Brisbane is Australia's third-largest city, and is the capital of the state of Queensland. It has developed into a lively and cosmopolitan city with many vibrant suburbs, a good street café scene, a charming riverside park and exciting nightlife.
The central business district is next to the meandering Brisbane River, and features a serene botanical garden. It is easily navigated by foot, beginning at the busy pedestrian mall of Queen Street. It is possible to wander for miles along the meandering Brisbane river, though you can also take the popular riverboat which follows the river all the way to the University. Beside the river, across from the botanical gardens is a newly developed waterfront area, with resturants and even a man made mini-beach.
Australian cities pride themselves on their parks and this city has two botanical areas. Mount Coot-tha, eight kilometres away, overlooks the city, and there are lovely downtown parks, including the South Bank Parklands and the Brisbane Forest (28,500 hectares of natural bushland).
The Riverside Markets, every Sunday from 07:00 to 16:00, are a good place to find locally crafted and imported handicrafts, clothing, jewellery, furniture, housewares, local produce, plants and homemade treats.
The Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, 11kms southwest of town, is where you can get a close-up view of koala bears, kangaroos and other Australian animals. There are plenty of other places to view wildlife as well, including: Natural Trust of Queensland's Currumbin Sanctuary, Bunya Park, the Australia Zoo and the Australian Woolshed.
Though Brisbane is slightly inland, it isn't far from some good beaches. The Gold Coast, south of Brisbane, is the country's most popular and most developed resort area, attracting millions to its fun-filled glitzy strip that runs from Surfers Paradise to the southern border. North of Brisbane is the more sedate Sunshine Coast, with low-rise accommodations and less traffic.
For those wishing to visit the area surrounding Brisbane by car, there is plenty in store, from hip suburban hangouts to exciting theme parks; from sun-filled sandy beaches to green and forested mountains. Within the greater Brisbane area are a number of different fun-filled theme parks, including: Seaworld, Movieworld, Wet ‘n’ Wild and Dreamworld.
Driving in an out of Brisbane isn't difficult, as major highways enter the city to the north and south, and extend the length of Queensland. There are direct trains from Sydney, but rail travel within Queensland is slower and more expensive than the bus. Buses run from Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide and Cairns, as well as from towns up and down the coast. Brisbane's Eagle Farm Airport is a busy international destination with frequent arrivals from and departures to Asia, Europe, the Pacific Islands, North America, New Zealand and Papua New Guinea.
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