Brisbane is Australia's third-largest and fastest-growing city. Brisbane's "beautiful one day, perfect the next" weather has earned the city a reputation for being a great year-round holiday destination.
Brisbane boasts a lively and growing arts scene, burgeoning bar culture and a pleasant degree of hustle-bustle in its downtown streets, malls and markets.
Brisbane has a quintessential down-to-earth, friendly atmosphere that always makes for a pleasurable visit.
Getting in and around Brisbane
Brisbane Airport
All flights to Brisbane arrive at Brisbane Airport (BNE), with two terminals (Brisbane Domestic and Brisbane International) generally corresponding to flights arriving from international and domestic locations.
As with most major cities, you don't need to rent a car to get in and out of the airport. Taxis are available just outside, as is the Brisbane AirTrain, offering fairly regular services (every 15-30 minutes) with a 20-minute journey between both airport terminals and Central Station.
Brisbane Transport
Brisbane's public transit system comprises a network of buses and trains on land, and catamarans (CityCats) and ferries on the river. Bus services to inner-city suburbs usually depart the CBD every 10 minutes (outer suburban routes are less frequent), and trains run half-hourly on most lines.
Brisbane Car Hire
If you're considering renting a car for the duration of your stay, you can do so in many locations around town with a valid Australian or International Drivers Licence. Brisbane Airport's arrivals area is home to representatives from Avis, Hertz, Thrifty and other Brisbane car rental operators.
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Brisbane accommodation
The CBD and inner city suburbs - the best places to dine, drink and hang with the locals - are home to many world-class Brisbane hotels, making it easy for guests to experience the river city. Most major chains are represented, as are some great, distinctively Brisbane, accommodation offerings.
Luxury
The Marriott is stylish, classic and offers views of the Brisbane River and Story Bridge from its CBD location.
The Emporium Hotel in South Bank is a contemporary luxury option and is close to all the action.The Marriott is stylish, classic, and offers views of the Brisbane River and Story Bridge from its CBD location.If you want to be close to the action,
Emporium Hotel is a contemporary luxury option in the middle of the buzzing Valley region.
Mid-range
Ibis Styles is a superb four-star hotel close to everything, on the Roma Street side of the CBD.Hotel Ibis is a superb, freshly-renovated 3.5 star hotel close to everything, on the Roma Street side of the CBD.
Budget
Soho Motel offers comfortable, affordable rooms close to the city.Snooze Inn is a quiet boutique/budget hotel with cute, compact rooms just a short walk from Valley nightlife and transport.
Backpackers
Bunk is funky, award-winning and smack-bang in the middle of the Valley.
All Nations Brisbane is a Nomads Hostel in the heart of the CBD and is only steps from Central Station.The Palace Backpackers in the heart of the CBD is remembered fondly by backpackers all over the world. Only steps from Central Station.
Bunk is funky, award-winning, and smack-bang in the middle of the Valley.
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Things to do in Brisbane
Climbing the Story Bridge has become one of Brisbane's must-do visitor activities. Book in for a sunset climb to see the River City at its dramatic finest.
Fortitude Valley (or "The Valley") is Brisbane's nightlife hub. With cafes lining Brunswick Street mall, the Valley's main drag, there are plenty of options to go out for a bite to eat before you hit the bars. Brisbane trains run until about midnight, and additional buses and trains depart periodically through the early hours with the weekend NightLink service - so grab a timetable and feel free to enjoy yourself.
West End is another hub of dining and bar activity. A long-time counter-cultural hangout, West End hasn't lost its indie flavour in recent years of gentrification: new up-market cafes and cocktail lounges sharing space with Boundary Road's long-time independent clothing and book stores.
Cultural Centre. Just over the river from the CBD, you'll find Brisbane's official Cultural Centre: the State Library, Performing Arts Centre, Museum and Art Galleries. The Gallery of Modern Art (GoMA) is a particular point of pride: housed in an impressive building with river views through its glass wall.
Southbank Parklands (or "Southbank") is synonymous in Brisbane with family fun. Its chlorinated and lifeguard-protected man-made beach is perfect for kids, and parents will love browsing the souvenirs and handicrafts on sale at the Collective Markets on Friday nights and weekends.
The Botanic Gardens reach around the tip of the CBD, providing city-dwellers with lovely green spaces to picnic, ride a bike or throw a Frisbee around with friends on a lazy Sunday afternoon.
New Farm Park is situated around a bend in the river and attracts local residents and visitors alike. New Farm Park is also one of Brisbane's oldest parks.
Roma Street Parkland offers themed gardens and public artworks to boot.
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Day trips in and around Brisbane
Surfers Paradise, on the Gold Coast, is about an hour from Brisbane and attracts tourists and locals alike for some of the best beach and party life around.
Noosa, on the Sunshine Coast, is a more tranquil alternative, worth a visit for those seeking sun, surf and sand but with less of the Gold Coast's party atmosphere.
Moreton Island, just off the coast of Brisbane, is a great destination for four-wheel driving, camping and fishing. Clear freshwater lagoons, white sandy beaches and the opportunity to swim with wild dolphins.
North Stradbroke Island (or "Straddie") is just south of Moreton Island and is known for its long, pristine white beaches and its diverse range of flora and fauna. Go camping, snorkelling, scuba diving or take an Eco Tour.
Australia Zoo. This world famous Zoo is an hour north of Brisbane and is the place to go to pet a kangaroo or cuddle a koala.
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