A city full of life, Brisbane

Asko Meriläinen Project Matka
I specialise in independent, tailor-made tours to Australia, New Zealand, and the Pacific Islands. As a Finnish-born Australian citizen living Down Under for over 20 years, I combine tourism qualifications, extensive experience, and first-hand local expertise to offer flexible and personal service.Because I am based locally, I can provide you with the best insider tips and prompt assistance throughout your journey.

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Asko Meriläinen

Your travel planner, Entrepreneur

I had the opportunity to spend another month in Brisbane, the capital of Queensland. Although I travel here often, I tend to forget how much culture, restaurants, and city life Brisbane has to offer.

The city is constantly growing and transforming. A new casino complex is being built on the riverbank in the heart of the city. This complex will comprise four hotels, an outdoor space, several restaurants, and a shopping centre. It is expected to be completed by the end of 2024.

The Queen Street promenade already boasts all the major shops and malls. The downtown area, also known as the CBD (central business district), is particularly busy during the week, with the city bustling with activity. You can easily spend the day shopping, enjoy a light lunch at one of the city’s many takeaways, or have a leisurely lunch at one of the numerous riverside restaurants.

Queen Street, Brisbane, Australia

If you have a passion for musicals, theatre, or opera, then the South Bank area is certainly worth a visit. The Queensland Performing Arts Centre, located in this area, is an excellent venue for witnessing international hits. Additionally, the South Bank River is home to the Queensland Museum, Library and Art Museum, which are all worth a visit.

Brisbane, Australia

Brisbane is a city that hosts a variety of festivals and events throughout the year, making it an exciting destination for visitors. For instance, in May, there was a free light festival at the Botanic Gardens. One of the most significant cultural events in Brisbane is the annual Brisbane Festival held in September, which lasts for almost a month. This cultural event features international performances, art, dance, and much more, making it a must-visit for all culture enthusiasts.

Brisbane, Australia

Restaurant culture has undergone significant changes in recent years. New restaurants are opening frequently, offering a diverse range of flavours from various cultures worldwide. Asian food culture is deeply rooted in the Australian culture, with traditional dishes and fusion flavours that combine different cultures and traditions.

Brisbane, Australia

There are numerous sporting events that take place in the city for sports enthusiasts. Throughout the winter months, Australia observes the AFL (Australian football) and the NRL (rugby league). However, traditional football has also gained popularity in the country. The Gabba is Brisbane’s most famous stadium, located just a short distance from the city centre. During summer, cricket is the preferred sport while football is on break. I highly recommend attending a game, even if you’re not an ardent sports fan, as the atmosphere in the stadium is worth experiencing.

Brisbane, Australia

Author: Asko Meriläinen
Photo Credits: Asko Meriläinen

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Asko Meriläinen Project Matka

Ready to plan your dream journey to Oceania?

I am a qualified travel professional from Finland, living in Australia for over 20 years. Because I am based locally in the destination, I will tailor-make your itinerary with the best insider tips and provide reliable on-the-ground support throughout your trip.

Get in touch, and let’s make your travel dreams come true! Read more >

Asko Meriläinen

Your travel planner, entrepreneur


google

A tour operator you can trust. 5 week tour of New Zealand and Australia, everything went as agreed and as stated in the itinerary. Great job Asko and Project tours. Really professional operation and service

google

A very well-organized trip to Australia and New Zealand. Thank you!

google

The concept worked perfectly for us:Peaceful vacation: We appreciated that it wasn’t a group trip. We were able to explore the destinations at our own pace, but the schedule and advance reservations gave the trip a clear framework.Reservations in order: All hotel and tour reservations worked flawlessly in principle.Safety net: When there were twists and turns along the way – such as flight cancellations – the office handled the situations for us nicely. It was relaxing to know that someone else would take care of the logistics if the original plan changed.

google

Great trip and nicely organized according to my wishes

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Great service.😍

google

A 2-week tour of Australia tailored for us. Interesting destinations and good hotels. Exceptions to the planned program were handled very well. I highly recommend!

Pipsa 5 7.4.2025
google

The trip went well. The destinations were interesting and the transportation was handled as planned. I definitely recommend this trip organizer.

google

Asko listened to our wishes and tailored the package to our needs. Highly recommended!

google

We had a wonderful 4,5 week tour across Australia and Project Matka made excellent job planning the trip and made all needed reservations including all travel, accommodation and activities. The schedule and all activities were really well planned and we saw a lot of Australia, its nature and animals and the culture during our trip. We absolutely loved our trip!

Matti 6.12.2024
google

Big thanks to Asko and Project travel! I was on a 3-week vacation in Australia. All the details were carefully and carefully planned and thought out. The trip went without a hitch. I got to see amazing places and have new experiences. Super thanks. I can warmly recommend Asko and Project travel!

google

Many thanks to Asko and Project Matka. A wonderfully planned and executed three-week trip to Australia, during which we got to explore great city destinations and above all, wonderful nature, from rainforests to fabulously beautiful sandy beaches and, as the cherry on the cake, snorkeling on the reef. The arrangements were really well made. With the written and verbal instructions from Asko, it was easy and safe for even the most relaxed traveler to travel. I recommend Project Matka, with their help you can tailor a trip to your own preferences.

google

I can really recommend Projekt Matka. They planned a memorable New Zealand and Australia tour for me, everything went smoothly. Asko was always available quickly when I needed advice or directions. A well thought out trip!

google

The travel program was as tight as we had hoped, but it ran smoothly and every detail was carefully thought out. The arrangements exceeded our expectations in every way.

google

My experience with Project Matka was absolutely outstanding! From start to finish, they provided exceptional services that went above and beyond my expectations.First and foremost, the planning process was a breeze, thanks to their invaluable tips and recommendations. Asko, from Project Matka, not only designed our dream holiday but also added incredible value by suggesting fantastic restaurant options and local gems that truly made our trip unforgettable. It's the little details like these that make all the difference.Moreover, the communication with Project Matka was superb. Asko and his team made sure we felt like we were in exceptionally good hands throughout our entire journey. They were responsive, attentive, and always ready to address any questions or concerns we had, ensuring a stress-free and enjoyable experience.Thanks to Project Matka, we had a dream holiday that exceeded our expectations. I can't recommend them enough for their top-notch services, thoughtful planning, and outstanding communication. Asko, you delivered our dream holiday, and we're incredibly grateful. 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

google

If you are considering a trip to Australia and/or New Zealand don’t hesitate to use Project Matka. We are experienced travelers and never used an agent prior to this trip. Project Matka not only listened to our wants, preferences, style, likes and dislikes, but provided guidance and suggestions we hadn’t consider. Our final itinerary not only met but exceeded our expectations. The cities, hotels, tours which was a combination of self guided, private and semi-private tours was seamless and absolutely perfect. We spent 30 days between the two countries and it was a trip of a lifetime primarily due to the support we got for Project Matka.

JK 24.4.2023
google

Asko Project Matka helped me plan and implement a wonderful holiday in Melbourne. However, in a relatively short time I managed to see a lot. Thanks to the useful tips I received from Asko. His local knowledge of Melbourne is in a class of its own. I can warmly recommend Project Matka if you are looking for a holiday in Australia!

google

A thousand thanks to Asko and Project Matka for the absolutely fantastic arrangements for our trip to central Australia. Everything went perfectly, and the experiences were one after the other. We asked for an active itinerary with hiking in stunning landscapes as the main focus, and that's what we definitely got. Other highlights included dinner under the stars, a camel ride at sunrise, and the light art installation Field of Lights. Warm recommendation to Asko and the Project Matka team.


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