While Sydney and the Great Barrier Reef were definite highlights of our time in Australia, really the best part was getting to spend time with Vikram’s extended family in Brisbane. Vikram has about 20 family members in Brisbane, including aunts and uncles, cousins, second cousins, and one grandniece.

Because we wanted to prioritize time with family, we used Brisbane as our base to do the shorter trips to Sydney and the reef. But that being said, Brisbane had its own highlights to offer:

• Playing with koalas and kangaroos at Lone Pine Sanctuary: Get your fix of Australian wildlife here! You can feed the kangaroos, hold a koala, and check out wombats, dingos, and tons of other native Australian animals.

• Soaking up the sun on the Sunshine Coast: About a two hour drive from Brisbane, Noosa and the Sunshine Coast is everyone’s ideal beach getaway. We spent two nights up there with Vikram’s family, and our main agenda was beach time and swimming in the waves (and eating). Australia’s beaches are pretty exquisite anywhere you go!

• Enjoying a barbecue at Kangaroo Point: Our first weekend in town, the family took us out for a big barbecue on the river across from downtown Brisbane. While we neither saw any wild kangaroos or ate any kangaroo, we did have a wonderful time watching the sunset and admiring the city skyline.

• Riding bikes along the river: Renting bikes in Brisbane is fairly easy and inexpensive, and there is a lovely bike path along the river. We rode for about an hour and a half, ending at Green Beacon brewery for beer and seafood.

• Going to a rugby game: The Brisbane Broncos are one of the best rugby teams in Australia—we had a great time at their game!

But again, the best part of Brisbane was spending time with family. Everyone was so warm and welcoming, and we can’t wait to come back and visit again!

Thanks for being such wonderful hosts and for showing us a great time!