Australian Towns, Cities & Highways: Brisbane (CBD)

Brisbane (C.B.D.)

Brisbane, the capital city of Queensland lies approximately 20km inland and set on the meandering banks of the Brisbane River. The city radiates a relaxed feel, yet offers the excitement of a large city such as Melbourne and Sydney. The city was founded in 1824 when a convict settlement was established at Redcliffe - however, with the mosquitoes and sandflies posing a health problem, the settlement was moved to the current city's position. Brisbane, due to its sub tropical climate and history offers an interesting mixture of old and new buildings - ranging from the old sandstone buildings from the colonial days to the Queenslander timber style homes built on stilts.
Dubbed the "River City" due to the Central Business District being almost surrounded by the Brisbane River, the city has a unique geographical position which is aesthetically pleasing despite gaining problems with accessibility. Due to the Queensland Governments of the 1980s and 1990s placing more emphasis on protecting and upgrading the Brisbane River precinct, property having water frontage has since gained strong land values, which in turn has subsequently attracted high rise development, complimenting the river setting and providing a great backdrop. This, along with Brisbane's beautiful parks and gardens, warm climate, a fantastic shopping precinct and historic buildings such as Parliament House and the Treasury Casino account for an impressive city centre.
Southbank, on the southern side of the Brisbane River was the site of the 1988 World Expo and has since been transformed into a cultural precinct with several museums, colleges, art galleries, cafes and tropical gardens. Other highlights in the Brisbane CBD include the Story Bridge (1930's), Brisbane River cruises, the Brisbane Botanical Gardens, Queen Street Mall, the Energex Brisbane Arbour (recommended) and the Old Windmill Observatory (Spring Hill). Mount Coot-tha to the west offers more superb tropical parks & gardens as well as fantastic panoramic city views.

Certainly an attractive location. It is also a good base to explore the Gold and Sunshine Coasts, two of Australia's prominent tourist destinations and their subsequent lush mountainous hinterland. Click here to continue into the Northern Brisbane suburbs page or here for the Southern suburbs page which cover the remainder of the city in more detail.

Population: 1,600,000
State: Queensland
Postcode: 4000
Local Government: Brisbane City Council
Location: Capital city of QLD, 980km north of Sydney
Main Roads: Bruce Highway , Gateway Motorway , Pacific Motorway , Logan Motorway , Mt Lindesay Highway , Ipswich Road/Motorway , Gympie Road
Main Watercourses: Brisbane River, Moreton Bay (South Pacific Ocean)
Radio Stations (Music): Sea FM (90.9, 91.9 & 100.7), Hot 91 (91.1), Rebel FM (90.5), Gold FM (92.5), Mix FM (92.7), River 949 (94.9), Family FM (96.5), 97.3FM (97.3), Hot Tomato (102.9), Triple M (104.5), B105 FM (105.3), Nova 106.9 (106.9), Triple J (107.7)

Photos from Brisbane - (CBD) (Click on thumbnail for full sized image):

Brisbane River and the City, looking south from the Story Bridge (2004).

Looking south across the Riverside Expressway, Brisbane River and southern suburbs (2005).

Looking south-west across the Victoria Bridge and Southbank, Brisbane (2005).

The Energex Brisbane Arbour - part of Southbank, Brisbane (2003).

View south-east along George Street, Brisbane (2005).

The Queen Street Mall, looking north-east between George & Albert Streets, Brisbane (2005).

The Queen Street Mall, again looking north-east, this time between Albert & Edward Streets, Brisbane (2005).

Eagle Street, heading south-west, Brisbane (2003).

Elizabeth Street, looking south-west from Creek/Eagle Streets, Brisbane (2003).

George Street, looking north-west from Mary Street, Brisbane (2003).

Mary Stret, looking north-east from George Street, Brisbane (2003).

Alice Street, looking south-west from Edward Street, Brisbane (2003).

View north along the Eagle Street Pier, Brisbane (2003).

The Story Bridge, looking south from Bowen Terrace, Brisbane (2004).

	Brisbane River and the City, looking south from the Story Bridge (2004).
	Looking south across the Riverside Expressway, Brisbane River and southern suburbs (2005).
	Looking south-west across the Victoria Bridge and Southbank, Brisbane (2005).
	The Energex Brisbane Arbour - part of Southbank, Brisbane (2003).
	View south-east along George Street, Brisbane (2005).
	The Queen Street Mall, looking north-east between George & Albert Streets, Brisbane (2005).
	The Queen Street Mall, again looking north-east, this time between Albert & Edward Streets, Brisbane (2005).
	Eagle Street, heading south-west, Brisbane (2003).
	Elizabeth Street, looking south-west from Creek/Eagle Streets, Brisbane (2003).
	George Street, looking north-west from Mary Street, Brisbane (2003).
	Mary Stret, looking north-east from George Street, Brisbane (2003).
	Alice Street, looking south-west from Edward Street, Brisbane (2003).
	View north along the Eagle Street Pier, Brisbane (2003).
	The Story Bridge, looking south from Bowen Terrace, Brisbane (2004).