Brisbane

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Climate
Average temperatures: January max 30C (86F) - min 19C (66F); July max 18C (64F) - min 6C (43F). Average annual rainfall - 1148mm (45 ins).

Characteristics
Brisbane, the capital of the Sunshine State, is a major international and interstate gateway to an exciting hub of tourism in the Pacific.

The sub-tropical city enjoys an easy-going, relaxed lifestyle, and offers the visitor a great introduction to the holiday resort destinations of the Gold Coast, and the less developed Sunshine Coast. Just 20 minutes from the city centre you can see (and hold) koalas in their natural habitat at Lone Park Koala Sanctuary or watch sheep shearing at the Australian Wool-shed. Brisbane Forest Park, with its abundant fauna and flora, not to mention rainforest, is right on the doorstep. So too are the islands of Moreton Bay - all 300 of them.

In the last decade, Brisbane has turned to the river, and fairly recent developments like Southbank and The Riverside Centre, famous for its popular Sunday craft markets, Waterfront Place, have changed the look of the city. A sightseeing cruise on the paddlewheeler, River Queen, is a highlight of any visit to the city.

How to Get There
By Air
As you would expect of a capital city, the Brisbane Airport is well-serviced.
International flights arrive direct from New Zealand, Asia & Pacific, Britain and Europe. North America is linked via Sydney and Auckland.
The domestic carrier Qantas, 13 1313 has direct flights from/to Australian capital cities and selected major regional towns. At present, Virgin Blue, 13 6789, and Ansett, 13 1300, operate from eastern state capital cities only.

By Bus
Greyhound Pioneer, 13 2030, and McCaffertys, 13 1499, have the following return services: Brisbane/Sydney, Brisbane/Cairns with connections to Darwin and Alice Springs, and Brisbane/Melbourne.

By Rail
Queensland Rail, 13 2232, operates a Traveltrain service that links destinations around the state. Citytrains (131 230) run north from Brisbane to the Sunshine Coast and south to the Gold Coast. The Queenslander and Sunlander are two additional services connecting Brisbane to areas as far north as Cairns. The Capricornian links the capital city with Rock-hampton.

From Sydney, Countrylink XPT trains run directly to Brisbane daily. Alternatively, you can take the XPT to Murwillumbah and change to a connecting coach to complete the journey.
From Melbourne, you must take a Countrylink train to Sydney and then change trains for the next leg of the trip.

By Road
From Sydney, via the Pacific Highway along the coast - 1001km (622 miles); or inland via the New England and Cunningham High-ways - 1033km (642 miles).

Visitor Information
The Brisbane Visitor Information Centre is situated in the Queen Street Mall, (07) 3006 6290. It is open Mon-Fri 9am-5pm, Sat 9am-4pm, Sun 10am-4pm. Their email address is enquiries@brisbane tourism.com.au and the website to visit is www.brisbanetourism. com.au

The Queensland Travel Centre, 30 Makerston Street, 13 8833, is open Mon-Fri 8.30am-5pm, Sat 9am-1pm. They can be emailed at queensland@qttc.com.au or visited at the website www.tq.com. au

Tourism Queensland, Level 36, Riverside Centre, 123 Eagle Street, (07) 3406 5400, is open Mon-Fri 9am-5pm.
Two other internet addresses worth visiting are the Brisbane section of www.queensland-holidays .com.au or the local coucil website at www.brisbane.qld.gov.au

For Backpacker Budget Beaters, contact the Brisbane Visitor Information Centre. They offer a number of activities with reduced prices, such as $10 return ferry to nearby North Stradbroke Island, where you can go bushwalking and dolphin spotting.

The newspaper, the Courier-Mail publishes a travel section every Friday, which details drives, picnic and camping spots.

Emergency telephone numbers: Police, Fire Department, Ambulance - 000; Doctor - Travellers Medical Service - 3211 3611; Police Station - 3364 6464.

The Royal Automobile Club of Queensland has a breakdown service, 131 111.

Banks are open 9.30am-4pm Mon-Thu, and until 5pm on Fri. Major banks are represented by branches in the city centre, chiefly on Queen and Adelaide Streets.

The Australian Foreign Affairs Department is in the Commonwealth Centre, 295 Ann Street, 3225 0122.

Accommodation
Brisbane has several 5-star international hotels, older style hotels, motels, guest houses, private hotels and many youth hostels. As with any large city, accommodation in the suburbs is often less expensive than in the city itself, and the Tourist Information Centres has a list of what is available. Here we have a selection of city hotels and motels, with prices for a double room per night, which should be used as a guide only. The telephone area code is 07.

