edit Brisbane Travel Guide

• South Bank - Brisbane's artificial beach is right across the Brisbane River from the heart of the city in the cultural district, surrounded by lots of shops, cafés, and restaurants as well as some of the city's museums, theatres, and art galleries. A great place to hang out on a hot day and swim for free. Suncorp Piazza within South Bank often hosts free live events and movies.
  
• Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary. What better thing is there to do when in Australia than pet a Koala15 minutes drive from the city on Jesmond Road in Fig Tree Pocket (via the Western Freeway). Catch the hourly 445 or 430 buses from the city or the Mirimar boat cruise from Southbank at 10:20 am. Tel: +61-7-3378-1366. World's first and largest koala sanctuary, with over 130 koalas. Cuddle a koala any time, hand feed kangaroos and encounter a large variety of Aussie wildlife, all in beautiful, natural settings.

In 1823, John Oxley was the first to explore Brisbane, which was then selected by the colony of New South Wales as the location for a new gaol, intended to house dangerous prisoners in a remote location. The original settlement was established in what is now the suburb of Redcliffe but was later moved to a location upstream.

In 1837, free settlers moved to the area and pushed to close the gaol and to release the land in the area.

In 1859, a gold rush led to the establishment of the colony of Queensland with Brisbane as its capital, named after Sir Thomas MakDougall Brisbane, the sixth Governor of New South Wales.

In 1925, the Queensland State Parliament created the City of Brisbane Act, and set up a single government for the city of Brisbane.

Recent strong migration to Brisbane and the whole of south-east Queensland is taking place due to cheaper house prices, a pleasant climate, and good employment opportunities. The area is currently facing the challenge of providing enough fresh water for its residents. You're not likely to find the tap dry or see any visible signs of the shortage, but keep your showers relatively brief (local water restrictions call for 4 minute showers) and expect the locals to be horrified if you walk away from a running tap.

By plane

Brisbane Airport is 20 kilometres north-east of the city centre at Eagle Farm, north of the river.

There are both domestic and international terminals at Eagle Farm. It is possible to fly to all Australian capitals and numerous regional centres from the domestic terminal. Major carriers include Virgin Blue, Jetstar, and Qantas.

The international terminal is serviced by all major regional airlines and it is possible to fly daily to most Asian centres, the USA and New Zealand. It is no longer necessary to travel via Sydney or Melbourne, although tickets may be routed through such airports to obtain cheaper fares.

It is not practical to walk with luggage between the International and Domestic terminals. AirTrain offers a connection during the day with a 30 minute frequency or 15 minutes during peak. Outside AirTrain hours taxi may be the only option. Allow sufficient time for the transfer between terminals. The AirTrain fare is included by Virgin Blue and by Qantas when traveling between their flights.

AirTrain connects to the city from the airport every fifteen minutes during peak times and stops at Central, South Bank, Brunswick Street and Roma Street stations. It is also possible to take the Airtrain direct to the Gold Coast, although it is necessary to connect to a bus service at Nerang to reach Surfers Paradise or at Robina to reach Coolangatta. If arriving late at night, taxis may be your only option as the Airtrain stops at around 7.30pm.

By train

• Countrylink operates rail services from Sydney

• Queensland Rail has services from most centres in Queensland

By car

Visitors from southern states can reach Brisbane by either the New England and Cunningham or Pacific Highways.

The Bruce Highway connects the northern coast of Queensland to Brisbane.

The Ipswich Motorway connects to Ipswich and surrounding Western Brisbane areas.

The Warrego Highway links Brisbane to the west through the Lockyer Valley, Toowoomba and the Darling Downs.

By bus

Premier Motor Service links some centres on the east coast of NSW and Queensland to Brisbane, as well as connections to Melbourne.

Greyhound Australia link to most other locations to Brisbane.

By Boat

Brisbane has recently become the home to an international cruise terminal titled Portside Wharf. If you own your own boat and wish to have it shipped-in, you can organise this through Yacht Transport.

