Brisbane Area - 2 Days and Need Suggestions
 

I started a new topic as I've decided to take the two days I have after a business trip and stay in Brisbane. For business I'm in the Oaks Charlotte Towers downtown. I'm trying to determine how I should spend my two free days, if I'll need a car, etc.

Is it feasible to stay in the City and fill two days? Am I missing a lot of beautiful hiking outside of the city? If so, would it be best to get lodging outside of Brisbane since I will have been in the city for 4 days for business?

This is a bit of scramble as I was just assigned to go today and I'm leaving Sunday and have never been to Australia.

Thanks in advance for the help!

You could base yourself in the city and do a day trip to north Stradbroke Island or Tangalooma. You could also cruise up the river to Lone Pine Koala S.anctuary.

Southbank just over the river is well worth a visit - you can swim there as there is a beach and even the Southbank surf life savers. The museum and gallery of modern art is also in the Southbank precinct.

If you wanted to hike head south to Binna Burra - Lamington National park - some beautiful walks there.

I'm not sure where you are from Nelcarp but Australia zoo on the Sunshine Coast might appeal also.

Just a couple of suggestions but happy to answer any more questions.

Stormbird, thanks for the ideas. I'm from Minnesota in the U.S.

From what you're suggesting, it sounds like I will definitely need a car, is this accurate? Not sure how good the public transportation system is. Sounds as though there are sights worth taking in in the city (zoo and the Koala sanctuary, museum, etc), but then the hiking or island trips a drive away.

It appears lodging in the city is quite expensive ($250+) at this time and booked up. Is this typical? Would I be better off looking at options outside of the city?

Have a look at booking. com & wotif. com.au for accommodation. When considering the price, remember it's all inclusive here - no extra taxes or tips like the US.

If you are sticking to the CBD you won't need a car, but yes, for further venturing it's the best option.

Miro Apartments in Fortitude Valley is usually reasonably priced, it's near the Judith Wright Arts Centre and there are a lot of interesting restaurants in the vicinity. Although, my favourite Oritz I think has closed, is that right Stormbird?

It's close to a railway station so easy to get to from the airport.

Also near to the Central railway station is the Inchcolm Hotel.

Another plug for Lamington National Park...worth renting a car to go hike there! The Daves Creek Circuit and Coomera Circuit are nice hikes that can be done in an afternoon. There are also good hikes at OReilly's (also in Lamington.) None of the walks are difficult.

still searching for hotels. Looking at the Royal on the Park near the botanical gardens and then also The Point Brisbane on Kangaroo Point - this one is little off the beaten track but looks like a free ferry ride across the river to the city center.

Any thoughts on this? The Point Brisbane looks like a nice hotel.

I'm not fussed on the location of The Point Hotel - it's sort of in the middle of nowhere and right by a very very busy road.

The Royal on the park is actually where we had our wedding reception 36 years ago and we've just had a weekend there.

If you stayed in the city you could catch the train up to Beerwah and then be transferred to Australia Zoo. It's a great day out and you'll get to go up close and personal with a vast number of animals.
You could also catch the 'Croc Express' coach up to the zoo. You can go to the website for full information -

http://www.australiazoo.com.au/visit...w-to-get-here/

Next day you could go to Tangalooma -this is their website that had all the information you need for a day trip there.

http://www.tangalooma.com/info/day%5Fcruises/

Two big days but both great experiences and you'd have no need for a car. If you stayed at the royal on the park you are very handy to Riverside - where the is a very wide variety of restaurants although The Walnut Room in the Royal on the park offers fine dining and beautiful food. We had our anniversary dinner there!

As already suggested - Southbank. There is a 'beachy' swimming pool and many restaurants etc BUT also -

The Queensland Museum, Queensland Art gallery and GOMA - the Museum of Modern Art - really world class.

Near the city - Lone Pine Sanctuary - much loved by Asian tourists (you can get to hug and walk among wallabies, kangaroos, and be photographed cuddling a koala!!

Beaches to the North (Sunshine Coast) and South (Gold Coast, clean sand and superb surf - behind each resort area extensive and very beautiful hinterlands. It's easy to arrange guided tours of each - or rent a car - it's good driving (KEEP TO THE LEFT.

Australia Zoo near the Sunshine Coast, and also Underwater World.

On the Gold Coast several major theme parks - DreamWorld, White Water World, SeaWorld, MovieWorld - and in the hinterland behind - the glorious Tamborine Mountains area, Binna Burra etc - bushwalking as hard or easy as you like!

Bay trips (on nearby Moreton Bay) - big game fishing if that's your thing.

It's a MAJOR tourist area - with diversions enough for weeks and weeks - in fact many do stay that long!