Brisbane Hilton, 190 Elizabeth Street, 3234 2000 - Ê320 rooms, 6 suites, licensed restaurant, heated swimming pool, spa, sauna, gym, tennis - $255-330.
Sheraton Brisbane Hotel & Towers, 249 Turbot Street, 3835 3535. 410 rooms, 25 suites, licensed restaurant, bistro, swimming pool, spa, sauna, gym, squash - $150-320.
Country Comfort Lennons Hotel, 66 Queen Street, 3222 3222. 187 rooms, licensed restaurant, heated swimming pool, spa, sauna - $125-180.
Holiday Inn Brisbane, Roma Street, 3238 2222. 191 rooms, 27 suites, licensed restaurant, sauna, undercover carpark, spa, gym - $105-150.
The Chifley on George, 103 George Street, 3221 6044. 99 rooms, licensed restaurant, swimming pool, putting green, spa - $120-140.
Metropolitan Motor Inn, 106 Leichhardt Street (cnr Little Edward Street), 3831 6000. 54 units, licensed restaurant - $90.
Astor Motel, 193 Wickham Terrace, 3831 9522. 61 units, 17 suites - $65-100.
Soho Motel, 333 Wickham Terrace, 3831 7722. 50 units, licensed restaurant, undercover parking - $80.
Ruth Fairfax House - QCWA Club (B&B), 89 Gregory Terrace, 3831 8188. 36 rooms, communal tea making and refrigerator - $70 including breakfast and dinner.
Acacia Inner City, 413 Upper Edward Street, 3832 1663. 57 rooms - $50-70.
The latest additions to the Brisbane skyline are:
Mercure Hotel Brisbane, 85 North Quay, 3236 3300. 175 rooms, 15 suites, spa, sauna, licensed restaurant, room service, swimming pool - $130-180.
The Point On Shaftson, 21 Lambert Street, Kangaroo Point, 3240 0888. 106 rooms, gym, heated pool, tennis court, children's area - from $110-180.
Caravan Parks
Colonial Village Motel, 351 Beams Road, Taigum, 3865 0000. Licensed restaurant, tennis, pool - powered sites $20 for two, cabins $55-65 for two.
Dress Circle Mobile Village, 10 Holmead Road, Eight Mile Plains, 3341 6133. Pool, barbecue - powered sites $30 for two, cabins $80-100 for two.
Sheldon Motel & Caravan Park, 27 Holmead Road, Eight Mile Plains, 3341 6166. Pool, barbecue - powered sites $16 for two, cabins $55 for two.
Gateway Village, 200 School Road, Rochedale, 3341 6333. 148 sites, barbecue, pool, playground, recreation room - powered sites $24 for two, villas $85-100 for two.
Durack Gardens Caravan Park, 758 Blunder Road, Durack, 3372 7300. Tennis, pool, barbecue - powered sites $17 for two, on-site vans $25 for two, cabins $45 for two.
There is a Youth Hostel at 392 Upper Roma Street, 3236 1004. ÊIt has 52 rooms at $22 per person twin share. Palace Backpackers is an alternative, located at 308 Edward Street, 3211 2433.

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Local Transport
Bus
Bus routes and timetables can be downloaded from the www. transinfo.qld.gov.au webpage, or you can phone 13 12 30 (interstate callers: 07 3215 500). As a basic guide, the CityCircle bus (333) is blue and white, and travels around the centre of the city frequently. The white and yellow Citybuses service the city and suburbs, with many stops in between. Buses with blue and yellow stripes are the Cityxpress buses, which have express routes every half hour from designated stops. Buses to most suburbs leave from the city terminal.

Day Rover tickets are available for $8, entitling you to unlimited trips on all public buses, ferries and City Cats. Fare saver cards are also available. Buses to the Redcliffe Peninsula operate daily from outside the Transit Centre.

The City Sights tour is designed to familiarise visitors with the city so that they have an idea about what's on offer and can decide for themselves the places where they would prefer to spend some time. The tour costs $20 and includes unlimited travel on buses and CityCats on the same day. Phone 13 12 30 for more details.

Train
The new Airtrain now operates from Brisane Airport to the Gold Coast, stopping at Brisbane Central and Roma stations. For information, ring Transinfo 13 12 30, interstate 07 3215 5000, or visit the website at www.transinfo.qld. gov.au

A suburban train service operates regularly throughout the city. The main city centre stations are Roma Street at the Brisbane Transit Centre, Central (next to the Sheraton Hotel on Turbot Street), and Brunswick Street Station in Fortitude Valley. For information, visit the same website listed above or call Transinfo on 13 12 30.

Ferry
Regular commuter services operate daily on the Brisbane River. For details and City Cat and City Ferry timetables, explore the website mentioned above or phone 13 12 30.

Taxi
Taxis may be hailed in the street, engaged at taxi stands, or at the front of the big city hotels, or you can book by phone. Two companies are: Yellow Cabs, 13 1924 and Black & White Cabs, 13 1008.

