Brisbane, Australia.

Brisbane is a thriving city, not only in the CBD (central business district), but on it's outer fringes, it has stylish suburbs, and urban sophistication.

An hour and a half from Sydney by plane, it's great to combine, and perhaps compare, with a visit to that 'must see' of places. Brisbane has to compete with the attractions both north, and south, of the city, the Sunshine Coast and the Gold Coast, respectively. These are both beautiful areas, with stunning beaches, classy resorts, and very fine restaurants, so how is Brisbane going to hold your attention?

There are a number of must sees and do's, but first hop on one of the hop-on-hop-off buses. These busus are an ideal way to get your bearings, see some of the things that might interest you - and what else is around within walking distance - get off, if you want, and get back on when you want. For us, what set Brisbane's tour buses off was the commentry. Ususally buses use pre-recorded tapes, which can be a little impersonal, but not in Brisbane. They prefer to inject some individuality with the drivers taking you through the route as it happens. We had a couple of great commentaries from drivers; funny, informative and full of facts that you wouldn't even dream of being on a pre-recorded tape.

There's a great stop on the bus (where it does actually stop for 10 minutes) at Mount Coot-tha. The highest point of the city with a fabulous view of the city and surrounding areas. The Botanical gardens and also worth a visit, as is the South Bank, if you fancy a swim or a laze on the beach! Yes, really, a city beach, with cafe's, bars and shops.

You can't leave Brisbane without visiting the largest sanctuary in Australia, the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary (everyone say, aaah). There's over 130 cute Koalas (hopefully they won't all be asleep!) as well as other native animals - some of which you can feed - all in a beautiful setting.

The Storey Bridge spans the Brisbane river, and if you fancy a climb, it's not a problem. Experienced guides will take you on the 2.5 hour experience, with full commentary and panoramic views waiting at the top.

Restaurants! Where do you start, there are hundreds, and I doubt very much if there is anything they haven't thought of. For an authentic experience, you could try the 'Brekky' creek. Built in 1889 by the 23rd lord of Brisbane, the Breakfast Creek hotel, has changed slightly since then, but still follows the same 'beer garden' principles. It now has 6 bars, but everyone goes for a great steak. Choose your 'wagyu' or grain fed cut, from the chiller, order your accompanyments, find a table and they buzz you (literally, with a round buzzer that lights up and vibrates) when your order is ready. It's an experience.

As with restaurants; shops! Where do you start! Shopping with Heritage, try Brisbane Arcade. It was built in 1923, and restored beautifully with it's original facade. It runs into Queen St mall, 1/2 km long and houses over 700 shops and dozens of eateries. www.queenstreetmall.com will give you more details.

Brunswick St, in Fortitude Valley, is the setting for the saturday and sunday Valley markets, if you like that sort of thing; running Parallel is James St, another hotspot for fashion, homewares and fine foods.

Put it this way, you will not be short of things to see, do, buy or eat in Brisbane.