Brisbane is built around the river of the same name. So it is impossible not to experience a water activity. A two and a half hour river cruise with Mirimar Cruises allows discovery of behind the scene treasures you would not necessarily see from the mainland including a wide range of Queenslander architecture. Indooroopilly Island, inhabited by fruit bats (also known as flying foxes), is also worth a glance. The audio guide will not let you miss a thing along the banks as the Mirimar II navigates its way down the Brisbane River. The experience is really worth living and the friendly staff make it even more pleasant. River boat cruises depart daily from the Cultural Centre Pontoon located really close to Queensland Art Gallery | Gallery of Modern Art and The Parklands at South Bank. This cruise is an ideal way to get to Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary which will be reviewed tomorrow...

What do you think? What's your favourite part of Brisbane? Let us know in the comments below!

iPhoneography Oz was a guest of Mirimar Cruises.

First real cultural break for iPhoneography Oz at the Queensland Art Gallery | Gallery of Modern Art. The Gallery of Modern Art, which opened its doors in December 2006, completes the building of the Queensland Art Gallery. They are located in South Brisbane, Brisbane's cultural district. Anyone might be impressed before even entering them given their massive architecture. The irony is an exhibition devoted to Henri Matisse's prints and drawings who lived much of his life in Nice (iclo's hometown) before being buried there. It is the most comprehensive ever mounted, being exhibited there until 4 March 2012. It is possible to admire over 300 works on paper by the artist. Of all the activities related to Matisse: Drawing Life, note the spectacular Drawing Room (photo) which features an abundance of objects as well as live musicians and models to draw. During the visit, we especially liked the modern and interactive approach of the exhibition with the incorporation of QR codes and the possibility to sketch on iPad in the Drawing Room.

What do you think? Have you been to the QAG|GOMA? What's your favourite museum in Brisane? What are the other things to do and tourist attractions in Brisbane? Let us know in the comments below!

iPhoneography Oz was a guest of Queensland Art Gallery | Gallery of Modern Art.

Voilà! As the signs at Brisbane Airport say: "Welcome to Australia". Here we are. Our flight to Brisbane just landed. Even if it is only 6 or 7 in the morning, we can already feel the heat from the sun. We have been told that Brisbane has a humid subtropical climate with abundant rainfall. But today the weather is just perfect. It is summertime here in Australia and the temperature is already rising. On our way to the city, which is actually the capital of Queensland, we spot a few tennis players sitting on terrace drinking coffee. There are here for the Brisbane International, a professional tennis tournament part of the ATP World Tour 250 series and of the WTA Premier tournaments. It is held just before the first Grand Slam tournament of the season, the Australian Open. Being the most populated city in the state, we expect to come across a lot of people. Actually it is quite a ghost town on January 1st. A few Christmas lights here and there. Are there all gone to the Gold Coast or what? Among those who managed to get up this morning, mostly families, many find themselves in The Parklands of South Bank situated along the banks of the Brisbane River. Formerly occupied by Indigenous tribes, this green area is now one of the most popular in the city. Its water-play park and sandy beach are reminiscent of certain parts of Miami Beach. Brisbane is not always quiet like it is today. It has played an important role in the Allied supreme military command South West Pacific Area during World War II by serving as headquarters. More recently Brisbane hosted the 1982 Commonwealth Games, World Expo 88, the 2001 Goodwill Games and some events during the 1987 Rugby World Cup, 2000 Sydney Olympics and the 2003 Rugby World Cup. The city is also a major cultural and tourist centre.