If you’ve never been to Australia, you may wonder what’s Brisbane like. Fortunately, there are many things you can do in this sunny, coastal city. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or a family reunion, this city offers something for everyone. Whether you’re visiting for work or pleasure, you’ll enjoy the variety of things to do in Brisbane.
The city’s history dates back to colonial times, when it was part of a British colony. In 1882, the city was protected by Fort Lytton, the only moated fort in Australia. Today, the city is a vibrant, multicultural city with numerous events, festivals, and nightlife. And when you visit, don’t miss the chance to visit Queensland Children’s Hospital, Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Hospital, and Mater Hospital.
The city is a sprawling metropolitan area with a population density of 159 per square kilometer. In 1912, protesters led a general strike, which became known as the “Black Friday” of Australia. The police baton charges that occurred against the crowds of unionists made the strike memorable. In addition, there were also reports of the State Government raiding the Queensland Government Printing Office to seize some copies of the Hansard newspaper, which was a protest against the state’s conscription policy.
The climate of Brisbane is quite mild, with mild winters and hot summers. The city enjoys over 280 days of sunshine a year, which makes it a great place for outdoor activities. Outdoor enthusiasts will want to visit the cliffs at Kangaroo Point, which are perfect for rock climbing and abseiling. The views are spectacular, and the cliffs also offer beautiful vistas of the city and the Captain Cook Bridge.
Brisbane has a variety of markets that sell fresh produce and handicrafts. Brisbane’s largest wholesale market is located in Rocklea, while smaller markets are located in South Bank Parklands and West End. The city also has several art galleries. The Queensland Art Gallery is the largest in Australia, and the Brisbane Gallery of Modern Art is the largest modern art gallery in the country. GOMA holds many large shows and exhibits a variety of art.
Brisbane is also home to a variety of trees. The Brisbane Skytower is the tallest building in the city, standing at 270 metres. Other prominent skyscrapers include the Harry Seidler-designed Riparian Plaza, and the one-of-one-eagle-street building, which incorporates LED lighting resembling the roots of figs in the Moreton Bay region. In addition to these trees, Brisbane has mangrove wetlands, and the city also is home to several other native and exotic trees.
Public transport in Brisbane is extensive. There are busways and rail services throughout the city, with major hubs at Queen Street, Roma Street, King George Square, and South East Busway. Public buses are also widely available in the suburbs. There are high-frequency Blue and Maroon CityGlider routes that run between West End and Newstead, and Ashgrove and Coorparooo.
For news, Brisbane has five main radio stations: ABC Brisbane, ABC National, SBS Radio, and KIIS 97.3. It also receives national daily The Australian, Weekend Australian, and Australian Financial Review. The Sydney Morning Herald and Melbourne’s The Age also sell in Brisbane, though in smaller quantities. The Brisbane Times and the Queensland Times are both online-only. Quest Community Newspapers produce the Brisbane News.
Sports fans can enjoy the city’s numerous professional sports teams. The Intrust Super Cup, the Big Bash League, the Rugby League, and the Australian Football League are all played in Brisbane. The city also hosts numerous amateur teams in a variety of sports, including rugby and netball. There’s even an Australian Baseball League, a National Water Polo League, and a F-League.