A Local's Guide to Brisbane, Australia

Although Annabel Sullivan has lived in Sydney and London for stints throughout her life, she considers her birthplace and current residence — Brisbane, the capital of Queensland, Australia — her true home.

As the executive officer for Cultural Attractions of Australia (CAOA) — a collective of museums, galleries, performing arts venues, historic sites and sporting attractions across the continent — Sullivan spends much of her time advocating for CAOA members in the global tourism industry, and working toward the preservation and promotion of Australia’s cultural heritage.

While her role makes her familiar with many of Australia’s tourism gems, Sullivan says she’s got a special place in her heart for Brisbane. Here’s how visitors to this coastal gem can experience the city through her eyes.

What sets Brisbane apart is: our warm and relaxed lifestyle, and the fact that the city welcomes new faces, experiences and cultural pursuits of all kinds. And the incredible access it has to the rest of Queensland.

My perfect day consists of: going for an early-morning walk around South Bank Parklands, grabbing a coffee at my local coffee shop in West End and then heading for lunch at the Brisbane Powerhouse’s Bar Alto, which overlooks the Brisbane River. After lunch, I’d take a CityCat [double-decker ferry transportation] from New Farm park to South Bank, taking in the changing sites along the river. I’d finish with a drink and a bite to eat at one of the many bars and restaurants in the vibrant Fish Lane.

For cultural immersion, I encourage visitors to: check out the Queensland Art Gallery and Gallery of Modern Art, a CAOA member where you can get lost in an extensive collection of contemporary art from Australia, Asia and the Pacific; take in views of the Brisbane River from different vantage points within the gallery; and have lunch at its pop-up, farm-to-table dining experience. I’d highly recommend checking out the exclusive experience, “First Artists: Exceptional Indigenous Art & Dining,” where you can hear from an Australian First Nations storyteller.

RELATED: Indigenous Travel: How to Book Respectful, Responsible Experiences

One misconception about Brisbane is: that it’s a small country town. The city has transformed over the past two decades. It has an enthusiastic spirit — a desire to grow, adapt and become a better version of itself.

Brisbane’s best-kept secret: lies within the South Bank Parklands. It’s the inner-city beach at 6 a.m. At this early hour, you’ll likely have the entire man-made beach to yourself. It offers a unique perspective of the city and how the locals start their day.

For a bite, head over to: Same Same on James Street.

I recommend resting your head at: Spicers Balfour, a boutique retreat.