Australia's third largest city has a relaxed, easy-going
ambience that is well suited to its moniker 'The City of Sundays'.
As the capital of the state of Queensland, however, it has a
serious side too and despite it's laid-back aura it is filled with
the cosmopolitan hustle and bustle of a major urban hub. Brisbane
has several interesting districts, a good street cafe vibe, a
wonderful riverside park, a very full cultural calendar and a
vibrant nightlife. Arts and culture vultures head for the South
Bank, where one finds the Queensland Museum with its interactive
displays; the Queensland Art Gallery with its magnificent
collection of works; and the Performing Arts Centre, where
international theatre companies and performing artists take to the
stage. There is plenty to keep shopaholics busy too, with the
designer boutiques and department stores of Queens Street Mall
ready to welcome visitors and numerous bustling markets dotted
around the city. Sport, as everywhere in Australia, is also well
catered for at the Gabba sports ground (cricket tests) and
Ballymore, where the Wallabies often take on the world at rugby.
The city is easy to explore on foot, and being at the centre of the
region's favoured tourist attractions it provides the perfect base
from which to make daytrips to surrounding areas.
