Brisbane's superb location is no accident, sitting between Moreton Bay and Islands to the east, and Ipswich and the Scenic Rim to the west and theCountry Valleys to the north-west, the city is an ideal hub to explore south-east Queensland.

MORETON BAY AND ISLANDS- Brisbane's own paradise

The Five – Five things you must do in the Moreton Bay and Islands region

• Hand Feed Dolphins - Tangalooma Island Resort, Moreton Island  
• Luxury cruise – Robinson Cruises Sailing Adventures, Moreton Bay
• Indulge in bush tucker – Indigiscapes, Redlands
• Wine Tasting – Sirromet Winery, Mt Cotton
• Appreciate the views – North and South Gorge Walk, Stradbroke Island

Bask in the spectacular beauty of the Moreton Bay and Islands region, 125 kilometres of white sand and stunning blue waters from Bribie Island in the north to the Southern Bay Islands of the Redlands.

Home to two of the world's largest sand islands – Moreton Island and North Stradbroke Island – this diverse paradise is famous for its white sandy beaches, rugged coastlines and array of outdoor activities.

Nature lovers will be inspired to explore the ocean, soaring sand dunes and abundant wetlands. Go sailing or cruising, snorkelling, kayaking and paddleboarding, sand tobogganing, four-wheel driving, bushwalking and more.

Just 30 minutes from Brisbane's CBD the bayside villages are charming communities of restaurants, cafés, a winery commanding expansive bay views, independent art galleries, museums and picnic spots.

Visit between June and October and be treated to the best show in the world, to see pods of whales migrating through the waters. This region provides the best land-based vantage points along the coast, and is a base for cruise operators, Brisbane Whale Watching and Tangalooma Island Resort. 

Arrange your trip with one of the local tour operators including, Straddie Kingfisher Tours, Robinson Cruises Sailing Adventures, Dolphin Wild Cruises, Moreton Bay Escapes, Goanna Adventures, Sunrover Expeditions and Adventure Moreton Island. All offer a variety of excursions and helpful insights to broaden your Brisbane experience.

IPSWICH- A short break from Brisbane 

The Five – Five things you must do when visiting Ipswich

• Learn about Queensland's rail history – Workshops Rail Museum
• See Ipswich and beyond – Floating Images Hot Air Ballooning
• Visit a winery – Normanby Wines      
• Scenic chopper flight – Pterodactyl helicopters
• Experience Australian wildlife - Queen's Park Nature Centre

Whether you're looking for family fun, outdoor adventure, adrenalin action, pure indulgence or a glimpse back to bygone days, Ipswich is an easy 45 minute drive from Brisbane and is well worth a day trip or a weekend getaway.

Let you hair down on a weekend away with Brisbane Skydivers and experience the thrill of falling up to 14, 000ft, or you might prefer to float withFloating Images or Hot Air Balloons Brisbane. Both operators promise guests a champagne breakfast topped by glorious panoramic views. If you want to get your heart racing, but you'd rather stay on the ground, slip behind the wheel of a V8 Supercar at the Queensland Raceway.

Family fun is in abundance across Ipswich thanks to the award-winning Workshops Rail Museum or Ipswich Art Gallery for an artistic excursion.Queens Park is a free centre to get up close and personal with Wallabies, bush-tailed Bilbies, birds and Wombats in a replica of their native habitat.

Food enthusiasts will have plenty on their plate with a range of dining options scattered across the city. Complete the weekend away with a visit to one of the local vineyards – Warrego Wines, Normanby and Iron Bark Ridge estates.

SCENIC RIM & COUNTRY VALLEYS - Brisbane's world-heritage listed backyard

The Five – Five things you must do in the Scenic Rim and Country Valleys

• Stay on a working cattle property – Lillydale Host Farm
• Enjoy a scenic tour – Bushwacker Eco Tours
• Sleep under the stars in style – Ketchup's Bank Glamping
• Climb a mountain – Mt Barney Lodge
• World-heritage listed bushwalking – O'Reilly's Rainforest Retreat

Follow the changing landscape to the west of Brisbane Scenic Rim and you'll find the Scenic Rim and Country Valleys, known for lush rainforests, spectacular mountain ranges and ancient landforms.

Enjoy the surrounds of Mt Tamborine, Mt Lindsay, Mt Barney (South-East Queensland's second tallest mountain), Mt Earnest, Mt May and Mt Maroon. Lamington National Park is a delight for those who prefer less strenuous walks. The park has more than 160 kilometres of walking tracks that reach gorges, waterfalls and lookouts.

Food and wine, romantic escapes, camping, bushwalking, country pubs, art, history and adventures are all here, tied together by the landscape and the beautiful towns and villages dotted throughout.

Experience the natural wonder of this area with a hot air balloon ride, water skiing, fishing or wine tasting.

Families can enjoy a farm stay experience while couples can opt for a cosy Bed & Breakfast or quaint retreats for romantic alternatives. A smattering of high quality restaurants serve exquisite meals, while a growing number of boutique vineyards complete the picture of a food lovers' paradise.

For more information, visit www.visitbrisbane.com.au