Brisbane – The river city and capital of the sunshine state. Famous for its amazing climate which is near perfect all year round, as well as its proximity to Queensland’s very best tourist attractions. Having been a local for the past 25 years, I’m lucky enough to have seen it flourish. Whether you are a local or a tourist, the abundance of things to do and places to eat at is immense. So here is how I explore Brisbane and how you can #GoLikeALocal following my Brisbane itinerary.

Tigerair’s #GoLikeALocal

Tigerair’s #GoLikeALocal campaign is here to showcase local and tourist hotspots around Australia. As I am sharing my local hotspots, I encourage you to get super creative and share your hotspots with me via Instagram. Via uploading your favourite local hotspot you go in the draw to win a $250 Tigerair flight voucher, allowing you to jet set off to any location. So head over to Tigerair to start planning your ultimate Australian trip.

To enter, simply follow the steps below

1. Upload a photo of your favourite local hotspot to your Instagram
2. Tag #GoLikeALocal @tigerairaustralia and @codiezofia

The competition will be open for one week. It will be drawn on the 26th of March.

Please note you must be an Australian resident and 18+ to enter.

Spend the day at Southbank

Southbank is a short stroll from the heart of Brisbane’s CBD. Its own bustling hub of activities and places to eat is seeing its popularity grow with everyone from foodies to families and is a must on anyones Brisbane itinerary. Whether it is enjoying a delicious meal, immersing yourself in art and history or just taking it easy, Southbank’s diversity is sure to have something for everyone. Personally Southbank is a favourite of mine, its sheer amount of diversity as well as its more laid back feel allows you to relax and enjoy whatever you decide on doing. Needless to say the list of things to do is endless.

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Queensland Gallery of Modern Art

The Queensland Gallery of Modern Art or GOMA for short is in the heart of the cultural precinct within Southbank. It is home to numerous national and international exhibitions, seeing an array of historical, modern and contemporary art. Some of the very best exhibitions have shown at GOMA including Marvel. Currently on exhibition is the 9th Asia Pacific Triennial, showcasing artists from across the Asia Pacific. This exhibition is seeing more than 400 pieces of art created by over 80 artists. The 9th Asia Pacific Triennial is running until the 28th of April. Other exhibitions currently showing are A Fleeting Bloom (ends 29th of September), Indigenous Australian Art (permanent) and an International Art Collection (permanent).

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Queensland Gallery and Science Centre

Being a Brisbane local the Queensland Gallery and Science Centre was a massive part of my childhood. School excursions exploring the exhibitions in awe, standing beneath a life size whale hanging from the ceiling and being transported back to when dinosaurs roamed with their robotic dinosaurs. Now it is the perfect place to immerse yourself in history, art and the wonders of the world. Perhaps you are just in need of peace and quiet and this is the perfect place for that. Recently opened NASA: A Human Adventure will see you coming face to face with the incredible achievements in human space flights and space exploration. We are lucky to have it right here in Brisbane, as it is the most comprehensive touring space exhibition in the world. It features over 250 historically significant artefacts from the United States and Soviet space programs

Streets Beach

The man made beach in the heart of Southbank is ideal for families or if you are in need of a bit of relaxation. It is Australia’s only inner-city beach. Boasting white sandy beaches and sub-tropical plants. The city skyline is the perfect backdrop to the blue lagoon and contrasting white sand. Spend the day lagoon side whether that is reading a book, taking a dip or working on that tan. An early morning dip to start your day is something I love to do.

Indulge your sweet tooth

Southbank is home to two of my favourite guilty pleasures, Doughnut Time and Gelato Messina. The perfect stops if its your cheat day or to simply satisfy that sweet tooth. Reopening at the end of last year, Doughnut Time is back to satisfying the doughnut lovers of Brisbane. A variety of flavours await you, in additon to new flavours being released every few weeks. If you haven’t tried Gelato Messina, you are majorly missing out. The Southbank store feels more like a nightclub/bar. Dimly lit with music playing. A forty flavour case awaits you, seeing thirty-five traditional flavours and 5 rotating weekly specials. Believe me when I say the choice is overwhelming. Get yourself a cup or a cone and what I love to do is walk to the riverfront and enjoy the view.

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Eat & Drink your way through Brisbane

A Brisbane itinerary wouldn’t be complete with a food and drink section. If you know me you will know I am a foodie and I definitely appreciate a delicious meal, alongside an incredible drink. Below are my go to cafes and restaurants that are a perfect stop while exploring Brisbane.

