A Halal-friendly guide to Brisbane and the Gold Coast

Built around the snaking Brisbane River, activities in Queensland’s capital are often centred around this signature landmark. Start your adventure with a visit to South Bank, located on the banks of the river. You’ll find alfresco restaurants, live entertainment and picturesque parklands. On a summer’s day, there’s nowhere better to cool off than at the South Bank’s man-made Streets Beach, complete with a spectacular city skyline view. For an art and culture fix, explore the Queensland Art Gallery (QAG) and Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA).

Widen your horizons (quite literally), on a picnic experience with a difference. Rent an electric GoBoat to cruise past the city’s most celebrated monuments. If you’re seeking an adrenaline rush, climb to the summit of the Story Bridge for a panoramic view you’ll not soon forget.

If you have time, you shouldn't miss Brisbane's collection of easily accessible islands. Take the ferry to Moreton Island, a magnet for adventurers with its epic sand dunes, snorkelling and wildlife experiences. Every evening, a pod of dolphins swims up to the white-sand shores and are hand-fed by rangers.

Brisbane’s premier shopping precinct is the vibrant and pedestrianised Queen Street Mall district. Here, you can fix your retail cravings at a variety of modern shopping centres and iconic 1900s arcades.

In the stylish Fortitude Valley, James Street and the Emporium are teeming with local designers and high-end fashion stores. Shop for antiques and collectables in the suburbs of Woolloongabba, or head to Paddington for homewares, books and designer fashions. For unique art, fashion and accessories, head to the Fortitude Valley Markets, which are held every weekend.

For a full day of shopping, make a beeline to the biggest shopping centre in Queensland. Located on the outskirts of Brisbane, Westfield Carindale is a mecca for shopping and provides multi-faith prayer rooms on request.