Brisbane and Surrounds Info
Introduction
Situated on the eastern edge of Australia, in the southeastern portion of the state of Queensland of which it is the capital, lies the city of Brisbane, the River City—the third largest in terms of population in the country, it is one of the most fascinating destinations on the continent and attracts thousands and thousands of visitors every year, eager to get to know its diverse culture and its modern urban landscape.
With plenty of green spaces (roughly 25% of the total surface area, which is a lot when compared to other cities of equal size) to roam through and lots of fun activities, this city provides endless fun for visitors and locals alike, and is an ideal destination for a vacation—especially considering its proximity to many natural destinations of international acclaim, like the Great Barrier Reed, for example.
Visiting Brisbane
Visitors to Brisbane will be amazed at how friendly the city and its locals (called Birsbanites) are, and how accessible everything is, no matter where you are trying to go. In fact, public transportation systems are one of the biggest points of pride for Brisbanites, with some of the most advanced systems in the world gracing this exceptional city.
Beyond the excellent train, airtrain, and busway systems in place (all of which include a minimum fare) there is a free, highly convenient bus service circulating in the central business sector called The Loop, a favorite for people looking for a friendly way to get around.
The River City boasts the only artificial inland beach on the continent, called the Southbank Beach, which is roughly the size of three Olympic-sized pools, another popular spot in the city. After getting a bit of a tan and cooling off (the temperature in the city can get pretty high, for which reason all the people throughout the city are constantly seeking out a place to cool down), there are guided walks to be taken through the Roma Street Parklands, a pleasant botanic region of the city where visitors can take in some of the local history, see public art displays, and appreciate the native flora. If visitors are in the mood for a little museum and gallery touring, Brisbane has plenty to offer in that department as well: the Queensland Art Gallery and Museum of Modern Art both provide an excellent array of pieces that are undoubtedly of top order.
Getting back outdoors to enjoy the wonderful subtropical sun and air, people can check out the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, opened in 1927 as the world's only koala sanctuary and opening the door for many subsequent initiatives of a similar sort, demonstrating the visionary, vanguard mentality that predominates in the city.
To round out the gamut of enjoyable outdoor activities in the city, visitors are recommended to get on over to the Story Bridge, a local landmark of considerable importance where the more daring can go on an adventure climb. Like so many things in Australia, it's all about being active and energetic when in Brisbane!
History of Brisbane
Like many parts of Australia, the city was initially developed as a British penal colony, established in 1825 in preference of another site that had been utilized for the same purpose the beginning the year before. By 1842 free settlement was permitted in Brisbane, opening the city up to a much wider potential immigrant population. German missionaries had already made a spot for themselves in the area by that point, being among the first non-British settlers in the vicinity.
Historic landmarks in the city include the Windmill in Wickham Park and the Old Commissariat Store on William Street, both of which are primary points of interest, attracting tourist crowds on a regular basis.
The city served a crucial role in the Second World War as the headquarters for General Douglas MacArthur's Southwest Pacific theater operations, helping guarantee the Allied victory in the war. The city returned to leave its imprint on the world stage by staging the 1988 World Exposition (otherwise known as Expo '88); the event was a monumentous occasion for the city as well as for the entire state of Queensland, as it entailed a series of public expenditures which helped solidify the modernity and accessibility which continue to distinguish it with such a noble air.