Top Rated Attractions in Rest of Australia

Overlooking the steel-grey waters of the Brisbane harbor, The State Library of Queensland is a treasure trove of knowledge and information. The library provides general information and research services on history, maps, rare books and the visual arts. Moreover, the establishment also offers free Internet (bookings required) and screens free films every Sunday. The library also provides a wide range of services that includes audio/visual stations, photocopying books and manuscripts and helping the local populace trace down their ancestry thanks to their extensive genealogy records.

The Gallery of Modern Art, affectionately known as GOMA, is among the foremost art venues in Brisbane. While the neighboring Queensland Art Gallery features historic pieces, GOMA, which opened in 2006, celebrates art from the 20th and 21st centuries. The museum promotes Australian artists and international talent. Known to host some avant-garde and futuristic work, this large contemporary art gallery in Australia, is a haven for the artistically inclined. They regularly host art programs, lectures, and workshops for budding artists.

Since the Gardens' opening in 1976, more than 52 hectares (130 acres) has been developed to represent plant varieties from around the world. Attractions include the Fragrant Plant and Herb Garden; the Exotic Rainforest; Japanese Garden; Tropical Dome Display; Arid Region Plants & Cactus House and the Lagoon & Bamboo Grove. A 30-minute self-guided tour of the Aboriginal Plant Display shows plants used by Aborigines for medicine, shelter and food.

Located in the South Bank Parklands, the Queensland Art Gallery is recognized as one of the most innovative and exciting visual arts centers in Australia. The gallery's diverse series of exhibitions have extensively covered all areas of the visual arts including photography, fine art, modern art, indigenous art and sculpture. Guest speakers, lectures, festivals and lively educational programs have further enhanced the gallery's reputation.

The Commissariat Store is one of the two oldest buildings in Brisbane, the other one being the Old Windmill. Steeped in history, the building was built by convicts in the 1820s. As new facets of the building come to light (like the recently excavated brick-made drains in the basement), the building becomes more and more intriguing for the common man. Used as an immigrant house in the past, the Store now functions as the headquarters of the Royal Historical Society of Queensland. A museum and the well-stocked library are also located in the building. The Commissariat Store is being used to host cultural events like book launches and music concerts too.

Nestled in the bush on the banks of the Brisbane River, Lone Pine houses at least 100 species of animals native to Australia. It is the ideal place to get a close look at unique wildlife, offering opportunities to cuddle koalas and feed kangaroos. Lone Pine is one of the oldest and largest koala sanctuaries and it operates an important breeding and research program to ensure the survival of Australia's most cherished creatures. Kangaroos, wombats, Tasmanian devils are some of the other animals spotted here. Picnic and barbecue facilities are scattered throughout the 18-hectare (44-acre) site.