Denim Co

Tucked away in Southbank’s restaurant strip, Denim Co is serving us Brisbane locals delicious meals from breakfast all the way through to dinner. Needless to say this along with its ideal location is making it the go to place either during the day or night. My follow sweet tooth’s, I highly recommend the strawberry choco s’mores waffles. Indulgent Belgian waffles are topped with melted marshmallows, chocolate fudge sauce, buttery jam biscuits and fresh strawberries. My go to drink at Denim Co is the coconut and pineapple punch, with one sip you are transported to a tropical island! Another delicious option is the apple pie jaffle.

Address: Shop/9A Little Stanley St, South Brisbane QLD 4101

Jo-Jo’s

In its new home of bustling West End, Jo-Jo’s is still offering its delicious food to the Brisbane population. Serving mouth watering cuisines from around the world, shared eats, curated wines and of course delectable cocktails. In addition to all of this is the atmosphere of Jo-Jo’s. A sophisticated approach to decorating, with a slight hint of bohemian vibes makes you feel as if you’ve been transported to Bali. Large white vases, where greenery hangs against the black surrounds creates the perfect backdrop to indulge in delicious food and drinks.

Address: 170 Melbourne St, South Brisbane QLD 4101

Nodo Donuts

With three locations around Brisbane, Nodo Donuts is providing us Brisbane locals with wholesome and healthy meals. Established in 2014 with the premise of spreading happiness via baked goods with naturally gluten free ingredients. Their menu is full of savoury goodness with such favourites as avocado on sourdough to the classic Acai bowls. If you are all about shakes, Nodo’s got you covered. An abundance of shake flavours incorporating superfoods to keep you healthy and happy are available to satisfy your quench. All while making you feel incredibly healthy.

Locations:

Newstead  – 1 Ella St

Brisbane CBD – 300 Elizabeth Street

Camp Hill – 25 Samuel Street

Little Big House

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A heritage listed Queenslander, once the South Bank Police Station now houses Little Big House. Now sitting under the Flight Centre HQ and the luxurious Emporium Hotel. Whether it is for lunch or dinner, Little Big House is the ideal stop. Sit down and enjoy a cocktail or wine, or feast on the delicious menu. From their signature chicken parmy spring rolls, nachos to burgers the menu is perfect no matter your taste. Needless to say the drink menu follows this with a variety of beers and cocktails on offer. Above all, all of this as well as its prime location in Southbank is making it the place to be. My recommendations the chicken parmy spring roll, salt & pepper calamari, pina colada slushie and an espresso martini (all pictured above).

Address: 18 Southpoint, 271 Grey St, South Brisbane QLD 4101

Shop till’ you drop at Queensplaza

Queensplaza is the ultimate fashion lover’s dream, as a result iconic Australian designers are converging. Therefore you will be able to shop at such brands as Aje, Alice McCall, Camilla and Sass & Bide to name a few. By far one of my favourite locations to explore and delve into the delights that are Australian designers. Not to mention that the centre itself is simply stunning and if you really want to treat yourself the international designers have also converged here. From the classics at Chanel, daintiness at Dior and the newly opened Saint Laurent.

Aje

Aje is essentially what my wardrobe is comprised of. Its basis is effortless essentials and statement making occasional pieces. From white tees with embellishment or ribbon accents, leather skirts, denim skirts to more elaborate designs incorporating sequencing and pleating. Their pieces are raw, with a focus on tough femininity and subtle coolness. Each season is a celebration of Edwina and Adrian’s love of the arts, as well as traditional artisanal techniques, craftsmanship and quality. The price of each piece is worth it considering how long it lasts and how they do not date.

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Camilla

For the lovers of bright colours, intricate patterns and delicate details – Camilla is the go to designer for those show stopping pieces that are conversation starters. Luxurious silks is what majority of Camilla’s pieces are made from and gorgeous swarvoski’s adorn the pieces. Inspiration for each collection stems from Camilla’s travels, from India, Japan to her most recent collection being based around the romantic and luxurious France. Below are a few of my favourite pieces from the La Fleur Libertine collection.

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Zimmermann

Known for intricate detailing, a gorgeous colour palette and pretty prints. Every season and collection Zimmermann is bound to amaze you and have you writing a wish list as long as your body. Whether you are in need of an intricate detailed dress, a treat yourself worthy bikini or a gorgeous set perfect for summer days. Zimmermann’s got you covered. My love of prints, intricate detailing and ruffles always is satisfied by Zimmermann. A few of my favourite pieces from their recent collection is below.

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Remember to enter the competition to win a $250 flight voucher so you can explore somewhere in Australia! Tag @tigerairaustralia and @codiezofia showing off your local hotspots in a creative way to win!