By Car

Most reputable car hire companies have offices located at Brisbane Airport. Driving in the city is not always the best option, however, it gives access to more remote locations. Rental companies can often provide deals when booked online in advance. While most car rental companies hire to people 25 years of age and over, some all age car rental companies do hire to younger drivers over 18 years of age.

• East Coast Car Rentals. From $25 per day. Satellite Navigation available.
• Avis Car Hire.
• Budget Car Rental,.
• Thrifty Car Rental.
• 4WD Rent a Car. Cheap 4WD Rental.
• All Age Car Rentals Car Hire from $ 14 Per Day for Drivers of All Ages - Under 21 Drivers included.
• Surfers Paradise Car Hire Car Hire from $ 22 Per Day. GPS Satellite Navigation available.

Like the rest of Australia, Queenslanders drive on the left.

There are several toll roads in and around Brisbane, including a $2.60 toll on the Gateway Bridge, which crosses the river near the airport, connecting the north and south arterial roads and providing a convenient bypass for the CBD. Cash is still accepted at all toll plazas, but will be phased out at some point in the future.

By Mass Transit

Public transport has recently been overhauled and incorporates an integrated ticketing system across the three main modes of transport: 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.

Buses in Greater Brisbane mostly lead all the way to Queen Street. The routes 598 and 599 form the Great Circle Route which circles the city in clockwise and counter-clockwise direction and can be a great way of getting around the different suburbs. A discounted ten trip ticket is available for pre-purchase from most newsagents and council ofiices, and is quicker, cheaper and easier than paying cash to the driver, who will usually not appreciate anything other than the correct fare amount.

Trains in Greater Brisbane run along radial lines from Central and Roma Street Station. Interurban services can also be caught to the Gold Coast (using connecting bus services at Nerang and Robina) and Sunshine Coast (using connecting bus services at Landsborough and Nambour) as well as Australia Zoo (connecting bus at Beerwah).

(tel. 13 12 30) is the official website of TransLink that can give you directions on how to reach a destination using public transport.

By Foot

Bicycle

Getting around the city and the surrounding areas is easy thanks to the many cycle paths along the river. Bicycles can be rented in the centre of the Brisbane City Botanic Gardens and also at Brisbane Bicycle.

Cycling on footpaths is legal in Brisbane City Council shire, however pedestrians have right of way. Always keep as far left as possible when riding on the road or a bike path. The police issue $120AUD on the spot fines for cycling without a safety helmet. Maps showing bikeways in the Brisbane City Council area are available on the BCC website.

Remember, Brisbane is very hilly. A short trip can quickly become a lot of work. Stick to the river when possible - it's where you get the best views anyway.

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.

Brisbane has, over recent years, experienced a significant drought. This has resulted in water usage restrictions for residents, and travelers should take note of the recommended 4 minute shower time (local government is cracking down particularly hard on this).

Throughout Australia, the number for emergency services (Police, Fire and Ambulance) is 000. When using a mobile or cell phone, the numbers 000 and 112, are free of charge, and connect using any of the available networks.

Emergency numbers such as 911 and 999 do not work within Australia.

Crime

The good news is that Brisbane has a relatively low crime rate and is generally a safe city. As in any other developed city, it's quite easy to have a good time without worrying about security.

• Fortitude Valley - Police presence very strong here. For females, it is recommended to travel in pairs or groups to avoid any unwanted attentions from drunken revelers, especially in early hours of the morning.

• City Central - As per Fortitude Valley, but with a little extra care to be taken -- but still safe. Recently 'Police Beat' initiatives have slashed central city crime drastically at night. Nevertheless, be careful if catching a train at night, even though the train stations are well patrolled and watched by CCTV.

• Suburban pubs - Drunks can be a hassle when in the vicinity of suburban pubs, especially around closing times.

• Treasury Casino - Casino patrons often gather outside, and unwanted attention can be received late at night due to drunks. However, security is tight and the entire area around the Casino is monitored by CCTV.

