Brisbane Qld
Brisbane Qld
Brisbane is Australia's third largest city and the state capital of Queensland. Not so long ago, the rest of Australia considered it little more than an overgrown country town, but it has shirked off this unwelcome reputation to become one of the country's most progressive centers. Brisbane has plenty of backpackers' hostels and there are also quite a few well-priced hotels, motels and self-contained apartments within a few blocks of the city centre. Brisbane's restaurant and cafe scene has blossomed in recent years and you'll find there's no shortage of good eateries. Many of these places have taken advantage of the balmy climate and provide outdoor eating areas. Away from the city centre, there are clusters of restaurants in Paddington, Fortitude Valley and New Farm, on the South Bank and in the West End. Environment Located in the south-eastern corner of Queensland, Brisbane is a river city, situated 25km upstream from the mouth of the Brisbane River. The compact city centre is built along and between the looping meanders of the river, making it easy to explore on foot. Brisbane has a pleasant subtropical climate. It receives about 450mm of rain from January to March, and temperatures can get very high in summer. The city has a year-round average of seven and a half hours of sunshine per day. Parks & Gardens Brisbane's Botanical Gardens, in the center of the city, occupy 18 hectares and are open 24 hours a day (lit at night). New Farm Park, by the river at the southern end of Brunswick St, is noted for its rose displays, jacaranda trees and Devonshire teas. Captain John Burke Park is a nice little place underneath the towering Story Bridge, at the top of Kangaroo Point. The Brisbane Forest Park is a 265 sq km reserve of natural bushland in the D'Aguilar Range. The park starts on the outskirts of Brisbane and stretches for more than 50km to the north and west. It's a great area for bushwalks, cycling, horse riding, camping and scenic drives. Markets The popular South Bank markets, which feature craft and clothing stalls, are open every Friday evening, Saturday and Sunday. Every Sunday, the carnival-style Riverside Centre and Eagle St Pier markets have 150 stalls featuring glass blowing, weaving and other crafts. The Fortitude Valley market, held on Saturdays in Brunswick St Mall, has a diverse array of junk, crafts and clothes. Activities The Brisbane Bushwalkers Club has information on bushwalks close to Brisbane. The swimming pool at Spring Hill Baths in Torrington Square is the oldest in the southern hemisphere and is surrounded by old-style colourfully painted changing cubicles. For those who prefer their water salty, there are plenty of swimming beaches close to Brisbane on sheltered Moreton Bay. A number of river cruises are available on the Kookaburra Queen II, a restored paddle steamer which departs from Eagle St Pier.
