A fun but inexpensive way to see the city from the river is to take a CityCat. These twin-hulled commuter vessels run upstream as far as the University of Queensland at St Lucia, and downstream past the city to Hamilton.
Visit the Sciencentre, where science and technology are presented in a fun, hands-on environment. There are activities for children of all ages, which will challenge their knowledge and understanding of the world around them.
The Queensland Art Gallery on South Bank has a permanent collection of over 10,000 works, with an emphasis on Australian art. Admission is free except for special temporary exhibitions.
Stroll through South Bank Parklands to experience the quintessential Brisbane. Popular with locals and tourists alike, this vast parkland, built on the former Expo site, has a swimming lagoon with sandy beach, gardens, barbeques, shady places for a picnic and plenty of cafes and restaurants. Take in the craft markets as well, on Friday night, Saturday and Sunday.
Cuddle a koala or feed the free ranging kangaroos at the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, the world`s first and largest koala sanctuary. See many Australian animals and walk through 50 acres of bushland grounds. You can get there by car or bus, but if you want to make a day of it, take a cruise on board the Mirimar up the Brisbane River from the city, past the flying fox colony to the koala sanctuary.
The Queensland Museum is a refreshingly accessible museum of science, human achievement and social history. See dinosaurs, including Queensland's own Muttaburrasaurus, the biplane that Bert Hinkler flew from England to Australia and the World War I German Tank. Admission is free except for special temporary exhibitions.
For a glimpse of the Aussie outback in the city, visit the Australian Woolshed at Ferny Grove. Watch the performing rams, sheep shearing and sheepdogs at work. Bottle-feed lambs, milk a cow, or visit the native animal sanctuary. You can even join in a bush dance.
The Maritime Museum at South Bank has several ships on display in the dry dock, including the World War II frigate HMAS Diamantina. Inside there are maps, charts, models and photographs.
The historically significant homestead Newstead House occupies a prime position on the banks of the Brisbane River. The original cottage was built in 1846 and was subsequently extended, becoming the elegant building we see today. Wander through the rooms, furnished as they would have been in the late Victorian period, catch the sea breeze on the verandah or stroll through the gardens down to the river.
Take a boat trip to St Helena Island, Queensland`s first historic national park. This island in Moreton Bay was originally a penal settlement and was later used as a quarantine station.