Car
Car hire companies are: Avis, 13 6333; Budget Rent A Car, 13 2727; Thrifty Car Rental, 3252 5994; Abel Rent A Car, 13 14 29; Hertz, 13 30 39. There are many parking stations in and around the city, and the Tourist Information Centre has a full list.

Eating Out
City centre restaurants, riverside bistros and off-the-beaten-track eateries provide a host of different menus from around the globe. Queensland's famous mudcrabs are always a favourite with locals and visitors alike, as are the not-so-famous Moreton Bay Bugs, which are a cross between a lobster and a crab. Tropical fruits also feature prominently on most menus.
The Tourist Bureau has a full list of restaurants, both in the city and in the suburbs, but here are some you might like to try.

Summit, Sir Samuel Griffith Drive, Mt Coot-tha, 3369 9922. Claims the best views over Brisbane, from the Mt Coot-tha Lookout. Licensed, Modern Australian cuisine. Open for lunch and dinner, brunch on Sundays. The Kuta Cafe and Kuta Gift Shop are nearby. Open daily.
Customs House Brasserie, 399 Queen Street, 3365 8921. Overlooks the Story Bridge on the Brisbane River. Alfresco dining with a heritage theme. A wide international food selection, from Thai to Italian to Modern Australian influences. Open daily.
Romeo's, 216 Petrie Terrace, 3367 0955. Award-winning traditional Italian restaurant with a Venetian emphasis. The interesting menu includes pastas, meats and seafood.
Spanish Garden Steakhouse, at the Breakfast Creek Hotel, 2 Kingsford Smith Drive, Breakfast Creek, 3262 5988. Try the Steakhouse for the best steaks in town.
Wang Dynasty, Ground Level, Riverside, South Bank, 3844 8318. Most Asian styles are represented, including Chinese, Thai, Japanese and Singaporean, but there are a couple of surprises, like crocodile and kangaroo. It is open for lunch and dinner seven days, and has views of the river and parklands nearby.
Parklands Bar & Grill, at the Rydges South Bank Hotel, Grey Street, South Bank, 3364 0844. Live entertainment and the "Succulent Seafood and Pasta Buffet" ($58 adult) on Friday and Saturday nights. Family oriented, with a Kids Menu and amusement pack.
Cilantro, at the Novotel Hotel, 200 Creek Street, 3309 3364. This new restaurant provides Australian and Mediterranean cuisine with a-la-carte dining. It is licensed and open every day for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Blu Poles, 6a, 110 Macquarie Street, Teneriffe, 3257 2880. Licensed restaurant offering an interesting and unusual menu, such as corn-fed duck livers. Lunch Wednesday to Sunday and dinner every day except Sunday.
Daniel's, 145 Eagle Street, 3832 3444. Licensed, open for lunch and dinner, sitauted on the banks of the Brisbane River, steak and seafood the specialities.
Captains Cove, 44 Ferry Street, Kangaroo Point, 3891 6644. River views, interesting menu, breakfast daily, dinner Monday to Saturday.
Picasso's, at the Carlton Crest Hotel, King George Square, 3222 1128. Licensed restaurant with a creative menu. Lunch and dinner served seven days.
McMahons, Quay West, 132 Alice Street, 3853 6000. Licensed, wide range of seafood, pasta and meats. Elegant dining overlooking the Botanic Gardens.
Cha Cha Char Grill, Eagle Street Pier, 3211 9944. Licensed restaurant, open for lunch and dinner, serving beef in all its forms for steak-lovers.
Pancakes at the Manor, 18 Charlotte Street, 3221 6433. Enjoyable family dining, inexpensive meals of a good quality. Licensed and open 24 hours.
Big Fortune, Shop 8, Merthyr Road, New Farm, 3358 6633. Chinese restaurant also serving laksas and noodles. It is BYO and open for lunch and dinner 7 days.
Rosie's Tavern, 235 Edward Street, City, 3229 4916. International cuisine, moderate prices, open for lunch and dinner Mon-Sat.
Gertie's, 699 Brunswick Street, Fortitude Valley, 3358 5088. Licensed restaurant set in an area with a European atmosphere. Modern flavours are the focus.
Vroom, Shop 1, cnr James and Doggett Streets, Fortitude Valley, 3257 4455. This original Italian cafe is perfect for a light snack or meal.
Following is a list of additional international-style restaurants.
Fujiyama, cnr Ann & Duncan Streets, Fortitude Valley, 3252 3275. Traditional Japanese.
George's On Wickam, 256 Wickam Street, Fortitude Valley, 3854 1198. Thai and Filipino cuisine.
Govinda's, 99 Elizabeth Street, 3210 0255. Vegetarian fare.
Green Papaya, 898 Stanley Street, East Brisbane, 3217 3599. North Vietnamese menu.
King Ahirim, 88 Vulture Street, West End, 3846 1678. Lebanese selections.
Mirch Masala, 95 Turbot Street, 3220 0377. Indian food.
Also, keep in mind Cafe 21 at the Treasury Casino for a cheap breakfast. You can get yourself a hot-and-hearty meal for less than ten dollars, which may be all you can scrape out of your pocket after an unlucky night in the gaming rooms next door.
McDonalds have branches in Queen, Albert (2), Ann, Eagle, Edward and Roma Streets, as well as many outlets further afield. KFC is in Roma, Albert and Eagle Streets, and adjoining areas. Pizza Hut is on the corner of Queen Street Mall and Albert Street, 3221 0199.

