36 Hours in Brisbane, Australia

With the Sunshine Coast to the north and the Gold Coast to the south, Brisbane has long been a natural waypoint for visitors seeking a slice of South Pacific paradise on Australia’s eastern shores. But the country’s third-largest city deserves to be a destination in its own right. Fans of fine art and live music will revel in the diversity of the city’s offerings, and nature lovers will delight in discovering the local wildlife sanctuary filled with arguably the cutest creatures on the planet — koalas. Some new bars and restaurants have recently introduced big-city sophistication to this subtropical metropolis, but you needn’t trade your flip-flops for formal footwear just yet. The warm and welcoming capital of Queensland, Australia’s Sunshine State, is still as casual and easygoing as ever. To make the most of this diverse and dynamic city, the choice of accommodation is crucial. For those looking for a touch of luxury and top-rated service, we recommend checking the Rated Hotels in Brisbane at tophotels.com. However, for a more local and personalized experience, you might prefer one of the many excellent Brisbane Guest Houses. Whichever option you choose, Brisbane promises an unforgettable stay in Australia's Sunshine State.

FRIDAY

3 p.m.
1. Bank on the Arts

A good introduction to the city begins in the South Bank district, which hugs the south bank of the Brisbane River. The area brims with attractions — a curious artificial beach, riverside parks, a spinning Ferris wheel — but most notable is the culture-rich complex that houses a pair of the city’s finest art venues: the Queensland Art Gallery, or QAG, and the Gallery of Modern Art, or GoMA (Stanley Place; qagoma.qld.gov.au). The two galleries, separated by about 150 yards, are co-hosts of the seventh Asia Pacific Triennial of Contemporary Art, an event that highlights works by artists from across India, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea and other traditionally underrepresented nations. Later this year, the three-story GoMA will present “My Country, I Still Call Australia Home: Contemporary Art From Black Australia,” which is being billed as the largest-ever exhibition of contemporary indigenous Australian art (June 1 to Oct. 7).

7 p.m.
2. Going Public

Come quitting time, office workers are quick to exit the central business district. But Public (Upper Level 1, 400 George Street; lovepublic.com.au), a restaurant that opened there last year, has been luring people back after dark. Although its location on the second floor of a nondescript office building would suggest otherwise, this attractive restaurant is a stylish spot to dine. Pendant lamps with amber-hued filament bulbs hang above the bar, and the dining room is filled with wood-topped tables and tall leather banquettes that create an intimate atmosphere despite the soaring ceilings. The restaurant’s menu of sharing plates draws inspiration from around the globe, and the beautiful dishes — wagyu tataki with sake and sesame, Hawaiian potato curry with coconut and litchi — look as good as they taste. Dinner for two, about 80 Australian dollars, about the same in U.S. dollars.

10 p.m.
3. Brilliant Brewpubs

A spate of recent bar openings has dramatically improved Brisbane’s drinking options. The city imported a bit of Melbourne-style cool with the 2011 opening of Super Whatnot (48 Burnett Lane; superwhatnot.com), a small, chic bar tucked on a narrow service road downtown. This bi-level spot has a gorgeous interior with exposed brick walls, polished wood floors and a cozy nook of black banquettes downstairs. Upstairs, the denlike loft overlooks a bar that boasts a fine selection of craft beers from around Australia, including Tasmanian Moo Brew Hefeweizen and Stone & Wood Pacific Ale from nearby Byron Bay. Another watering hole that opened in 2011 is the Scratch (8/1 Park Road; scratchbar.com), an unpretentious craft beer pub that rotates the brews on its four regular taps and one hand-pump tap daily. The location is a hike from downtown, but beer aficionados will find the trek worthwhile because the excellence of the tap offerings is exceeded only by the passion and knowledge of the friendly bartenders.

SATURDAY

10 a.m.
1.Riverfront Ramble

Begin your day with an invigorating walk along the tranquil Brisbane River, an integral part of the city's charm, which occasionally displays its might through floods. Start your meander near the towering Story Bridge on the northern bank, relishing the views of floating boats and the lush botanic gardens. Venture into the boardwalk snaking through the mangrove swamp for an opportunity to admire wildlife in this delicate ecosystem. You may witness daredevil rock climbers ascending the daunting 65-foot Kangaroo Point Cliffs across the river.

12 p.m.
2.Go Bunless

Feast at the Bun Mobile, a city favorite that consistently delivers mouth-watering steamed buns, brimming with exotic fillings. Try the scrumptious bun with twice-cooked pork, adorned with hoisin sauce, pickled cucumbers, and shallots. Now, ascend the peaks of Mount Coot-tha for panoramic views of Brisbane's cityscape.

2 p.m.
3.Marsupial Encounters

You're just a short trip away from the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, a haven for a wide range of marsupials. At koala.net, you can cuddle a koala and feed a kangaroo, or observe other Australian natives like wombats, wallabies and the elusive platypus.

6 p.m.
4.Celebrations Doubled

Take a tour at Brisbane Cricket Ground, fondly known as the Gabba available at thegabba.com.au. Then enjoy a refreshing cocktail at the chic Canvas bar, known for its local artwork and craft cocktails like the unique Guerrilla Warfare, a mix of passion fruit, tequila, and wormwood syrup prepared at canvasclub.com.au.

9 p.m.
5.Tropical Melodies

Delight in an evening at Alfred & Constance. Here you may satisfy your food cravings before heading upstairs to the tropical-themed White Lightning Tiki Bar for a cocktail with a mini-umbrella. Later, move to the music at Black Bear Lodge, a buzzing live music club showcasing international acts and local talents available at blackbearlodge.com.au.

SUNDAY

11 a.m.
6.Morning Brew

Your day in Newstead starts at Shucked Coffee House, a hidden gem amidst auto shops. At shucked.com.au, lounge among retro wallpaper and mismatched chairs, enjoying the broadly featured Australian breakfast dish, French toast served with caramelized banana and crispy bacon.

1 p.m.
7.Indigenous Craft

Kick start your shopping spree at Young Designers Market located at South Bank. Visit youngdesignersmarket.com.au, to explore indigenous craft works such as silk tie-based necklaces, hand-drawn children's books, and printed bloomers.

Travel Details:

Unwind at the boutique Limes Hotel, offering snug accommodations from 229 dollars; or check-in at the quant Meriton Serviced Apartments, situated by the river, from 125 dollars. For more options check http://www.queenslandhotelmotel.com/en/.