| Australia’s third largest city Brisbane is the state capital of Queensland. With a population of over 1.9 million people and rising rapidly due to its agreeable sub-tropical climate and modern facilities including easy access to theSunshine Coast to the North and the Gold Coast to the south.
The Brisbane River runs through the middle of town with the eastern suburbs lining the shoresMoreton Bay. The greater Brisbane region lies on the east of the Great Dividing Range, along the coastal plain. Brisbane is also the fastest growing capital city in Australia reportedly growing by over 10% during the period 1998 - 2003.
Originally known as Meeaan-jin by the local Aboriginals tribe the Turrbul. It was in 1823 that the area was first explored by John Oxley who discovered the river we now know as the Brisbane River. It was named after Sir Thomas Brisbane a soldier and colonial administrator from Ayrshire in Scotland. A penal colony was established the next year, which remained in use until 1842 when the penitentiary was closed and the area opened up for settlement. Queensland was named a separate colony in 1859 with Brisbane its administrative capital although it wasn't declared a city until 1902.
Brisbane has played host to a string of major international events in recent times, including the 1982 Commonwealth Games and Expo 88, and as a result has developed into a lively, cosmopolitan city with several interesting districts, and a good street cafe scene, a great riverside park called Southbank, a busy cultural calendar and varied nightlife.
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With the influx of new people has brought a lot of new money. Large skyscrapers, hotels and apartment buildings now dot the city skyline indicating that this once quiet city has really developed its own character and operates as a great place for business or pleasure.
The major centres of greater Brisbane include Caboolture, Ipswich, Logan City, Pine Rivers, Redcliffe and Redland. |
The northernmost of Australia's state capitals, subtropical Brisbane is an attractive city lying 14km inland on the banks of the Brisbane River. It enjoys warm summers and clear mild winters. Although for many years Brisbane was a capital with the atmosphere of a large country town, the 1984 Commonwealth Games and the 1988 World Expo helped to change that image. Visitors now find a modern and sophisticated city that is full of life and vitality.
Settled in 1825 by a detachment of 45 convicts and their guards, Brisbane was originally a penal settlement situated at Redcliffe, north of the city's current location. The move to Brisbane's current site beside the river was mainly due to a lack of fresh water, the failure of introduced crops and unrest among the local Aboriginal people. The riverside position has since played a pivotal role in the life of the city.
Paddlewheelers, yachts, floating restaurants, ferries, cruise boats and bridges can be seen from many vantage points on the river's picturesque |
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The weather in Brisbane is sub-tropical, which means that the summers are hot, wet and humid. During the summer the average high temperature is about 30C with lows of about 20C. In winter the average temperature is about 22C and rarely falls below 13C. Brisbane has an average rainfall of about 1400mm annually, the majority of which falls in the summer period.
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City Botanic Gardens
- Formal gardens, bicycle tracks and duck ponds are some of the gardens' attractions.
Fortitude Valley and Chinatown
- The cosmopolitan area to the north of the CBD boasts a wide range of cafes and restaurants as well as clubs and a shopping mall.
Mount Coot-tha Lookout
- Superb panoramic views over the city, bay and hinterland can be enjoyed here. Nearby, the Brisbane Botanic Gardens feature a scented garden and the Sir Thomas Brisbane Planetarium.
Queen St Mall
- With its blend of traditional and modern architecture, Queen St Mall brings to life the city's shopping centres.
Queensland Cultural Centre
- Located on Brisbane River's South Bank, the complex consists of the Queensland Museum, the Queensland Art Gallery, the State Library and the huge Performing Arts Complex.
South Bank
- This is a recreation area providing entertainment for all with gardens, waterways, a subtropical beach, riverside walkways, cafes, restaurants, BBQ facilities and an IMAX cinema.
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