Entertainment
When the sun goes down over the city, Brisbane's hottest night spots begin to warm up. It may not be the city that never sleeps, but its people certainly stay out late, with some of the best music in town still going strong at 5am.

Nightclubs & Pubs
PJ O'Briens, 127 Charlotte Street, 3210 6822. A new and dazzing addition to city-centre nightlife. The pub has an Irish theme, and the music and Guiness flow freely.
Loose Goose, in the Novotel Hotel, 3309 3366. A two hour happy hour (5pm-7pm) every evening, live entertainment and no cover charge make this a popular destination.
Club Brazil, 79 Elizabeth Street, 3221 4144. The club has a South American theme, a lively and upbeat atmosphere, and Happy Hour from 5pm-6.30pm Tuesday to Friday.
The Adrenalin Sports Bar, You will find in this shrine to sport a shark aquarium, a Formula One car, a hang glider and the Great Wall of Sport, among other memorabilia. Even the menu cannot escape the theme.
City Rowers, 1 Eagle Street, 3221 2888. A famous and favourite spot, patronised by the Brisbane Broncos and other locals. It claims to be a 'Brisbane institution'.

Treasury Casino, Queen Street, at the south-western end of Queen Street Mall, 3306 8888. Ironically, the casino was built in the former premises of the Government Treasury. The revenue-raising continues unabated - the only differences is that there are now neon lights and cocktails to disguise the process a little better. With 5 restaurants, 7 bars, over 100 gaming tables, 1100 machines, and open hours around the clock, the Casino will keep you entertained until you are unable to afford the taxi ride back to your hotel.

Cinemas
Myer Centre Cinemas, cnr Albert & Elizabeth Streets, City, 3221 4199.
Village Twin Cinema, 701 Brunswick Street, New Farm, 3358 2021.
Hoyts Regent Entertainment Centre, 167 Queen Street, City, 3229 5544.
Hoyts - Southbank Cinemas, Grey Street, South Bank, 3844 4222.
Dendy Cinemas, 346 George Street, 3211 3244.
IMAX, cnr Ernest & Grey Streets, 3844 4222.

Theatres
Arts Theatre, 210 Petrie Terrace, City, 3369 2344.
Brisbane Entertainment Centre, Melaleuca Drive, Boondall, 3265 8111.
Festival Hall, 65 Charlotte Street, City, 3229 4250.
Cremorne Theatre, at the Performing Arts Complex, 13 62 46.
Princess Theatre, 8 Annerley Road, Woolloongabba, 3891 3800.
Queensland Cultural Centre, South Bank, 3840 7100.
Metro Arts Theatre, 109 Edward Street, 221 1527.
Queensland Theatre Company, Stanley Street, South Brisbane, 3840 7000.
Opera Queensland, 114 Grey Street, South Bank, 3875 3030.

Programmes for the above can be found in the entertainment pages of the daily newspapers, The Courier-Mail and The Sun.

[an error occurred while processing this directive] Shopping
Whether you're after a souvenir, a gift for someone special, or just feel like shopping for yourself, Brisbane's malls, markets and arcades offer a cornucopia of good buys. There are nine city centre shopping arcades housing national department stores, specialty stores, Australiana and all sorts of welcome refreshment stops.

Shopping hours are:
City - Mon-Thurs 9am-5.30pm, Fri 9am-9pm, Sat 9am-5pm, Sun 10.30am-4pm.
Suburbs - Mon-Fri 8.30am-5.30pm, Sat 8.30am-4.30pm, Thurs 8.30am-9pm.

City Shopping
If you feel that a shopping tour might best overcome your unfamiliarity with the city's commercial centres, The Brisbane Shopping Spree Company, 2 Sheppard Street, 3289 3367, offer a service that stops at bargain factory and warehouse outlets in the Brisbane area. They have included a buffet lunch at the Mt Coot-tha lookout.

Queen Street Mall.
This colourful, lavish, modern and entertaining pedestrian mall contains more than 500 specialty shops, and is the premier shopping venue in Brisbane city. The department stores on the mall are David Jones and Myer, and there are a number of banks, fast cash services, buskers, flower sellers, and plenty of chances for alfresco eating. The mall stretches between George & Edward Streets.

