Brisbane
If it weren’t for Brisbane’s tall office buildings and sleek commuter ferries, you might expect to see cows grazing on the city’s carefully manicured lawns. Although Brisbane (pop. 1-1.5 million, according to varied estimates) is the capital of Queensland and Australia’s third largest city, its recent growth has not obliterated its deliciously relaxed country-town feel, and the city seems like a ruddy-cheeked farmboy who’s suddenly outgrown his britches. Originally a penal colony for recidivists, Brisbane today is neither glamorous nor industrial, but it’s practical, clean, and full of energy.
Brisbane Highlights – Relaxing anywhere in the tranquil South Bank Parklands – An eating experience straight from a daydream at Garuva – Thumping techno and a funky crowd at the Beat in Fortitude Valley – Picnicking in the gardens at Mt. Coot-tha Park, then climbing to the summit for a great view of the city – Daytrip to North Stradbroke Island for first-rate diving and sunbathing along miles of snow-white beach – Art galleries aplenty at the Queensland Cultural Centre
The Brisbane River lends an easygoing grace to the metropolis it bisects. River transportation is simple and enjoyable; hulking ferries and slim kayaks glide between Chinatown and the South Bank Parklands, between investment banks and the trendy West End. Always a good bet for temporary employment, Brisbane earned a reputation as a tourist and holiday destination only recently, after hosting the 1988 World Expo and the 1992 Commonwealth Games. The sunny, warm climate has attracted artistic emigres, eager to shed winter jumpers and rev up the city’s cultural institutions. Today, visitors to Brisbane enjoy the gorgeous, modern Cultural Centre, 19th-century historic buildings, corner cafes, rocking nightclubs, extensive parklands, and a serene waterfront.
Related Travel Information
Moreton Bay
The forest of masts on Manly's tranquil marina promises smooth sailing on the crystal-clear waters of Moreton Bay. Here, at the mouth of the Brisbane River, a comfortable culture thrives in perpetual slow-motion. Across the bay, North Stradbroke Island offers wonderful snorkeling, diving, and swimming, while several other islands offer even more secluded, relaxed getaways. Although the area lacks pre-packaged fun, its lack of crowds and high-rises make Moreton Bay a mellow place to unwind.
Queensland
If the variety of the continent's attractions could be condensed into one state, the result would look something like Queensland, Australia's all-you-can-eat traveler's smorgasbord. Part rocky, part schlocky, part green, part marine, Queensland is the holiday of choice of Aussies themselves. It's the Pacific Coast that sucks most visitors in like an undertow: the endless surf beaches in the south, the Barrier Reef in the north, and the islands all along propel wave, dive, and sun enthusiasts toward the sea. For many, though, the coast is just surface skin, and the real pudding lies withinin the rainforest-drenched far north and
Surry Hills
Surry Hills has a park and is located at the former police car park site. This place is bounded by Brisbane, Goulburn, Hunt and Campbell Streets. It is adjacent to significant Energy Australia infrastructure projects.
Surry Hills has a wide range of buildings, businesses and people in Surry Hills, making it a most interesting place to visit.
While in the area, its well worth it to check out the shops, bars, restaurants and architecture of this suburb which many people say is much like Paddington was 10 years ago.
A handful of the stalls are disappointing, resembling garage sales and selling
Central West
The cities and towns of the Central West lie between the rugged plateaus of the Blue Mountains and the stark dryness of outback New South Wales. The major route into the region from the east is the Great Western Hwy, which crosses through the Blue Mountains to Bathurst From Bathurst, die Mitchell Hwy heads northwest to Dubbo, Bourke, and beyond, and the Mid Western Hwy runs southwest to Cowra and evenŽtually Hay. Both of these roads intersect the Newell Hwy, the major route between Melbourne and Brisbane, which cuts a long path across the Central West. Most towns of
Tweed Heads
Tweed Heads is a wonderland of tourist attractions catering for the needs of everyone.
Within a one hour drive of Tweed Heads are a number of National Parks including Mt Warning, Nightcap and Border Ranges, National Parks, all lying to the west. Each of these parks feature some of the great aspects of Australia's geological past in its volcanic plugs.
Closer in, a visit to the Minjungbal Aboriginal Museum. The museum gives a great insight into the aboriginal culture of the area from thousands of years prior to the arrival of Europeans.
In addition, the museum displays modern
