Winding its way through the heart of the city, the Brisbane River gives Queensland’s capital a relaxed, open-air feel, where leafy parks, lively precincts and a subtropical climate set the pace. The city’s cultural precinct is home to the Queensland Museum and Sciencentre, with interactive exhibitions, as well as the Gallery of Modern Art, one of Australia’s leading collections of modern and contemporary art. At Mount Coot-tha, the Brisbane Botanic Gardens provide a peaceful escape, while the lookout has sweeping views across the city and towards Moreton Bay. Beyond Brisbane, the Scenic Rim is a draw for nature lovers and photographers, with Lamington National Park and O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat among its highlights. Back in the city, a lively selection of bars, restaurants and live-music venues provides plenty of ways to round off the day.