Brisbane is Australia’s third most populous city, with approximately 2 million people, and the state capital of Queensland.¹ With its agreeable sub-tropical climate and modern facilities, close proximity to the Sunshine Coast to the north and the Gold Coast to the south, it is easy to see why Brisbane is a popular place to live.

The Brisbane River runs through the middle of the city with the eastern suburbs lining the shores of Moreton Bay. The greater Brisbane region lies on the east of the Great Dividing Range, along the coastal plain.

Brisbane has played host to a string of major international events, and is a lively, cosmopolitan city with several interesting districts, a good street cafe scene, a great riverside park called Southbank, a busy cultural events calendar and varied nightlife.

Brisbane today, is a bustling cosmopolitan city, with large skyscrapers, hotels and apartment buildings that dot the city skyline, an indication that this once quiet city has really developed its own character and is a great place for business or pleasure.

The major centres of greater Brisbane include Caboolture, Ipswich, Logan City, Pine Rivers, Redcliffe and Redland.

History
Prior to European settlement, the area was known as ‘Meeaan-jin’ by the local Aboriginal Tribes the Turrbal and Jagera, the Turrbal mainly lived north of the Brisbane River and the Jagera, who were mostly located south of the river.^{2, 3}

It was in 1823 that the area was first explored by John Oxley who discovered the river we now know as the Brisbane River. It was named after Sir Thomas Brisbane, a soldier and colonial administrator from Ayrshire in Scotland. A penal colony was established the next year, which remained in use until 1842 when the penitentiary was closed and the area opened up for settlement. Queensland was named a separate colony in 1859 with Brisbane its administrative capital although it wasn't declared a city until 1902.

Check out our listing of Brisbane accommodation. In addition to our listed online travel guide information, contact the local tourism visitor centre for your destination for more attractions, tours, local maps and other information.