Things to Do in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
Summers are hot and dry in Brisbane, but the city is pleasantly cool in winter. The subtropical climate is a major drawcard in this city, which experiences 261 days of sunshine a year. The subtropical climate also makes Brisbane ideal for surfing. It is also home to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures. If you want to enjoy all that Brisbane has to offer, plan a trip to Brisbane.
The Brisbane Riverwalk is a network of pedestrian and cycling pathways that span the Brisbane River’s banks. Some segments are over the river; the longest span links Newstead in the east to Toowong in the west. The Riverwalk also serves as a scenic route through the city.
After the war, Brisbane developed a reputation as a big country town. In 1955, a German immigrant, Karl Kast, was involved in a terrorist attack on Wickham Terrace. During the 1960s, Brisbane experienced steady growth punctuated by infrastructure problems. But in the late 1970s, a program of change was launched by Joh Bjelke-Petersen. The city’s CBD was redeveloped.
There are also a number of news bulletins that air in regional Queensland. Nine Afternoon News Queensland is produced at QTQ’s Mount Coot-tha studios. Its presenters include Andrew Lofthouse, Melissa Downes, Jonathan Uptin, and Wally Lewis. It is also broadcast on WIN Television, Imparja Television, and Channel 9’s local affiliates.
There are also a number of art galleries in Brisbane that are worth visiting. The Queensland Art Gallery of Modern Art are free and feature more than 1,700 works of art. The collections are divided into several sections, with a focus on the Pacific and Asia. The museum also features an award-winning glass building that is designed to be beautiful, and offers sweeping views of the city.
The city has a pleasantly tropical climate with sunny days and occasional storms. The city is also close to the Gold Coast and is only a one-hour drive away. The property market is cheaper in Brisbane than in many other cities. However, it is more expensive than in some suburbs.
There are numerous parks and gardens in Brisbane, and the South Bank Parklands is a jewel in the crown. It sits on 17 hectares of prime riverfront land and includes an inner-city beach. The parklands are also home to picnic and barbecue areas, playground equipment, and cafes and bars. The parklands are accessible via the Free CityHopper Ferry, which runs every 30 minutes and stops at eight locations along the Brisbane River.
Due to heavy rains, the rivers in Brisbane are currently flooding. The Brisbane River is approaching its peak stage, and flood waters are swamping low-lying areas. At least eight people have been killed in the flooding, and thousands more are at risk. People who live in low-lying areas should consider moving to higher ground. There are several public hospitals in Brisbane. Some of the biggest ones are the Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Hospital, the Queensland Children’s Hospital, and the Mater Hospital. Both of these institutions have emergency rooms, as well.
Brisbane is home to a distinctive style of architecture known as Queenslander. This style developed in the 1840s and is characterized by a large verandah, gabled corrugated iron roofs, and high ceilings. The houses are also typically built on stumps, which provide a cooling void beneath them. Because of their iconic status, these houses often sell for a higher price than modern houses.
Brisbane’s central business district is located in the curve of the Brisbane river and covers 2.2 square kilometers or 0.8 square miles. Most of the central streets are named after members of the House of Hanover, with Queen Street being named after Queen Victoria. Queen Street also features the city’s largest pedestrian mall. The area also features the central war memorial and King George Square. It also has a number of other noteworthy public buildings.
Apart from the riverside parklands, Brisbane also has a great collection of museums and galleries. The City Botanic Gardens, a heritage-listed garden, is a prime picnic spot with lily-topped ponds and bamboo groves. A number of international sporting events have been held in the city. The city’s nightlife scene is also impressive. It is also a cultural capital, with dozens of theatres, museums, galleries, and cinemas.