Queensland is nothing short of an internationally renowned travel destination - and not just because it's the 'Sunshine State'. There's the Gold Coast, the theme parks, the Great Barrier Reef, the rainforests, and so much more.

 

Often overlooked as an awesome travel destination, however, is the capital itself. Many who touch down at Brisbane Airport are actually bound for somewhere else in Queensland - but there are actually so many amazing reasons to not venture too far adrift when you travel to Brisbane.

 

There's the weather, of course, but also the people, the brilliant South Bank, the nightlife, the parklands, the beautiful Mount Coot-tha, the museums, the Gabba - and the list just goes on and on.

 

Need a few specific destinations to get you started as you plan to travel to Brisbane?

 

 

It sounds like a basketball arena, but it's actually exactly what it says on the tin: an old powerhouse! Brisbane Powerhouse, however, has been completely reborn as a superb modern entertainment hub, and at just over a 20-minute drive from Brisbane Airport it can easily be one of your first stops.

 

Take in some performing or visual arts, comedy or live music in the eclectic surrounds which still contain the graffiti, machinery and transformers of its past.

 

 

If you need to broaden your horizons, it's the West End that should be your next stop. Much more than just a quirky inner city suburb, the West End is actually an eclectic and alternative explosion of culture, history, eateries, a bustling nightlife and a trendy underground scene.

 

Visit the markets, chat with designers and organic grocers, grab a coffee or a cocktail, lap up some Greek heritage or hire a local CityCycle along the river. It can all be done in the West End, an obvious stop after arriving at Brisbane Airport.

 

 

And then, if you loved what the West End had to offer, wait til you take in South Bank! For culture and lifestyle in true Brizzie-style, you'll head to Brisbane River's southern banks for 17 hectares of events, eateries and - unmistakably - the incredible river views and perfect South Bank Parklands.

 

It's no exaggeration to say the parklands are some of the world's best and most sprawling, bursting with colour, beautiful ficus trees and all sorts of things for the family to do. It's where you'll find the Wheel of Brisbane, the unforgettable Streets Beach, and a range of jogging tracks and eateries.

 

 

And while you're in South Bank, you simply cannot skip the Queensland Gallery of Modern Art.

 

Renowned among art lovers throughout the country and the world, GOMA is where you can really hone in on local and international post-1970s contemporary art, including abstract sculptures, photo and video displays and much more that even the kids will get a kick out of.

 

The riverside building itself is a work of art, and well worth putting at the top of your 'must see' list after touching down at Brisbane Airport.