Third Time in Queensland: A Totally Different Experience! All the Thrills and Wonders Captured!

After five years, I set foot in Queensland, Australia again. This is my third visit. Each time, Queensland feels like a mysterious old friend, always bringing new surprises.

Five years later, this land is full of changes. Walking through streets I've never been to, the sea breeze feels both familiar and unfamiliar, with anticipation at every turn.

This time, I dove into the Great Barrier Reef, dancing with vibrant corals and agile sea turtles, encountering a dreamlike underwater world. On Moreton Island, I hand-fed adorable dolphins, watching them leap joyfully across the sea surface, melting my heart. At the wildlife sanctuary, I interacted closely with kangaroos and koalas, feeling the vitality of nature. I mustered the courage to climb a high bridge, eagerly tried surfing, and the sense of accomplishment from challenging myself was beyond words. These new experiences deepened my love for Queensland, and I can't wait to share this wonderful journey.

The first novelty was conquering the Story Bridge Adventure Climb despite my fear of heights!

As I strapped on my safety gear and took the first step, the city's magnificent scenery unfolded beneath me.

Along the way, the professional and witty guide shared the bridge's history and architectural secrets, offering both a physical challenge and enriching knowledge.

The climb was moderate; even those without climbing experience could complete it safely under guidance. From the shimmering river to the scattered buildings on both banks, the 360-degree panoramic view was an unparalleled visual treat.

After the challenge, every one of us felt a great sense of achievement, making it an unforgettable highlight in our lives.

For those who love romance, I wholeheartedly recommend unlocking the familiar South Bank Parklands in a brand new way!

The Brisbane South Bank Parklands Wheel has many highlights: it spins fast and isn't boring; it offers views of South Bank and the Brisbane River; the transparent cabins provide great visibility, and at night, the lights are dazzling, creating a perfect atmosphere.

As Brisbane's largest central park, South Bank is located on the southern bank of the Brisbane River, the site of the 1988 World Expo.

It features a clear artificial beach, lush grassy areas, a stunning city skyline, and the rapidly spinning wheel. Both locals and tourists love to spend time here, enjoying the relaxed vibe. This time, I had a completely new experience—

We chose the creative service of Vintage Picnic Company.

The company was founded to plan a creative wedding for a Brisbane couple.

They wanted a picnic-style wedding instead of a traditional reception, so the company used beautiful wicker baskets and luxurious wool rugs for the setup, thus starting its unique business.

The picnic included cheese, meats, fruits, cookies, and other traditional items, exquisitely presented with elegant decor, high-quality food, and a unique vintage picnic style. Combined with Queensland's 360 days of sunshine and stunning views, this Chinese woman who loves being photographed was 100% satisfied.

When in Brisbane, you must visit the Queensland Art Gallery (QAG) and the Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA)! It's an art paradise, perfectly blending classical and modern art, with a collection so rich it dazzles. Walking through feels like traveling through a time tunnel of art.

The two galleries house 20,000 works, including paintings, sculptures, photography, film, multimedia, etc., covering traditional art and modern contemporary works by emerging artists.

The exhibitions themselves are full of highlights, like the Asia Pacific Triennial of Contemporary Art, which is not to be missed. There's also a children's art center full of fun, perfect for families.

This time, I stayed in Brisbane's newest trendy district, Queen's Wharf, where classical architecture and modern skyscrapers complement each other. Restaurants, bars, hotels, and shops are all within walking distance, making it a perfect place for all travel needs.

The AUD 3.6 billion Queen's Wharf, Brisbane's new landmark, opened in phases from late August 2024. The brand-new Neville Bonner Bridge connects the two banks, allowing pedestrians to walk from Queen's Wharf to the South Bank cultural precinct, visiting QAGOMA, Queensland Performing Arts Centre, and Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre.

The Star Grand Brisbane, a five-star hotel, opened at the end of August 2024 as part of the Queen's Wharf project.

The hotel's entrance features 35-meter-high floor-to-ceiling windows, creating an open view and excellent natural light. Inside, custom plant artworks incorporate Brisbane's subtropical vibe.

The hotel's rooftop Sky Deck, a crescent-shaped deck stretching 250 meters, gives a wonderful illusion of floating above the Brisbane River. It houses several restaurants and bars, where you can enjoy Australian cuisine and wine while taking in the riverside views.

I've been to Brisbane before, but every time I pass by Sofitel Brisbane Central, I wonder when I'd have the chance to stay there. Located on Queen Street in the heart of Brisbane, surrounded by boutiques, its luxurious exterior is impossible to ignore. This time, my dream came true.

