Brisbane

Brisbane - riverside parks, a cosmopolitan attitude, a city of beauty and warmth divinely placed between the Gold Coast and the Sunshine Coast. Encompassed by the sun this city of 1.6 million people offers locals and tourists the convenience of a metropolitan centre with the natural beauty of the east coast of Australia. The city's character - past, present and future - is entangled with the twisty Brisbane River, the river whose banks the city is built upon. As well as adding to the cities charm and beauty the snaking river also provides the city with a waterway that is utilized as a transport system.


Climate:

The hot sunny summers and the mild winters give Brisbane an ideal climate. Brisbane is less humid in the tourist high season, the winter months of July, August and September.


Attractions:


Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary
The Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary is a memorable destination. Opened in 1927 Lone Pine is the largest koala sanctuary in the world - featuring 130 of the loveable creatures. Set on the river, the sanctuary is also home to several species of Australian flora and fauna. Visitors can see kangaroos, possums, wombats, emus and other species of birds. This 50 acre park also has some wonderful areas for hikers and picnickers to explore. Educational presentations on the flora and fauna are held throughout the day.

Mt Coot-tha Reserve
In the parkland just outside Brisbane the scenic lookout of Mt Coot-tha beckons. Brisbane lies at the foot of the mountain with the city center resting in a curve of the river. On a clear day Moreton and Stradbroke Islands can be seen in the distance. The Aboriginal Art Trail, one of the many hiking trails in the area, takes visitors past eight sites of aboriginal art. The Brisbane Botanical Garden, with 52 hectares of garden, features flora from the tropics, rain forests and arid environments as well as a Japanese garden.

Brisbane Forest Park
This popular recreational area is well used by the city residents. Many of the trails throughout the area are best accessed by car however there is some bus access to the park. Hiking, horseback riding, camping and cycling are all activities that take place in the reserve. At the entrance of the park there is an information centre with trail, camping and area data. Near the information center is Walk-About Creek, a centre that features a close up view of creatures including the platypus, fish, turtles, pythons, and lizards.

South Bank Parklands
South Bank Parklands was the site of the 1988 World Expo. The Park is still vital and lovely as it has been redeveloped and rejuvenated over the years. Visitors can spend some time exploring Pauls Breaka Beach, this popular attraction is an artificial beach that is built to look like a tropical lagoon. A part of Stanley Street, an historic area, has been revitalized and holds cafes, shops and restaurants. Nearby the Imax theater showcases a variety of films. This entire area is within walking distance from the city centre.