North Sea

About Brisbane
As they say about Queensland – it’s beautiful one day, perfect the next. Out of all the capital cities of Australia, Brisbane is very lucky to have the best weather. Because of this, Brisbane is very multicultural, as people choose this city to live in when they need a ‘sea change’. If you can think of an activity that you would like to try, chances are that you will be able to do it in Brisbane.

Getting around Brisbane
You can explore your way through the city centre by bus or train, or if you’re feeling energetic, it is even accessible by foot. The best way to see all that Brisbane has to offer is trip up the river on the City Cat. This costs $2.50 for a one way trip and $5.00 will get you an unlimited day pass to travel all along the river, stopping wherever and whenever you like.

South Bank
South Bank is the family orientated, entertainment hub of Brisbane. A lifeguard patrolled, man-made beach was created alongside the river creating a safe environment for families to cool off during the day. This sandy attraction is Australia’s only beach located in the middle of the city. Along with the Maritime Museum, Art Gallery and Theatres, there is also an abundance of cafes and retail shop. You can get to South Bank from the city centre by Bus, Train, City Cat, or by walking along the William Jolly Bridge or the Good Will Bridge.

The Valley
Fortitude Valley (or ‘The Valley’ as it is better known) is a place where you will definitely see the diversity of people in Brisbane. It’s the place you come to when you want to party! The Valley is located about 1 km from the city centre and is a place where people come together to take advantage of all the little boutiques, the clubs and pubs and all the cafes that spill over onto the footpaths. As you walk down the Brunswick Street Mall at night, you will hear all the different kinds of music blasting from the bars, see the lights and restaurants of Chinatown and there’s no doubt that you will come across the many buskers playing their instruments for a few coins. Most of Brisbane’s live bands play in particular venues here too.

West End
West End, also situated on the river, is home to many working class people and has many trendy cafes and restaurants that specialise in international cuisine. This area is quickly becoming a popular destination for young people looking for nightlife that is a little different from the city. You can watch the local fire spinners from ‘West End Fire Fest’ each month, when the full moon comes out, as they as they twirl fire and juggle in one of the local parks.

Parks and Gardens
Venture out to the Roma Street Parkland or the Botanical Gardens for a free guided walk or relaxing picnic beside a waterfall, lake or underneath a beautiful Jacaranda tree. These large trees are an icon of Brisbane as they show off their beautiful purple flowers in the Spring. You can see them scattered all throughout Brisbane City as well as in the actual botanical gardens themselves. New Farm Park is a great place for a bike ride or rollerblading along the river, or you can venture out a little further to the Mt Cootha Botanical Gardens and enjoy the view of the city from afar.

Festivals
There are many festivals held in Brisbane including the Brisbane Festival, The Seafood Festival, The Greek Festival, The International Film Festival and The Ekka just to name a few. The most anticipated festival of all though, would have to be the Riverfestival, where a specific section of the river is closed off especially for the event. At the finale of the festival (around September), two RAAF F1-11 aeroplanes set off a fireworks display by flying just meters above the river and dump burning fuel. This display lights up the whole sky and stretches all the way along the river from the Story Bridge to the Victoria Bridge.

Other places of interest
Brisbane is close to other cities and towns of interest such as the Gold Coast, the Sunshine Coast and many others situated both along the coast or inland. You can also travel to nearby islands such as Stradbroke Island, Moreton Island or Bribie Island for a change of scenery.

Diving Brisbane
Diving around Brisbane takes place in Moreton Bay and around Moreton and Stradbroke Islands. There are many dive sites here and most are accessible by daytrip.