Visit the Third Largest City in Australia
Brisbane is situated in the Australian state of Queensland and is known under many different names such as Bris Vegas, Brisneyland and Brissie. The first two names are a play on the Glam Factor that the city has- with which they try to attract visitors from the east coast. Brissie is a typical nickname by the “Aussies”. Although Brisbane is the third largest city after Sydney and Melbourne, the city can hold itself well in the competition to claim the title of the most popular metropolis. In fact self confidence predominates as Brisbane is without a doubt a beautiful city. Above all this is due to the buildings and architecture of the 1980’s. The building boom of this time has left its traces behind- the commitment to the rectification of the EXPO ’88 is to blame for the construction work. This does not really bother the residents of Brisbane- the sub tropical climate and the easy going mentality is for the people here reason enough to feel on top of the world.
Visit Australia's Largest Sub-tropical Park
At the beginning of your trip we recommend an excursion to the Mount Coot-tha Botanic Gardens in your car hire. This is Australia’s largest, sub-tropical park. From here you will have a further view of the city and of Moreton Bay. In addition to this you can expect to see many different tropical plants and a wonderful Japanese Garden that was designed especially for the EXPO ’88. Further attractions in the park are the Bonsai-House, the Cactus House, and the Fern House. You will find the Botanical Garden about 7km (4 miles) outside of the centre of the city- in your cheap car hire it will take only about 15 minutes to get there. The entrance fee is nothing! You can find the second Botanic Garden in the centre of the town and is also worth seeing. The City Botanic Gardens run along the River Brisbane and is ideal for a relaxing walk in the shallow water running off the river. Definitely worth seeing is the Mangrove Boardwalk- a wooden pathway that runs through the middle of the water plants. The park is open 24 hours a day and is free.
From Art Exhibitions to Magnificant Rainforests
Brisbane possesses an interesting, local art scene that can be visited in the QUT Art Museum. The Queensland University of Technology (QUT) displays modern contemporary art. In parts there are even works of art by the students exhibited. You can reach the QUT Art Museum from George Street. It is located in the campus of the university and can be combined wonderfully with a trip in your car hire to the previously mentioned City Botanic Gardens. A further destination can be found just near by: the South Banks Parklands. Although the park itself is worth the trip, the main attraction is actually the Gondwana Rainforest Sanctuary in which you can find an insect and butterfly house. The amazingly coloured, flying creatures and the different spiders and types of insects will give you an insight into the world of Australia’s impressive variety of small creatures.
An Extra Tip
Every Sunday in the Parklands of the Southbank you will find a market- particularly for arts and crafts. A good opportunity to find some souvenirs! The South Banks Parklands and the Southbank Market lie on the southern back of the River Brisbane opposite the QUT Art Museum and is easily reached just over the foot-bridge.
Breathtaking Landscapes
To conclude, a tip for those of you that don’t get dizzy easily. Similar to the city of Sydney, Brisbane also has an impressive steel bridge, The Story Bridge. The bridge can be visited with a skilled guide only in groups of 12. The view of the city and the surrounding region is phenomenal!
