Brisbane is surrounded by spectacular and diverse country as well as some lovely, leafy suburban centres.

Golden beaches spread along the coast both north and south of the city. The sparsely populated Moreton, North Stradbroke, and South Stradbroke Islands create a protective cresent forming the calm and safe waters of Moreton Bay. The popular citysiders' holiday destination of Bribie Island further north marks the end of a stretch of magnificent wilderness and great beaches right on the city's doorstep.

Inland, the densely forested hills of the D'Aquilar Ranges pass through the huge 28500 hectare Brisbane Forest Park. A tract of subtropical forest and hills offering superb scenic drives and walks just twenty minutes from the bustle of the city centre. To the south, towns such as Beaudesert give great access to Tambourine Mountain and the Gold Coast's hinterland.

If planning a stopover in Brisbane, make sure you have enough time aside to explore the jewels on the outskirts of this laid back, tropical city.

Although the City Centre is Brisbane's commercial and retail heart, it retains the holiday feel which can be found throughout the State with it's wide open spaces lined with huge Moreton Bay fig trees and pulsing outdoor activity. Attractive historic buildings and churches are dotted among more than 500 shops and department stores as well as many cinemas, theatres, nightspots, and restaurants. Queen Street Mall would make a good place to begin an exploration. Within walking distance at the southern end of the city centre, the picturesque Botanical Gardens are bordered by a loop of Brisbane River and are popular with skaters, joggers, and picnickers.

On the other side of the river via the Victoria Bridge, South Brisbane is home to an impressive cultural complex which contains the Queensland Art Gallery and the Queensland Museum which includes a dinosaur garden. Just to the south of the complex, are Brisbane's South Bank Gardens, the revitalised ex-Expo 88 site. Now a vast landscaped grassy park complete with swimming lagoon, restaurants, cafes, outdoor theatres, wildlife sanctuary, weekend markets and pub.

Also on the other side of the river, but via the Story Bridge is Kangaroo Point, unmistakable for the spectacular cliffs which create the point itself. The upmarket suburb has some nice restaurants and cafes and is well known for it's jazz and rock music venues.

Spring Hill, just north of the CBD, borders on Victoria and Albert Park and has some good budget accommodation.