Out & About in Brisbane
Brisbane by Night
Brisbane is a rapidly developing city in Australia, opening up its landscape to tourists and commercial investors alike. With the great Brisbane River spiralling through the city’s suburbs, Brisbane locals and visitors can enjoy frequent ferry rides on the Citycat, along with trains and buses all on the one Translink Pass.
Situated 931 kilometres North from Sydney, Brisbane is host to dry summer months between November to March, and fairly cold winters – around 5 to 10 degrees at night time between June to August.
Originally inhabited by the Turrjal people before European settlement, Brisbane was not incorporated as a city until 1902, after Queensland had been officially recognised as a separate colony in 1859.
There are many heritage sites throughout the city, including ANZAC Square and The Windmill in Wickham Park, built by convicts in 1828.
Some major festivals in Brisbane are: the Mercedes Fashion Festival, the Brisbane Writers Festival, the Buddha’s Birthday Celebrations at Southbank, Brisbane International Boat Show and many more, including The Great Brisbane Duck Race.
Some major attractions in Brisbane City include the Brisbane Botanic Gardens, Sir Thomas Brisbane Planetarium, South Bank Parklands, “Tsuki-yama-chisen” Japanese Garden, Suncorp Stadium, the Gabba, Brisbane River, Alma Park Zoo, Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, Manly Boat Harbour, the University of Queensland, and Roma St Parklands.
Extreme sport adventurers may enjoy a rock-climbing session at Kangaroo Point, where instructors are available, as well as equipment hire for kayaking, kick-biking, rollerblading and bike riding. The top of the point provides panoramic views of the city’s skyline.
The major shopping hot spots include Queen St Mall, Wintergarden, Indooroopilly, Chinatown and Fortitude Valley. Markets are held in Chinatown and Southbank Parklands on Saturday mornings.
Fortitude Valley is the young urban ‘hub’ area for Brisbane locals, being the host of the alternative live music scene, as well as many clubs, bars and lounges. By day the Valley is quiet with bits of last night’s litter by the curb-side, a few fashion shops opened and nearby Chinatown’s visitors wandering around. By night the Valley comes alive with bright lights, youthful energy and more than few hoards of ladies in heels, waiting excitedly in line.
For a more mature scene of glamour and glitz, visit the Treasury Casino, with a variety of shows and dinner packages, as well as over 1,300 gaming machines.
Getting around in Brisbane is simple with buses that run frequently, and trains to the major suburbs from Central station. Brisbane also has both a domestic and international airport, so arrivals and departures are also very convenient, especially with the Air Train service.
