Brisbane Queensland is a city of some magnitude and this is not just because it is a capital city with a population of almost two million. It is the bounty that it offers its residents and visitors that makes Brisbane a star attraction. Urban pleasures of a modern city and spectacular scenery juxtapose each other.

How many cities offer a swimming beach right in the centre of the city? Shopaholics will get lost in the Queen Street Mall and its over seven hundred retail stores. Music lovers will enjoy its lively music scene. Aboriginal history and culture may be explored by visiting the heritage precincts around the city. Outdoor and other natural attractions enrich the experience.

Sites within Brisbane

With the City Sights Tour bus tour Brisbane highlights are pointed out. It might be a good way to get to know the city upon your arrival. The Cultural Precinct is chock full of cultural sites like the fabulous Gallery of Modern Art. Exhibitions in many of these venues may be seen at no cost. Children will especially enjoy the Sciencentre of the Queensland Museum, where interactive science provides entertaining education. The city parks and places by the Brisbane River that meanders through the city will allow tired places some relaxation outdoors. The Maritime Museum, the Museum of Brisbane, the Commissariat Store building, the Old Windmill and Newstead House are also places to take yourself and your children to learn and enjoy the experience. Younger visitors might also find the Ghost Tour of the city streets riveting.

Not far from the city centre are the City Botanic Gardens and the Roma Street Parkland. The Roma Parkland is the largest subtropical garden within a city anywhere in the world, which hosts rare trees and themed gardens. The Brisbane Botanic Gardens and its Sir Thomas Brisbane Planetarium rest beside the river and walking distance from the centre. The Southbank Parklands feature city beach, tree-lined walks, shopping, restaurants and a cultural centre. The CityCat journey down the Brisbane River is one way to travel. The sightseeing tours and lunch cruises on the river can also take you to the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary. From the pinnacle of Mt. Coot-you will behold the stunning vistas of the city and Moreton Bay. If you have a car, you may drive there or take local bus or the tourist bus.

Annual festivals and events are the most famous and include the Kitefest held during May, The Redcliffe Festival of Sails at Suttons Beach and the Abbey Medieval Festival. The coastal villages provide a contrast to the Brisbane urban setting. There is accommodation a plenty whatever your taste. Tours of the islands off Brisbane and activity adventures depart from the coastal villages.

Natural beauty of the city and its region

The famous Story Bridge linking the inner city suburbs offers a climbing venue; while abseiling down the Kangaroo Point Cliffs is more likely. Kayaking and hot air ballooning and diving is also on offer for adventurous spirits. The islands include Bribie Island, the Southern Bay Islands and the Moreton and Stradbroke Islands. Fantastic diving, surfing, sand tobogganing and quad biking are for beach and water lovers. On Moreton Island, you can also feed wild dolphins at Tangalooma Wild Dolphin Resort.

Driving around the Greater Brisbane countryside will take you to the beautiful country, the historic hinterland towns and wineries. The national parks can be traversed by hikers, bikers and horseback riders. The rainforest that is the Brisbane Forest Park is a drive away. Children will like the Walk-About Creek Wildlife and adults will enjoy the meandering paths.

The Scenic Rim and Country Valleys are dramatic vestiges of bygone volcanic activity. The Sunshine Coast and Great Barrier Reef are driving distance from Brisbane. A visit to Brisbane Queensland has so much to offer just one trip will not do.