Wintergarden on the Mall.
A three-storey complex housing a number of specialty shops, a food fair and five levels of parking. The emphasis here is on fashion. It extends from Queen Street to Elizabeth Street under the Hilton Hotel.
Myer Centre. The vast Myer Centre joins Queen, Elizabeth and Albert Streets, and has been designed to reflect the Victorian age. It has six shopping levels with 200 stores, and houses the national department store, Myer, as well as numerous specialty shops, restaurants, delicatessens and cinemas.

Rowes Arcade
The arcade is a mixture of old and new, with the restored cedar panelling of the Edward Street end and the contemporary Adelaide Street entrance, though it seems to have fallen on hard times in recent years. Two shopping levels contain up-market boutiques and designer wear outlets, and a very good coffee shop. The arcade runs towards Post Office Square.
Post Office Square. Located opposite Anzac Square, and joining Adelaide and Queen Streets with an entrance to Rowes Arcade, Post Office Square has specialty shops, bookshops, coffee shops, delicatessens and a restaurant. Underground parking is available.

Riverside Centre.
Situated on Eagle Street, in the centre of Brisbane's financial district, Riverside is set back from the Brisbane River and has up-market restaurants and designer boutiques.

Brisbane Arcade.

This turn-of-the-century, heritage-listed arcade is full of up-market clothing and gift shops. It runs from Queen Street Mall to Adelaide Street.

T & G Arcade. Halfway up Queen Street Mall is the T & G Arcade, whose shops specialise in designer fashions, shoes and accessories, jewellery, fine silver, ceramics, glassware and antiques.

Other Shopping Centres in the City
Chopstix. Located in the heart of Brisbane's Chinatown, Fortitude Valley, this food and retail emporium is for lovers of the Orient, with specialty shops, kitchens and restaurants.

Paddington.
Only 3km from the city centre, Latrobe and Given Terraces are home to a collection of restored colonial buildings housing boutiques, cottage crafts centres, galleries, Australiana specialists and restaurants.

Savoir Faire.
An up-market shopping and eating experience on Park Road, Milton, ten minutes from the city centre. The shopping area features boutiques, open air restaurants, coffee shops and underground parking.

Suburban Shopping
Out of town there is even more shopping, with eight major everything-under-one-roof shopping centres, each featuring large department stores and a variety of specialty shops. The Brisbane City Council operated 'Great Circle Line' is the easiest way of getting to these centres.

Markets
Riverside Markets, Riverside Centre, Eagle Street, City, 3833 2400 - hopen every Sunday 8.15am-3pm.
"McWhirters" Marketplace, cnr Wickham & Brunswick Streets, City - open daily.
Southbank Markets, Friday nights, Saturday and Sunday.

Points of Interest
The city centre is best seen on a walking tour, and the Brisbane Transit Centre, slightly to the northwest of your city, or your hotel are good places to start. It was opened in mid-1986 and is an integrated coach and railway terminal in Roma Street. The train service from Sydney comes right to the city centre at Roma Street Station, from where all the long distance country trains leave. The suburban electric trains also leave from here, as well as interstate, intrastate and local buses. There are also long and short term car parks, taxi ranks, a hotel, commercial offices, shops and a tourist information office (3236 2020). Queensland has an electric train service from Brisbane through Gladstone, Rockhampton, and inland to its central Queensland Coal Fields.

The newly opened Roma Street parklands have been built on the site of the old railway yards. You can enjoy several self-guided walks past the lake, over bridges, through palm forests and formal gardens. It is a leisurely stroll from the Transit Centre, of some 15 minutes, to King George Square and City Hall. This imposing building is a combined cultural and community centre. An excellent view of the city can be obtained from the clock tower, but try to avoid being up there at noon, as it gets very noisy. Also facing the square is the Albert Street Uniting Church, dwarfed by the high rise office blocks around it. The church is in the Gothic revival style in red brick and white sandstone, and was opened in 1889.

Around the corner in Ann Street is the Ann Street Presbyterian Church which was opened in 1872. Continue along Ann Street and you will come to Anzac Park and the Flame of Remembrance, opposite Central Station. Walk Êdown the stairs and through the park, across Adelaide Street, through the Post Office Square shopping complex, and you will come to the GPO in Queen Street, 3405 1202. There is a Postal Museum on the first floor which is open Tues-Thurs 10am-3pm, and Mon-Fri during school holidays.

