Brisbane
 

Brisbane is a subtropical city of about 1.8 million people. Winters are mild and dry: in July, the average temperature ranges from 22 to 12°C, so it's unlikely that you'll have need of woollies or wet weather gear while you are here.

Brisbane is about 1–1½ hours' drive away from surf beaches to the north (the Sunshine Coast) and south (the Gold Coast and Surfers' Paradise). These can easily be reached by car or by public transport. In Moreton Bay, to the east, Moreton Island and North Stradbroke Island are also in easy reach. From the oceanward side of Stradbroke, at this time of year you can generally see whales migrating north, and dolphins and large ocean-going turtles in the shallower waters. In the hinterland of Brisbane, there are a number of places where you can visit subtropical rainforest. There are several wildlife parks in and around Brisbane, including the well-known Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary and Australia Zoo.

The OurBrisbane visitors' guide is recommended here.