Brisbane - Sunny Metropolis at Australia's East Coast

Brisbane is the capital of the Australian state of Queensland and the third biggest city in the country with 2.2 million inhabitants. The lively metropolis is surrounded by the foothills of the Great Dividing Range in the west, the Coral Sea in the east and the cities of Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast in the south and north. North Stradbroke Island and Moreton Island are also part of Brisbane's geography. The area of the latter is mostly taken up by the national park of the same name and accommodates Mount Tempest, the world's highest sand dune near the coast. The big city, which is crossed by the Brisbane River, is known for having many hours of sunshine per year and a pleasant subtropical climate. However, there may be heavy rainfall in summer (November to March), which has caused floods in the past.

Founded as a convict colony under the name "Moreton Bay" in 1824, Brisbane is now one of the cities with the highest standard of living in Australia and the whole world. The flourishing metropolis, which is often called "Brissie" by its inhabitants, is full of culture and art, even if the majority of its buildings is not very old. Unfortunately, a large part of the historical buildings was destroyed by several floods, so that skyscrapers and futuristic buildings dominate the urban image. Brisbane's oldest building is the Old Windmill Observatory, which was built by convicts in 1824. Buildings which create a historical atmosphere are the Old Parliament House (built in 1868), St John’s Anglican Cathedral (built between 1903 and 2008) and the City Hall at the lively King George Square (built in 1930). The latter accommodates the Museum of Brisbane and a wonderful viewing platform in the bell tower, from which you have a view over the whole city. Another very special cultural highlight in Australia's third biggest city is the Queensland Cultural Centre in the Southbank district. Travellers find a wide range of cultural facilities here, including the State Library of Queensland, the Queensland Museum, the Queensland Performing Arts Centre and the Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA).

The atmosphere in Brisbane is pleasantly relaxed, the nightlife is varied and the shopping facilities seem endless. As an international metropolis, Brisbane offers all kinds of entertainment and leisure activities. The districts of Fortitude Valley an the Central Business District as well as their pedestrian zones Queen Street Mall and Brunswick Street are popular destinations for varied leisure activities at both day and night. Numerous shops, boutiques, restaurants, cafes, bars, pubs and clubs as well as live musicians and cinemas provide exciting shopping and party fun. Alternatively, you can visit the districts of New Farm and West End. In addition, the many farmers', art and clothes markets offer a special shopping experience. Travellers can buy souvenirs, designer and art goods and taste local specialities on the Queen Street Farmers Market, the Bleeding Heart City Market or the West End Vintage & Designer Market, for example.

There are many ways of being active in Brisbane. Brisbane River, the artificial city beach and the nearby Moreton Bay alone offer excellent conditions for a number of leisure activities. You can go fishing, sailing, boating, bathing, swimming and surfing or go on a kayak or canoe ride on the city's river, which is a unique outdoor experience. Another adventure is a climbing tour on the cliffs of the Kangaroo Point or the Story Bridge. Travellers who prefer staying on the ground can explore the metropolis on foot, on roller skates or by bike. The well-developed network of cycle paths and footways as well as the many promenades such as the Brisbane Riverwalk offer many opportunities for it. In addition, Brisbane is a great starting point for trips to Moreton Island, North Stradbroke Island, Fraser Island as well as to the Gold Coast and the Sunshine Coast.

Thanks to the subtropical climate, Brisbane is an attractive travel destination throughout the year. Holidaymakers can arrive at the city's international airport (BNE), which is about 13 kilometres away from the city centre.