Expert: Frank Denison - 9/29/2010

Question
Frank,  We will be in the Brisbane area for about 3-4 days mid-Nov with our 20 year old twins who have been a semester in NZ.  They are interested in seeing Brisbane but also kicking back at a beach resort, snorkeling etc and would like to see the reef but I am concerned we don't have time to get all the way to Cairns area.  Is getting to the southern edge of the Reef ie. MacKay - Capricorn islands feasible(or affordable) or do we really need to stick closer to something like the Sunshine Coast, Moreton Is. etc?
Your 3 1/2 day highlight suggestions?  Thanks You, Joy

Answer
G'day Joy,
            I think you will be able to see the reef and enjoy Brisbane during your 3 to 4 day stay.

Lady Elliot Island is the southern most coral cay of the Great Barrier Reef. It has direct flights from the Gold Coast which is about an hour from Brisbane. There are strict luggage limits on the flight, but if you are only going for the day that should not be an issue.

Check out the website - www.ladyelliot.com.au

The only other option is to fly to Proserpine or Cairns, which would take a day each way by the time you got to the airport etc.

After the reef, here are my suggestions for your stay in Brisbane.

South Bank - A nice stroll over the bridge from the CBD. It has a man made beach which overlooks the city and river. There are a lot more attractions as well. Website - www.visitsouthbank.com.au

GOMA (Gallery of Modern Art) and Brisbane Museum are both about 5 minutes from South bank and worth a look. As you walk over the bridge, South Bank is on your left, and GOMA and Brisbane Museum are on your right.

Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary. You can catch a boat or a bus. The boat leaves from South Bank Daily, and will give you a different view on the city along the river. The "Mirimar" boat leaves from the Cultural Centre pontoon (near South Bank) 10am daily and takes 20 mins.

Roma Street Parklands and City Botanic Gardens are both beautiful and relaxing. (May not suit the twins).

While you explore the gardens, the twins may want to do some more rigorous activities at Riverlife. Riverlife is at Kangaroo Point (across the river from CBD) and has activities like Kayaking, Abseiling, Rock Climbing, Cycling, Kick Bikes and Rollerblading. Website www.riverlife.com.au

A day trip to Australia Zoo. Trains go to Beerwah station, and then a shuttle bus meets you and takes you to the zoo.

Fine dining can be found along the riverwalk at Alchemy & Aria, but both are very very expensive.

www.wotif.com is a a good website which should help, but I have listed 2 hotels below.

The train from the airport takes you straight to the CBD (Central) and costs about $15 per person. The 2 closest hotels from Central station are the Soffitel (above the station and very nice) and the Novotel which is about 300 metres from Central.


If you need any other help please don't hesitate to contact me again

Regards,
Frank Denison