on a Shopping Spree when on a Holiday in Brisbane

Queen Street Mall is the most famous shopping centre in Brisbane with chain stores, department stores and boutiques to match every budget.

queen street mall in brisbane

 The Powerhouse Farmers Markets located in New Farm are open for customers on the 2^nd and 4^th Saturday of every month.

Southbank markets on weekends are great fun.

in Next Post we will post about Best Restaurants in Brisbane to eat delicious food

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10 Must Visit Places when on Holiday in Attractive Auckland

Parks, Beaches, Islands, Museums and Adventure Activities………… and what not…Auckland is an Ultimate Holiday Destination – for both families and Individual travelers (like me)!

The vibrant, small-scale city, Auckland is a breeze of cool-fresh air. Also, known as “City of Sails”, Auckland is situated on a narrow isthmus of land on New Zealand’s north island and allures sailors, families, outdoor sports enthusiasts and backpackers. 

 A Backdrop

Regularly nominated amongst the world’s cities offering premium “quality of life”, Auckland is a small, contemporary and friendly choice – an ideal base for any exploration of beautiful NZ – be it relaxed exploration or adrenaline rush giving adventure activities.

 Moreover, as the largest  known metropolis in Polynesia, it is certainly a cosmopolitan melting pot of cultures, mixing ancient Maori culture with English, Asian and Australian influences; thus, creating a capital that is refreshing unpretentious, modern and engaging.

Auckland 

Read on to know the top 10 things Not to Miss When on a Holiday in Auckland:

Visit the Auckland Sky Tower – The Biggest Attraction

 Soaring 328 meters above the ground is Auckland Sky Tower where from the peak you will be able to see Auckland Harbor Bridge (a sparkling bridge) and 50 extinct volcanoes surrounding the place. This place is a must visit for adventure enthusiasts as they can do Sky jump, where you will find yourself tied up and falling from the Sky at around 85kmh. 

Auckland Sky Tower 

Explore the Wynyard Quarter

In recent years, Wynyard Quarter has seen huge development and today, it is one of those places where something or the other is always going on…hustle-bustle 24*7.

On Friday nights during summer, you will find movies playing out in the open at Silo Park Cinema, and on Saturday mornings during the warmer months are reserved for Silo Park Markets.

 Moreover, there are myriad good restaurants to try, art installations to check out or if you are in the relaxation mode then you can head to Karanga Plaza and unleash yourself at the extra large wooden recliners. 

Wynyard Quarter

Climb Mount Eden

To get a different perspective of the city, visit Mount Eden. This dormant volcano, nestling in the suburb of Mount Eden, confers panoramic views from the apex natural point. It might be a bit tad of a limb to get up there; however, I must tell you, it is worth it when you get to the apex.

Your holiday in Auckland is not complete until you climb Mount Eden. 

Mount Eden

Check out the Domain

At 75 hectares, Domain is Auckland’s oldest and largest park, ideal for relaxing if the weather is pleasant. While you are there, you can go for a self-guided sculpture checking park tour, visit Auckland museum, walk around the winter gardens and simply sit back and relish the seemingly infinite expanse of greenery around you.

Ashburton Craft Village

Check out Waiheke Island

Love culture, food and wine?  You will certainly love Waiheke Island. Found in the centre of the Hauraki Gulf, the magnificent island is famous for its supreme quality wineries, chromatic landscape and array of adventure activities from archery to mount biking. 

Waiheke Island

 Drive to Piha

 There is as such no public transport to Piha, situated on the west coast of Auckland; however, it is worth taking a car on rental and driving there. Whether you want to relish stunning ocean views and climb Lion rock, hike the Waitakere Ranges or walk to KiteKite Falls or simply lay on the beach, you would not be stuck for fun things to do and enjoy in Piha. 

Piha beach to Lion Rock.

Explore Auckland Art Gallery

At the nitty-gritty of the city, Auckland Art Gallery is home to approx 15,000 traditional and contemporary artworks, has 3-permanent Maori works that were commissioned primarily to celebrate the establishment of the art gallery building and hosts travelling exhibitions. 

It is a fantabulous place to know about the culture of New Zealand, and both new and old parts of the building are spectacular. 

Auckland Art Gallery - Kitchener Street

Do a Little Shopping

Queen’ ST is hoarded with typical Kiwi high-street shops such as Glassons and Cotton; however, if you are in the market to buy things that are unique and exclusive then get yourself to Karangahape Road; here you will find ample vintage stores.

 On the contrary, if designer boutiques are what match your style, then head towards Lorne ST or a local suburb of Ponsonby, you certainly would not be disappointed. 

Queen StMall for shopping in Auckland

Spend a Relaxing Day at the Beach 

When on a holiday in Auckland, visit Takapuna, on the north shore has a picturesque beach with serene water and a sultry view of Rangitoto Island. Another beach you must check out is at Mission Bay, where there are free barbeques. 

Takapuna beach in auckland

Do Bungee Jumping

Adrenaline junkies will immensely love the Auckland Bridge Bungy. It is an excellent method to see more of Waitemata Harbor as you have your way towards the drop point and certainly a memorable adventure activity of your time in Auckland. 

With a clutch of amazing culture centers, enough attractions and elite restaurants to cope with the Island’s frequent-changing weather, Auckland renders big-city fun in a handsome, reasonable package.

In order to optimize your flying expenses, it is recommended that you plan your vacation for at least a fortnight if not more because the right balance of vacation is one where your duration of stay must be equivalent to flight duration to arrive your destination.

If you are planning to have vacations in Auckland, take a look at Flights to Auckland with Hoodaki, adventure tours and luxury holidays.

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