Brisbane

With a picturesque waterfront promenade and the only beach in the heart of an Australian city, South Bank is one of the country's most creatively designed riverside precincts. Meander through parklands and rainforest walks and under designer flower trellises that stretch along winding pathways, and explore the outdoor cafes, bubbling water features and colourful markets at weekends. Brisbane may be a river city with no natural beaches, but its sun-loving residents can still enjoy the sand and sunshine. Streets Beach opens into a man-made lagoon that's patrolled daily by lifeguards. It's a popular meeting place for locals at weekends. You could spend an entire day strolling around the Queensland Cultural Centre, through the Queensland Art Gallery, Queensland Museum and State Library. Also in the area, the Queensland Performing Arts Centre, Opera Queensland and Queensland Theatre Company offer a menu of live performances. On Friday nights, Little Stanley Street pulses with Latin rhythms as people let their hair down and dance. Markets are open on Friday nights from 5pm to 10pm, Saturdays from 11am to 5pm and Sundays from 9am to 5pm. There are plenty of activities such as fun runs, festivals and fairs all year round (www.ourbrisbane.com).

For A$5 ($30) a day you can use the fast, sleek City Cat ferry to explore many of Brisbane's attractions. Start at North Quay, a city stop that's a short walk from Queen Street Mall and the heart of Brisbane's shopping area. Eagle Street Pier is where locals go for the Sunday craft market. The Sydney Street stop is near the popular cafes of New Farm (www.translink.qld.gov.au). There are organised cruises such as the River Queen paddle wheeler or the Mirimar Wildlife Cruise to Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary (www.queensland holidays.com.au).

The world's largest urban subtropical garden, Roma Street Parkland is designed to show off a wide assortment of plants. Wander along the Forest Walk above cascading waterfalls and around steep hills to the colourful, ever-changing display of annuals in the Spectacle Garden. Camellias and azaleas, native violets, gymea lilies and Bangkok roses are now in season. Themed gardens include the Topiary Maze Garden, Lilly Pilly Garden, a wall of epiphytes and an extensive collection of herbs. There are free, one-hour guided walks at 10am, September to May; 11am, June to August; and 2pm, Thursday to Sunday, all year round (www.romastreetparkland.com).