Brisbane Lastminute Hotels & Travel Guide
Brisbane, the capital city of the state of Queensland is situated in the southeast corner of Queensland, Australia. The Central Business District of Brisbane is situated in a curve of the Brisbane River. The eastern suburbs are along the shores of Moreton Bay, to the north is the Sunshine Coast and to the south is the Gold Coast.
Many historic sandstone buildings have been preserved, but the majority of the CBD now consists of high rise buildings. Brisbane is very pedestrian & bike friendly. Excellent transport is available via fast Catamarans on the river and network of buses and trains.
Brisbane, although it has a population of a million and a half, has quite a different atmosphere from the larger capital cities, Sydney and Melbourne. It was founded in July 1825 as a penal settlement, on the orders of the Governor of New South Wales, Sir Thomas Brisbane, and it soon gained a reputation as one of the harshest of such settlements.
Shopping
Queen Street Mall – This is Brisbane’s main shopping precinct, with over 500 shops and several arcades. The Mall offers numerous dining options to suit all tastes, as well as having lots of impromptu entertainment, displays and music in the mall. There is always plenty to see and do in this area of Brisbane.
Chinatown – Chinatown, adjacent to Brunswick Street Station, offers some of the best food value in Brisbane. There is a market area here where fresh produce may be purchased, and there are also plenty of small Chinese restaurants. These restaurants stay open well into the evening.
Animal Attraction
Alma Park Zoo – This zoo located thirty minutes north of Brisbane, features Australian and exotic animals in a rainforest setting. During the day are a number of “meet the keeper” shows where all the animals can be seen more closely.
Australia Zoo – The world famous Australia Zoo is about one hour north of Brisbane and easily reached by train, car or part of an organised tour. Book your Croc Express Tour with entry to Australia Zoo online.
Walkabout Creek Restaurant and Wildlife Centre – You can enjoy a close up look at some of Australia’s native animals in a recreated natural environment.
Dining & Entertainment
If you want to splurge out on a posh meal somewhere on your Brisbane trip, head to Adelaiede Street, Quuens Street Mall, South Bank or Chinatown. Ofcourse there are other places, but these are to name a few. Brisbane restaurants are generally cheaper from Melbourne, Sydney and Gold Coast ounterparts, the food is just as innovative, and yet affordable.
If you head to Queen Street Mall you will find the most diverse cluster of restaurants that offer modern Asian, Australian and European menus. The indoor/outdoor dining areas are quite large and promote a vibrant cosmopolitan vibe with everyday prices and niche bars and pubs. Most of the eateries are open very late and are licensed.
Parks
Southbank Parklands – These magnificent parklands in the heart of the city are situated on the western bank of the Brisbane River. Covering 16 hectares, which include restaurants, playgrounds, markets, walking and cycling paths and a beach. It really has something for everyone.
Brisbane City Botanical Gardens – The City Botanic Gardens were established in 1855. Here you can find elderly palms and figs, and a mangrove walk, all beside a pleasant bend in the Brisbane River.
Mt Coot-tha – The place for obtaining a view of the whole city is Mt. Coot-tha, situated 7km west of the city centre. A collection spread over 52 hectares with over 20,000 plants and species from around the world. The lookout gives a spectacular view of Brisbane. There is also a large Botanic Garden and the Brisbane Planetarium can also be found here.
For an experience of Brisbane’s Best city attractions, book a tour with Australian Day Tours to explore the city streets of Brisbane.
Historic Buildings
Anzac Square – From Ann Street there is a fine view across the Anzac Square War Memorial to the Post Office standing imposingly on the other side of Post Office Square. In Anzac Square itself are various sculptures, and, most importantly, the Shrine of Remembrance. In the tunnel which leads from Anzac Square to Central Station is the World War II Shrine of Memories.
City Hall – Built in 1930, this sandstone building is situated in King George Square. Highlights are the marble staircase and gothic light fittings. An old fashioned elevator will take you to the bell tower, the bells chime every 15 minutes and can be deafening if you are inside the tower at midday.
Museum
Queensland Museum – The Queensland Museum is part of the Cultural Centre at South Bank. It has many exhibits including a display on Queensland’s endangered species of mammals. Included is the Science centre which has interactive and hands on displays to entertain all ages.
Museum of Brisbane – This small museum can be found in City Hall. It displays an historical account of Brisbane’s past, as well as having up to date information on the city.
