The scene is vibrant, alive with energy. The story then shifts to a different scene, a dimly lit, smoky bar in a back alley. This is a world away from the bustling South Bank. Here, the air is thick with the scent of stale beer and cigarettes. The music is loud and aggressive, a stark contrast to the gentle murmur of the river. This is the world of the underground, where secrets are whispered and deals are struck.

Jump aboard a ferry again to alight at New Farm, Kangaroo Point or Teneriffe for an afternoon stroll through one of the city’s many riverside walks. Take the return ferry to QUT Gardens Point wharf and continue your walk via the university campus and the Brisbane Botanic Gardens past a clutch of colonial-era buildings to dine in one of the city’s laneway eateries. Loading From New Farm it’s also just a 25-minute walk (or 10-minute bus ride) to Fortitude Valley. The Valley is just as lively as South Bank but the vibe is very different. Here, upmarket boutiques and high-end car showrooms jostle for space alongside remaining pockets of street art and grunge, while art galleries rub shoulders with strip joints. It’s also home to some of the city’s best music venues and you’ll often see people queueing for concerts at the Music Hall or the Tivoli while pub bands blast from many a nearby bar. Head to James Street for great outdoor dining or to one of the many rooftop bars (Iris at Hotel X is a favourite) for a fortifying cocktail and fabulous views across the city. The Valley has laneways too, decorated with street art or draped in lush greenery, where cafes and eateries abound. Back across the river, The Terrace bar atop the Emporium Hotel South Bank has wonderful city and river views. From there, stroll to West End, its narrow streets lined with little wooden Queenslanders and dotted with cafes and interesting shops. For a quieter experience, the West Village complex offers eateries and shopping, though you’re still likely to hear jazz or R&B drifting from the bars along Boundary Street. On Saturdays, wander along to Davies Park for fresh produce and yummy food at West End Markets.