History of Brisbane
It is thought that Brisbane was occupied by Turrbal and Jagera Aboriginal clans for centuries. However, the settlement of Europeans is documented. The natural river bend created a good barrier, so Redcliffe prison was established on the site of present-day Brisbane in 1825.
Free settlement began in 1842 and the town began to grow. By the 1880s, Brisbane was established as the capital of the Queensland colony and the main centre of commerce, developing its own distinct culture and architecture.
Today, Brisbane is filled with delights. From hiking up into the mountains to enjoy city views through to relaxing on the beach, strolling around farmer’s markets to enjoying live music gigs, there is lots to see and do in Brisbane.
Areas to Visit in Brisbane:
- Brisbane City Centre: Brisbane has a superb blend of modern and historic buildings, with city gardens and parks. So, you can spend your days around the city, yet you can retreat to the park to sit back and relax. Of course, there is also some great shopping in the city center, but don’t overlook a visit to the Brisbane City Botanical Gardens that have been around since 1855.
- Edward Street: This is the city’s most sophisticated shopping hot spot. There are designer brands for fashionistas, jewelry and unique gifts. You’ll also find luxury stores and bespoke tailoring. Once you’ve had your fill of shopping, you can also enjoy a variety of dining options from casual bars and bistros to upmarket restaurants.
- Fortitude Valley: As it is known to the locals, The Valley is just outside the city and acts as the epicenter for live music. This suburb has a diverse history from the early 1900s and it was a thriving shopping precinct. Today, it is home to artists, musicians and designers. Fortitude Valley is also home to Brisbane’s Chinatown Mall. This is located in Duncan Street and is the social, cultural and commercial hub for the Asian community in Brisbane. You’ll enter the mall through the entrance guarded by stone lions that were presented as a gift from the People’s Republic of China.
- South Bank: South Bank is the heart of the city’s culture, entertainment and recreation precinct. The area has 11 million visitors each year and it offers superb bars and restaurants, boutique shopping, museums, markets, and fun activities.
- Somerset Dam: This is an hour from the city, but it is worth including in your Brisbane visit. This is the perfect spot for walking, water sports, fishing or simply enjoying the great outdoors. The Dam features 237 kilometers of shoreline and it is surrounded by a ring of hills, creating calm waters, ideal for boating. The dam’s shores are surrounded by valleys, lakes, and unspoiled bushland. You can also enjoy a visit to the town of Somerset.
- Kangaroo Point: Kangaroo Point is a suburb outside the city, above the Brisbane River. The Kangaroo Point Cliffs not only make a great lookout spot or picnic venue, but they make the ideal place for abseilers and rock climbers. At night, the cliffs are illuminated with lots of tiny lights, allowing climbers to enjoy the area after dark.
- Moreton Bay: This extends 125 kilometers to the Gold Coast Seaway from Caloundra. The bay is 30 minutes from Brisbane city center, offering beautiful waters for fishing sports and activities.
How to Get to Brisbane From the Sunshine Coast:
Brisbane Airport is the third busiest Australian airport with over 23 million passengers. The new runway also came online in 2020 to facilitate increased air traffic. From the airport, you can take the Airtrain for a direct transfer into the city.
However, if you’re traveling from the Sunshine Coast, the journey is only approximately 90 minutes by road. We can offer trips to Brisbane from the Sunshine Coast, so you don’t need to worry about navigating unfamiliar roads or finding somewhere to park. You can simply relax and enjoy the journey.
