Here's Why Brisbane & Gold Coast Should Be at the Top of Your Travel List!
28 Mar 2025, 04:20 pm

If you’re planning an unforgettable trip to Australia, the state of Queensland should definitely be at the top of your list. With its vibrant cities, breathtaking coastlines, and thrilling nature escapes, Queensland offers an adventure like no other.

Home to Brisbane and the Gold Coast, this dynamic region is brimming with world-class experiences — from rooftop cityscapes and trendy dining hubs to luxurious beachfront stays and wildlife encounters. Whether it’s exploring new attractions, indulging in great food, or seeking adrenaline-pumping adventures, here’s your ultimate guide to the must-visit spots in Brisbane and the Gold Coast.

Brisbane: A City on the Rise

Named in TIME’s “The World's Greatest Places 2025” and The Washington Post’s “Where to go in 2025, without crowds”, Brisbane is quickly becoming a must-visit hotspot. With new world-class attractions, this Australian gem is redefining urban travel with its perfect blend of culture, dining, and waterfront luxury.

Queen’s Wharf Brisbane (Opened Aug 2024)

Image provided by Singapore Airlines

Queen’s Wharf Brisbane — the city’s highly anticipated lifestyle precinct — officially opened in August 2024, bringing with it world-class dining, luxury hotels, buzzing entertainment, and breathtaking views!

If you’re a foodie or someone who loves exploring vibrant city hotspots, THIS is the place to be. While you’re here, don’t miss the Sky Deck, a 100-metre-high observation platform offering unparalleled 360-degree views of the Brisbane River and beyond. Imagine sipping a cocktail as the sun sets over the city — pure magic!

Cross the stunning Neville Bonner Bridge from Queen’s Wharf, and you’ll find yourself in South Bank Parklands — a lush riverside playground where locals and visitors come to relax, explore, and soak up the city’s best attractions:

  • Brisbane Sign & The Wheel of Brisbane: Snap a selfie with the iconic BRISBANE sign, then hop on The Wheel of Brisbane for a bird’s-eye view of the city skyline.
Image sourced from visit.brisbane.qld.au
  • Streets Beach: Who says you can’t enjoy a beach in the middle of the city? Take a dip in this crystal-clear blue lagoon, surrounded by white sandy shores and tropical greenery.
Image sourced from visit.brisbane.qld.au
  • The Collective Markets (Weekends Only): Discover handmade crafts, fashion, and delicious street food at this lively weekend market — perfect for picking up unique souvenirs!
  • Queensland Art Gallery & Gallery of Modern Art (QAGOMA): A must-visit for art lovers, featuring world-class exhibitions, interactive installations, and family-friendly activities throughout the year.

Howard Smith Wharves

Image sourced from howardsmithwharves.com

Imagine this: Twinkling city lights, a riverside breeze, and the sound of clinking glasses as you sip on a handcrafted cocktail beneath the iconic Story Bridge. Welcome to Howard Smith Wharves, one of Brisbane’s trendiest dining and entertainment precincts, where good food, great vibes, and unbeatable views come together.

Tucked along the Brisbane River, this vibrant riverside playground is home to some of the city’s best restaurants, bars, and breweries — all with front-row seats to the spectacular city skyline. Whether it’s sipping cocktails at Mr. Percival’s, enjoying wood-fired pizza at Ciao Papi, or tasting craft beers at Felons Brewing Co., there’s something for every craving. If there’s one place to wine and dine in Brisbane, this is it!

Tangalooma Island Resort

Image sourced from tangalooma.com

Tangalooma Island Resort is a slice of paradise just 75 minutes from Brisbane. This tropical escape is best known for its one-of-a-kind experience: hand-feeding wild dolphins at sunset, where you’ll get up close with these gentle marine creatures in their natural habitat. But that’s just the beginning!

If you’re a thrill-seeker, Tangalooma is an adventure playground. Race down towering sand dunes on a sand toboggan, kick up the dirt on an ATV quad bike ride, or even soar above Moreton Bay on a scenic helicopter flight. From snorkeling in shipwrecks to spotting migrating humpback whales (June–October), this island escape has it all!

