Forget what you think you know about Brisbane. It’s no longer the shy sister of Sydney and Melbourne that wanders along at its own laidback pace and sits in the shadow of its more dynamic siblings. Brisbane has broken out of its shell and has turned into a real hub for food, fashion and culture. And it has better weather all year round. It’s time you explored all it has to offer.
Just to prove our point, we’re sending one of you (with a plus one of course) to Brisbane to see for yourself. When you arrive at Brisbane Airport you’ll jump onto Brisbane’s Airtrain, which is the fastest, easiest and most cost-effective way to reach the city from the airport, with great discounted solo and group fares online, and a new iPhone app allowing you to plan your journey (it’s also the way to get down to the Gold Coast in a flash, but save that for another trip). You’ll get off at Central Station in the heart of the CBD, and make your merry way upstairs to the Sofitel Brisbane Central, which is a gorgeous five star, smack-bang-in-the-city hotel with stunning city views and access to the best Brisbane has to offer. Celebrate your arrival into French luxury with Champagne and a sweet treat once you reach your room.
Junya Watanabe Comme des Garçons / Autumn/Winter 2000–01 / Collection: Kyoto Costume Institute / Photograph: Takashi Hatakeyama
What you get up to in Brisbane is up to you. You might want to stroll down James Street in Fortitude Valley (the mecca for food and fashion lovers) and stop for a lazy brunch at Gerard’s Bistro or bet it all on black at the Treasury Casino, but one thing you need to put on your list is a visit to the GOMA. That’s the Gallery of Modern Art. From 1st November, 2014 until 15th February, 2015, GOMA is showcasing the Future Beauty: 30 Years of Japanese Fashion exhibition, and you know you’ll be sure to see some out-there stuff at that. It doesn’t get more outrageous than Japanese fashion. For the duration of the exhibition there will also be Future Beauty Up Late events, which will be spread out across seven Friday evenings and feature line-ups of international, national and local bands and DJs. Oh and you can check out the exhibit at the same time and feast on Japanese-inspired food. There’s a ticket with your name on it so make sure you pack your dancing shoes and make an appearance. The dates for these exclusive events are 21st and 28th November, 5th December, 23rd and 30th January, and 6th and 13th February.
When you’re ready for some wining and dining, take advantage of your included dinner for two at Sofitel’s Thyme restaurant, a stunning space of sleek tandoori ovens, wood fired ovens and wok stations in an interactive, open plan kitchen. Menu must-haves include the plentiful fresh seafood, chocolate fountain and French desserts lovingly created in the hotel’s patisserie.
Before you have to head back home via the Airtrain, enjoy your inclusive long luxurious buffet breakfast in Thyme² then be sure to take a leisurely stroll along South Bank. Pack your togs; if the temperature is right (and it always is in Brisbane), dip your toes into the pool at Parklands.
Now that we’ve sold you on Brisbane, let’s help you get there. We’ve partnered with Brisbane’s Airtrain to bring you this amazing prize…
The Prize
– Return flights to Brisbane for two people from either Melbourne or Sydney
– Return Brisbane’s Airtrain tickets between Domestic Airport and Brisbane city for two people so you can fast-track your trip to and from the airport
– Two nights’ accommodation at the five-star Sofitel Brisbane Central including breakfast and 1x dinner for two in the hotel’s Thyme restaurant
– A double pass to the Future Beauty exhibition or Future Beauty Up Late at the Gallery of Modern Art Brisbane
The value of this prize is over $1,500.
How to Enter
1. Subscribe to our Daily Addict newsletter here (if you’re already subscribed, there’s no need to re-subscribe)
2. Tell us in 25 words or less your favourite place in Brisbane or where you’d most like to go in Brisbane. Email your answer to editorial@dailyaddict.com.au
*Competition open to Sydney and Melbourne residents only. Competition closes on Thursday 30th October at midnight AEST.
