Brisbane Queensland is a capital city with a population of 1.8 million with a wonderful climate for cold weather sufferers like the citizens of the United Kingdom. It is the third largest city in Australia by population after Sydney and Melbourne. It offers both cosmopolitan pleasures and natural adventure for tourists and lucky residents alike. Here a network of paths and bridges connect the centre of the city to South Bank and the urban villages at the edge of Brisbane River.

There is a beach right in the middle of the Central Business District, the largest retail precinct in the country is the Queen Street Mall with more than 700 stores, and the leading Australian live music scene all contained within this vibrant city. Outdoor festivals and events, some of which are renowned annual events and other attractions enliven the atmosphere. The city blends its historical buildings with its modern architecture, as it does its urban environment with the natural wilderness that abounds. And, do not forget there is also a Ghost Tour of the city streets for those with the nerve.

Urban Sites to visit in Brisbane

The City Sights Tour allows you to hop on and off the tour bus. It is a single decker bus and does not have taped commentary. It is also not a free service as may be found in Perth or Melbourne. However, it is not the only way to see the many sights of Brisbane. If you like art, a visit to the Gallery of Modern Art is a must see, along with other venues for art lovers to enjoy. Near the Southbank area and across the river from the Central Business District lies the Cultural Precinct. The precinct encompasses the Gallery of Modern Art, the Queensland Art Gallery, the Queensland College of Art,

the Queensland Conservatorium, and the Queensland Museum, that houses the Sciencentre with its interactive science entertainment for children that can be enjoyed for hours on end bringing enjoyable learning. The Queensland Performing Arts Centre and the State Library of Queensland are also area venues where many of the exhibitions are free. You might consider exploring Aboriginal history and culture in the heritage precincts around the city. Other museums of a different stripe include the Brisbane Maritime Museum and the Museum of Brisbane. History can also be seen in, the Commissariat Store building, the Old Windmill, and Newstead House, the oldest residence in Brsibane. If you need a rest, relaxation beckons in the network of grassy parks and the Southbank beach or the river cruises through the heart of the city.

The City Botanic Gardens and the Roma Street Parkland are not far from the city centre. The Parkland is the world's largest subtropical garden in a city centre. It has themed gardens and contains the Wollemi Pine Grove, one of the world's oldest and rarest species of trees. The Brisbane Botanic Gardens and its Planetarium are beside the river and walking distance from the Central Business District. The Southbank Parklands feature that rarity an inner-city beach and tree-lined walks, shopping, restaurants and the cultural centre. Here you can also go on the Wheel of Brisbane for a birds-eye view. With the CityCat, you can journey down Brisbane River and stop off at city spots you would like to explore. Other cruises down the river include the paddle wheeler Kookaburra Queen and gondola trips. There are sightseeing tours and lunch cruises you can also cruise all the way to the Koala sanctuary. A trip to the top of Mt. Coot-brings a grand view beneath you with breathtaking panoramic views of Brisbane and Moreton Bay. A local bus or the City Sights tour bus can take you there, if you do not wish to drive.

Annual events are the most famous and include the Kitefest held in Clontarf during May, which attracts participants from across Australia and the Redcliffe Festival of Sails at Suttons Beach marking the start of the Brisbane to Gladstone Yacht Race on Good Friday. In July, the Abbey Medieval Festival takes place. It attracts pageantry lovers from near and far. The coastal villages such as Caboolture, Cleveland, Redcliffe and Sandgate have a rich cultural history and offer heritage trails, art galleries and events to commemorate their heritage. There is no shortage of accommodation options. You can stay at beachside resorts, boutique Bed and Breakfasts or use available camping grounds. Tours of the islands and island activity adventures use the coastal villages as a point of departure.

Natural beauty for adventure lovers

You can climb up the famous Story Bridge that links the inner city suburbs of Fortitude Valley and Kangaroo point or abseil down the Kangaroo Point Cliffs. Kayaking or hot air ballooning is also available for the adventures. From the Bribie Island to the Southern Bay Islands, you can experience some of the best diving in the world. You can surf, go sand tobogganing or quad biking. Coastal villages and the second and third largest sand Islands in the world await you in the Moreton and Stradbroke Islands. On Moreton Island, the Tangalooma Wild Dolphin Resort brings dolphins within reach.

Drive around the Greater Brisbane countryside and discover the mountains, lakes, hinterland towns and wineries within easy access of this cosmopolitan city. Those who like to be active may hike in Brisbane's national parks, ride a bike or horseback ride through the scenic territory. Brisbane Forest Park is a rainforest you should visit on a day trip. How many cities can boast a rainforest within reach? The children will enjoy the Walk-About Creek Wildlife area. The park has different paths that vary from being easy to the more strenuous. One of the nicest is the Maiala Circuit walking you through stunning scenery and birds a plenty.

The natural environment around Brisbane includes the Scenic Rim and Country Valleys created by ancient volcanoes long ago. From Lamington National Park stretches this rim of mountains and rocky outcroppings. Brisbane certainly has some dramatic scenery. The Great Barrier Reef and the Sunshine Coast are also driving distance from Brisbane. A variety of entertaining offerings await you in Brisbane Queensland. Perhaps you will experience some difficulty in deciding what to see?