Seventeen-time Grand slam victor and unashamed Lindt chocolate lover, Roger Federer has already been crowned the champion of Brisbane – and the finals of the Brisbane International are yet to be decided.
The Fed Express pulled into Brisbane last Saturday and promptly got to work spruiking the River City. He also found time for a spot of tennis, beating wildcard John Millman to set up a quarter-final showdown with another Aussie in James Duckworth.
Nevertheless, it's off court that Mr Federer is drawing spectators. He uses emojis. He hashtags. He strolls through the Botanic Gardens like a god among men.
Switzerland's finest export asked his 2.5 million Twitter followers for suggestions of where to visit in the Queensland capital and, boy, did they deliver! If you want to holiday in Brisbane like the current World No.2, here's how.
Fed says: Get your art on
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"I should have worn a matching shirt #GomaBrisbane" (Image: Twitter @rogerfederer)
Rog went dotty at Brisbane's Gallery of Modern Art, taking a moment of to ponder the colour palate of Yayoi Kusama's 'Obliteration Room'.
GOMA's current headlining exhibition Future Beauty: 30 Years of Japanese Fashion runs until February 15. You can triple the fun by popping into the neighbouring Queensland Museum and Queensland Art Gallery.
GOMA is a world-class art institution located in Brisbane's Cultural Centre precinct – an easy walk from the CBD over the Queen Victoria Bridge or stroll along the river promenade from South Bank.
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Fed says: Stay in style
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Suite dreams at the Stamford (Image: stamford.com.au/spb)
A man whose competition prize money exceeds $US88 million isn't going to catch Z's in any ol' budget abode. No – it's only the best for Mr Federer.
When a well-travelled man of discerning taste visits Brisbane, he chooses to bunk down in style at the Stamford Plaza.
The Stamford Suite – the epitome of luxury at the hotel – will set you back a cool $1,695 per night. You can also add on the Ultimate High Life package if chauffeured limousines and French champagne are your kind of thing.
Too rich for your taste? The Marriott, Hilton, newly revamped Inchcolm Suites and tech-tastic NEXT Hotel are all equally chic.
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Fed says: Meet (and feed) the locals
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"Hanging with dolphins at @Tangalooma! What animals have you met in Qld? #thisisqueensland" (Image: Twitter @rogerfederer)
Everyone has a travel bucket list – even a world-dominating tennis pro! Feeding wild dolphins at Tangalooma was a photo opp The Fed simply couldn't refuse.
Cuddling koalas is clearly old hat. Fed says he hopes the dolphins will be his lucky charm in winning the Brisbane International and perhaps another Australian Open, because why settle for winning it just four times?
Perpetual family favourite, Tangalooma Island Resort is a 75-minute journey from Brisbane in the Moreton Bay region. Yes – you too can hand-feed the wild bottlenose dolphins!
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Fed says: See the sights
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"Amazing sunset #thisisqueensland Thanks for a wonderful day and see you at @BrisbaneTennis tomorrow" (Image: Twitter @rogerfederer)
"Queensland is one of the better places on this planet ... for those who like to travel, I would suggest you come here and visit it yourself," says the man himself.
"Brisbane by helicopter" (Image: Twitter @rogerfederer)
From capturing beach sunsets to bird's-eye city views on a private helicopter tour, Fed has been seeing and sharing the sights of Brisbane better than any postcard or pamphlet ever could. And the crowd goes wild!