Stepping into Sofitel Brisbane Central felt like being in romantic France. Exquisite French carvings, splendid crystal chandeliers, soft lighting, warm-toned furniture and decor create an elegant and cozy atmosphere. Art paintings on the walls, gentle French chansons, and the subtle lavender scent in the air all exude strong French charm.

I deliberately chose a suite for the experience. The spacious view and well-designed layout swept away my travel fatigue. I especially loved the minibar just at the entrance; who can resist the temptation of a little drink after a day out?

In the bathroom, the full set of French luxury brand BALMAIN amenities delighted me with their enchanting fragrance. Sitting by the window, overlooking Brisbane's beauty, tasting the welcome dessert delivered by the staff, my mood brightened. Lying on the soft bed with fine linens, I relaxed completely. Wearing a bathrobe embroidered with my name, I felt the meticulous hospitality of Sofitel Brisbane Central—service was perfect.

The most popular craft brewery under Story Bridge is Felons Brewing Co. You can sit on the deck or picnic mats on the lawn, enjoying freshly brewed, frothy ales and lagers while gazing at the shimmering Brisbane River.

Felons Brewing Co offers many delicious snacks worth recommending: seasonal fresh rock oysters, shrimp pizza with tender shrimp, cheese, and dough—super satisfying; various sausages, firm, juicy, and flavorful, classic beer partners.

Local oysters and Mexican shrimp cocktail are also not to be missed; the freshness of shrimp paired with spicy-sweet sauce is refreshing and appetizing.

Honestly, it's so easy to fall in love with the Gold Coast! Visit Sea World to see dolphins and feel the thrill of rides; try surfing for the first time, feeling the waves crash; explore luxury estates in nature reserves, and experience local life at a century-old artisan market. This trip completely refreshed my understanding of the Gold Coast!

Before arriving, a friend who lives in Australia recommended Sea World as a must-visit!

First, the rides caught my attention: Viking's Revenge water slide, the wooden horror roller coaster, drop tower, and high flying swings all hit my sweet spot. The Poseidon statue looks majestic from the ground, but seeing it from above is even cooler.

Sea World also deeply connects people with marine life. For marine conservation, the theme park's rescue team is on standby 24/7, and a non-profit foundation funds research projects. Through interactive shows with dolphins and seals, visitors learn about marine life and ecology.

Without a local guide, I would never have known that a 40-minute drive from the Gold Coast into the nature reserve hides a luxurious and secluded retreat: Beechmont Estate.

The estate's standalone cabins are charming, with 22 rooms, some offering stunning hinterland views. The magic is that each cabin's terrace is hidden from others, ensuring high privacy.

Inside, the cabins are cozy and warm; you can even light a fireplace yourself, just like in a movie! Enjoy the comfort of home in nature, waking up to birdsong and falling asleep to the sounds of crickets and frogs.

The estate's restaurant, 'the Paddock,' is highly acclaimed. Its menu follows a paddock-to-table concept, crafted by Executive Chef Simon Furley. The menu changes weekly based on season and ingredients. The signature three-course set menu is not to be missed. Dishes are cooked over open fire, with unique flavors, adhering to a zero-waste philosophy.

The cocktail-making experience was also unique. Under the guidance of a professional mixologist, we learned to make a signature cocktail with a sour fruit style and gained knowledge about different spirits and pairing techniques. After mixing, we enjoyed our drinks at the bar, admiring the estate views and chatting casually—very pleasant.

Walking around the estate, you can listen to birds, and you might spot wild kangaroos and a few locals—cute cows.

We visited the largest cabin suite at the highest point of the estate, which has its own pool, front and back courtyards, and a viewing platform overlooking the forest greenery—my favorite! Next time, I must bring a group of friends to rent it out for a carefree, happy holiday.

The Gold Coast is a world-famous surfing destination, with a stretch of beach called 'Surfers Paradise.' Since we were there, it would be a pity not to experience surfing!

Beginners have no pressure! Get Wet Surf School offers a two-hour premium surfing course. First, there's a safety briefing and basic technique instruction, including understanding the surfboard and equipment, learning how to stand on the board, etc. Then, we suited up and entered the water, practicing in the whitewash near the shore with the instructor's help, trying to catch waves and ride them.

Get Wet Surf School is located behind Seaway Kiosk at Doug Jennings Park on Seaworld Drive, Main Beach. The school's experienced instructors ensure safety with low student-to-instructor ratios: 5:1 for adults and 4:1 for children. Everyone can feel confident.