• Suburbs - The vast majority of Brisbane's suburbs are relatively safe, however one must take care and exercise caution when venturing into some areas such as Aspley, Acacia Ridge, Eagleby, Inala, Rocklea, Gailes, Goodna and Woodridge. The surronding areas to these suburbs may also be rather dangerous, therefore do take care.

Smoking

• Alma Park Zoo. About thirty minutes north of the city centre. The Zoo Train can be caught from the city on the Caboolture line.

• Brisbane City Hall and King George Square. Located between Adelaide and Ann Streets, this is the city's most significant historical landmark. City Hall often hosts free concerts throughout the year. There is a restored lift that can be taken to the top of the clock tower for free. The lift opens at 10 a.m. and stops running at 3 p.m. (2:30 p.m. on Saturdays) daily except Sundays. There is no access to the clock tower outside of these hours.

• City Botanic Gardens. 10 to 15 minute walk from the city centre and Central or Roma Street railway stations. Walking and cycling tracks. Exhibits. Open 24 hours. Free.

• CityCat. take the CityCat river taxis up and down the river. A great couple of hours to see the city at speed. It's also very cheap, less than $5.00 for a daily combined transport ticket (which includes all citycat/ferry/train/bus).

• Manly Boat Harbour. At Manly, the second largest in the southern hemisphere. There is also a public park located at Norfolk Point.

• Mt Coot-tha. Brisbane's tallest mountain. A popular makeout spot with a great view and good but overpriced cafe and restaurant. Also home to the one of the Botanical Gardens and a Planetarium.

• Museum of Brisbane. In King George Square. Features one floor of exhibits about the history of the city, and another floor for exhibitions of local artists.

• New Farm Park. Large park on the river in New Farm.

• Queensland Cultural Centre - incorporating The Queensland Performing Arts Centre, Queensland Museum, Queensland Art Gallery, Queensland Conservatorium of Music, and State Library of Queensland - all located on Grey Street in South Bank.

• Roma Street Parklands - Experience the theme gardens such as the topiary maze, rain forest walk, lake, celebration law and amphitheater with many public artworks to admire.

• University of Queensland - Queensland's oldest and most prestigious university. Its majestic sandstone buildings are surrounded by parks and gardens, and located in the affluent western suburb of St Lucia. The campus also incorporates numerous sporting facilities that are open to the public, including gym, pool, squash courts, tennis courts, athletics track and football ovals. The campus also boasts a cinema, numerous coffee shops and a large art gallery, which hosts various exhibitions throughout the year, and can be reached by bus from George St on bus numbers 412 and 109 or via the City Cat

• Kangaroo Point - the walls along the Brisbane River are a popular spot for rock climbers. Activity carries on after dark, when the walls are well-lit. Classes are available for beginners. There are also barbecue and picnic spots in the area.

• Story Bridge Adventure Climb - offers the opportunity to scale the top of Brisbane's iconic bridge. Enjoy 360 degree views of Brisbane, the mountain ranges and Moreton Bay Islands at dawn, afternoon or night.

• Queen Street Mall. Main shopping mall in Brisbane, large variety of shops, has several shopping centres within it.

• The Myer Centre. Runs the gamut from jeans shops to specialty knife stores. Internet kiosks are available.

• The Wintergarde. A fashion centre.

• QueensPlaza. Brisbane's newest fashion centre.

• Broadway on the Mall.

• Brisbane Arcade.

• Queen Adelaide Building.

• The Conrad Treasury Casino (located at the George Street end of the mall).

• Adelaide Street. Downtown's dress circle

• Albert Street. Has many adventure and sports-type retailers, lots of bookstores.

• Eagle Street. The centre of law and finance in Queensland, holds the Eagle Street and Riverside markets.

• Edward Street. New retail development.

• South Bank markets. Held at the South Bank Parklands.

• Brunswick Street Mall.

• Indooroopilly Shopping Centre,.

