Brisbane Top 10 Attractions - It's difficult to make a list of the best attractions in Brisbane, there are so many but we have come up with a list of ten and describe five of them.

1) Story Bridge

2) Roma Street Parkland

3) Queen Street Mall

4) Chinatown

5) South Bank Parkland

6) XXXX Alehouse

7) Mt Coot-tha Summit

8) Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary

9) Manly Harbour Village

10) Brisbane Forest Park

Story Bridge - This symbol of Brisbane was built between 1935 and 1940. The bridge has influenced the city of Brisbane and its economy from the moment it was conceived. The bridge's construction provided job opportunities for the people and boosted the local economy during the economic depression of the 1930s. The world wide economic crisis produced a record rate of unemployment in the city of Brisbane then. Construction of this bridge would not only beautify Brisbane city but also help to create jobs for Brisbane citizens.

The Story Bridge is the largest steel bridge designed, fabricated and constructed in Australia by Australians. A bridge, that they can call their truly own. Where as an English contractor built the Sydney Harbour Bridge and much of the material used was imported. And hence it became the pride of Brisbane citizen and the constant comparison of these two bridges.

Thus it was seen as that the bridge has made contribution to the growth in industry and image of Brisbane. In recognition to its contribution, the Story Bridge has written itself into the list, listed by the National Trust of Queensland. This bridge has indeed to become the pride and joy of a state. It also erected itself a milestone in the history of Brisbane city.

While exploring the Customs House at Queen Street, do make a trip to the riverbank next to it. As this is one of the places which will gives you a postcard view of the Story Bridge. There has been suggestion that to allow visitors to make climbs to the top of the bridge which looks over downtown Brisbane.

Roma Street Parkland - The world's largest subtropical garden in a heart of a bustling city. Given a new face lift from the former Roma Street rail yards, this 16 hectare parkland is a good place for family outing especially during the weekend, for wedding reception and cricket matches.

Entering the parkland via Activity Centre, Celebration Lawn greeted you with open space. This is where Frisbees rule the air space and dogs running wild after ball thrown by owner. Sit by the Tomoko Café and enjoy a coffee or join the activities at the Celebration Lawn. Next take by the lake an absorbed the tropical sunshine and follow by photo taking session at the Parkland's horticulture heart, Spectacle Garden. Wall of Epiphytes and Garden of 1000 Lilies are some of the things worth taking photo of. Be sure to have enough films or mega bytes for the digital camera.

After photo session, children can be let loose at the 2 playgrounds while you admire Queensland's biggest public art collection or bash thru the mini forest. And after these tiring, take the Jellybean Express Train for a ride round the parkland before leaving.

With so many activities to do and attractions to admire at this parkland, it is no wonder that it could even attract royalty to it. Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II graced the parkland during her visit to Brisbane.

Queen Street Mall – The hub of downtown Brisbane is Australia’s most successful shopping precinct. This traffic free mall is home to about 1200 shops and 4 major department stores such as their very own Myer, which is the largest store in Queensland. There are also sidewalk café to take a break from the marathon shopping spree and public artwork on display to admire.

Late night shopping is possible in heart of Brisbane shopping centre on Friday, when the shops stay open until 9.00pm. During the weekend there are street performance and music act on the Mall.

After the entire shopping spree, there is the Treasury Casino with dozens of dining outlets to kill the hunger and after which you can have a go at the casino. Queen Street Mall offers more than great shopping, it's the hub of activity in the city centre. 

Chinatown - Fortitude Valley is home to Brisbane's Chinatown, due to it being populated by Chinese traders during the long years of plying their trade in the Valley. The Chinatown Mall is located in Duncan Street and cannot be miss as the entrances to the Mall are guard by 2 traditional Chinese majestic gates at both ends. Established in 1987, this open-air mall is decorated by pagodas and pavilions, typical architectural structures of the Chinese. The pavilions at times are used for live music performances.

On top of the performances, regular Tai Chi classes are also held in the Chinatown Mall. This is also where the Chinese festivals are celebrated such as the annual Chinese New Year. Besides experience the Chinese culture, there is a traditional Chinese markets, an arcade and a shopping centre for you to browse. And the Brunswick Street Market, which is a street adjacent to Chinatown Mall, is not to be missed. The market is held over the weekend.

A latest attraction to the Chinatown Mall is the opening of a Chinese museum. Besides history, the museum also focuses on the Chinese Australian contribution to the community.

Mt Coot-tha Summit - Approximately 7 km west of downtown Brisbane, this is the best place to view the skyline of Brisbane city. On a bright sunny day, you can see Moreton Bay and to as far as the mountains behind Gold Coast. A good place to do some bush walking in Brisbane, there is also a botanical garden at the foot of the Mountain and a Japanese garden.

After those walks, there is a café and restaurant at the summit for you to take a rest while enjoy the view of the city and watch a day in a life of Brisbane city passes by.