Category — Brisbane

Given its position, Brisbane is often visited by travelers road tripping the East Coast of Australia. It’s a good stop off whether you are on your way to the beaches of Queensland or on route down to Sydney. It’s actually Australia’s third largest city.

Most people seem to think that culture stops once you hit Queensland, but Brisbane is fast leaving Melbourne and Sydney for dust when it comes to its Culture. It seems this place manages to impress everyone. So what is it about Brisbane that is so appealing?

Firstly the city itself is very picturesque. The backdrop of the river makes it a delightful place to stroll along the riverbank and take in the lovely views of the city skyline. They even have their own man made beach over at Southbank Parklands where you can relax, unwind and cool down.

The weather is usually much warmer than Melbourne and Sydney and can feel very humid in the peak of summer. Still, with warm temperatures all year round, it’s no wonder the Aussies are opting to live here.

It is also the gateway to some wonderful destinations like the Gold Coast and The Sunshine Coast. From Brisbane you can enjoy some lovely day trips including Moreton Island, Stradbroke Island and of course Steve Irwin’s famous Australia Zoo.

The most impressive aspect to Brisbane is its cultural life which is fast becoming very sophisticated indeed. Brisbane has been responsible for hosting some fantastic International exhibits and performances that have not been seen anywhere else in Australia. These include The Art Gallery which showed and exclusive collection on American Realist and Impressionist paintings from New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art. Dancers from the Paris Opera Ballet also performed here in Brisbane which was an Australian premiere.

The theatre scene has always been important to Brisbane with many of Australia’s actors starting off in Brisbane. The Brisbane Arts Theatre is a community theatre which allows the locals to become involved in all aspects of theatre production, which can be in front or behind the scenes. Visitors get to see some classic plays.

For more contemporary theatre, go to the Riverside Powerhouse theatre. There is usually some comedy or a cabaret to enjoy or something very alternative.

For something that the kids will enjoy, go to the Sciencecentre on the Southbank. This is an interactive museum with lots of fun things to explore. There is an area where live demonstrations take place and the exhibition on the body is very popular.

If that’s not enough culture for you then why not indulge in some fabulous food. Brisbane has some fantastic eating places from a wide variety of cultures. The locals would argue that the food here is better than Melbourne or Sydney and given it’s lots cheaper, this could be the place to splash out.

Boundary Street in the West End and Little Stanley Street are both on the Southbank and great places to enjoy Brisbane’s food. Fortitude Valley is another great area, as is Eagle Street Pier.

So, if you are looking for a sophisticated Australian city with culture and great food then Brisbane is the place for you. And even if culture is not your thing, you’ll find enough nightlife, shopping and green spaces to have a ball here.

You’ll find that getting around Brisbane is quite easy. Brisbane is a compact city which is easy to explore on foot. Maps are available from most hotels and information centers. There is excellent self guided heritage trails and riverside pathways on both sides of the river. A mangrove walkway meanders along the Botanic Gardens riverbank. Public transport in Brisbane includes buses, commuter trains and ferries. City Cat ferries service some of the most popular locations including South Bank, Eagle Street, Riverside, Dockside, New Farm and Kangaroo Point. The two main points of departure are in Eagle Street, but there are various stopping off points along the river. Tour boats supply a commentary and lunch or dinner.

If you have decided that you would prefer to travel while utilizing public transportation, your best option would be to purchase a Rover ticket. Rover tickets allows for unlimited travel for the day, week or month; depending on the ticket that you purchase. Another economical ways to tour the city include the City Sights Tram Bus Tour. This tram allows you to get off and explore the different sights, and when ready return on the bus for you next location.

Brisbane’s City Bus service travels around the centre of the city. The Cityxpress buses service the suburbs. All buses stop at the Queen Street Bus Station near the Myer Centre. Commercially operated tour companies also offer coach tours of the city’s highlights, as well as to the surrounding areas including Sradbroke Island, Moreton Bay and Surfers Paradise and the mountain hinterland. All types of public transport run until midnight and taxis are plentiful in the centre of the city at night. Driving is also not generally a problem although parking spaces are scarce. There are numerous well maintained bike tracks around the city for keen cyclists.

If shopping is what you desire head to the centre of the business district and stop by the Queen Street Mall. This is a large mall complete with department stores, over 200 individual stores, arcades, a dinning court and food hall.

If exclusive boutiques are more what you are looking for, then you will want to head towards Paddington and Milton. They have a wide selection of stores from small shops, arts and craft galleries and bookshops. If you are interesting in finding some Aboriginal artifacts you can visit Aboriginal Creations, and for Australian Opals visit Quilpie Opals. For local arts and crafts, at great prices you should stop by the Eagle Street weekend market.