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Population
Brisbane is Queensland Australia’s capital city. It has a population of 1.6 million people and is Australia’s third largest city after Sydney and Melbourne.

• Population: 1.6 million
• Country: Australia
• Time Zone: GMT/UTC plus 10 hours
• Telephone Area Code 07

Queensland is Australia’s second largest state, covering 1 722 000 km2 and the third most populous with more than 3 000 000 inhabitants - 17 per cent of the nation’s people.

It occupies 22.5 per cent of the continent in the north-east and has boundaries with New South Wales, South Australia and the Northern Territory. It is bounded by the Gulf of Carpentaria, Torres Strait and the Coral Sea in the north, and the South Pacific Ocean in the east. The total coastline is 7400 km.

Brisbane, the capital, is in the south-eastern corner of the State with a population of 1,627 000.

Cultural diversity
Currently over twenty-six percent of Brisbane’s population was born overseas. In 1996 over fifteen percent of the population spoke a language other than English at home with Cantonese, Italian, Vietnamese, Mandarin, Greek, Spanish, German, Tagalog (Filipino), Polish and Russian being some of the most commonly spoken languages. The average age of Brisbane’s population is thirty-three years and twenty-one percent of the total population is under the age of fifteen.

Getting There
Brisbane's Eagle Farm airport is a busy international arrival and departure point with frequent flights to Asia, Europe, the Pacific islands, North America, New Zealand and Papua New Guinea. The main bus terminal is the Transit Centre on Roma St, and all the main bus companies arrive and leave from here. Buses run to Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide and Cairns, as well as towns up and down the coast. Trains also arrive at the Transit Centre. There are direct trains to Sydney, but if you want to go any further south or west, you'll have to go via Sydney. Rail travel within Queensland is slower and more expensive than the bus, but it's often more comfortable, and you can get rail passes.

Getting Around
A shuttle bus runs between the airport and the Transit Centre about every half-hour till mid-evening. There are also shuttle buses to the Gold and Sunshine Coasts. A taxi into the city centre will cost about US$10-15. In addition to normal city buses, there are Cityxpress services which run between the city centre and the suburbs, and Rockets (fast peak-hour commuter buses). The fast Citytrain network has seven lines, and there is an efficient ferry service along and across the Brisbane River. There is a riverside bicycle track from the City Botanic Gardens out to the University of Queensland.

Some Facts and Statistics about Brisbane
International and interstate flights come into the Brisbane International Airport. Archerfield Airodrome to the south and Caboolture to the north cater to small charter and private flights.

Ferries and BCC Citycats provide transport on the Brisbane River from Newstead up to the University of Queensland. Ferry and charter cruises are available on the river and to the Moreton Bay islands.

Cycling is becoming more and more popular with the extensive bikeway network constructed over the past few years.

A shuttle bus runs between the airport and the Transit Centre about every half-hour till mid-evening. There are also shuttle buses to the Gold and Sunshine Coasts. A taxi into the city centre will cost about US$10-15. In addition to normal city buses, there are Cityxpress services which run between the city centre and the suburbs, and Rockets (fast peak-hour commuter buses).

The fast Citytrain network has seven lines, and there is an efficient ferry service along and across the Brisbane River. There is a riverside bicycle track from the City Botanic Gardens out to the University of Queensland.

This is a great link to plan all of your train bus and ferry trips http://jp.transinfo.qld.gov.au/

City Centre

Albert Street Literary Walk
This walk path follows a trail of 32 brass plaques that have been inset into the pavement. These plaques showcase various observations on Brisbane by a variety of famous authors.
Albert Street, Brisbane

Anzac Square
The Anzac Square has some amazingly immaculately groomed landscaping and has radial paths leading to the Shrine of Remembrance that has been designed in a Greek Classic Revival style.
Between Ann and Adelaide streets

Botanic Gardens
The Botanic Gardens were first established in 1858 are located on a bend in the Brisbane River. These gardens are definitely up there as one of Brisbane’s beautiful parks. There is a café nestled amongst the garden that has a fresh innovative menu. Also of note is the as a feature of the gardens is the mangrove boardwalk, the avenue of bunya pines and the shady palm forest.
Off Alice Street; open daily

Brisbane City Gallery
Brisbane City Gallery is constantly undergoing fresh and revitalising exhibitions of art and craft. There are also more permanent collections of works by local artists.
Ground Floor, Brisbane City Hall
Open daily 10am –5pm 3403 8888

