Brisbane - Winter Escape

Where to go

New musical Doctor Zhivago is set against the turbulent backdrop of early 20th-century Russia. It's a love story on a grand scale with Anthony Warlow in the title role. QPAC Lyric Theatre, Cnr Melbourne & Grey Sts, South Brisbane 4101. 6 Jul-14 Aug.

Bend your mind around the works in Surrealism: The Poetry of Dreams, an exhibition direct from Paris's Pompidou Centre. Exclusive to Brisbane's magnificent GOMA, the exhibition will include more than 180 paintings, sculptures, photographs and films by artists such as Dali, Duchamp, Ernst, Magritte, Man Ray, Picasso, Pollock, and Dorothy Tanning. Gallery of Modern Art, Stanley Pl, South Bank, QLD 4101. (07 3840 7303).

You'll need to clear your schedule in September for three weeks of the most exciting theatre, dance, music and art on show as a part of the Brisbane Festival. The full programme is announced in early July and tickets will go fast so book early. Around Brisbane. 3-24 Sep.

Where to eat

The capital's culinary scene keeps getting better. Under the watchful eye of star chef Matt Moran, Aria Brisbane has taken some of Sydney's signature dishes - including the Kurobuta pork belly and Peking duck consommé - but also has a number of local delights featuring Queensland produce. Eagle Street Pier, Brisbane, QLD 4000. (07 3233 2555).

Get on over to Paddington to Libertine where cocktails and share plates collide. 61 Petrie Tce, Paddington, QLD 4064. (07 3367 3353).

The recently opened Saké has brought creative Japanese flavours to Brisvegas. Lvl 1, 45 Eagle St Pier, Brisbane, QLD 4000. (07 3339 0999).

And there's the always-amazing shared plate and bistro mains at Crosstown Eating House. 23 Logan Rd, Woolloongabba, QLD 4102. (07 3162 3839).

Where to drink

A short drive from Libertine is the Lark, which specialises in brilliant tapas and original cocktails. This restaurant-cum-bar has such a solid drinks and food menu that you'll definitely be stumped when being asked what to order, so leave it in the hands of Nick Edwards. 1/267 Given Tce, Paddington, QLD 4064. (07 3369 1299).

The cocktail list at the Bowery is one of the most exciting in town 676 Ann St, Brisbane, QLD 4006. (07 3252 0202). For cocktails on a summer's eve, there's no better place to be than on the balcony at Sky Room 2/234 Wickham St, Fortitude Valley, QLD 4006. (07 3852 4718).

Where to stay

The Emporium Hotel in the Valley is one of Brisbane's best-kept secrets. The 5-star boutique hotel has eclectic furniture, plush Sealy beds, a rooftop pool and swanky bar that serves up seriously good cocktails. The Emporium complex also features a brilliant bottle shop that you could spend hours in choosing a top French drop. 1000 Ann St, Fortitude Valley, QLD 4006. (07 3253 6999).

Over at the Sofitel Brisbane in the city, it's all about modern luxury with fine service and excellent wining and dining. Try and score an upgrade for access to the hotel's top-floor club lounge. 249 Turbot St, Brisbane, QLD 4000. (07 3835 3535).

How to get there

Virgin Australia offers several daily non-stop flights from Sydney to Brisbane. Fly Virgin for its lounges, Live2Air television on-board, star chef Luke Mangan's new food menu and the hundreds of Velocity points earned on each trip.

For more information go to Amex Velocity.

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