Knowing that Brisbane is sometimes affectionately known as ‘Bris Vegas’ gives you some idea of its character. Brisbane has redesigned itself into a hustling and bustling cosmopolitan society. The South Bank Parklands have been revitalized thanks to the ongoing development of the Queensland Cultural Centre and the remarkably unfaded Expo ’88 complex.

Brisbane may be re-designing itself but there are still pockets of fine colonial architecture woven throughout the city. Where the Brisbane River forms a peninsula of land on its north bank, the parisian-influenced Parliament House, and the white stuccoed Queensland Club nestle in the manicured gardens of the City Botanic Gardens. Ann and Elizabeth Streets house the other historic gems, the turn-of-the-century Central Railway Station, gothic St Stephens Cathedral and signature art-deco City Hall.

But Brisbane’s beaches are still its biggest asset. The Gold Coast, to the south, includes Surfers Paradise, exactly what its name would suggest. But it’s also on the edge of the hinterland and beech forests of Lamington National Park. The Sunshine Coast, to the north, ranges from exquisite beach at Caloundra, through green plains, rainforests and sugar cane plantations to the sand dunes of Fraser Island.