Brisbane
Brisbane is the capital city of Queensland is also Australia's third biggest city, after Melbourne and Sydney. Brisbane is a low-lying land mass located in a floodplain. However, that has worked to the advantage of the wonderful city. Brisbane is situated along the Brisbane River and is adjacent to the Great Dividing Range and the Moreton Bay. There are also numerous suburban creeks that criss-cross Brisbane.
Geographically, Brisbane's location is somehow strategic and ideal, especially when it comes to climate issues. Brisbane is sitting comfortably in the state's southeast corner, at the oceanfront facing the Pacific Ocean to the east. Many residents and vacationers from Melbourne and Sydney come over and spend winter in Brisbane. That is because the winter season, usually from June to August, is very pleasant, characterized by sunny and rather warm days. That climate is odd and is opposing the usually chilly and freezing temperatures in other Australian states and cities, especially further south. Offshore vacationers also want to take the opportunity to enjoy the climate in the season, when weather is not hot nor cold, just perfect for different outdoor activities and leisure tasks.
Because Queensland is known as a holiday state of Australia, expect that the capital of Brisbane is very much active in contributing to the state's tourism industry. Thus, it is just practical and reasonable that tourism has become an integral and significant part of the economy in Brisbane. The city has served as tourist and vacation destination itself and as a gateway or entry hub to other areas, towns and tourist centers across the whole of Queensland.
Other industries include the blue-collar and the white-collar industries. Blue-collar industries include the sectors of oil refining, railway workshops, paper milling and stevedoring. White-collar industries include sectors of financial services, information technology and higher education. In fact, there are many major and world-renowned universities in Brisbane like the University of Queensland, Queensland University of Technology and the Institute for Molecular Bioscience.
Numerous events and festivals also boost tourism in Brisbane. Australia Day every January 26 is interestingly commemorated in the city's Kangaroo Point through odd but entertaining cockroach races. The Brisbane River Festival is held in the middle of September. Ekka, or the Royal Queensland Agricultural Show, is a cultural event held every August. Film makers are also delighted in July and August because of a 12-day offshore film festival, while the popular Out of the Box festivals for kids are held in June during even-numbered years or biennially.
Brisbane is becoming a popular sports destination in all of Australia, not just in Queensland. It has already hosted the Commonwealth Games and Rugby World Cup and even hosted some events for the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games. Currently, Brisbane is proposing to sponsor and hold the 2024 Olympics.
Brisbane's major sporting teams include; Brisbane Broncos (NRL), Queensland Reds (Rugby Union), Queensland Roar (A-League), Queensland Bulls (Cricket), Brisbane Lions (AFL), Brisbane Bullets (Basketball), Queensland Firebirds (Netball).
Regions of interest in Brisbane: Moreton Bay, Ipswich City, Logan City, Redland Shire, Brisbane City Botanic gardens, Brisbane River, Queensland Performing Arts Complex, Queensland Ballet, Opera Queensland, Queensland Theatre Company, Brisbane Powerhouse, South Bank.
Some of the must see Brisbane attractions include: Mt Coot-tha Lookout, South Bank, Cultural Centre, Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, Brisbane City Botanic Gardens, Mt Coot-tha Botanic Gardens, Roma Street Parkland and Brisbane Story Bridge.
