An international flavour hits Brisbane
13/06/2012
This season, Brisbane is taking on the world.
Visitors will enjoy a calendar of internationally acclaimed arts and cultural and sporting events, a host of new world-class retailers and the emergence of intimate European-style nightspots.
Art and Culture
Brisbane’s arts scene is bursting at the seams. From the colourful, to the inspiring and the exclusive, Brisbane is positively glowing.
Rush head first into a colourful ecosystem of insects with the spectacular big top show OVO by Cirque du Soleil. This critically acclaimed, family-friendly production opens 14 July.
After almost a quarter of a century, Opera Australia is returning to Brisbane. QPAC will host two spectacular and engaging operas: The Magic Flute from 26 May until 8 June, and A Midsummer Night’s Dream from 1 until 9 June.
Enjoy all the hit songs from the Four Seasons at the musical Jersey Boys this winter. QPAC will host this behind-the-scenes look from 13 July until 14 October.
Celebrate Queensland produce, farmers and chefs at the inaugural food festival, delectable Brisbane, from 16 until 29 July.
The Queensland Art Gallery will unveil a Portrait of Spain: Masterpieces from the Prado, an exclusive survey of the history of painting in Spain over three and a half centuries. The exhibition runs from 21 July until 4 November.
Making their Australian debut, the Hamburg Ballet, the Hamburg Philharmonic Orchestra and the Hamburg State Opera will charm audiences when they take to the stage at The Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC), from 23 August.
Uncover the mysteries of ancient Egyptian civilisation at Mummy: Secrets of the Tomb, at the Queensland Museum South Bank. Watch as Nesperennub’s mummy is virtually unwrapped through a 3-D film experience and then see the stunningly preserved cartonnage containing his mummy. There are also an additional three human mummies and over 100 ancient objects on display. The exhibit is open until 19 August.
Keep your eye out for the vibrant Brisbane Festival in early September for an exciting program of music, theatre, dance and free entertainment across Brisbane.
Don’t miss this year’s BIGSOUND from 12 September. Not just a conference, the event draws top musicians, buyers and industry experts who host both engaging presentations and live music performances.
Sport
On 20 October, the Qantas Wallabies will face the All Blacks at Suncorp Stadium in the third and final Castrol EDGE Bledisloe Cup Test of 2012. A win for the Qantas Wallabies could see them holding aloft the coveted Bledisloe Cup for the first time since 2002.
Show your support for the Brisbane Lions at the Gabba this winter. As the temperature dips, the on field action promises to get even hotter.
Or, head to Suncorp Stadium to cheer on the Brisbane Broncos in their 25th season. With their eye firmly on the NRL finals, the Broncos are sure to provide plenty of thrills and spills.
Show your true colours this winter for the ultimate in football grudge matches. On 4 July, Suncorp Stadium will host the final match of the much anticipated State of Origin.
Off the pitch and away from the theatres and galleries, visitors are spoilt for choice with a range of activities and attractions to keep them entertained.
Shopping
Some of the world’s best international brands have made Brisbane their home recently with flagship stores opening regularly. Visit QueensPlaza for Louis Vuitton, Tiffany & Co., Bally, Chanel, Canturi and Salvatore Ferragamo. Edward Street is home to Hermes, Hugo Boss and Gucci; try the newly refurbished Wintergarden for Coach, Lisa Ho, Scanlan and Theodore, Georg Jensen, Swarovski and Tommy Hilfiger; or head to Tattersall’s Arcade for Longchamp.
Wining, Dining and Nightlife
A host of boutique small bars have emerged within the city and surrounding urban villages. Try your hand at laneway hopping in Burnett Lane in The City with Brew, Super Whatnot and The Survey Co. Hit Fortitude Valley for some intimate spaces including Our Place, The Hideaway or Lady Lamington or, across the river in South Bank, enjoy French themed fun at French Martini.
Brisbane has become obsessed with dumpling dining. Try South Bank’s Bamboo Basket, Dragonfly in the CBD and Brunswick Social or Harajuku Gyoza in Fortitude Valley.
Other must-experience restaurants still pulling in a crowd include the Spanish Ortiga and the Italian gems Ristorante Tartufo and 1889 Enoteca. For a French twist try Montrachet or enjoy Japanese delights at Saké.
Accommodation
Enjoy more than a comfy bed at Brisbane’s world-class hotels. Dine in Vintaged Bar + Grill – the Hilton Brisbane’s newly refurbished restaurant. Or indulge in a chocolate themed high tea at the Stamford Plaza Brisbane.
Sofitel Brisbane Central’s day spa or the Dome Retreat at the Marriott will leave you rejuvenated and rebalanced before you hit Spicers Balfour for a cooking class. Enjoy a night cap at the Limes Hotel rooftop bar, visit Emporium Hotel and sample premium cocktails or hit Treasury Hotel and Casino for live music and tasty food.
Outdoor
Be transported to a white winter wonderland at the Alpine Winter Festival in King George Square. Strap on your skates and enjoy the outdoor ice skating rink and warm up afterwards with your pick from a range of food stalls.
Continue the outdoor fun with the Story Bridge Adventure Climb and enjoy the view of the river as you abseil down the bridge’s towering pylons. Get amongst the fun and excitement with the Riverlife Adventure Centre on a kayaking or Stand Up Paddle Boarding tour.
Alternatively, enjoy the river from a different angle as you float in style with River City Cruises or Mirimar Cruises.
Take the time to learn the secrets behind Brisbane by booking a free, guided Brisbane Greeter walking tour. Pick from a range of tours and see first-hand what makes our city’s heart-beat.
From June until November Moreton Bay and the north eastern headland of Stradbroke Island are two of the best locations in Australia for whale watching. Be part of one of the greatest natural experiences on earth with Tangalooma Island Resort, Brisbane Whale Watching and Discover Stradbroke.
For more information on this season’s offerings, visit www.visitbrisbane.com.au.