Explore Brisbane
Brisbane is the capital of the state of Queensland.
It has a population of about 2 million people, making it the third-largest city in Australia.
It’s a positive attitude and creative confidence that makes Brisbane a genuine new-world city. Also, even though Brisbane is rapidly developing and forward-thinking, it maintains a youthful enthusiasm and has what is arguably the most vibrant, laid back warm atmosphere of any east-coast capital city.
Brisbane's year-round warm climate, spectacular scenery and pleasant locals has been the draw-card for many domestic and international visitors, making Brisbane the fastest-growing city in Australia.
All of Brisbane’s urban villages do things a little differently, from Australia’s premier live music scene in The Valley to exclusive world class exhibitions at Australia’s largest Gallery of Modern Art to the natural splendour of Moreton Bay and the Scenic Rim, Brisbane enjoys a lifestyle that the world envies.
The main tourist districts are:
- The CBD - where Brisbane's major businesses are interspersed with several shopping malls, cinemas, parks and many of Brisbane's historical tourist sites. Queen Street Mall, in the heart of the CBD, is Queensland's premier shopping destination and a must see for all visitors.
- South Bank - (often misspelled as 'Southbank') which has ethnic restaurants, edgy cafes, riverside boardwalks and an inner – city beach. Queensland’s Cultural Precinct includes the Performing Arts Centre, Queensland Museum, the State Library, Queensland Art Gallery and the spectacular Gallery of Modern Art is located at South Bank.
- Fortitude Valley - ("The Valley"), for Brisbane's Chinatown and vibrant shopping and nightlife. Eclectic bars with emerging and innovative DJs and world-class super clubs have brought a larger than life feel to the Valley precinct. Also home to the best live music scenes in Australia.
- West End - located just behind South Bank, is an edgy, bohemian district with artsy shops and cafes. West End is where you’ll find alternative books, cult video stores and organic produce.
- New Farm - for upscale shopping and upmarket, trendy dining places. A confirmed favourite of the locals, New Farm is high up on the hot list of places to be and to be seen.
- Portside Wharf - located at Hamilton, is where the cruise ships dock on the Brisbane River. This area was formerly known as Brett’s Wharf and offers world class dining, cinemas and speciality shopping. A great place to wander and have a meal.
- Paddington / Rosalie / Milton - Paddington is now becoming the place to shop with many unique little boutiques full of local designs and hard to find fashion gems. Rosalie is home to many quaint bars, markets and restaurants. Milton has two of Brisbane’s most famous icons placed side by side the XXXX Ale House and Suncorp Stadium.
- Mount Coot-tha - a suburb as well as a mountain (more accurately, a large hill) approximately 6km west of the CBD, iconised by the large TV and radio antennas that line its peak. You can take a scenic drive through The Mount Coot-tha Reserve which visits the peak and has majestic 360° views of Brisbane and the surrounding region. Also features the Brisbane Botanic Gardens and Planetarium and numerous walking and bicycle tracks.
Most inner-city suburbs, or those close to the CBD have their own style and offer some small, unique attractions to the city, notably cafés, restaurants, historical sites or artistic ventures. Some of the other major districts are Spring Hill, Indooroopilly, Manly Harbour, Toowong, St. Lucia and South Brisbane.
Timezone Brisbane: UTC +10
