Brisbane Region Information

Brisbane Region Information

Brisbane is the capital city of Australia's Sunshine State, Queensland. Tucked into the south-east corner of the state it avoids the extremes of summer experienced in the north but has a warm pleasant climate all year round. Built on the banks of the lazy Brisbane River, the city is fondly referred to as the River City. The CBD is compact, enclosed within a loop of the big river, and is filled with open spaces and cool parks which are located among elegant, heritage buildings, gleaming sky scrapers and shopping malls and arcades. Spreading out over a large area the Greater Brisbane region is leafy and full of interesting suburbs many of which are occupied by the characteristic wooden 'Queenslander' cottages.

The wonderful climate of Brisbane is a major drawcard and the sub-tropical days and pleasant evenings give rise to an enviable outdoor lifestyle. Around the inner-city and the suburbs are hundreds of relaxed beer gardens, al-fresco restaurants, bistros and cafés, often situated on breeze blessed decks or in cool gardens.

In the centre of town, there are great shopping areas and all the restaurants you would expect in a modern capital. A little down the road is Fortitude Valley, once a downtrodden area associate with crime, it now is one of Brisbane's funkiest locations. Head down to "the Valley" to find groovy boutiques, local and international designer clothes and heaps of live music venues, oh and of course Chinatown. Other inner city hots spots include Paddington, Rosalie, James Street, Little Stanley Street and Stones Corner but there are dozens of little shopping and dining precincts all throughout the city. On any weekend, farmers and craft markets setup up in various parts of the city and sell everything from locally made craft and clothing to fresh fruit and veges as well as gourmet food and coffee and artworks.

One of the best aspects of the Brisbane region is the huge number of attractions in the immediate area. On the outskirts of town to the west is a huge National Park area and the pristine bushland and quaint villages on Mount Glorious and Mount Nebo, perfect for a Sunday drive. Moreton Bay is also on Brisbanes doorstep, a huge protected marine park filled with islands both large and small. The Bay attracts thousands who sail, swim, fish and snorkel in the waters which lie immediately to the east of the city. Moreton Island is a huge sand island where you can stay in luxury or camp along the beach, watching the dolphins at play. Just to the north of the city is Redcliffe, a waterfront suburb which overlooks the sparkling bay and is the perfect place to have a meal on the water.