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Brisbane
Fisher's Researcher:
David Cartledge
Fisher's Editor:
Elliot Cartledge
Fisher's Managing Country Editor:
Elliot Cartledge
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Airports:
Brisbane Airport (BNE)
Currency:
Australian Dollar
Time Zone:
GMT/UTC+10
Language:
English (with Greek, Italian, Vietnamese and Spanish widespread)
Attractions:
Australia Zoo, Dreamworld, Moreton Island, Cultural Centre, Mount Coot-tha Lookout, Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, South Bank Parklands, Newstead House
Local Resorts:
Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, Stradbroke Island, Moreton Island
General Information:
Tourism is a major income earner for Brisbane and the city’s infrastructure is geared to assist travellers. Brisbane is one of the safest cities in a very safe country but naturally the usual precautions against theft and safety should be taken. Natural predators are of greater concern; visitors need to be aware of toxic jellyfish during the summer months in some beach areas. Be sure to swim at patrolled beaches where advice on any dangers can be obtained. Always check with local authorities before swimming at beach resorts in northern waters; patrolled beaches have shark lookouts although attacks are rare. Crocodiles frequent the northern Queensland rivers and present a real threat; extreme care should be taken. Fortunately the incidence of snake bite is not frequent but there is a variety of poisonous snakes in dense bushland areas. Also, if travelling to the Gold Coast be aware of raucous crowds during ‘Schoolies Week’ (end of Nov to early Dec) when young partygoers gather to kick up their heels.
Brisbane has a sub-tropical climate with hot and humid summers and dry and mild winters. It is the capital of Queensland and the third largest city in Australia. Situated close to the Pacific Ocean in south-eastern Queensland, the city straddles the Brisbane River. Prior to European occupation, the area was home to the Turrbul and Jagera people (whose ancestors originally migrated to the region from across the Torres Strait). The original European settlement was a notorious penal colony just to the north of present city site. Free settlers began to populate Brisbane from 1842 although the city developed slowly until after the Second World War. Brisbane is now a thriving, lively and cosmopolitan city, growing rapidly due to interstate migration as well as arrivals from abroad. Ideally located close to major national and international tourism hotspots, such as the famous Gold Coast, a great number of visitors to Australia include Brisbane as a stepping off point to explore northern Australia and its fabulous array of beaches, islands, tropical rainforests, hiking trails, 4WD adventure trails and multitude of water sports.
