A weekend guide to Brisbane, Australia

It's funny how most tourists plan trips to Melbourne, Sydney, and Cairns, but they overlook Brisbane. Brisbane is the state capital of Queensland and the country’s third largest city. Unlike before, it is no longer overshadowed by its sister cities of Sydney and Melbourne. Even if you are not a fan of the city's natural wonders, big-ticket development projects like Brisbane quarter and queen's wharf have been strategically rolling out world-class restaurants, shopping malls, and hotels.

In Brisbane, you'll find everything from rough to refined, affordable to extravagant, historical to contemporary, and old to new. Brisbane is a must-see destination. Here is a comprehensive guide to help you make the most of your time in the city.

• The Brisbane markets

Those who live in Brisbane are big fans of the city's weekly farmer's markets. You can get some food at a reasonable price and peruse some local crafts there. You'll find several markets in the city's inner ring, but you'll have to get up early, as most are only open from 6 am to 12 pm. From 6 am to 1pm on Saturdays, Kelvin Grove markets are the best in the inner city. On weekends from 10 am to 4 pm, the south bank hosts a local craft market where you will find unique items made by local artists.

• Restaurants

Creek Street's Red Hook is a New York-style restaurant and bar that serves cheap food regularly. Tuesday is Taco Truck Tuesday, offering cheap tacos after 5 pm for 2.2 lbs (1kg) of buffalo wings for 13 dollars. It is a walk away on Gresham lane, which is difficult to spot from creek street.

For a reasonable price, Cafes and burgers head to Fortitude Valley's RIK'S Café for breakfast. You can get a hearty breakfast of eggs, sausage, and bacon for just a cup of coffee at the valley mall. Also, diners can enjoy classic American fare such as hamburgers, fries, and shakes in a casual atmosphere at Ben's Burgers. Ben's Burger is located at five winn street in fortitude valley and is open late.

• Accommodation

The W Brisbane is a glitzy new hotel in the Brisbane quarter, and it is widely credited for putting Queensland capital on the map for jet-setters in the summer of 2018. Many people plan a return to Australia due to this iconic brand. In contrast to most large hotel chains, W Brisbane takes a much more thoughtful approach to design, eschewing cookie-cutter elements. In every detail, the hotel pays homage to its unique location.

• Casinos in Brisbane and the state of Queensland

If you're looking for a place to gamble, Brisbane has The Treasury, a massive converted building that's open 24 hours a day. The gambling in Queensland and Brisbane is some of the best in Australia. In 2021, you'll be able to enjoy your favorite casino games from the comfort of your own home, thanks to online casino sites. It's only going to get better for QLD residents who have been quietly taking down progressive jackpots on pokie machines and crushing roulette for years. QLD gamblers are taking advantage of the growing popularity of online and mobile gambling in Australia.

Gambling in Queensland is most exciting because of a slew of major land-based casinos that are scheduled to open. To bet on your favorite games online or to play the pokies in Queensland and Brisbane is legal under the Interactive Gambling Act.

• The island resort of Tangalooma

While the city of Brisbane has a lot to offer, its proximity to lush landscapes, wildlife, and beaches makes it an excellent destination for the day trip. Tangalooma Island Resort is a long-standing Brisbane tradition and a scenic 75 minutes’ ferry ride from the city.

• A valley is a beautiful place

Wooly Mammoth, the Zoo, Black Bear Lodge, and press club are just a few funky party venues in fortitude valley. You can save a lot of money by arriving early and getting a stamp for re-entry if you pay 10-15 dollars cover charge. Always stay in groups when leaving the club, as fortitude valley has a reputation for being a bit dangerous at night.

• The X cargo

X cargo, which just opened in Brissy, is already causing quite a stir. The open-air dining concept is made out of recycled shipping containers, so there's plenty of rooms to spread out. Several bars serve cocktails and beers, including X Cargo's Tide and Low Tide brews, or at Peter Popow's Cuban-inspired restaurant.

• Gauge

Chef Cormac has created a chic and highly acclaimed café and bar that seamlessly transitions from morning to night. Gauge is a low-key breakfast and lunch spot that serves avocado toast and bacon sourdough sang-as, but at night, it comes alive. Whether you order a few appetizers or a full meal, every dish is visually appealing and delicious.

Conclusion

Apart from the ones mentioned above, there are many other exciting places you can visit in the city of Brisbane. For instance, if you are interested in culture and the arts, don't miss the Queensland gallery of art, where you can see works by local and international artists, and the gallery of modern art (GOMA), which features experimental and cutting-edge exhibits. Also, another fascinating place is the river bank. It has an artificial beach which is a great place to cool off in the summer when there are no natural beaches in Brisbane.