Question: Lynne Jackson asks: I'm planning a trip to the Brisbane, Australia area and was wondering what are the "must see" places in that area?

 Answer: Our AAA Aussie specialist, Christine Korpal answers: Thanks for your question regarding what to see and do while in Brisbane.  It's a great coastal city with a lot to take in no matter what your preferences or tastes.  Deciding what to do though, may be more of a matter of how much time you have to spend there, and if you want to venture outside the city itself.  I would definitely start with a city sights tour as that way you get a good overview of the town's layout.  From there I would say be sure to check out the following:

- City Hall, home of the Brisbane Art Gallery which features work from local and national artists.   
- Queensland Museum and Queensland Art Gallery
- Brisbane Botanic Gardens Mount Coot-tha - The Brisbane Botanic Gardens are a 15 minute drive from the city centre, with free parking available, and are Queensland's premier subtropical botanic gardens.
- South Bank Lifestyle Market - Anywhere around South Bank will offer something to do as it's been described as "Brisbane's vibrant inner city playground".  But the market itself is a great hub-bub of activity…just be sure you're in town on either a Friday evening, Saturday or Sunday when it's open.
- St. John's Cathedral - A great example of Gothic architecture in the city.

If you have more time, be sure to head north to Steve and Terri Irwin's "Australia Zoo". The Australia Zoo is located in Beerwah approximately an hour's drive north of Brisbane.  There are a number of companies who operate day tours right from Brisbane which include the round-tirp transportation to the zoo, so you won't even need to rent your own vehicle in order to visit.  Also worth checking out is nearby Fraser Island, and Tangalooma Wild Dolphin Resort on Moreton Island.  Fraser Island is a World Heritage Listed island, and the largest sand island in the world ~ the only place anywhere where the rainforest actually grows on sand!  Tangalooma Island Resort is only 75 minutes from Brisbane (accessible via cruise aboard a high speed catamaran across Moreton Bay), and offers guests the incredible experience of hand feeding a pod of wild bottlenose dolphins that visit Tangalooma each evening.  For many, it's the reason they go to visit. For additional information on any of the following and more, be sure to visit Tourism Queensland's visitor Web site. Enjoy your stay!!