Brisbane - Queensland Travel Highlights

Brisbane is the capital of the state of Queensland. It has a population of about 2 million people, and is the third-largest, and fastest growing, city in Australia.

It is situated on the Brisbane River on low-lying Floodplain between Moreton Bay and the Great Dividing Range in south-eastern Queensland. The local indigenous people knew the area as Mian-jin, meaning 'place shaped as a spike'.

Brisbane has over 27 km (16.8 mi) of bicycle pathways, mostly surrounding the Brisbane river and city centre, extending to the west of the city. Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary and Brisbane Forest Park, located in the city, are popular tourist destinations alongside the Story Bridge adventure climb and Portside Wharf.

Districts of Primary Interest for the Tourist in Sydney

• CBD, which includes the major shopping areas around the Queen Street Mall, and many of Brisbane sights.
• South Bank for restaurants, cafes, and boardwalks.
• Fortitude Valley for more vibrant shopping and nightlife.
• West End an edgy, bohemian district with artsy shops and cafes.
• New Farm for upscale shopping and trendy dining places.
• Brett's Wharf is where the cruise ships dock on the Brisbane River. This area is now called Portside and offers dining, cinemas and specialty shopping. A great place to wander and have a meal.

Things to See at Brisbane

• Alma Park Zoo. About thirty minutes north of the city centre. The Zoo Train can be caught from the city on the Caboolture line.

• Brisbane City Hall and King George Square. Located between Adelaide and Ann Streets, this is the city's most significant historical landmark. City Hall often hosts free concerts throughout the year.

• City Botanic Gardens. 10 to 15 minute walk from the city centre and Central or Roma Street railway stations. Walking and cycling tracks. Exhibits.

• CityCat. take the CityCat river taxis up and down the river.

• Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary. Cuddle a koala any time, hand feed kangaroos and encounter a large variety of Aussie wildlife, all in beautiful, natural settings.

• Manly Boat Harbour. At Manly, the second largest in the southern hemisphere. There is also a public park located at Norfolk Point.

• Mt Coot-tha. Brisbane's tallest mountain. A popular makeout spot with a great view and good but overpriced cafe and restaurant. Also home to one of the Botanical Gardens and a Planetarium.

• Museum of Brisbane. In King George Square. Features one floor of exhibits about the history of the city, and another floor for exhibitions of local artists.

• New Farm Park. Large park on the river in New Farm.

• Queensland Cultural Centre - including The Queensland Performing Arts Centre, Queensland Museum, Queensland Art Gallery, Gallery of Modern Art (GoMA) and State Library of Queensland - located on Grey Street in South Brisbane. The Queensland Conservatorium and the Queensland College of Art are also located on Grey Street.

• Roma Street Parklands - Experience the theme gardens such as the topiary maze, rain forest walk, lake, celebration law and amphitheater with many public artworks to admire.

• Southbank - Formerly the site of World Expo '88 this relatively recent development is across the Brisbane River from the heart of the city and features an artificial beach surrounded by extensive parklands. Also in Southbank are the shops, cafés, restaurants and cinemas of the Grey Street precinct. Suncorp Piazza within Southbank often hosts free live events and movies.

• University of Queensland - One of Australia's oldest and most prestigious institutions situated on a bend of the Brisbane River. Its majestic sandstone buildings are surrounded by ornamental lakes, Jacaranda lined boulevards and some of the finest architecture.

• Kangaroo Point - the walls along the Brisbane River are a popular spot for rock climbers. Activity carries on after dark, when the walls are well-lit.

• Story Bridge Adventure Climb - offers the opportunity to scale the top of Brisbane's iconic bridge. Enjoy 360 degree views of Brisbane, the mountain ranges and Moreton Bay Islands at dawn, afternoon or night.

Events and Festivals at Brisbane

• Ekka (the Royal Queensland Show), held each August,
• Riverfestival, held each September at South Bank Parklands and surrounding areas.
• The Brisbane International Film Festival (BIFF) is held in July/August in a variety of venues around Brisbane including the Regent Cinema in Queen Street Mall. BIFF features new films and retrospectives by domestic and international filmmakers along with seminars and awards.
• The Valley Fiesta is an annual three-day event organised by the Valley Chamber of Commerce. It was launched by Brisbane Marketing in 2002 to promote Fortitude Valley as a hub for arts and youth culture. It features free live music, market stalls, food and drink from many local restaurants and cafés, and other entertainment.
• The Bridge to Brisbane fun run has become a major annual charity event for Brisbane.