• Westfield Garden City,

• Logan Hyperdome, Loganholme

• Westfield Chermside,

• Westfield Carindale,

• Northside Flower Market,

• Valley Markets - A shopping must for locals and tourist. Operating every weekend, find jewelery, fabulous handmade accessories and artwork. Home to emerging fashion designers. (Sat & Sun, 8am - 4pm)

Brisbane provides a base for day trips to explore the southeast of Queensland. The North Coast of New South Wales can also be reached in an hour if traffic is light, but allow up to two hours travel if traffic is heavy or there is an accident on the Pacific Motorway. Queensland Rail also provides extensive services out of Brisbane to the north and south of the city.

North of Brisbane:

• Glass House Mountains National Park - about an hour north of Brisbane. There is a scenic drive through the mountains with a couple of lookouts, or you can go for a hike - easy or difficult, depending on the mountain. (Mt. Beerwah offers a stern but quick scramble and a good view of the area.) There are a few small roadside shops in the area that sell homemade jams and varieties of macadamia nuts.
• Beerwah - home of the Australia Zoo, run by the family of "Crocodile Hunter" Steve Irwin. Admission is $46 for adults.
• Sunshine Coast - 90 minutes north of Brisbane, suitable for surfers without the clutter of the more famous beaches to the south. The city of Noosa and several derivatively-named cities (e.g., Noosa Heads, Noosaville) offer short and long-term accomodation, some restaurants and a few stretches of shops aimed at tourists with and without a budget.
• Sunshine Coast Hinterland - 90 minutes north of Brisbane. Crafts and galleries and cafes and lots of bushwalks and scenic views in the Blackall Ranges at Maleny, Montville, Flaxton and Mapleton.
• Eumundi famous markets - on Wednesday and Saturday.
• Fraser Island - World Heritage listed site, offering pristine, unspoiled lakes, dunes, forests and wildlife. Camping is possible, or day-trips can be arranged from Noosa. World's largest sand island.

South of Brisbane:

• Gold Coast - famous for being a tourist town, approximately 70km south of Brisbane on the Pacific Motorway.

• Mt. Tamborine National Park - extensive areas of National Park plus arts, crafts, galleries and the like, near several forest hikes. There are some excellent fudge shops at the top of Mt. Tamborine that offer generous free samples and a staggering variety of flavors.

• Surfers Paradise - tourist mecca, and arguably the most upmarket area on the Gold Coast, host to Caville Avenue and several shopping malls

• Dreamworld - theme park in the western Gold Coast suburb of Coomera, on the Pacific Motorway. Tel: +61-7-5588-1111.

• Lower Moreton Bay

• Moreton Bay Islands - includes places like Moreton Island (where Scooby Doo was filmed) and St. Helena Island (a former maximum security prison island)

• Seaworld - aquatically-themed park sandwiched on a peninsula between the Gold Coast Seaway and the Pacific Ocean, located in Southport (just north of the Gold Coast)

• Wet' n' Wild Water World and Movieworld movieworld.com.au] - more theme parks near Dreamworld, on the Pacific Motorway

West of Brisbane:

• Ipswich - is situated 40kms west of Brisbane. 45 minutes by road from Brisbane City.

• Brisbane Skydiving Centre - offers tandem skydiving and advanced freefall courses. Willowbank.

• Workshops Rail Museum - The whole family will enjoy the birthplace of Queensland Rail and enjoy the interacive exhibits at this award-winning museum. North Street, North Ipswich.

• Brookwater Golf Club - An 18 hole Greg Norman championship golf course and Australia's No. 2 public access course.

• Queensland Raceway - Queensland's premier race circuit. This is the only location near Brisbane where members of the public can drive on the same racetack as professional drivers. Champions Way, Willowbank.

• Bunya Mountains National Park - Three hours west of Brisbane. One of the oldest national park in Queensland. Home of the ancient bunya pine and many other species of plants, birds and other animals. Stay at least three nights to have time to hike in the park.