Although a large and vibrant city, Brisbane also has the laid back nature of a country town situated on a meandering river. The people, about two million of them, are generally laidback and friendly. The city is well known for its parks and gardens, which thrive in the subtropical climate. While you’re there check out Southbank, the old 1988 World Expo site, an arts and exhibitions precinct. And if you're going out most roads lead to 'The Valley', ask a local and they'll point you in the right direction. Brisbane is also one of the more popular places to stop and work a while - there's plenty of jobs and you don't have the excessive rents of Sydney.

[Edit] Destination Info

The main tourist districts are:

• CBD, which includes the major shopping areas around the Queen Street Mall, and many of Brisbane sights.
• South Bank for restaurants, cafes, and boardwalks.
• Fortitude Valley for more vibrant shopping and nightlife.
• West End an edgy, bohemian district with artsy shops and cafes.
• New Farm for upscale shopping and trendy dining places.
• Brett's Wharf is where the cruise ships dock on the Brisbane River. This area is now called Portside and offers dining, cinemas and specialty shopping. A great place to wander and have a meal.

[Edit] Stuff you need to know

Weather Brisbane has what is considered to be an excellent climate, especially to those in the colder southern states. However, those from temperate climates may find summer unbearably hot, especially on windless days when the heat builds up in the valley.

Winters are warm and generally dry and sunny (day 20-25C, night 8-12C). Summer days are warm to hot, with days over 32C common. Humidity is high during the summer months and temperatures can get as high as 40C with night temps rarely dropping below 20C. If visiting in summer air conditioning is advisable for comfortable sleep and don't overestimate what can be accomplished in terms of physical activity on hot and high-humidity days.

Summer storms with hail and heavy rainfall are common in afternoons on hot humid days. They usually pass quickly and sometimes put on a good lightning show.

Getting around

Public transport has recently been overhauled and incorporates an integrated ticketing system called The GO Card. Its a new paperless ticketing option allowing seamless travel across buses, ferries and trains.

Ferries have become an icon of the city. As well as traditional ferries which generally operate on cross-river routes, high-speed catamarans (CityCats) operate on longer routes.

Travellers can take advantage of Daily and Off-Peak Daily tickets which allow unlimited travel within given zones across all modes of transit. A Daily ticket for zones 1 to 3 (about 20km radius) costs $5.80 and is great for catching a bus or train into the city, taking a ferry along the river and getting back to the suburbs again, or back into the city from a ferry terminus.

A weekly zones 1 to 3 ticket costs $23.20. 50% Concessions are available to students, pensioners and children, and these tickets are available from the vast majority of the newsagents and council offices that are sprinkled liberally throughout the confines of Brisbane City. It is strongly advised that travellers purchase tickets on the ferries as ticket inspectors make frequent appearances and fines can be significant.

[Edit] Things to do:

By Day

• Moreton and Tangalooma Islands: Just off the coast of Brisbane, Moreton offers wild dolphin feeding, surfing lessons and sand boarding. Also excellent beaches, secluded bays and rugged headlands. Experience a day tour or overnight trips. With no sealed roads on the island, a 4WD tour is essential in getting you to the best locations.
• If you want to abseil, rock climb, kayak or view an aboriginal performance, check out River Life. The Riverlife Adventure Centre can be found in parkland in the original Naval Stores located at the base of Kangaroo Point Cliffs on the edge of the Brisbane River.
• Story Bridge Climb. Take on this 2 1/2 hour climb with uninterrupted 360 degree views of the surrounding area. There are only 4 bridge climbs in the world and this one crosses over the Brisbane river near downtown.
• Brisbane is a great place to get off and work if you have the applicable visa. There are plenty of opportunities and itâ��s cheaper than living in Sydney or Melbourne.

By Night

• The Down Under Bar at Palace Backpackers goes off every night.
• Zi Bar has some tasty cocktails and a relaxed vibe before you kick on to the Down Under Bar.
• Fortitude Valley is the club district, there's something for everyone there
• The Zoo is awesome for some live music

[Edit] Free Stuff

• Swim in the lagoon at South Bank and take in great city views

[Edit] Links

Brisbane's Photo Gallery

Places to Eat in Brisbane

Places to Stay in Brisbane

Things to do in Brisbane

Events and Dates in Brisbane