Turn right and you will find yourself in Queen Street Mall. At the end you come to the former Treasury building (now facilitating the Casino) near Victoria Bridge. It is built around a central courtyard in Italian Renaissance style. Turn left into William Street, and head south for just over one hundred metres. On your right you will see the Commissariat Stores, now the site of the Royal Historical Society. This building is one of only two that were built for the initial settlement and still stand today. Continue along William Street until you reach the French Renaissance style Parliament House, whose ceremonial frontage overlooks the Botanic Gardens. After all that walking, the gardens will provide a spot for rest and recuperation, as well as a view of the Captain Cook and Story bridges. Or you can continue your walk over the newly-built Goodwill Bridge to Southbank Parklands and the Maritime Museum.

Following are some other sightseeing venues around the city:
The Old Windmill Observatory, on the hill to the north of the city in Wickham Terrace, was built as a windmill in 1829 by convict labour. Due to defects it was never operational, and has been used as a treadmill, a signal post and a meteorological station. It is the other legacy of the first settlement.

The Queensland Sciencentre, in 110 George Street, 3220 0166, takes visitors through the weird world of science in a memorable, hands-on learning experience. Open 10am-5pm daily and admission is $9 adults, $6 children and $28 for families.

To the west of the city the area has been totally redeveloped. Cross the Victoria Bridge and head west along Stanley Street, you will first pass the Queensland Art Gallery and Queensland Museum, then come to the State Library of Queensland. South, on Grey Street, and the Queensland Cultural Centre. The 1982 Commonwealth Games provided Brisbane with the opportunity to upgrade and improve its public transport and sporting facilities, and the 1988 World Expo, held on the south bank of the Brisbane River, saw the completion of the Queensland Cultural Centre. The Centre houses the Performing Arts Complex, and the annexed Art Gallery, Library and Museum. The Art Gallery, 3840 7303, has an extensive collection of Australian art from colonial times to the present, and is hopen daily 10am-5pm. The Performing Arts Complex, 3840 7444, is open daily 10am-5pm, and until 8pm on Wednesday. The Museum takes the visitor from the prehistoric age of dinosaurs up to Australia's colonial history, and is open daily, 3840 7555.

Further south of the Victoria Bridge is the extremely popular South Bank Parklands development. Restaurants, cinemas, parklands, exclusive restaurants, markets, subtropical gardens, lagoons, park areas, sightseeing attractions and Australia's only inland city beach (Breaka Beach), sprawl over 16 hectares. Just south of the Parklands is the Queensland Maritime Museum, which has on display a number of impressive vessels from varying eras. Admission is adults $6, children $3, 3844 5361.

Close to the city the Brisbane River is spanned by five bridges, all of which have a unique architectural style and are worth seeing - the Story Bridge, the Captain Cook Bridge, the Victoria Bridge, the William Jolly Bridge and the Goodwill Bridge. East of the city at the mouth of the Brisbane River is the impressive Gateway Bridge, which was opened in 1986, and for a $2 toll links the city with the Gold Coast and the Sunshine Coast. Travelling north from the Gold Coast, one can bypass Brisbane city by using this route.

The Kookaburra River Queen is one of Brisbane's most popular attractions, and a morning tea, luncheon or dinner cruise on this paddlewheeler is a delightful experience, and one of the best ways to view the city and its bridges. The main cruises are luncheon (from $55 adults), city sights (from $25 adults) and dinner entertainment (from $75 adults). Phone 3221 1300 for bookings and departure times.

Brisbane City Council run City Cat Cruises which take you along the 19km length of the Brisbane River in 2 hours. If you are interested, information can be acquired and tickets purchased from the Council Customer Service outlets. The city branch is on the lower ground level of the Brisbane Administration Centre, 69 Ann Street, up near George Street, open Mon-Fri 8.15am-4.45pm; and the Fortitude Valley branch is in the TC Beirne Centre, Brunswick Street Mall, hopen Mon-Fri 9am-5pm. They are also at Embarkation Point on Eagle Pier.

Suburban Attractions
The Southern Cross, Sir Charles Kingsford Smith's plane, is preserved in a glass-walled building off Airport Drive at Brisbane Airport. Admission is free and the display is open daily.

New Farm Park has almost 12,000 rose bushes and a Jacaranda and Poinciana avenue. Like the Botanic Gardens, it is situated on the riverbank, and although it can be reached by bus, a more scenic way to visit is by the City Cat Ferry. For ferry times, contact Transinfo, 13 12 30.

The Mt Coot-tha Botanic Gardens are only ten minutes' drive from the city, and have a large collection of Australian native plants, tropical plants, an arid-zone area and tropical plant display dome, open daily 8am-5.30pm. The Sir Thomas Brisbane Planetarium in the gardens is the largest in Australia. There is also a Japanese Garden, a Fragrant Plants and Herb Garden, and Australian rainforest. The picnic area at the top of Mt Coot-tha is a popular stop for a panoramic view of the city, day or night.

Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, Jesmond Road, Fig Tree Pocket, 3278 1366, shouldn't be missed. It is situated on the banks of the river, and is best reached by boat - the Mirimar Boat Cruise departs from North Quay daily at 10am, 3221 0300. The Sanctuary is Australia's oldest, and also has a variety of native animals, reptiles and birds. It is open daily 7.30am-4.45pm, and admission is $14 adults, $7 children.

Temple of the Holy Triad, cnr Park & Higgs Streets, Breakfast Creek, is an historic Chinese Temple built in 1885, 3262 5588. The pillars of the building were set crookedly as a reminder to all that nothing in life is perfect.

Miegunya, 31 Jordan Terrace, Bowen Hills, was built in 1884, and is a good example of colonial architecture. It is dedicated to the pioneering women of Queensland.

Newstead House in Newstead Park, Breakfast Creek Road, Newstead, 3216 1846 or 1800 061 846, is Brisbane's oldest surviving residence. It is on the banks of the river near its junction with Breakfast Creek, and is open Mon-Fri 10am-4pm, Sun 2-5pm.

The Queensland University at St Lucia, 3365 1111, is almost completely surrounded by the river, and has spacious parklands and sandstone buildings which are joined by sheltered walkways called The Cloisters. They are decorated with carvings of other universities' coats of arms, sculptures and grotesque faces and animals. Worth a visit if you are into varsity ambience and style.

Alma Park Zoo, Alma Road, Dakabin, 3204 656, features Australian and exotic fauna, tropical gardens, picnic and barbecue facilities. There are regular feeding times for a variety of animals. It is open daily 9am-5pm. Admission is $20 adults and $10 children. The zoo is located 28km (17 miles) north of Brisbane and takes about half an hour to reach.

Licoriceland, 21 Jijaws Street, Sumner Park, 3376 6945, is Queensland's only licorice factory. It is open 9.30am-3.30pm Mon-Fri, except in January when it is closed to visitors. Tours are available, and there is also a sweet shop selling samples.

The Australian Woolshed, 148 Samford Road, Ferny Hills, 3872 1100, is a wonderful experience for people who don't have time to visit the great Aussie Outback. You can see seven different breeds of sheep, watch one being shorn, and then see the fleece spun into yarn. Once you've had a taste of Australia's rural backbone, you might like to expand your activities. Native animals are on display, waterslides are open at selected times for $5 an hour, and a nine-hole round of mini golf is available for $4. Every Saturday night there is a Woolshed Êdance which includes dinner. The Woolshed is about 20 minutes drive from the city centre and admission prices are $18 adults and $11 children. A Park Package ticket is available, which includes a variety of these activites for $20.

The Boondall Wetlands are a protected area maintained by Brisbane City Council, consisting of woodlands, tidal flats and swamp areas, north of Brisbane on the rim of Moreton Bay. The region can be explored on foot, bike or canoe, and birdwatching and exploration of Aboriginal culture are features. The Boondall Wetlands Visitor Centre has further details, 3865 5187.

Tours
Bus tours operate daily from Brisbane, taking in the very best of the city sights and venturing further afield to beautiful beaches and natural bushland. Following are some examples.

Brisbane Tours & Detours, 3847 3666, http://toursanddetours.com.au/:
Koalas & Brisbane Parklands Tours, 2.15pm-4.15pm, $50 adults; Highlights of the City, 9.15am-1.15pm, $40 adults; Brisbane Moonlight Tour, 6.45pm-8.45pm, $40 adults; Best of Brisbane - In a Day, 9.30am-5.30pm, $75 adults.
Brian Ogdens Historical Walking Tours, 3217 3673.
Australian Day Tours, Level 3, Transit Centre, Roma Street, 3236 4155 or 1300 363 436 (free call):
Brisbane After Dark, 6pm-10pm, $70 adults; Brisbane Sights Full Day, 9.30am-6.30pm, $58 adults; City Sights, Woolshed and River Cruise, 9.30am-6.30pm, $75 adults; Morning Tour, City Sights & South Bank, 9.30am-1.30pm, $40 adults.
Brisbane Ghost Tours, 3344 7264:
An historical tour with a difference!
Mr Day Tours, Aminya Close, My Nebo, 3289 8364:
Afternoon Scenic Rainforest Drive, 12.30pm-4.30pm, $70 adults; Brisbane and Its Outback Tour, 8am-6pm, $135 adults; Morning Countryside Drive, 8am-12pm, $75 adults.
Gray Line Tours, Level 3, Transit Centre, Roma Street, 3236 9444:
Best of Brisbane Cruise & Tour, 9.30am-6.30pm, $95 adults; Mt Tamborine & Aussie Country Show, 7.30am-7.30pm, $105 adults.
Rob's Rainforest Explorer Day Tours, 44 Felix Street, Lutwyche, &0409 49 6607:
Glasshouse Mountains & Kon-dalilla Falls, 8am-6pm, $55 adults; Lamington/Springbrook National Parks, 8am-6pm, $55 adults; Mt Glorious & Samford Valley Tour, 8am-6pm, $55 adults.
See More Scenic Tours, 4 Mallee Street, Marsden, 3805 5588:
Glow Worm Express - Tambourine Mountain, 6pm-10pm, $50 adults; Rainforest & Winery Tour, 8.30am-5.30pm, $65 adults.
Sunrover Expeditions, 1 Eversleigh Road, Redcliffe, 3203 4241:
Moreton Bay Island Safari, 6.45am-6.45pm, $135 adults.
Regular tours to Dreamworld, Sea World, Movie World, Wet'n'Wild, Gold Coast, Noosa and Sunshine Coast, Moreton Bay, Tamborine Mountains, Toowoomba and Darling Downs are also conducted.

