voco Brisbane City Centre, an IHG Hotel

The best time to visit Brisbane is from August to October, when days are warm and dry, with low humidity and few rain days. June and July are cooler and also dry, ideal for outdoor sightseeing. The wettest months are January and March, with frequent rain and high humidity, while November is also rainy. Avoid the hot, humid summer if you prefer drier weather.

Stay in the city center (CBD) for first-time visitors, close to the City Botanic Gardens and Story Bridge, with hotels like Gambaro, W Brisbane, and Sofitel. For nightlife and dining, pick Fortitude Valley, where Ovolo the Valley sits. Quieter Spring Hill, near the CBD, suits a more relaxed stay, with The Inchcolm as a solid option.

Start at Mount Coot-Tha Summit Lookout for sweeping city and bay views, then head to Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary to see koalas and native wildlife up close. City Botanic Gardens is a leafy riverside escape in the centre, while Brisbane Botanic Gardens Mt Coot-tha offers larger themed gardens near the lookout. Finish with a ride on The Wheel of Brisbane for a lazy spin over the river and skyline. These five cover the city's best scenery and wildlife.

Day trips from Brisbane include Australia Zoo, Stradbroke Island, Springbrook and Mount Tamborine, and the Sunshine Coast Hinterland and Noosa. Australia Zoo is known for its wildlife and conservation. Stradbroke Island offers beaches and wildlife. Springbrook and Mount Tamborine feature rainforests, glow worms, and a skywalk. The Sunshine Coast Hinterland and Noosa include Eumundi Markets and coastal scenery.

Plan 3 to 4 days in Brisbane. In 3 days, you can see the City Botanic Gardens, climb the Story Bridge or take the Wheel of Brisbane, and visit Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary. Add a day for a trip to Mount Coot-Tha Lookout and the Botanic Gardens there, or spend a fourth day on a full-day tour to Australia Zoo or Stradbroke Island. A day trip needs an extra day beyond your city sightseeing.