No longer hiding in the shadow of its bigger southern rivals, Brisbane is bold, booming and turning heads. This is a city coming of age, with vibrant restaurant and bar scenes, buzzing riverfront redevelopments and one of Australia’s best live music scenes.

What sets the city apart from Sydney and Melbourne is its year-round warmth, relaxed subtropical vibe and manageable size. Here, cosmopolitan pleasures come without the bigger-city hassles. Among them is Brisbane’s showpiece Gallery of Modern Art, Australia’s largest public gallery of contemporary art and an important global platform for Asia-Pacific artists.

Not that you’ll feel any pressure to tick off the sights. After all, this is a city with a manmade beach in the heart of the city. Don’t forget your swimsuit!