Trifter

“Brisbane: Beautiful and Bright,” is sixth in the series on Australian Capital Cities from small to large.

Brisbane; Bonny, Beautiful, Bright 

An all time favourite, hot and fun Brisbane is for the fun.  Its’ tropical frontier feeling is exquisite offering you a jumpy scene like nowhere on Earth.  Brisbane is the heart of a great conurbation that stretches from Byron Bay, in New South Wales, north to Noosa, on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast; an area the size of Tokyo.

Brisbane Shimmering

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Tell Me More

Brisbane is the heart of a mega-city. Founded in 1826, Brisbane is Australia’s third largest capital city of nearly two million people. When you visit Brisbane think about visiting the places nearby; The Gold Coast, Noosa or Byron Bay. Although founded in 1826, as another convict dump, Australia was eschewing that ugly history; Brisbane was opened to the free in 1836.

Get Me There, Now

Brisbane is easy to get to; it’s on the East coast.

• Fly direct from Los Angeles
• Jet in from Japan
• Direct flight from any Australian capital
• Drive there on the coastal Pacific Highway
• Sail into Brisbane from the Pacific
• Catch the fast train from Sydney
• Bus into Brisbane

What’s There?

Brisbane, a river city, like many Australian Capitals, has a selection of jumpy venues that pump great music.  Fortitude Valley has heaps of bars with live bands, sparkly clubs and discos that won’t disappoint.  Brisbane shines by night. 

When Should I Go?

Consider visiting Brisbane from May to November during the driest months.  The mild climate is welcoming in the middle of each year. 

Bold Brisbane Basics

1. Brisbane was born in 1824 but failed as a prison
2. The Brisbane River flooded the entire city in 1974
3. Before Europeans, Brisbane was the Eden-like ancestral lands of the Jagerra and Turball peoples

Dress for the humid, tropical climate. Wear light clothing year-round, the occasional sweater and scarf mid-year.  Brisbane demands light tropical attire.

Frolic in Brisbane’s Blooming Botanical Gardens

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And the Food?

Queenslanders will present you with giant platters of seafood. Everywhere you go lavish buffets will greet you. Don’t be dismayed – it’s the generous Brisbane way.  Surrounded by crashing oceans the selection of seafood will astonish you.  Brisbane folk will shower you with hospitality… so get ready! 

What Should I See Next?

North of Brisbane is Noosa with Frazer Island on the, “Sunshine Coast.”  South of Brisbane, Surfers Paradise - a faux Miami – named the “Gold Coast.” Legendary Byron Bay is further South, in New South Wales.

Byron Bay is seen as Australia’s Blues music capital. Byron Bay hosts a shiny, annual blues festival. To the West, behind Brisbane, are tiny towns nestled in mountain forests just a short drive from town. To the East – the bright blue and vast Pacific ocean waiting for your splash.

Queensland Performing Arts Centre – Brisbane

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I’ve Had Enough For Now, Should I Bring A Friend Next Time?

Of course you should! Brisbane is the capital of unrivaled fun, sports, leisure and escape that any person should ever desire. Brisbane is the Mother-of-All Aussie Capitals for her pure power-packed heat and life, so jump in with all your friends.

Boyhood Brisbane Belted Me One 

I was wild sixteen when my first happy memory of Brisbane hatched. Cedric, my best friend, had moved there - he invited me to stay for the summer. This was my ticket to freedom from all the mixed emotions I was feeling at the time. This was my first time away from dad and mum; my first chance at becoming a man.

“We’re going to Newfarm, James!” Cedric enthusiastically told me as I hopped off the train at Brisbane Central.  Newfarm is Brisbane’s hottest suburbs, his family lived there; my hesitation dissolved straight away.  I really couldn’t wait; this was my first stab at being a grown-up and a chance to break free from parental control in a hot, hot city. 

Surfers Paradise South of Brisbane Brings Back Boyhood Bad times

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Adventures that summer were us. Chris, his new mate, was a champion cyclist. He fooled us into mucking around with him just so he could practice.  Cedric’s parents were cool like mine - they just wanted us to enjoy ourselves.  They didn’t scold us, even though we were naughty.  When we stayed at Surfers Paradise we totally let loose doing new things I could never had done at home. Just being ourselves was pure joy, as was every moment of that visit of intense excitement.

They were the best years of my life.  The heat, the fun, Surfers Paradise and nearly getting into trouble, made me come alive.  Cedric’s older mate told us some wild tales, too, that kept me edgy.  Brisbane will always be my favourite Australian Capital City for the shenanigans I shared there with my best mate, Cedric, that summer.

Visit More Australian Capitals…

• Discover Dynamo Darwin
• Hobart: Tasmania’s Jewel
• Canberra: Australia’s Futuristic Wonder Capital
• Adelaide: South Australia’s Siren
• Perth: Pride of Western Australia