The Brisbane River flows through the metropolitan area of Queensland, Australia. It originates at Mount Stanley and flows 344 km to the Bremer River, the main water supply for Brisbane. The river also provides habitat for endangered Queensland lungfish and Brisbane River cod. During the 1974 Brisbane flood, a 66,000-tonne ship named the Robert Miller washed ashore. Although this was the worst flood in Brisbane’s history, major floods also occurred in 1893 and 1966.
The flooding in Brisbane has caused eight fatalities and has flooded thousands of homes and businesses. In addition to the eight fatalities, about 10,000 properties were flooded above the floorboards. Since the flooding began, eight people have died and three others are missing. One man drowned before dawn on Saturday in floodwaters in the Gold Coast city, and the bodies of his dog were found several hours later. This flood has prompted the state government to urge residents to stay informed and to stay away from flooded areas.
The river’s floodwaters are already rising again, and police are searching for a man in a flood-ravaged area. The man’s identity is still unknown, but police say he was calling for help from a boat that had become stranded in the river. Authorities are also concerned about the impact of the upcoming severe weather event, especially after the devastating floods in 2011 which killed dozens.
The Brisbane River has undergone a number of developments, including dredging and widening. Before 1875, the Brisbane River was a major carriageway connecting the cities of Brisbane and Ipswich. In the early 1820s, the first buoys were laid along the river’s edge, and the first pilots were hired to guide ships into Moreton Bay and upstream. In the 1930s, flying boats took off from Pinkenba.
The Brisbane River is home to numerous animals, including bull sharks. While not incredibly large, these creatures are known to be dangerous. For this reason, visitors are advised to avoid swimming in the river, unless they’re very experienced. Despite the river’s beauty, visitors to the city are encouraged to observe its rules before participating in any activity that might put them in danger. For the safety of their health, swimming in the Brisbane River is prohibited.
During early settlement, the Brisbane River’s water quality deteriorated. Some public baths ceased using its water. The water clarity of the river’s middle reaches was as low as 0.2 m (8 inches), and swimming was popular at Oxley Point, under the Walter Taylor Bridge. However, sewage-related pollution has reduced the visibility to as little as eight inches at its highest point. The river was at its worst an open sewer, and it was the site of many fireworks displays and celebrations.
For entertainment, try visiting the West End farmers market, which draws a large crowd until after lunch. The market is known for fresh produce, French crepes, and live music. You can also visit the historic Regatta Hotel, a 143-year-old institution in the city. Its underground bar, the Walrus Club, is a jazz club that specializes in rum. The riverside atmosphere is great for afternoon drinks.
The first European explorers to explore the Brisbane River reported the presence of rainforest along its banks and major tributaries. The region was also characterized by extensive Melaleuca woodlands. The Brisbane River was not fully developed until 1825, when the penal colony was moved to Redcliffe’s North Quay. The pilot John M. Gray surveyed the entrance in 1825 and transferred convicts and soldiers from Redcliffe to Brisbane.
With all of the new developments in the Brisbane area, it is no surprise that the river has undergone a change. From a benign estuary to a vibrant river, the Brisbane River has undergone a significant transformation. In fact, most Queensland rivers are estuaries, where salty water and freshwater mix with each other. When the river is in flood, however, it behaves like a river.
Brisbane’s name came from its location in the South East Queenslandbiogeographic region, where it is found in abundance. Many of its trees are Eucalyptus, including the infamous Moreton Bay fig, a large, evergreen banyan that is often highlighted with decorative lights. A significant proportion of the inner city’s trees are jacaranda, a large tree native to South America. The tree’s season is aptly named ‘jacaranda season’.
The climate of Brisbane is subtropical, with warm and humid summers and a mild, wet winter. The average minimum and maximum temperatures in Brisbane are respectively 16.6 degC and 26.6°F. Winters are relatively mild, with maximum temperatures rarely falling below 20 degC (68°F).