Brisbane Travel Guide - Brisbane is the capital of the state of Queensland and only sub tropic city in Australia. The 3rd largest city in down under is flank by 2 popular coasts, Sunshine Coast to the north and Gold Coast to the south. With a mild winter, it enjoys sunshine all year round. This is evidence by the numbers of lush parks and gardens all over the city and its surrounding, where recreation activities like swimming, surfing, sun tanning and picnic can take place. There is even an artificial beach.

Brisbane City is built on a slope and around the Brisbane River, which cuts through it. The river is named after the Governor of New South Wales, Sir Thomas Brisbane; it is crossed by 12 major bridges. One bridge in particular is the symbol of Brisbane, Story Bridge. The pride of people of Brisbane, it plays an important role in the cities industry. It is also always being compare with Sydney Harbour Bridge. There have been suggestion that to allow visitors to climb to the top of the bridge and enjoy the city view.

When in Downtown Brisbane, do not mistaken the sign 'XXXX' as some adult shops or advertisement and avoid it especially if you have young kids. This is actually the other icon of Brisbane, its very own world famous beer. Some have claimed that the beer is for Brisbane what the Eiffel Tower is to Paris. Such comparison was because both beer and tower were born about a decade apart. Like the saying goes, if you went to a city and have not seen its icon, it is as though you have not been there. In fact one of the city latest tourist attractions is the XXXX Alehouse visitor centre and brewery tour.

Brisbane is not only about the sun and beaches; it does have other happening activities. Over the weekend, quite a number of weekend markets can be seen sprouting over different part of the city. Brunswick Street Market, South Bank Craft Village Market and Riverside Market are just some of the interesting market. And for those who are less outdoor type, there is the Queensland Culture Centre. Queensland Art Gallery, Queensland Museum, Queensland Conservatorium of Music and Queensland Performing Arts Complex are all located there.

And for the shopping lovers, there is Queen Street Mall which offers a wide range of shops, as well as lots of restaurants and cafes, cinemas and a casino. One particular mall, the Myer Centre, has around 200 shopping boutiques, as well as a large food court.