Brisbane

1. Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary

Cuddling a koala is a quintessential Aussie experience, and Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary is an ideal place to tick this off your bucket list. Other Australian animals such as kangaroos, wallabies, wombats, dingoes, snakes, and even crocodiles live in this compact sanctuary nestled on the Brisbane River. Daily encounters and experiences include bird of prey flight demonstrations, platypus feeding, sheep dog and shearing shows, Tasmanian devil keeper talks, and barn animal encounters. In addition to the ultimate cuddling a koala photograph, you can also take home a souvenir snap of you holding a snake or baby crocodile. A popular way to travel here is the Koala and River Cruise, departing from Brisbane's Cultural Centre Pontoon every morning.

Address: 708 Jesmond Road, Fig Tree Pocket, Queensland

2. The Cultural Precinct
On the banks of the Brisbane River, the heritage-listed Cultural Precinct in South Bank is a fantastic, family-friendly destination for a day out, with a host of excellent museums, galleries, and performance venues. Award-winning architecture adds to the precinct's beautiful setting on the river near picturesque parklands, and you'll find plenty of things to do here for the whole family. Browse the excellent collections at the State Library of Queensland; keep the kids entertained with the Queensland Museum and Sciencentre's interactive exhibits; or ogle thought-provoking, cutting-edge art at the popular Queensland Art Gallery & Gallery of Modern Art (QAGOMA). The Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC) here stages world-class performances of everything from opera and ballet to comedy shows and contemporary music concerts.

Right nearby are the South Bank Parklands, where you can relax on the riverfront amid the lush lawns and gardens or take a ride on the Wheel of Brisbane.

Address: Grey Street, South Brisbane

3. Brisbane Botanic Gardens

Offering panoramic views of Brisbane, the Brisbane Botanic Gardens Mount Coot-tha is a favorite attraction with locals and visitors alike. Not to be confused with the City Botanic Gardens, another serene oasis and prime picnic spot, the Mount Coot-tha gardens are seven kilometers from the city, with diverse themed gardens that take visitors on a journey through 128 acres of horticulture. Highlights include the beautiful Japanese gardens and the largest collection of Australian rainforest trees in the world, as well as sections dedicated to fragrant plants, bamboo, cactus, indigenous plants, and more. Budding botanists will love the Hide 'n' Seek Children's Trail through the rainforest, and you can take advantage of the free guided walks and minibus tours. Best of all, entry to the gardens is also free.

4. Queensland Art Gallery & Gallery of Modern Art (QAGOMA)

The excellent - and free - Queensland Art Gallery & Gallery of Modern Art (QAGOMA) occupies two adjacent but contrasting buildings along the waterfront in the South Bank Cultural Precinct. Together, they display more than 1,700 works of art from around the world, with a special focus on Australia, the Pacific, and Asia. This bold collection is sure to spark animated conversations between art lovers of all stripes. Even the Gallery of Modern Art's award-winning, glass-encased building makes a statement.

Address: Stanley Place, South Brisbane, Queensland

5.  South Bank

The original site of World Expo in 1988, South Bank is filled with parklands, plazas, and promenades, as well as a diverse array of restaurants and exciting special events. This riverside paradise sits directly opposite the CBD, with Streets Beach at its center. A swim in the human-made lagoon is a popular choice on a warm Brisbane day. Other popular things to do here include working out at the free fitness classes, visiting the Epicurious Garden, and biking or strolling along the trails. You can also sign up for a host of free children's programs and tours.

6. River Cruises

The most scenic and exciting way to travel around Brisbane is by CityCat. Gliding the twists and turns of the Brisbane River seven days a week, the fleet of CityCats and City Ferries with 24 hop-on, hop-off terminals offer a range of different cruises, many with informative narration about the history and sights of the city. From the magnificent University of Queensland to the North Shore, the route takes in redeveloped industrial sites, riverside mansions, bridges, and parklands. This is an excellent way to gain a fresh perspective of Brisbane landmarks such as the Story bridge, Kangaroo Point Cliffs, and even some of the wildlife, like the fruit bats that gather along the mangroves on the riverbank. You can also hop aboard a Miramar Cruise to Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary. The CityHopper ferry service offers free cruises, stopping at attractions like South Bank 3 and the Maritime Museum.

7.  Queen Street Mall

The vibrant Queen Street mall shopping precinct is home to more than 700 retailers showcasing local, national, and international designs and labels. In addition to the centrally-located, pedestrian-friendly street frontage, a labyrinth of heritage-listed arcades make it rewarding to explore the complex. Most Wednesdays, the area at the bridge end of the mall transforms into a bustling Farmers Market selling local produce, flowers, and artisan products.

Address: Queen Street, Brisbane

8.  Museum of Brisbane

Housed in one of Brisbane's premier heritage buildings, this intriguing museum was redeveloped and reopened in 2013. This "small in size, big in stories" museum occupies the top level of City Hall and brings the history of Brisbane and its people to life through a series of state-of-the-art exhibitions covering everything from convict history to Brisbane's floods. Adding to the experience are the sweeping views of the city from the magnificent clock tower.

Address: Level 3, Brisbane City Hall, Adelaide Street, Brisbane

9. Customs House

Owned by the University of Queensland, this magnificent 19th-century building offers a cultural and educational experience. Although operating as a function center, Customs House includes plenty of public spaces, including an indoor/outdoor restaurant offering unparalleled river and Story Bridge views. The daily high tea here is popular with locals and visitors, but reservations are essential. Free guided tours of the building are available on Sundays, and free music concerts are often staged in the Long Room.

Address: 399 Queen Street, Brisbane