The place to go is Archerfield a short drive to the south of Brisbane, easily reached with public transport.
The club to aim for is Royal Queensland Aero Club (
Royal Queensland Aero Club).
They do everything and will get you airborne, I speak from my own experience.
The orientation flight will have you flying up the coast and admiring the Pacific Ocean breaking onto the rocks below, no thought about a lifejacket. It's a wonderful experience.
(are you based on Lake Geneva?)