Brisbane: Worth a stop

A trip down Brisbane River is a great way to see the city's attractions. Photo / Tourism Queensland

How many times have you found yourself in Brisbane's airport waiting for a connecting flight, or hopped on a transfer to Surfers or the Sunshine Coast as soon as your flight touches down?

However, these days Brisbane is a town worth sticking around for. Here's a guide to some of the best ways to spend your time.

Hit South Bank

This is Brisbane's beating cultural heart. Here you'll find Queensland State Library, the gallery of modern art, Sciencentre, the maritime museum and Queensland Art Gallery among many others. If you get to the beautiful Queensland Art Gallery before September 20 you'll catch the American Impressionism & Realism: A Landmark Exhibition from the Met exhibition. This is a stunning collection of 71 works from New York's Metropolitan Museum of Art, mixed with key works by Australian impressionists. Other South Bank highlights include the slightly surreal man-made Streets Beach and the South Bank lifestyle market, every Friday night, Saturday and Sunday.
visitsouthbank.com.au
qag.qld.gov.au

Head for New Farm

This riverside suburb is a lively mix of cafes, shops and restaurants. On a nice day - and there are plenty in Brisbane - wander through the jacaranda-filled New Farm Park (there's a farmers' market every second Saturday) to Brisbane Powerhouse, a former power station revamped into a thriving arts and performance centre. There's also a bar and restaurant here right on the river, so it's a perfect spot to relax and enjoy some sun.
brisbanepowerhouse.org

Shop Fortitude Valley

Known as The Valley to locals, this once rundown part of Brisbane is now home to a thriving collection of clothing designers, artists and musicians. Try Ann St, James St and the Brunswick St mall and then hit Chinatown, guarded by two imposing lions. Then wander down Brunswick St to New Farm for lunch.

Cruise the river

There are many guided tours that will show you the city sights along the river but if you want to explore in your own time try the City Cat river ferry service. The ferries run from 5.30am to 11pm and if you buy an off-peak daily pass you can hop on and off as many times as you like between 9am and 3pm or after 7pm. The Cat will easily get you to great attractions such as the Botanic Gardens, South Bank and New Farm

Kerri Jackson travelled to Brisbane as a guest of Pacific Blue and Sofitel Brisbane.