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One of Australia's greatest assets is the magnificent reef which runs along virtually the entire coast of Queensland. Considered one of the world's natural wonders, it is the most extensive reef system and the biggest structure made by living organisms on earth. In the north, the reef is virtually continuous and is located only 50km (30mi) from the shore. In the south, individual reefs are more common, and in some places up to 300km (190mi) offshore. Hundreds of islands dot the reef area. About 20 of them have resort facilities, but it's possible to camp on many others.

One of the reef's unforgettable attractions is an underwater encounter with the countless colourful, exotic and bizarre sea creatures that live there. Islands offering great diving opportunities include Heron, Lady Elliot and Lizard. For those wanting pampered and exclusive seclusion, Bedarra, Hayman, Lizard, Green and Orpheus have expensive resorts. The cheaper islands to stay on are Lady Elliot, Magnetic and Hook, and you can camp on Dunk, Great Keppel and Hinchinbrook. Great Keppel and South Molle are mass market destinations. The best beaches are found on Great Keppel and Lizard.

South Bank Parklands
On the southern banks of the city lies Brisbane's favorite leisure and entertainment precinct - South Bank Parklands. The 16 hectares of riverside parklands, tropical gardens, lagoons, cafes and attractions are the rainforest groves and water gardens, lagoons, cafes and attractions are a focus for fun times every day of the year. Among the attractions are the rainforest groves and water gardens, the colourful weekend atrs and craft markets and the South Bank Butterfly and Insert House on picturesque Stanley Street Plaza.

Cyclepaths and walkways weave through the immaculate gardens and groves of tropical forest and provide some of the best views of the city skyline. The dining precint offers everything from alfresco cafes to quick snacks and gourmet restaurants. Weekend craft markets, street entertainmeners, lively traditional pubs and the programme of events and entertainment staged at the Suncorp Pizza ensure South Bank Parklands buzz with activity day and night. But perhaps the most popular feature of all is Kodak Beach, a tropical lagoon with sandy beaches and majestic palms, right in the heart of the city and irresistible on a summer's day in Brisbane.

Wildlife Parks and Zoos
Australia's native fauna is a geature of wildlife parks at several locations around Brisbane and the region. Lone Pine Koala Sanctury at Fig Tree Pocket is the world's largest koala sanctuary. The riverside garden setting is also home to a large community of kangaroos, wallabies, emus, wombats and native birds. Koalas and kangaroos are also a feature at the Australian Woolshed and at Alma Park Zoo in Brisbane's northern suburbs or visit Bunya Park Wildlife Sanctaury at the Ginger Factory in Yandina.

Parks & Gardens
Brisbane's green image is largely due to the multitude of parks including the manificent City Gardens, established in 1855 on the banks of the river's Town Reach. Palms, Moreton Bay figs, a mangrove walk, a rainforest area and cafe are some of the features of this stately park. Mt coottha Gardens at Toowong has themed sections including a scented garden, arid zone, cascades and waterfalls that weave through rainforest terraces and geodesic domed greenhouse for tropical plants. New Farm Park is one of the city's oldest parks. On the riverbank at New Farm it features early rose gardens, a jacaranda avenue, massive curtain fig trees that form a children's playground and traditional tea rooms.

Museum and Galleries
The Queensland Cultural Centre at Brisbane's South Bank Precinct is home to the Queensland Art Gallery, one of Australia's most prominent galleries. In addition to its extensive collection of Australian, Aboriginal, European and Asian art works, the gallery has developed a reputation for exhibitions of major Australian artists (such as Lloyd Rees and Arthur Streeton) and international exhibitions including Van Gogh, Renoir, Lautrec, Matisse and works from the Musee D'Orsay.

The adjacent Queensland Museum brings together a fascinating collection of natural history exhibits with folk history of our indigenous and European serrlers. From the call of the humpback whales suspended near the entrance to pioneering aviator Bert Hinkler's plane, Queensland Museum promiss both education and entertainment.

Also worth exploring is the Queensland State Library at the western end of the Cultural Centre. The reading rooms, with panoramic city views, are filled with books, joutnals, newspapers and CDs. Access to the National Film Archive and internet links to international data bases are also available. The John Oxley Library is a treasure trove of Queensland history.

Dream World
About 40 mins drive south of Brisbane at Coomera, Dreamworld offers ten worlds of enchantment as well as some spine-tingling action rides including the word's fastest, tallest ride - the Tower of Terror. For more spine tingling fun try wipeout and the Thunderbolt roller coaster or enjoy things at an easier pace aboard the paddle-steamer. And don't forget to see those playful big cats at Tiger Island.

Sea World
Australia's most comprehensive marine park includes daily performances, adventure rides and educational exhibitis. See dolphins and sea lions perform in daily shows and come face with sharks. Enjoy the action of the International Ski Spectacular before engaging in Sea World's heart-stopping rides including the Corkscrew roller-ceaster and the Bermuda Triangle.

Warner Bros. Movie World
Heading further south at Oxenford are the Warner Bros. Movie World Studios and the Warner Bros. Movie World theme park. The studios have been used for many major Australian snd international films in recent years. The award winning theme park adjacent to the studios lets you enter the world of movies and visit the sets of some of your favorite films. Takd the Batman Adventure of the heart-thumping Lethal Weapon rides and see live stunts performed daily and amid the movie sets.

Introduction

Northern Territory

Western Australia

New South Wales

Victoria

South Australia

Recreation

Shopping

Hotel Reservation

Home