A long weekend in Brisbane, Australia, how to get there cheaply and a list of 5 cheap things to do in one of the most beautiful cities in the country, read the post.
I love the Queensland, its climate, its beaches, its relaxed and carefree mood, it is no coincidence that it is often renamed the Sunshine State, the state kissed by the sun. Today I take you to Brisbane, Queensland's most populous city and capital, for a long weekend.
The name Brisbane derives fromhomonymous river on which the city was founded in 1824, initially as a penal colony. Its riverside location and proximity to the sea made it the ideal place for a new settlement, so much so that the city is now the third most populous in Australia after Sydney and Melbourne.
If you are planning a low cost weekend in Brisbane I recommend starting with the flight search. Jetstar e Tigerair both fly from major Australian cities at affordable prices, a bit like Ryanair in Europe. For an overnight stay I recommend you consider hostels, where a double with private bathroom can cost around $ 130 Australian dollars per night (yes, it's not much here!).
On the occasion of my vacation, I had booked a private room in a hostel located in the university area, with the advantage of being close to the center but at the same full of places that offered university evenings with super cheap drinks.
What not to miss in Brisbane?
My list includes the places that most inspired me, almost all of them low-cost, of course.
1. Brisbane Street Beach
Brisbane is not on the sea, but about 15km from the coast. To face the hot summer days the city has been equipped with a "street beach", located in the picturesque area of Southbank. Brisbane Street Beach is a pool made to resemble a beach, with sand, palm trees and lifeguards, and more importantly for backpackers or budget-conscious travelers, free entry.
2. North Stradbroke Island
I have already talked about this wonderful island in this post. For me, holidays cannot be separated from the sea (I mean real sea!), So I planned a day to spend in the splendid crystal clear waters of this neighboring island.
3. Museum of Brisbane
Located in the city's Central Business District, this free-to-enter museum aims above all to show how Brisbane and its inhabitants have changed over time. From the museum I remember collections of local artists, Aboriginal art, but above all a large nostalgic collection from the 1988 Brisbane Expo. The museum also offers free guided tours to the clock tower, from which to observe the city from above.
4. South Bank
It owes its name to its location south of the Brisbane River. This neighborhood is one of the most desirable destinations in the city and owes its popularity to the presence of museums, theaters, markets, bars and restaurants, combined with a beautiful view of Brisbane, located across the river. I do not recommend the ride on the Ferris wheel, because from the point where it is positioned there is not much to see and in any case the ticket is not exactly cheap (about 19 dollars).
5. Rome Street Parkland
My favorite park in Brisbane, even though the Botanic Gardens are no joke! These parks were created by skilfully mixing heterogeneous styles and plants of different origins, but the part that amused me most was spotting the giant lizards, I came to count about twenty in the space of a couple of hours! The park is located near the train stop of the same name, and is free to enter.
