Brisbane - A Driving Tour of the Region
By Mairead Foley

Firstly what's in the city?

Brisbane has an abundance of shopping centres, bustling farmers markets with over 100 stalls offering the very best of local produce. Here you can pop in and out of the many shops and pick up a bargain or two.

Brisbane also has plenty of museums and art galleries scattered throughout the city.
Must-sees include the Botanic Gardens and no trip to the city would be complete without a trip to the Wheel of Brisbane. This is a 60 meter Ferris wheel offering fantastic views of the city.

You'll be spoiled for choice when it comes to wining and dining. There's a large selection of restaurants, cafés and wine bars to choose from that will ignite those taste buds while you take a well-deserved break.

The nightlife is also something to write home about. There are plenty nocturnal hot spots where you can party until the wee hours of the morning. If you're feeling lucky why not try your hand at the casino tables at the Conrad Treasury Casino?

Brisbane is a city that never sleeps, with many attractions both in the city and the surrounding areas. There really is so much to see and do here, so make sure to allow yourself at least one day and an overnight stay in Brisbane.

If you wish to travel further afield your best bet is to hire a car. Experience the freedom and independence when you book car hire Brisbane Airport. Once you've collected your car just hit the open road and discover what Brisbane and Queensland have to offer.

What to see outside the city

Why not take a short trip just south of Brisbane on the M1 and travel the world-renowned Australian Gold Coast. The Gold Coast is a small coastal area located between Brisbane and the New South Wales border in south east Queensland, about 80lm from Brisbane. If you're driving, the journey takes approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour and officially starts just south of Beenleigh.

The Gold Coast got its name from its wonderful golden sandy beaches that go on for about 35km beneath clear blue Australian skies. With a wonderful tropical climate and an abundance of activities, clubs, and much more it's no wonder The Gold Coast is one of Australia's top holiday destinations.

A visit to 'Surfers Paradise' is a must when you are touring the Gold Coast and it truly is a surfer's paradise. With its towering waves, wonderful surroundings and an exciting nightlife, it's a great spot to spend the night.

Surfers Paradise is one of the best beaches in the world and also probably one of the safest with the renowned 'Surf Lifesavers' constantly patrolling the beach. Surfers Paradise is a very large commercial centre located in wonderful surroundings with its many skyscrapers painted in the backdrop of its wonderful beaches.

There's also an abundance of activities to avail of along the route of the Gold Coast as well as plenty of theme parks to cater for the huge influx of tourists each year.

Located on the northern end of the Gold Coast on the M1 or Pacific Highway, and just 17km north of Surfers Paradise, and 40 km south of Brisbane is one of Australia's most popular theme parks - Dreamworld. Other theme parks on the Gold Coast to look out for are Wet 'n Wild Waterworld and Warner Brother Movie World.

Situated just 3km north of Surfers Paradise is Seaworld. This is a wonderful experience and here you can learn about the amazing marine life and you can even come face to face with some of its residents including dolphins, sea lions and even sharks. Sea World is very much committed to educating people on the marine sea life in a fun and friendly way.

The Gold Coast has much to offer with its many beaches, lush rainforest, theme parks and nightlife venues. Brisbane is an ideal starting point.

It's a good idea to organize your car hire before you travel.

Mairead Foley writes for http://www.Novacarhire.com/ where you can book car hire at airports, ferry ports, rail stations, cities and towns all over the world.

Visit Novacarhire.com for all you need to know before you take to the roads in Australia, like where to go and what to see with your car hire. Book your Brisbane Car Hire now.

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