Program pitch: Brisbane / Meanjin

Start your Brisbane program with an immersive day of adventure, culture and dining. Begin with the 90-minute Story Bridge Adventure Climb, taking in sweeping views of the city, river and ranges while an expert guide shares stories of the bridge and city. Celebrate at the summit with a glass of Champagne or local beer before descending to enjoy refreshments at Howard Smith Wharves. Transfer to the City Botanic Gardens River Hub to board YOT Club, a luxury two-level vessel for a leisurely Brisbane River cruise. Enjoy a seasonal lunch, cocktails and local wines as the city skyline drifts by. Check-in at The Star Grand Brisbane, a luxurious five-star hotel in vibrant Queen's Wharf. Refreshed for the evening, enjoy exclusive after-hours access to the Queensland Art Gallery | Gallery of Modern Art (QAGOMA). Following a Welcome to Country, take a private guided tour of First Nations art led by a storyteller, artist and curator, offering rich insight into culture, history and contemporary perspectives. Conclude with an art-inspired dining experience created by a First Nations chef, where each course reflects story, place and seasonal native ingredients.

Spend a day exploring the beauty of Moreton Island aboard the luxury catamaran, the Spirit of Mulgumpin with See Moreton. Named after the First Nation’s name for Moreton Island, the 22-metre (72-foot) Spirit of Mulgumpin spans three levels with capacity for 120 guests. Snorkel at the Tangalooma Wrecks, a cluster of sunken wrecks now home to coral and over 100 species of colourful fish. Feast on a seasonal buffet lunch, explore untouched beaches with clear waters on landings and encounter dolphins, turtles and dugongs on this exclusive luxury cruise adventure. Return to the hotel and refresh to dine at the highly accoladed Agnes, one of Brisbane’s most distinctive dining venues. Cooking with fire is the theatre of the open kitchen in this Fortitude Valley warehouse venue with exclusive use for 70 guests. The seasonal menu showcases local fish and seafood, wagyu or quail, complemented by select small batch wines.

Meet Australia's iconic wildlife at Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, just 30 minutes from Brisbane. Home to more than 80 species, including 130 koalas and 150 free-ranging kangaroos and wallabies, the sanctuary offers exclusive encounters led by expert carers. Continue on a 45-minute drive to the award winning Sirromet Winery, set against breathtaking natural scenery overlooking Moreton Bay. Take a behind-the-scenes tour showcasing Queensland's Granite Belt wines. Meet the winemaker and enjoy a guided tasting before a relaxed lunch at Tuscan Terrace Restaurant, where seasonal Queensland produce is paired with Sirromet wines. Return to Brisbane to prepare for your gala evening at The Star Brisbane Event Centre. Home to Brisbane's largest hotel ballroom, this 2,000 sqm (21,527 sq. ft) venue accommodates up to 1,850 guests, providing a spectacular setting for a memorable finale to your Brisbane experience.