The capital of the state of Queensland, Brisbane, is located inland from Moreton Bay between the Sunshine Coast and the Gold Coast. The heart of the hilly city is its river, which snakes from Mount Stanley to the Coral
Sea. Queensland is Australia's Sunshine State and enjoys a subtropical climate with hot,
humid summers and warm, sunny winters. In Brisbane, any time of year is a good time for adventurous outdoor activities along the
river or coast. Experience the more relaxing side of Brisbane in the parklands, museums and bars. "Brissie" still has the laid-back country
feel that is so iconic for the land Down Under. However, it is Australia's third-largest city, houses over two million people, and is growing
fast. Start your tour of the city on Brisbane's
biggest hill. Mount Coot-tha was already visited by the
Aboriginal people up to 40,000 years ago and its name means
"honey", which they found here in abundance. While you are here, explore the wonders of
the Southern Hemisphere in the Planetarium and Brisbane Botanical
Gardens... including the laughing kookaburra. Oi, what are you laughing at? Feed lorikeets and see iconic Australian wildlife at the nearby Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary. Meet kangaroos, koalas and wombats and don't
miss the animal shows, which demonstrate some real Aussie traditions! Down river, in the central business district, the Queen Street Mall displays all the country's
big retail brands. Visit the nearby Brisbane Museum to learn
about the mining boom and other events that shaped this city. Exhibits show how World Expo '88 led to the
transformation of the river's southern bank, the city's favorite
backyard, which even has its own beach. Spacious South Bank has many free activities
and facilities which attract more than 10 million people
every year. Cool off in a lagoon or browse the weekend
markets. Join the locals for a beer, or visit one of the many prominent museums
and theaters. The Wheel of Brisbane overlooks the Cultural
Forecourt, a collection of Queensland's major museums
and theaters. Meet some prehistoric creatures, admire indigenous and European modern art or see a show at the Performing Arts Center. From the piers at South Bank, take the public ferry downstream to Newfarm
Park, where the restored Powerhouse has become a
real institution among art and music lovers. On your way back, hop off at Kangaroo point
to climb the Story Bridge: One of the best spots to watch the sun set
over the city. Book your guided tour for mid afternoon, because nightfall comes early in Queensland. Get an early start and jump on the
ferry to Moreton Island for a fun day out on the beach. Join a Segway tour along the shore before
surfing down a massive sand dune. On a hot day, snorkel around the Tangalooma
wrecks, or if you rather stay high and dry, book a
helicopter ride instead. Flying over the bay and the Coral Sea, it is clear that Queensland's natural beauty
merely starts in Brisbane. Only two hours to the north, the Great Barrier Reef is a living national
treasure. Brisbane has a wealth of attractions and you can indulge as much as you like, but in the river city of the north your are
never far from nature, which is free for all to enjoy!
