Ecotourism is thriving in Australia. The country’s wilderness has attracted many tourists who are eager to get a glimpse into the vibrant nature and wildlife. Brisbane, the capital of Queensland, as a large city offers nonetheless picturesque natural attractions. Visitors need not travel far way to discover the natural wonders in Brisbane. The green city has a lot to offer for adventure adicionados and animal lovers. To discover Brisbane’s hidden gems, fly to Brisbane and get up close with some of the cutest animals in Australia! Here’s a list of top 5 places to enjoy nature in Brisbane:
1. Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary
Established in 1927, Lone Pine is the first and largest koala conservation park in the world. When it was first built, it provided refuge to sick and injured koalas. Engage with Australian wildlife in the park’s scenic and lush nature. It is truly a sanctuary for Aussie native animals! Home to around two hundred koalas, it also features a 2-hectare kangaroo reserve with about 130 kangaroos roaming freely. Besides checking out and hugging the lovely and cuddly koala bears, visitors can also hand feed kangaroos and wallabies; handle snakes and baby crocodiles. Other native critters you can find here include Tasmanian devils, wombats, cassowaries, emus and more. There are also daily shows and activities held in the park. It will be a fun option for families and friends to have close encounters with the vibrant wildlife here!
Tickets: Adults – AU$36; Children – AU$22
Opening Hours: Daily 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
2. Kangaroo Point Cliffs Park
The Kangaroo Point Cliffs are listed as heritage and located next to the Brisbane River. Whether you are jogging, stolling, climbing or going on a picnic, Kangaroo Point Cliffs Park has something for everyone. Here visitors can engage in outdoor activities and visit historic sites. Rock climbing is a popular activity in the park as the cliffs are accessible to climbers with different skill levels. You can go abseiling down the Kangaroo Point Cliffs and enjoy an adrenaline-inducing descent with an awe-inspiring view over the Brisbane River. Cycling and Segway tours are also available. You can also take a sip at the cliff top cafe, while taking in the breathtaking views of the Brisbane skyline.
3. Mount Coot-Tha
As a Brisbane icon, Mount Coot-Tha has more than 16000 hectares of forest. The observation deck offers the best vantage point to get a panoramic view of the city and the surrounding region of Moreton Bay. It is no wonder why the Brisbane Lookout at Mount Coot-Tha has been a favourite among tourists for decades! Dine at hilltop restaurants and cafes while enjoying breathtaking views, stunning at daybreak and romantic at nightfall. There are a variety of activities to engage in while you are exploring the reserve. Visitors can ride on a mountain bike or even a horse when you are feeling adventurous, along the trails of Mount Coot-Tha. Alternatively, you are welcome to find a perfect spot at the foot of Mount Coot-Tha for a picnic or barbecue in the undisturbed nature. There are picnic and barbecue facilities throughout the forest. For a family outing, go on an adventure on Hide ‘n’ Seek Children’s Trail in the heart of the Brisbane botanic Gardens with your children and you may run into a sunbathing crocodile or sleeping panda. If you are a true nature buff, you cannot pass on the bushwalks in the forest. The most popular trail is the Summit Track, which is an intermediate track with a gentle slope and a few stairs. Along the way, you can see a small waterfall and some historic sites constructed in World War II.
4. City Botanic Gardens
Located at Gardens Point near the Brisbane River, The City Botanic Gardens is a heritage-listed site with an area of 49 acres. The gardens are now home to Brisbane’s rare and unique botanic species, including native plants in Queensland and imported exotic ones. With large open lawns, beautiful lakes and ponds, the gardens provide the ideal getaway for city dwellers and a wide array of recreational activities to indulge in. Walk or cycle on the trail under mangroves and nut trees, or have a picnic under a banyan tree in a lazy afternoon. Occasionally, concerts and exhibitions are held typically at the Riverstage and Main Rotunda. Attractions such as Bamboo Grove has a collection of 23 bamboo species, while artworks such as the Brolgas sculpture casts light on the history of Australian history. A must-visit destination for people of all ages when summer is in full swing!
5. Shorncliffe Beach
Shorncliffe is a coastal suburb of Brisbane, located on Moreton Bay. Popular with locals as well as tourists, the picturesque Shorncliffe Beach is located next to the Shorncliffe Pier, perfect for a splash. Your visit to Brisbane will not be completed without some sunbathing time at the beach. The beach, although small and sandy, is calm so that you don’t have to worry about raging tides while you are soaking up the sun and your children working away with sandcastles. Lower Moora Park next to the beach is an excellent playground for your children to run wild and have fun. The park features a lot of slides, which will keep them busy for a long time. There are also areas for picnic and barbecue, making it ideal for a family getaway. The nearby Shorncliffe Pier is a 350-metre long timber rail, perfect for taking a stroll along the peaceful waterfront.
Looking forward to some expeditions in Brisbane? Start your journey today by book a direct flight to Brisbane with Cathay Pacific. The 5-star airline keeps their passengers entertained and well-rested during a long-haul flight. Your meet and greet with cute and lovely koala bears is only 9 hours of flying away. To get the most out of the city, these idyllic natural attractions are not to be missed. Escape the hustle and bustle of the city life with quality inflight services and meet Australian wildlife face-to-face!
