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Things to do in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia

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Previously dismissed by its trendy southern cousins as a big country town, Brisbane has undergone a huge transformation in the past decade. The winds of change began to blow during Expo '88, which put "Brissie" on the world stage. Since then, the city has gone from strength to strength with burgeoning urban precincts, an exciting dining scene, trendy shopping, ever-increasing cultural offerings and a new sense of confidence.

Ask the locals what they love about their city and invariably the conversation steers towards liveability and pace of life. Brisbane is one of the most laid-back cities in Australia, where people don't judge you on what you wear (like Melbourne) or where you live (as in Sydney). And it seems like the rest of Australia wants a piece of the action: Brisbane is the fastest growing city in the country and the most popular city for interstate migrants.

The heart and soul of Brisbane is the winding Brisbane River, so you must jump on a City Cat for a cruise from Brett's Wharf to the University of Queensland or vice versa - you'll pass by up-market suburbs like Hamilton and Bulimba, the glorious New Farm Park, the Story Bridge and central business district, Southbank parklands, the Regatta (Brissie's landmark pub), bohemian West End and the lush grounds of the university. If you have a little more time, jump on a City Sights bus tour for a sense of Brisbane's history ($20, call 131220 for details). Then head to Fortitude Valley (especially the Ann Street, Emporium and James Street precincts) to eat and shop. Feeling adventurous? Climb the Story Bridge for the best views in town, or if you want to keep your feet on the ground, visit Mount Coot-tha. If you still have time to spare, have a picnic at Southbank or New Farm Park. And if you're keen to hang out with the locals, catch a game of rugby, Aussie Rules or cricket.


Top Attractions in Brisbane, Australia

South Bank
South Bank, Brisbane
(+61) 7 3867 2051
Mt Coot-tha Lookout & Summit Restaurant
Sir Samuel Griffith Drive, Mt Coot-tha Lookout
(+61) 7 3369 9922
Gabba Cricket Ground
7 Vulture Street, Woolloongabba
(+61) 7 3008 6166
Suncorp Stadium
40 Castlemaine Street, Milton
(+61) 7 3331 5000
City Botanic Gardens
Alice Street, City
(+61) 7 3403 0666
XXXX Beer Brewery Tour
Corner of Black & Paten Streets, Milton
(+61) 7 3361 7597
Brisbane Powerhouse - Centre for the Arts
119 Lamington Street, New Farm
(+61) 7 3358 8622
New Farm Park
Lamington Street, New Farm
(+61) 7 3403 8888
Conrad Treasury Casino
Queen Street, City
(+61) 7 3306 8888
Goodwill Bridge (pedestrian bridge)
South Bank
(+61) 7 3403 8888
Queensland Museum and Sciencentre
South Bank (Corner of Melbourne & Grey Streets)
(+61) 7 3840 7555

Best Hotels in Brisbane, Australia

Hilton Hotel
190 Elizabeth Street, City
(+61) 7 3234 2000
Quality Inn Airport International Hotel
528 Kingsford Smith Drive, Hamilton
(+61) 7 3268 6388
Sofitel Hotel (formerly the Sheraton Hotel)
249 Turbot Street, City
(+61) 7 3835 3535

Hot/hip Bars & Clubs in Brisbane, Australia

Belgian Beer Cafe
Corner of Edward & Mary Streets, City
(+61) 7 3221 0199
The Breakfast Creek Hotel
2 Kingsford Smith Drive, Breakfast Creek
(+61) 7 3262 5988
Gertie's Bar & Lounge
699 Brunswick Street, New Farm
(+61) 7 3358 5088
Lychee Lounge
2/92 Boundary Street, West End
(+61) 7 3846 0544

Best Restaurants in Brisbane, Australia

Punjabi Palace
135 Melbourne Street, West End
(+61) 7 3846 3884
Restaurant Two
Corner of Alice & Edward Streets, City
+61 (7) 3210 1311
The Story Bridge Hotel
200 Main Street, Kangaroo Point
(+61) 7 3391 2266
Mecca Bah Restaurant
19-21/1000 Ann Street, Fortitude Valley (The Emporium complex)
(+61) 7 3252 5299
Mondo Organics Restaurant
166 Hardgrave Road, West End
(+61) 7 3844 1132
My Thai Restaurant
113 Haig Road, Auchenflower
(+61) 7 3217 7277

Tempting Cafés in Brisbane, Australia

Freestyle Tout
Shop 50/1000 Ann Street, Fortitude Valley (The Emporium complex)
(+61) 7 3252 0214
The Continental Cafe
21 Barker Street, New Farm
(+61) 3254 0377
Arrivederci Pizza Al Metro
1 Park Road, Milton
(+61) 7 3369 8500
Sassafras
88 Latrobe Terrace, Paddington
(+61) 7 3369 0600
La Dolce Vita Caffe & Ristorante
20 Park Road, Milton
(+61) 7 3368 3805
Blue Lotus
Shop 5, 12 Park Road, Milton
(+61) 7 3368 2766

Shopping Hotspots in Brisbane, Australia

Queen Street Mall
Queen Street, City

Airports in Brisbane, Australia

Brisbane International Airport
Airport Drive, Pinkenba
+61 (7) 3406 3191
Brisbane Domestic Airport
Airport Drive, Pinkenba
+61 (7) 3406 3191



The city guide for Brisbane is James Duffy. We do not accept payment or rewards for listing particular businesses on this page.


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