As Australias third largest city – Brisbane on the East coast is primarily a financial city – with large corporate firms including insurance, Banking and Agri-business firms located here. Also being part of the mining state, large primary industry firms base their headquaters in Brisbane city.
So what should we look at first? Although dominated by skyscrapers the CBD of Brisbane is relatively small compared to other capital cities in Australia and is best accessed by foot. Take a stroll around the city centre and you’ll be able to take in all the sights and sounds of this wonderful city at your own pace.
Queen Street mall is the main shopping centre and pedestrian mall in the city, home to the Myer Centre as well as a whole range of boutique and specialty stores. It’s a must for any visitor to Brisbane and even if you don’t want to shop the mall is a great place to sit down and do some people watching.
Just up from Pitt Street mall occupying two heritage buildings is the Conrad Treasury Casino. It’s Brisbane’s only casino guaranteeing a night of wild entertainment and sophisticated gaming. Boasting an impressive five restaurants, seven bars, a nightclub and a hotel; the Treasury is your one stop shop for entertainment in the city.
Heading over the river tourists will find themselves in the cultural and artistic heart of Brisbane, the suburb of Southbank. Home to some of Australia’s leading art institutions, lush parklands and popular nightlife that includes an impressive dining scene plus family friendly attractions, Southbank has everything you’ll need for a great night out.
When bougainvillea flowers are in full bloom, tourists should not miss the Brisbane Parklands which is one of the prettiest sights in the city.
The Brisbane wheel offers an eagle eye view of the iconic Brisbane River as well as the city skyline; definitely one of the best ways to view Brisbane.
Why not soak up some sun at the man made Street Beach? Located in the heart of Southbank, it’s the only beach in the middle of a city whose clever design blends natural beauty and vegetation with concrete.
Southbank is also at the forefront of Brisbane’s cultural scene and here tourists will find an array of museums and galleries housing a collection of both domestic and international art. Queensland Art Gallery, Museum and Science Centre, the State Library and the Queensland Maritime Museum are all located within a short walking distance from each other on Southbank’s Grey Street.
Still in Southbank, the Gallery of Modern Art is the largest of its kind in Australia regularly holding exclusive exhibits and displays. The Queensland Performing Arts Centre holds numerous shows and productions all year round whilst the Queensland Conservatorium of Music is one of Australia’s leading musical institutions, containing a number of different concert halls and large capacity theatres.
Back in the city now, there a number of historically important buildings in the Brisbane area. Parliament House, Old Government House, Queensland Police Museum and the old windmill all hold significant value to Brisbane’s heritage and are worth a look.
Brisbane holds regular festivals and events and if the timing is right are well worth checking out. Most notable of these are: Brisbane Comedy Festival, Riverfestival and the Brisbane International Film Festival. The annual Bridge to Brisbane fun run is also very popular if you’re feeling fit…
Due to the sub-tropical climate, dining in Brisbane is typically al fresco style with seafood, in particular Moreton Bay Bugs, being very popular.
Queen Street mall is a major dining area as are Eagle Street Pier and Brunswick Street locations.
Situated in Fortitude Valley, Brisbane’s Chinatown is a great place to get some authentic dumplings and Asian delicacies and if Chinese is not your thing then there is a whole range of Japanese, Thai, and Korean restaurants nearby.
Southbank is another major dining precinct with the majority of restaurants and cafes concentrated around Grey Street and the Southbank promenade.
Accommodation in Brisbane ranges from budget motels through to five star luxury stays and apartments. Due to its high concentration of skyscrapers the majority of accommodation options in Brisbane tend to be in full service hotel. Rates in Brisbane are also typically expensive, and cheap accommodation is not readily available.