Brisbane, with a population of around one and a half million people, is the fastest-growing city in Australia and offers visitors both a relatively relaxed way of life and a lively entertainment scene.
The state capital of Queensland, which is only an hour’s drive north from the Gold Coast or south from the Sunshine Coast, has one of the world’s oldest waterways, the Brisbane River, which winds its way snakelike through the city.
One of its leading attractions is the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, which, having opened in 1927, is the world’s largest koala sanctuary and can be reached by a river cruise from Queens Wharf Road. Australia Zoo is also popular with tourists.
Brisbane caters for a wide variety of culinary tastes with Vietnamese, modern Australian, Greek and Mediterranean style restaurants and a number of award winning establishments on Eagle Street Pier and Adelaide Street East. Another area to try is Queen Street Mall.
For rugby fans the Adrenalin Sports Bar on Charlotte Street is a must as it is co-owned by former Australia captain John Eales, although a varied nightlife can be found in Petrie Terrace, Fortitude Valley, South Brisbane and the West End.
Brisbane’s most expensive accommodation is located in the city centre, but reasonably priced options include the Hotel George Williams, Goodearth Hotel and the Metro Inn Tower Mill. Other alternatives are the Palace Backpackers or the Acacia.