Festivals
The Valley Fiesta held at Chinatown and Brunswick Street Malls is a multicultural music and arts festival held in July.
The Royal National Show (The Ekka) is held in the Brisbane Exhibitions Grounds, Fortitude Valley, over ten days in August.
The Spring Hill Fair is held in Water Street in September.
Brisbane River Festival is held from August to September.

Facilities
The Gabba is Brisbane's main cricket venue for International and interstate matches, and it is in Stanley Street, Woolloongabba, across the river to the south of the city centre, 3891 5464.

Horse races are held at Eagle Farm Racecourse, Lancaster Road, Ascot, 3268 2171, and Doomben Racecourse, 39 Brunswick Street, Fortitude Valley, 3268 6800.
The trotting venue is Albion Park Harness Racing, Amy Street, Breakfast Creek, 3262 2577.

The main football ovals are: Rugby League - Suncorp Stadium, Castle-maine Street, Milton, 3876 6511; Rugby Union - Ballymore, Clyde Road, Herston, 3352 8120; Australian Rules - The Gabba. There are also games of all three codes played at suburban grounds on the weekends in winter.

Baseball is also played at Suncorp Stadium, and for Basketball, the Brisbane Entertainment Centre, Melaleuca Drive, Boondall, is the home of the Brisbane Bullets.

For names and addresses of other sporting facilities, it is best to consult the Yellow Pages telephone directory.

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Outlying Attractions
Moreton Bay and Island
The bayside suburbs of Wynnum, Lota, Manly, Wellington Point and Cleveland are great places for boating, and North Stradbroke and Moreton Islands are really worth a visit. They provide the opportunity for an island holiday without travelling far from Brisbane.

Moreton is the second largest sand island in the world (after Fraser Island), and much of it is National Park. There are unspoiled beaches, abundant birdlife, and the sand dunes are magnificent. In the centre, amongst the sand dunes where there is practically no vegetation, you can imagine that a camel train might arrive at any moment. Mount Tempest is one of the highest coastal sand dunes in the world. The Wild Dolphin resort at Tangalooma, the site of the old whaling station, offers standard and deluxe motel and cabin accommodation and a restaurant. Prices start from $90 per person twin share in the peak season.

For those who prefer a simpler holiday, camping areas are found at Accommodation Moreton Island, The Strand Bulwer, 3408 3798. Facilities include water, toilets and showers. Moreton Island Tourist Information Services, located at The Strand Bulwer, can provide further details, (07) 3408 2661.

Access to Moreton Island is by launch or air. The Tangalooma Flyer leaves Holt Street in Brisbane, with a courtesy coach transfer from the Transit Centre in Roma Street at 9am daily. The launch transfers cost $33 return for adults. Air transfers are from Brisbane Airport to Moreton Island, a trip lasting about 15 minutes. Enquire about your preferred transfer method when booking your accommodation or by contacting the Visitor Information Centre.

North Stradbroke Island
North Stradbroke Island is larger and has more varied scenery than Moreton Island. There are mangrove swamps, lakes, bushland and great surfing beaches. Accommodation is available at Amity Point and at Point Lookout, with campsites at Point Lookout and Dunwich. Vehicular ferries operate from Cleveland and Redland Bay.

The Stradbroke Island Tourist Information Centre is at the end of Middle Street, Cleveland, 3821 3821. Stradbroke Island Tourism is in Junner Street, Dunwich, 3409 9555 or email redlands tourism @redlands.net.au

Beenleigh
If you are heading south to the Gold Coast from Brisbane, take time out to visit the Beenleigh Tavern at 124 Distillery Road, 3287 4777. It is open Mon-Fri 10.30am-10pm, Sat 11am until late, Sun 11am-6pm. For a moderate fee, tours are conducted between limited hours daily and include a tasting of Beenleigh rum (after all, that is why you came here).