History
Aboriginals are believed to have lived in Brisbane as long as 40,000 years ago, setting up camps along the river and taking advantage of the food supplies from the waterways. In 1824, Europeans decided it was a prime location for a penal colony and from that point on, Brisbane has been the site of convict prisons, convict emancipation, massive floods, commercial growth, the 1982 Commonwealth Games, Expo 88 and so much more!
Architecture geeks can check out original colonial buildings from the 1880s in the CBD, as well as iconic timber ‘Queenslanders’ dotted throughout the city’s outer suburbs.
Things to do
Get a bird's-eye view of the city by visiting jaw-dropping spots like the Kangaroo Point Cliffs, which look directly over the Brisbane River and the city, and Mt Coot-tha, just outside the
Brisbane CBD, giving you amazing uninterrupted 180 degree views of Brisbane.
Look no further than the South Bank Parklands for a culture fix. It’s home to the Queensland Art Gallery, the Queensland Museum and the Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC). You can also go for a dip at Australia's only beach in the middle of the city! Streets Beach is without a doubt South Bank's major drawcard, with its crystal clear man-made lagoon and white sandy beaches overlooking the Brisbane River and the city.
If you need a break from the concrete jungle, head to Brisbane's Botanic Gardens, located on the fringe of the CBD and easily accessible from all the hotels in Brisbane. You’ll find all sorts of native and exotic plants, beautifully manicured gardens, walking tracks and some pretty cute critters. Best of all, The Brisbane City Riverside gardens are free and open 24 hours a day.
New Farm is another top spot to take in some sunshine and relax by the river. New Farm Park is a popular place to chillax and runs into the grounds of the Brisbane Powerhouse where you can LOL at a comedy gig, catch a concert, or see some visual art shows.
Shopping and dining
Shopaholics will love Brisbane for its department stores, boutiques, and eateries spread throughout the CBD and inner-city suburbs.
Hit Queen Street Mall for a designer fashion fix at Queens Plaza or experience fine dining with river views at Eagle Street Pier. From there you can venture just outside the city centre to
Fortitude Valley, the heart of Brisbane's alternative nightlife scene, where music lovers can check out gigs from international and local bands. Brisbane's Chinatown is also a popular tourist spot with its Asian restaurants, supermarkets and shops. Make sure you visit the local markets on the weekends at the Brunswick St Mall and South Bank.
Getting here and around
Getting here is as easy as booking a seat on one of our
cheap flights to Brisbane. If you're arriving late and need a place to crash, why not check in to one of the
hotels near Brisbane Airport. Once you arrive, you can get around hassle-free on public buses and trains or if you're just planning to bum around the city, you'll find it easy to navigate on foot or by bicycle.
Don't leave it till it's too late. Book your Brisbane accommodation with us now and live every lastminute!