Gold Coast: More Than Just Theme Parks & Beaches

The Gold Coast has long been known for its stunning beaches and world-famous theme parks, but there’s so much more to explore. With exciting new attractions, luxury stays, and breathtaking nature escapes, this destination offers the best of relaxation and adventure.

New Theme Park Rides

Gold Coast’s world-famous theme parks are leveling up with brand-new, heart-pounding rides!

  • The World-First The Wizard of Oz™ Precinct at Warner Bros. Movie World: Follow the yellow brick road to Warner Bros. Movie World, where an enchanting new world-first attraction is set to transport you straight into the land of Oz! Opened in December 2024, The Wizard of Oz™ Precinct brings the magic of the beloved classic film to life with two brand-new family-friendly roller coasters and a fully immersive themed environment.
World-first The Wizard of Oz™ Precinct at Warner Bros. Movie World
  • Jungle Rush Adventure at Dreamworld: Over at Dreamworld, get ready to dive into the wild with an all-new jungle-themed ride precinct! With towering loops and unexpected plunges, this attraction is designed to give you an adventure you won’t forget!
Jungle Rush Adventure at Dreamworld

Beyond the adrenaline rush, both Warner Bros. Movie World and Dreamworld offer incredible entertainment, family-friendly attractions, and immersive worlds straight out of your favorite movies and stories. So, if you’re heading to the Gold Coast, make sure to strap in and experience these game-changing new rides!

Mondrian Gold Coast (Opening June 2025)

Image sourced from mondrianhotels.com

For those seeking beachfront luxury, the first-ever Mondrian Hotel in Australia is the place to stay. This high-end lifestyle hotel combines stunning ocean views with world-class service, offering an unparalleled Gold Coast experience.

Mount Tamborine

Image sourced from queensland.com

Just 45 minutes from the Gold Coast, Mount Tamborine is a lush hinterland retreat waiting to be explored. If you love good wine and great food, you’re in for a treat! Sip your way through award-winning wineries, sample unique liqueurs at Tamborine Mountain Distillery, and take a stroll along Gallery Walk, a charming strip filled with artisan boutiques, cozy cafes, and handcrafted chocolates.

For an extra dose of adventure, walk among the treetops on the Tamborine Rainforest Skywalk, where suspension bridges lead to breathtaking panoramic views. If you prefer a more playful experience, head to Mountview Alpaca Farm, where you can feed and walk adorable alpacas — an absolute must for animal lovers!

Whale Watching (June - November)

Image sourced from spiritwhalewatching.com.au

The majestic humpback whale migration is an unmissable spectacle. Every year, these gentle giants pass through the Gold Coast’s pristine waters, creating an unforgettable wildlife experience.

Astra Lumina (March 2025)

Step into a world of wonder at Astra Lumina, a cosmic-themed light and sound experience that blends nature, technology, and storytelling. As night falls, this enchanting outdoor trail at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary transforms into a dreamlike journey, where twinkling lights, immersive soundscapes, and breathtaking projections create the illusion of walking among the stars. Ideal for families, couples, and friends, this magical experience under the night sky promises a night to remember.

Getting There: Fly in Comfort with Singapore Airlines

A seamless journey to Queensland starts the moment you board Singapore Airlines. As one of the World’s Best Airlines, it offers an exceptional travel experience with unparalleled comfort and service.

Image provided by Singapore Airlines
  • Seamless connectivity from 11 cities in Malaysia, including Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Kota Kinabalu, Kuching, and more, via Singapore Changi Airport — one of the world’s best transit hubs.
  • Premium experience in the sky: Fly with the World’s Best Cabin Staff 2024, relax in spacious seating, and enjoy an elevated in-flight dining experience.
  • Stay connected with unlimited complimentary Wi-Fi for KrisFlyer members, making it easy to share travel moments, stay updated, or catch up on entertainment.
  • Exclusive fares available: Book early to unlock the best deals and enjoy a luxurious yet seamless journey to Queensland.

Lock in your trip today and be among the first to explore Queensland’s newest attractions! Plan your trip now at singaporeair.com

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