Miami Marketta on the Gold Coast is a trendy night market where vintage meets modern. There are food stalls from around the world. Live bands perform, and graffiti by local renowned artists adds an artistic atmosphere. It's a great place to experience local culture and leisure.

At Miami Marketta, the Mona Lisa Champagne Lounge offers a unique dining experience.

Stepping inside, the atmosphere is mysterious and elegant. Sitting on velvet sofas and tasting champagne, posing for photos is also fun.

Our experience was unusual: each dish on the menu was crafted by different market stall chefs but plated and presented by the restaurant owner, giving them an 'elevated' quality. From delicate appetizers to main courses, the flavors were rich and delicious.

Meanwhile, a professional sommelier paired each course with different cocktails and champagnes, ranging from refreshing to rich, allowing taste buds to revel in the fusion of food and wine.

At the end of the meal, you can go to the market to pick desserts. The dessert stalls are full of options, like sweet cakes, smooth ice cream, etc. Enjoying dessert in the bustling market atmosphere lets you feel the local vibe. The contrast from the elegant champagne lounge to the vibrant market makes for an unforgettable experience.

Shopping at Pacific Fair Shopping Centre on the Gold Coast is fantastic! It features many Australian brands like Zimmermann, Lorna Jane, Aesop, Jurlique, etc.

Major brands often have discounts, making it more affordable than elsewhere. International brands like Loewe are also available.

🍲 For dining, there is a wide variety of cuisines to suit different tastes. Located at Broadwater Beach on the Gold Coast, it is Queensland's second-largest shopping centre, conveniently close to the beach.

Dorsett Gold Coast opened on Boxing Day 2021. This 53-storey, 4.5-star hotel features a sky pool overlooking the city skyline and a rooftop restaurant with ocean views.

Whether exploring Gold Coast city center or shopping, transport is very convenient. The Gold Coast Convention Centre and Pacific Fair are within walking distance.

The hotel is also very close to the beach, with many surrounding restaurants and bars.

Queensland has a long coastline. How could you travel here without going out to sea? Find a beautiful island and experience authentic island charm. On this Queensland trip, I visited two very different yet equally amazing Australian islands. Let me detail them.

Let's go to the Great Barrier Reef! This time, I visited a hidden gem at the southernmost tip—Lady Elliot Island. 'Breathtaking' is my only word!

We departed from Brisbane. Since the island is far from the mainland, we had to fly. A flight from Brisbane takes 80 minutes; from Gold Coast Airport, it takes 100 minutes.

Lady Elliot Island is a paradise for marine life enthusiasts. The best time to see sea turtles is from November to March each year, when the weather is warm, and turtles are active for breeding. In the clear waters, you can see them swimming leisurely, their large bodies appearing agile.

To see manta rays, the best time is from May to October, when they migrate here, gracefully flapping their huge wings—a spectacular sight. The manta ray is the island's symbol and mascot; even the staff uniforms feature the manta ray logo! It shows how spectacular the manta ray season is here.

As day-trippers, we could mainly enjoy lagoon and reef snorkeling, and taking a glass-bottom boat to view corals—leisurely activities.

The glass-bottom boat surprised me greatly! This Great Barrier Reef area, far from cities, has large healthy coral reefs with incredible underwater visibility! Even from the boat through the glass, you can see the seabed clearly.

In addition, the island has over 60 species of rare birds, offering birdwatching opportunities. You can also stroll on white sand beaches or join nocturnal animal tours.

As an island, seafood is a highlight. There are also Asian-fusion dishes like Japanese and Chinese cuisine.

Lady Elliot Island's unique ecology is popular among Australian tourists. However, limited accommodation on the island means you usually need to book 3 to 6 months in advance. If you plan to dive, staying overnight is necessary. So interested travelers should plan early.

Also, due to flight restrictions, day-trip diving is not available. If you have travel plans, consider the schedule and prepare thoroughly to avoid missing the chance to explore this charming island's underwater world.

Moreton Island (also known as Dolphin Island/Tangalooma Island) is the world's third-largest sand island and a very diverse island, catering to different types of travelers.

Moreton Island offers a variety of activities, with the most distinctive being wild dolphin feeding! When night falls, at the Tangalooma Island Resort's Dolphin Beach, visitors can hand-feed wild dolphins. These clever dolphins approach the shore affectionately, interacting closely with humans. Their agile movements and gentle nature showcase the wonder of harmony between humans and nature.

