El Encanto

Keen to get some exercise in? El Encanto is close to Toohey Forest Park (25 minutes’ walk), where you can hike up to Sandstone Lookout or Apollo’s Aspect for glimpses over Brisbane, looking out for kookaburras as you climb. There are also spectacular views of the city from Mount Gravatt Lookout in Mount Gravatt Conservation Reserve (10 minutes’ drive). Head to artificial Streets Beach for sunning on the sand, and for more cultural pursuits check out the inspiring art in Queensland Art Gallery and Gallery of Modern Art (both 15 minutes). Dine on the side of Brisbane River at Howard Smith Wharves (20 minutes), or take the lift up Wilson Outlook Reserve (15 minutes) to see the sun set over the ocean. If you fancy a bit of island-hopping, get the ferry from Toondah Harbour (half an hour) to North Stradbroke Island to have a swim from Cylinder Beach, encounter koalas and kangaroos (the latter sometimes on the beach), or spy whales passing by between May and October.