Brisbane is the capital and gateway city of east-coast Aussie state Queensland – home to some of down under’s most tourist infested sites like the Gold Coast, Great Barrier Reef, Noosa and Wet Tropics Rainforest.
Home to 2.4 million people, Brisbane is a great place to live, work and relax. In the early 19th century it started the journey on the banks of Brisbane River as Australia’s second penal colony and became capital when the state was colonised in 1859. Locals and visitors like its safe, vibrant and tropical character. Listed below are the top ten sites and experiences that generally ranks in the itinerary of most visitors.
It’s the city’s cultural epicentre and lifestyle precinct. Besides hosts of high order eating venues, scenic walks and sites of family entertainment like free swimming facilities, the popular attractions here are the Gallery of Modern Art, Queensland Museum and Science Centre, Queensland Performing Arts Centre, Queensland art Gallery, Opera Queensland and JEM- an interactive play structure that lights the landscape with millions of LED. The Brisbane wheel is located in South Bank as well.
Colonial Architecture
After being established as a colony, the cityscape was dotted with architectural marvels many of which still exist to demonstrate the domain’s rich architectural heritage tracing its development from a penal colony to a vibrant, sub-tropical capital – the City Hall, Old Government House, Parliament House, former Customs House and Treasury and Brisbane Arcade are just a few to name. The best way to visit them is by taking on a guided walking tour with Walk Brisbane.
Brisbane Wheel
Sit in one of the 42 air-conditioned gondolas and enjoy a panoramic view of the city while spinning on the Channel Seven Wheel of Brisbane. Audio guides available in English to tell stories and point out what is being seen. Each ride takes about 10-15 minutes.
River Cruising
A great way of enjoying the city silhouette is from snaking Brisbane River, particularly in the evening when the panorama adopts a fairy-tale look with lights on. River City Cruises is one of the most established cruise companies that offers a range of cruise options daily.
Bridge Climb
A city landmark, the 1935 built Story Bridge is the longest cantilever bridge in Australia which looks like the Howrah Bridge in Kolkata. It’s possible to climb to the top of the bridge for an uninterrupted view of the riverfront city and distant mountainous regions.
Old Parliament House
Once home to the state governors, a visit to this iconic building unfolds an interesting story behind the birth of ‘Lamington’- which is one of Australia’s national dishes.
During the early 20th century Lord Lamington was the Governor. He was well known for his garden parties and in one such event there was no more food left in the kitchen. Very angry Lamington ordered the chef to do something, but there was nothing in the store other than day-old sponge cake, chocolate sauce and some coconut.
So with the help of his Tahitian wife, the chef dipped the sponge cake in the chocolate sauce and wrapped it with coconut. The guests immensely liked it and over time the item became an Aussie icon deriving its name from Lord Lamington.
Queensland Club
Dotted in the heart of the city in a historic precinct opposite Parliament House and the City Botanic Gardens, 1859-founded and elite Queensland Club stands as a symbol of former colonial prestige like the Athenaeum Club in London and the Bengal Club in Kolkata.
Oldest Cathedral
Stephen’s Chapel is the oldest Catholic shrine in the state. The first mass was held there in 1850 when there were only six Catholic families in town. Inside is an extraordinary scented larger than life camphor wood carving of Mary Mackillop, the recently canonized saint. It’s said she rowed across the river from Kangaroo Point to worship here between 1869 and 1871. The chapel is located next to later built St Stephens Cathedral – the hub of the city’s Catholic community today.
Snuggled at the bend of the Brisbane River, under the Story Bridge and the sheer face of riverside cliffs, this once-upon-a-time abandoned locale has recently been transformed into an electrifying entertainment and lifestyle quarter. Deemed as one of the trendiest area it’s packed with some of the city’s top restaurants, bars, cafes and an ensemble of heritage listed buildings.
Eat and Drink
Options are endless from cheap eats and variety of usual fast food joints to trendy cafes, bars and fine dining venues offering multi cuisine menu to suit everyone’s budget and taste buds. Few of the popular ones are Stanton Café & Bar at the Queen Street, Greek tavern Greca at the new Howard Smith Wharf precinct, Mr Percival’s overwater bar for a cocktail while watching the sunset and fine dining at the Polpetta for a taste of real Italy.
Travel Essentials
Getting There – Fly Singapore Airlines from India to Brisbane with aircraft change at Singapore.
Stay – Many hotels to choose from, however staying at Fantauzzo Hotel, which is carved into the cliff under the Story Bridge, is like staying inside an art gallery. Named after famous Aussie artist Vincent Fantauzzo, almost every available wall space of this hotel displays his creative works. This includes a portrait of Amitabh Bachchan at the lobby.
Getting Around – Buy a TransLink go card to travel on public transport which includes an efficient network of bus, rail and ferry services. For more info check www.translink.com.au and a visitbrisbane.com.au
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