Sophisticated galleries, subtropical beaches, cool-climate vineyards: the greater Brisbane region delivers gasp-inducing contrasts. The region's star is Brisbane itself. Traditional home of the Jagera people, Queensland's capital has a flourishing restaurant, bar and cultural scene. Lapping at its eastern fringe is Moreton Bay, where low-lying sandy isles beckon with turquoise waves and passing parade of whales, turtles and dolphins.

Head west from Brisbane and you'll hit the Darling Downs. Home to the Jagera, Giabal and Jarowair people for millennia, its main town is underrated Toowoomba, where heritage architecture and well-pruned gardens share the streets with smashing street art, specialist coffee shops and a growing number of fashionable eateries and bars.

Things get even cooler (literally) further south in the vineyard-laced Granite Belt, a corner of the state where surf clubs and palms are ditched for elegant reds, crackling fires and the occasional mid-year snowman.