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 Bris¬bane (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 reputa¬tion 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 institu¬tions. Today, visitors to Brisbane enjoy the gorgeous, modern Cultural Centre, 19th-century historic buildings, corner cafes, rocking nightclubs, extensive parklands, and a serene waterfront.

Featured Destinations from Australia

Nambung National Park

Nambung National Park Nambung National Park is situated on the coast of Western Australia and is about three hours travelling time north of Perth. This park features beautiful beaches, coastal dune systems, shady groves of tuart trees and low heathland rich in flowering plants. The vegetation bursts into flower from August

Australia : Adelaide

ADELAIDE Once known only for its inordinate number of churches, Adelaide has emerged as a city with far more to offer than an uplifting Sunday sermon. The first completely planned city in Australia, in the first state not to be settled by convict labor, Adelaide Was destined to be different from

Coolgardie Pharmacy Museum, Coolgardie

Coolgardie Pharmacy Museum, Coolgardie Coolgardie's Pharmacy Museum is surprisingly interesting. Said to be one of the best historical pharmaceutical displays in Australia, Coolgardie's pharmacy museum houses an extensive collection of 18th and 19th century medicines. Numerous advertisements and antique tools of the chemists trade or on display. A Coolgardie local named

Kalgoorlie

Kalgoorlie Kalgoorlie is located 40 kilometres east of Coolgardie, 595 kilometres east of Perth and 200 kilometres north of Norseman. The traditional landowners of the Kalgoorlie area are the Maduwangka people and the name Kalgoorlie is said to mean "Silky Pear Bush" in the local aboriginal language. European settlement of Kalgoorlie

St. George's Hal

St. George's Hall The building on Hay Street has been demolished, but the portico was allowed to remain as a reminder of the grandeur of Perth’s first purpose-built theatre, constructed in 1879.

South West Rocks

South West Rocks South West Rocks is another lovely beachside spot and the Trial Bay Gaol is a diversion worth turning off the highway to see. It’s not as dramatic as Port Arthur, but it’s historic and well kept. Sitting on the headland, it was used from 1886 to 1903 in

Leeman

Leeman Located 88 km south of Dongara and 295 km north of Perth, Leeman is a typical sleepy little fishing villages which, with the inevitability of all charming and unspoilt places, is in the process of changing into a tourist destination and a commuting zone for miners working for Western Titanium

Government House

Government House Government House on St George’s Terrace was completed in 1864 and is still the official residence of the Governor of Western Australia. If you walk down between the Concert Hall and Government House, you will also get a glimpse of the magnificent gardens here.

Kings Cross

Kings Cross Kings Cross is one of the most densely populated are in Australia. This place rocks with adult entertainment, nightclubs, live music, and more than two hundred of the city's finest restaurants, bars and cafes. Kings Cross is one of the few places that continue to sparkle and throb throughout

Boulder Pharmacy Museum, Kalgoorlie

Boulder Pharmacy Museum, Kalgoorlie Boulder's Pharmacy Museum is located within a chemist shop that has been continuously operating for over 100 years. The museum's collection includes a vast array of medicines and original pharmaceutical bottles dating from the 19th century. Essential medical tools dating from the period are also on