Explore Queensland, Australia's sunshine state

Discover why you must visit Queensland for the ICC Men's T20 World Cup this November

There has never been a better time to visit Queensland.

England's ICC Men's T20 World Cup campaign reaches the capital, Brisbane on November 1 when they take on New Zealand, who were runners up in the previous tournament. With hosts Australia and Bangladesh featuring in the other two fixtures at the Gabba, this presents an unmissable opportunity to watch legends of the game in action on this famous ground – before its Olympic redevelopment.

Away from the cricket, explore a city that’s brimming with new hotel openings, restaurants and bars. Bask in the Sunshine State's summer, enjoy the al fresco lifestyle loved by locals or journey beyond to the Whitsundays or Great Barrier Reef.

^{The Gabba [Getty Images]}

IN BRISBANE

Brisbane is a cosmopolitan city full of nature, including Roma Street Parkland and the City Botanic Gardens. Then there’s the extensive South Bank Parklands – with its famous beach, free barbecues, riverside dining and cultural precinct.

Soak up the city’s surrounds from this watery stretch on an hour-long cruise, hire a kayak from Riverlife or grab a canoe from One Tree Canoe and soak up views of Brisbane with the water gently lapping by your side. Explore the city’s burgeoning collection of restaurants, cafés and rooftop cocktail bars. For drinks topped o­ff with iconic views, head to The Emporium's 21st floor rooftop bar for an unforgettable sunset.

Visit Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary Catch a ferry to Lone Pine Sanctuary to get up close to Australia’s most iconic wildlife. Come face to face with a koala, walk alongside kangaroos and discover a large variety of animals native to Australia.

^{The Emporium Rooftop pool [supplied]}

Explore Fortitude Valley

From morning coffee to evening cocktails, Brisbane's Fortitude Valley is always buzzing. Enjoy gourmet delights on James Street which boasts Greek haven Hellenika and Middle Eastern-inspired Gerard's Bistro. Or discover Agnes, an old brick warehouse now transformed into a celebration of wood-fi red cooking.

Sample Brisbane’s burgeoning brewery scene

Quench your thirst with a visit to some of Brisbane's best breweries. Start your journey at Newstead Brewing, making your way through the likes of Green Beacon Brewing Co, Stone and Wood, and Catchment Brewing Co. Embrace your inner distiller at Brisbane Distillery Company's gin school where you can choose from 140 botanicals to craft your own personalised gin.

River to Bay Cocktail Cruise, Brisbane

Experience some of the capital's best cocktail bars with River to Bay's tantalising new Cocktail Cruise. Coast along the Brisbane River and sample Brisbane’s most delectable concoctions with a complimentary drink as you board before sampling drops at Toscano, Fiume Bar, Mary Mae’s and Will and Flow.

^{Howard Smith Wharves and The Story Bridge}

Visit Howard Smith Wharves

Howard Smith Wharves boasts a host of watering holes and eateries with views of the Brisbane River from where it’s nestled under the Story Bridge.

Pop into Mr Percivals or Felons Brewing Co. for a drink, or to Fiume where the views are incredible and sample the native-inspired cocktail menu, with liquers from nearby Mt Tamborine Distillery. Here you can opt for the wild plum spritz or wattle to ee espresso martini.

Feast at Fish Lane

Head east to Fish Lane and choose from the Vietnamese bao buns to American ribs or a fried chicken burger from Bender's Bar. You’ll also find Gauge, heralded as one of the most creative members of Australia’s new culinary scene.

^{Four Mile Beach, North Queensland [supplied]}

BEACHES AND ISLANDS

Brisbane is home to a number of tucked away beaches, baysides and nearby islands.

Moreton Island

Enjoy city life with a side of island adventure courtesy of one of the world’s largest sand islands made up almost entirely of National Park. Explore mysterious shipwrecks and colourful reefs at the Tangalooma Wrecks.

North Stradbroke Island

With seemingly endless white sandy surf beaches, scenic rocky headlands, quaint villages and the freshest of fresh seafood it’s easy to see why locals love it and visitors swear to go back again. Just 60 minutes from Brisbane.

ADVENTURE

Brisbane is packed with adventures and is the gateway to many more exhilarating experiences across Queensland.

Climb the iconic Story Bridge

Climb the iconic Story Bridge for a birds-eye view of the stunning skyline and nearby mountains and islands. For adrenalin thrills, opt for Walk the Plank and Cantilever Adventure, or abseil down for views like no other.

Abseil down Kangaroo Point Cliffs

Start at the top of the cliffs, 20 metres from the parkland below and enjoy the uninterrupted view of Brisbane. Watch ferries and kayaks meander the iconic Brisbane River while you wait to make your descent.

WHERE TO STAY

This relaxed city has no shortage of places to rest your head, especially for the design inclined.

Crystalbrook Vincent, Brisbane

Sculpted into the sandstone cliffs beneath Brisbane’s Story Bridge, Crystalbrook Vincent pays homage to the artist after which it is named with six stories of art by Vincent Fantauzzo displayed throughout. The hotel boasts its own rooftop pool and bar, Fiume, with sprawling views across the river towards the city. Click here to find out more

Hotel X, Brisbane

Each room has been designed for the ultimate luxury and comfort with the furnishings and amenities finished to the highest level, while the rooftop bar boasts stunning views across the Story Bridge and along the Brisbane River. Meanwhile, French brasserie inspired Bisou Bisou takes up residence on the ground floor of the hotel serving contemporary French delights. Visit their website

Hotel Indigo Brisbane City Centre, Brisbane

Designer Joseph Pang has given the interiors of the 212-room riverfront hotel a fresh transformation, incorporating the story and character of the surrounding city neighbourhood throughout the property. The hotel’s restaurant, bar and café has also received a contemporary new look. Visit their website

^{City Botanic Gardens and the Brisbane skyline}

BEYOND BRISBANE

Bursting with nature, home to incredible wildlife and packed full of adventure, Queensland’s diverse landscapes are waiting to be explored.

Stretch your legs on the Scenic Rim Trail

An hour outside of Brisbane is the Scenic Rim Region – packed full of natural beauty, friendly country charm and rich, local produce. Discover the Scenic Rim Trail via a new five-day hike which starts at one Spicers retreat (Spicers Hidden Vale) and finishes at another (Spicers Hidden Peaks Cabins), with two luxury eco-cabin pit stops along the way.

Be wowed by the Whitsundays

Just a 1.5-hour flight from Brisbane to Hamilton Island or Proserpine, The Whitsundays span 74 incredible islands, many of which are uninhabited. Some have been reimagined as luxury hideaways, with the Great Barrier Reef and jewel-coloured coral cays on their doorstep. Wherever you rest your head, don’t miss Whitehaven Beach, which regularly tops 'World’s Best Beach' lists.

Journey to the Tropical North

Just outside of Cairns in Queensland's Tropical North is Daintree Rainforest, the world's oldest tropical rainforest, which David Attenborough once described as 'the most extraordinary place on earth'.

Explore the rainforest via day tours, a self-drive, Skyrail cable car, with an Indigenous guide on a tour of Mossman Gorge or head on a boat trip down the Daintree River. This is the only place in the world where two World Heritage areas sit side by side; the Daintree Rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef.

To find out more, visit Queensland.com

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