Although it's a feeding activity, the process strictly follows natural rules. The daily feeding amount for each dolphin is fixed, but since they are wild, their 'attendance' can't be controlled. So rangers allocate 'treats' (small fish) to each registered participant based on the number of dolphins that come to the jetty that day. If fewer dolphins come, each visitor gets fewer fish for feeding. The dolphins never overeat, and their natural habits remain unchanged.

Snorkeling enthusiasts can explore colorful coral reefs and diverse marine life in crystal-clear waters. Alternatively, take a sunset cruise, enjoy drinks and food, swim in the sea, and soak up the leisurely atmosphere.

The ATV off-road tour on Moreton Island is thrilling! Follow a professional guide, drive a quad bike through sandy shores and dense forests, exploring rainforest landscapes. Enjoy stunning sea views, feel the sea breeze, and experience the excitement of speeding over dunes. The 60-minute tour lets you enjoy speed and passion.

As the helicopter slowly rises, the full view of Moreton Island unfolds. The blue sea, white sand, and green vegetation create a beautiful painting. Flying over the shipwrecks, those silently resting vessels contrast with the fish swimming around, as if time stands still. The 6-minute flight is a stunning visual feast.

Helicopter tour reference price: Tangalooma line, AUD 99 per person.

🛁 For accommodation, Tangalooma Island Resort is an excellent choice on the island. Prices vary by room type and season, generally AUD 300 to AUD 800 per night, from cozy standard rooms to spacious sea-view suites, meeting different needs.

Rooms are beautifully furnished with complete amenities; some have private balconies, offering charming sea or garden views without leaving the room.

🍲 The island's scenic restaurant 'Beach Cafe' earns high praise! It offers fresh seafood dishes like pan-seared salmon, fish and chips, all sourced from local waters for authentic taste; plus various Australian-style grilled meats and salads from a Filipino chef, with local sauces that make taste buds dance.

🍲 There is also Chinese food on Moreton Island! Fire & Stone restaurant specializes in Sichuan and Cantonese cuisine, rated by tourists as one of the best Chinese restaurants in Australia. Dishes like sour fish fillet are amazing, comforting Chinese stomachs. It's a great place for Chinese food while visiting Moreton Island.

It's recommended to stay at least 2-3 days to fully experience the island's main activities, enjoy beach time, and truly relax during the holiday.

* Recommended ferry from Brisbane to Moreton Island: Tangalooma Ferry

Departs from Brisbane's Hote Street Wharf, about 75 minutes. Return from Tangalooma Wharf on Moreton Island.

Reference price: AUD 88 round trip for adults, AUD 48 for children (3-14 years), free for infants (0-2 years).

For this third Queensland trip, I flew China Southern Airlines' direct flight from Guangzhou to Brisbane. The outbound flight usually departs from Guangzhou Baiyun Airport T2 at 21:05, sleep and arrive; the return flight is a daytime flight, departing in the morning and arriving in the afternoon, just in time for dinner at home without staying up late!

Flight experience: the new plane has great hardware, and the 'same language' service made the cabin atmosphere very comfortable.

This Queensland trip was an adventure exploring the unknown, a journey of self-challenge. The colorful Great Barrier Reef, the lively dolphins on Moreton Island, the view from the high bridge, and the self-challenge of surfing will stay in my memory for a long time.

Queensland, a place you can visit 100 times without getting bored, always brings new surprises. Full of dynamic energy, I felt a few years younger from the moment the plane landed. Just back, I'm already looking forward to our next reunion.

Travel Guide Index

1. 📍 Story Bridge Adventure Climb

2. 📍 The Channel Seven Wheel of Brisbane

3. 📍 Vintage lunch picnic at South Bank

4. 📍 Art Inspiration: Queensland Art Gallery and Gallery of Modern Art (QAGOMA)

5. 📍 Queen’s Wharf

6. 🛁 Hotel Recommendation: The Star Grand Brisbane

7. 🛁 Hotel Recommendation: Sofitel Brisbane Central

8. 🍤 Food Recommendation: Felons Brewing Co

9. 📍 Sea World Gold Coast

10. 📍 Beechmont Estate

11. 📍 2-hour Surfing Lesson: Get Wet Surf School

12. 📍 Miami Marketta

13. 🛍️ Must-Visit for Shopping: Pacific Fair Shopping Centre

14. 📍 Dorsett Gold Coast

15. 📍 Great Barrier Reef Day Trip to Lady Elliot Island - Hervey Bay & Bundaberg

16. 📍 Moreton Island

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