My guide to Brisbane

One of the greatest parts of my job as Host and Project Manager at Routes, is the opportunity for me to travel. Hosting events all over the World, I get to see some amazing places, places, I ordinarily would not venture too. So when I heard that I would be working on Routes Asia 2018, I was looking forward to spending some time in Brisbane.

Having worked with the team over the last few months to lay down the foundations of the event, I couldn’t wait to get to Brisbane and see it with my own eyes. I stayed at the Rydges hotel, in South Bank, which was conveniently connected to the state of the art Brisbane Exhibition and Convention Centre where the event is located. Most of the official event hotels are located in the City just 10 minutes from South Bank.

South Bank is thriving with things to do and I simply did not have the time to do everything.  Stretching from Queensland Art Gallery and Gallery of Modern Art in the north to the Queensland Maritime Museum in the south. South Bank is famous for its diverse mix of entertainment, recreation and leisure activities that are all within walking distance of each other; with more than 90 restaurants, cafes, bars and boutiques; world-class museums and galleries; and a performing art centre, there is something for everyone.

I ventured to the man-made beach right in the centre of South Bank which offers amazing views of the city. In particular, at night the view of the city lit up is spectacular. As someone who is extremely fussy with food, I was delighted to see there were so many options to eat that I wanted to explore them all. I really enjoyed Mucho Mexicano (I am obsessed with Mexican food and it also conveniently has its own Margherita Bar) and Brooklyn Depot. An All American restaurant with an old school Brooklyn vibe (Although beware they offer authentic American portion sizes, so be prepared to be uncomfortably stuffed).

For those wanting to venture into the City, from South Bank, the centre is only 10 minutes away by taxi opening up a whole new world of restaurants and things to do. Uber operates in Brisbane which makes it so easy to get around and explore Brisbane at the click of an app.

Of course a trip to Australia wouldn’t be a trip without a visit to see the Koalas. Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary is just a 20 minute taxi ride or 40 minutes on the bus. You can buy tickets on the door for $36 dollars and for just $20 you can pay for a photograph holding a Koala. An absolute must. If koalas aren’t your thing you can also pay to feed the Kangaroos.

I absolutely loved my time in Brisbane, and am itching to get back already. Routes Asia 2018 is taking place 18- 20 March, and is shaping up to be a truly fantastic event. I absolutely can’t wait.