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Down Under delights

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Abu Dhabi Week says g’day to beautiful Brisbane

Considering the subtropical climate, the sunshine state, the water-views and the islands, Brisbane is a suburban paradise. Situated just an hour’s drive from the Gold Coast and the Sunshine Coast as well as only one and half hour flight to the Whitsundays- not only is it convenient, it’s its own tourist attraction.

The people in Brisbane seem to move a little slower- it could be the humidity – there is a permanent holiday aura in the air which could be because the CBD is built around the Brisbane River and sea breezes float through the city.

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A trip up the river on a CityCat (a high-powered public transport catamaran) to see the true beauty of the inner city with the wind in your hair is the best way to start your holiday. The river weaves through the city; past the Kangaroo Point Cliffs, under the Story Bridge and between the CBD and the parklands so the spanning views are well worth the trip.

You can disembark the vessel at the central landscaped location Southbank, an oasis in the Brisbane skyline, this beautifully maintained sprawling parklands offers entertainment for all. There are pools for those looking to cool off in the summer heat, water-parks for the little ones, a bike track for adventurers as well as Brisbane’s most posh restaurants and boutiques lining the street.

Southbank is linked to the CBD by bridges so a short stroll will find you amidst Brisbane’s business people- and Queen St Mall, the pedestrian mall amongst the sky-scrapers.

If it is culture you seek, try Fortitude Valley- this central suburb has places to suit everyone’s taste and budget. China Town is a favourite for food; otherwise James St is the chic place to be and the Valley Markets are renowned around town for their eclectic designs and alternative fashions.

If you are in the inner-city, a visit to the Brisbane Powerhouse (a former power station, converted into an eclectic arts theatre) is worth a look. Most nights have some kind of entertainment- singing, dancing, comedy, art and anything that is the scene at the time; otherwise the venue is a sight itself. The Powerhouse perches on the banks of the Brisbane River so is easily accessible by CityCat.

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Brisbane is also home to the beautiful Moreton Bay. The eastern suburbs wrap around it, all affording magical views of the islands; Moreton Island, North & South Stradbroke Island and the historic St Helena Island. Water taxis and barges run to the islands daily. Moreton Island is home to many dolphins and Tangalooma Resort offers dolphin feeding packages.

Otherwise here are some locally recommended activities.

If it’s adventure you seek, try a Story Bridge climb. The iconic bridge offers daily climbs to enjoy one of the best views in Brisbane.

Aussie favourite, barefoot bowls are a summer favourite – East Brisbane Bowls Club or Merthyr Bowls Club in New Farm have the best sights of the river.

Brisbane has a myriad of tunnels, opening the motorways up to the warren of roads around the town. For the very reasonable price of $3.50 (around AED 13) you can even have a tour of the Brisbane City Council tunnel-ways.

Whether you are stopping in for a few days or a few weeks, Brisbane will entrance you with its weather, its people and its lifestyle.

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