Brisbane is the sub-tropical capital of Queensland. The first settlement here was established in Moreton Bay in 1824 as a penal colony for difficult convicts from NSW. After struggling with inadequate water supplies and hostile Abor­iginal groups, the colony was relocated to safer territory on the banks of the Brisbane River, where the city now stands.

It is Australia's third-largest city with a population of 2 million people and in recent years emerging as one of the most desirable places to live in Australia, with an estimated 1000 people moving to the State every week.

Brisbane is an outdoor city that combines old sandstone churches with glass high rise buildings. Throughout the city are open parklands, palm trees and an extensive network of pedestrian and cyclist pathways along the banks of the river. No doubt the lazy subtropical climate, rich culture of the city and the gently curving Brisbane River has a lot to do with the Brisbane appeal.

The City Cat services or high speed catamarans are a great way to see the city, as they run regularly along Brisbane River with many stops in convenient locations including South Bank and the city centre.

South Bank Parklands, with its restaurants and cafes, street theatre, picnic and barbecue areas, is just a few minutes walk from the heart of the city. This exciting playground offers attractions such as Gondwana Wildlife Sanctuary and the Butterfly and Insect House. Do not miss Lone Pine Sanctuary, only a short distance from the city. It is considered to be the world's largest koala sanctuary and also home to kangaroos, emus and native birds.