BRISBANE

Sandwiched between some of Australia’s most iconic surf towns, the city of Brisbane has struggled to establish a clear identity over the years, subjected to much criticism about a lack of culture and substance. But an awakening has finally taken place, and very few can now critique this vibrant hub with much justification. Embracing its laid-back tropical spirit through community gardens and manmade city beaches, whilst soaring into the future with progressive art spaces and festivals, the sunny capital of Queensland is now a must visit city when traveling through Australia. With over 2 million people calling the metropolis home, a multicultural offering presents in all of Brisbane’s diverse neighborhoods, from vibrant and lively areas like New Farm and Fortitude Valley, to elegant suburbs like Tenerife and Ascot. A collection of heritage buildings which date back to the 1820s offer insight into the unique urban history of Brisbane, such as the Old Windmill of Spring Hill’s Wickham Park and the Commissariat Store, which now stands as a history museum. Meanwhile, institutions like the Queensland Gallery of Modern Art have stepped the city into a more contemporary light, showing artists like Henri Matisse, Andy Warhol and Picasso. Visitors keen to lap up the great outdoors will not be disappointed, with creamy sunrises on view from a nearby mountain and forests of koalas not far from reach. Spend just a few days in Brisbane and you’re sure to be hooked. You may even leave understanding why it was ranked amongst the world’s top 25 important cities by Monocle Magazine.