Brisbane
Brisbane is Australia's third-largest city, and it attracts more and more Australians than just travelers every day. It is called the "City of the New World" and is often compared to New York City because of its abundance of skyscrapers. There are no ancient architectural buildings, no extraordinary history, or rare attractions. During the walks, there is an impression of a too clean and right place, created as artificial. But this order and the feeling that everything is in its place attract people to Brisbane. There are plenty of bridges, national parks, rare animals. Yet Brisbane has the least dangerous insects and mammals, unlike any other city in Australia. Brisbane is modern, bustling, and incredibly hospitable.
Districts of Brisbane
Attractions
Brisbane is very tourism-oriented, so it is easy to find sightseeing tours for one, two, and three days. There is something for everyone who loves tracking, mountain climbing, and hiking and active tourists who like to ride a bicycle.
Population of Brisbane
Brief history of Brisbane
The area has seen many bloody battles throughout its history and was on the verge of extinction three times. The first serious clashes occurred between the Aborigines and Europeans, with both sides ruthlessly destroying each other's settlements.
In 1864, Brisbane was engulfed in the largest fire ever, destroying half of the city. It was this event that influenced the further shape of the architecture. The locals decided to build houses of brick and stone. In 1893, a great tropical downpour hit the city and washed Brisbane away. It took a long time to rebuild, but the locals never gave up and were determined to keep the city.
Today the state of Queensland is considered one of the most comfortable and prosperous regions of Australia, with a rapidly growing GDP and economic stability, and its capital Brisbane is the best city to live in Australia.
The best time to visit Brisbane
Useful notes
The country has well-developed transport connections, but it's better to take advantage of car rental services. You will need an international driving license, driving experience of over a year, and a cash deposit. The age of the renter must be from 21 years old and for four-wheel drive cars — from 25 years. The traffic is left-handed.
The national currency is the Australian dollar. It is better to change money in such banks as American Express, Thomas Cook, Singapore Money Exchange without fees, but do not change money at the airport. You will definitely lose on the exchange rate.
Pay attention to the flags on the beach: yellow — warning of danger; red — no swimming. Swimming places are marked with green flags.
Warm clothing is needed if you plan to move around the city at night. The night is also a time of darkness when many venomous insects are active.
Before you travel to Australia, it is worth visiting a health clinic and having a number of compulsory vaccinations, such as MMR (measles, mumps, rubella), rabies, diphtheria, tetanus, flu (especially for children and tourists over 65 years).
Things to do in Brisbane
- Climb Mount Coot-tha. Brisbane abounds with entertainment for active tourists. A popular trail runs right through this mountain, which offers spectacular scenery. The Botanical Gardens are also where rare flowers and plants grow, and the Sir Thomas Brisbane Planetarium.
- Get to know Australia's animals. The Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary is home to koalas, and Alma Park Zoo is home to Australian wildlife, including kangaroos, marsupials, platypus, and more.
- Fly over the city. You can get a bird's eye view of Brisbane from an aeroplane, helicopter, or hot air balloon. You can book a flight here: Warbird Aviation, Flight Dynamics, Sky Dance, Fighter Pilot Adventure Flights, Hot Air Balloon Brisbane & Canungra Vineyards.
- Explore the underwater world. You can't be in Australia without scuba diving, surfing, rafting, and surfboarding. The waters of the Pacific Ocean are good for all sorts of activities.
- Try the local cuisine. Pavlova cake (named after the Russian ballerina), beet burger, lamington, barramundi, fried kangaroo, pixie bread, and other curiosities await the true foodies.
- Stock up on souvenirs at local malls. Queen Street Mall, Queens Plaza, Broadway on the Mall, Elizabeth Arcade, Winter Garden — they sell everything from stylish glasses to unique eco-goods.