From idyllic views of the Brisbane River and a spot of shopping on James Street, to the city’s buzzing art scene, there’s so much to see and do in Queensland’s capital city.

Located in the heart of the CBD and overlooking the Brisbane River is your new home-away-from-home: W Brisbane. This hotel truly sparks joy: from the welcoming reception desks, to the pops of colour in the stunning rooms, and of course the eclectic pool deck known as WET, W Brisbane is equal parts playful and relaxing. Don’t miscategorise this joyful hotel, though—this is a 5-star property that oozes decadence. The rooms are spacious and luxe, featuring comfortable beds, views of the Brisbane skyline, amenities by luxury beauty brand Davines and fluffy robes. I highly recommend booking the ‘Spectacular’ guest room if a suite is slightly out of your budget as it truly lives up to its name. When you’re not out exploring all that Brisbane has to offer, enjoy a cocktail at Living Room Bar or poolside at the rooftop WET Deck, or dial the hotel’s signature Whatever/Whenever staff for exactly that: whatever you want, whenever you want it. Do not leave the hotel without an appointment at AWAY Spa (but more on that below!). 

Dine on delicious modern Australian fare at Three Blue Ducks, a restaurant you’re likely familiar with (it has outposts in Sydney, Byron and Melbourne, too). The best bit? If you’re staying at the W Brisbane, it’s located in the hotel (yes, really!), so you can pop up to your room and straight to bed after enjoying a meal of fresh local oysters, ethical wines and local lamb shoulder cooked in the restaurant’s signature wood-fired oven. They also do breakfast and lunch—I visited for brunch and enjoyed one of the most delicious avocado on toast dishes I’ve ever tried (and that’s saying something).

On a Saturday morning you’ll find the West End Markets, featuring more than 150 vendors across farm-fresh produce, boutique fashion and handcrafted gifts. But it’s the former that’s really worth the trip: pick up organic fresh fruit and vegetables, delicious baked goods and healthy “fast” food like nutrient-rich salads. Sip on organic coffee while you lay back on the grass and listen to live music under towering Moreton Bay Figs.

This award-winning restaurant is a local favourite. Enjoy great wine and a menu that focuses on seasonal produce in Middle Eastern cuisines. Start with wood-fired laffa bread, labneh and za’atar, before Fraser Isle spanner crab ‘tabouli’ and wagyu with macadamia mustard. Go with a group if you can—the banquet is truly something else.

I promised more details on W Spa—it’s so good, it’s worth a visit even if you aren’t staying at the hotel. Boasting an incredible list of treatments, the spa is also home to two mineral rich vitality pools, as well as steam and sauna rooms. I highly recommend the deep tissue massage known playfully as You Knead Me. Truly the best massage I’ve ever had to date (and I’ve had a few..!). Post-treatment, your therapist will usher you gently onto the river-facing relaxation pods to enjoy a herbal tea or champagne to finish.

When it comes to shopping in Brisbane, there really is no place like James Street. Browse Australian designers like St Agni, Natasha Schweitzer, Aje, Sir the Label, Venroy, Bec + Bridge, Assembly Label and so much more.

Get your steps in by doing Brisbane Riverwalk, a waterside track for pedestrians and cyclists that takes you alongside the Brisbane River between trendy suburb New Farm to the Howard St Wharves and on to the Brisbane CBD. Spend the afternoon in South Bank, a manmade city beach (complete with surf lifesavers) with the best views in town.