Our guide to Brisbane

S P OT L I G H T BRISBANE

NOT THAT WE NEED MUCH OF AN EXCUSE TO VISIT BRISBANE - BUT HERE’S ONE FOR YOU. IT’S A MIXTURE OF THRIVING CITY LIFE COMPLIMENTED BY URBAN VILLAGES, AND PRISTINE REEFS THAT SURROUND IT. THIS TRIP SHOWS YOU EVERYTHING THAT BRISBANE HAS TO OFFER IN AND OUT THE CENTRE.

BRISBANE AND STRADBROKE ISLAND EXPLORATION Brisbane (or Brissie, as the locals affectionately call it) has long been idling in the impressive shadows of Sydney and Melbourne, and while we love these thriving cosmopolitan cities, dynamic Brisbane is now emerging as the go-to Australian destination. While in the city, get a feel for its ‘urban village’ vibe, before leaving the bright lights behind as you head to Lamington National Park and get close to nature. Go exploring or take it easy – the choice is yours. Finally, catch your private water taxi over to Stradbroke Island, one of the largest sand islands in the world, before heading home with memories of Australia’s newest culture capital that will last a lifetime.

BUZZING BRISBANE After recuperating from your journey at Brisbane’s only riverside luxury hotel, the Stamford Plaza, get to know the city your way. We suggest a full day city tour, including a visit to Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, or climbing the iconic Story Bridge that stands over Brisbane River.

You’ll have plenty of time for shopping when your guide takes you on a bespoke tour of the city’s bustling neighbourhoods, boutique stores and historical sites. The Gallery of Modern Art is crammed with outstanding collections of contemporary and indigenous Australian art, and provides fascinating insights into Australia’s (often overlooked) cultural history.

NATURE’S WONDERS It’s time to get back to nature at Lamington National Park, the verdant rainforest that is resplendent with waterfalls, ancient trees and mountain views, as well as being home to many protected species of birds. With O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat as your luxurious base, explore the best that Australian nature has to offer. The Treetop Walk is a great way to see the forest, encompassing nine bridges (suspended 15m from the forest floor) that form a pathway across the canopy. Rise with the sun for great bird watching opportunities, go bushwalking by day or night with an expert guide or get an exhilarating rush on the 180m Flying Fox zip wire across picturesque Morans Creek. If you feel like taking it easy, O’Reilly’s is the perfect haven to soak up the beauty of Lamington National Park, with a contemporary design that is in complete harmony with its natural surroundings.

ISLAND IDYLL Your final stop is the beautiful North Stradbroke Island. We’ll transfer you by private water taxi (of course) to the All Season Stradbroke Island North Hotel. While here, you can soak up some real Aussie culture in the form of numerous art galleries, white sand beaches (as you might expect, this being a sand island and all), great seafood specialty dishes and even squeeze in a spot of whale watching (June to October) before we take you back to Brisbane, ready for the trip back home.

S P I C E RS P E A K L O DG E

LOCATION Spicers Peak Lodge is located one and a half hours drive south west of Brisbane in the midst of the World Heritage listed Main Range National Park.

YOUR ROOM Warm chocolate, caramel and charcoal coloured décor, polished wooden floors and a fire place clad with black stone: you’ll feel totally at ease in each of the ten lodges at Spicers Peak Lodge. Every lodge has a more than generous en-suite with his and hers sinks, whilst three Spa lodges include an egg shape bath tub with cascading light filtering in from the glass ceilings. For the ultimate luxurious stay, choose one of the two private lodges with outdoor infinity spas, state-of-the-art entertainment systems and generous views of the surrounding beauty.

SPICERS PEAK LODGE IS QUEENSLAND’S HIGHEST MOUNTAIN LODGE RETREAT. With breathtaking views of the World Heritage listed Main Range National Park and Scenic Rim, this retreat was created with a great balance of contemporary and classic design: sure to impress you on arrival. Inside, the lodge boasts high ceilings, crackling fireplaces and rich timber fittings. Try a guided bush walk, bicycle rides, mountain-top tennis, or simply admire the view from the heated outdoor pool; you’ll leave this place feeling refreshed and energized.

WHY WE LIKE IT Spicers Peak Lodge is the perfect highland escape, and we haven’t even touched on the all-important cuisine. Take a hamper prepared by the retreat’s world-class chef out into the wilderness for the picnic of a lifetime, or indulge in the seven-course degustation menu for a real culinary journey.

S OFI T E L BR I S BA N E H OT E L BRISBANE, ONCE SEEN AS THE LITTLE SISTER TO SYDNEY AND MELBOURNE IS NOW BLOSSOMING INTO THE VIBRANT SWAN IT SHOULD BE. AND WHAT BETTER WAY TO WITNESS THIS FROM THE LUXURY OF SOFITEL BRISBANE HOTEL. THIS SLEEK AND MODERN 429 ROOMED HOTEL GIVES US THE FEEL OF, A HOME-AWAY-FROM-HOME.

WHY YOU SHOULD GO Positioned in the heart of Brisbane’s centre, Sofitel Hotel is sitting pretty amongst Brisbane’s sky scrapers. The city is quite literally at your feet - as you rest your head.

LOCATION This location is one of city perfection. Situated in Brisbane’s CBD you have the city at your fingertips. Only a 20 minute transfer from Brisbane International Airport – you will be basking in city vibes before you know it. Queen Street Mall and the Gallery of Modern Art are right on Sofitel’s doorstep. The River is only a short stroll away, and from Story Bridge you can be gazing at the city lights in awe. And with its own spa and rooftop swimming pool – what more could you need?

YOUR ROOM With crisp fresh linen and all the amenities you desire – you won’t want to leave. Each room is refined and elegantly decorated with a muted palette of creams and browns. As well as sumptuous bathrobes and slippers, the rooms are also equipped with stunning views over the city. You will feel (and be treated) like royalty during your stay at Sofitel, with 24 hour service.

WHY WE LIKE IT Although you are inches away from unlimited restaurants the Thyme2 create opulent dishes live in the open-plan interactive kitchen. Competition is vast outside the hotel doors, but it’s this one inside, that is not to be missed. From wood burning ovens to wok stations, it’s a menu that will suit even the fussiest taste buds.