Brisbane City Hall
This classically inspired city hall has an immense sandstone structure. A main feature includes the bell tower which can be accessed by a free elevator which showcases some amazing panoramic vistas of the CBD.
Guided tours of the hall are available Mon-Sat.
King George Square
Open daily 9am –5pm 3403 8888

Customs House
The Customs House is a heritage listed property that used to serve as the centre of a waterfront docking area. However, its new found purpose is as an educational and function facility that is maintained by the University of Queensland. The Customs House also hosts a small art gallery and there is also a tasty selection of food offered by the brassiere. Queen Street, Brisbane
Open daily 10 am –4 pm 3365 8999

Old Government House
The Old Government House is operated by the National Trust which runs a gift shop that specialises in Australian made gifts and also provides tourist information of historic site and walks within Brisbane.
George Street, Brisbane
Open daily 9am – 4:30pm 3864 8005

Old Windmill
The Old Windmill is actually…believe it or not…Brisbane’s oldest surviving building. It is a sandstone tower that was constructed in 1828 as a mill for grinding corn. However, the incorrect engineering of the sails rendered it as a signal station, fire lookout tower and meteorological station all rolled into one.
Wickham Terrace, Brisbane

Queen Street Mall
Recently refurbished…the Queen Street Mall has always got events happening. It is known as the retail and cinema entertainment of Brisbane. Queen Street Mall consists of more than 600 shops, 45 cafes/restaurants, two cinema complexes, the Treasury Casino and 11 shopping malls.
Queen Street, Brisbane; open daily 3006 6200

Regent Theatre
Erected in 1928, the Regent Theatre has a gothic Spanish style to it. The primary usage of it currently is as a cinema.
Queen Street Mall; Botanic Gardens. Bookings 3229 5544

Roma Street Parkland
Roma Street Parkland is located in the direct heart of Brisbane. It has now been dubbed as the world’s largest subtropical garden in a city centre. The park is amazingly diverse in the range of flora on offer with over 100,000 varieties of shrub, and 1,200 mature trees. There are many pathways interspersed throughout the parkland where shelters, seating, barbecue facilities and beautiful viewpoints. For the kids, or those young at heart, there is the Jellybean Express or Lollipop Express for a 1.3km trackless train ride around the various parkland habitats. ($3 adults, $2 children).
Just north of the Roma Street Transit Centre; open daily 24 hours

Treasury Casino
Treasury Casino is a 19th-century building in George Street and is open 24 hours a day. The Casino accommodates over 1,100 gamin machines and 100 tables, consisting of blackjack, roulette, craps and sic bo. Within the Casino itself are 5 restaurants and 7 bars and nightly performing live bands.
George Street, Brisbane; Open daily, 24 hrs 3306 8888

State Parliament House
This building was initially constructed in 1868. Free tours are provided five times daily on weekdays, unless it is a parliamentary sitting day, when visitors are welcome to watch proceedings from the public gallery.
William Street, Brisbane
Tours: Mon–Fri 9am –5pm 3406 7111

South Bank
Little Stanley Street
This location is opposite South Bank Parklands and allows you to dine alfresco along the street with many eateries. Food is available from a variety of cultures so its sure to keep your tastebuds awake. There are various boutiques, accessories, gifts and home wares on offer through the Crafts Markets that operate from Friday to Sunday.

South Bank Beach
This beach is man-made and constructed with nice white imported sand. It’s a great central place to relax when the weather gets unbearable. A lifeguard is also on patrol during the peak periods so you’ll always be in safe hands.
South Bank, South Brisbane
Open daily 9am-9pm 3867 2051

Queensland Art Gallery
This place is definitely Brisbane’s most prominent cultural attraction. The permanent collection is quite varied and includes Aboriginal, European and Asian artworks. Admission is usually free apart from the odd special exhibition which may be held there.
South Bank, South Brisbane;
Open daily 10 am –5 pm 3840 7303

Queensland Maritime Museum
South Bank boasts a timeless relic of a museum that is based around dry docks that were first use in 1881. Extensive displays consist of ship models and old vessels which do well to showcase Queensland’s maritime history.
Sidon Street, South Brisbane Open daily 9:30am -5pm 3844 5361

Queensland Museum
This museum consists of displays relating to the state of Queensland’s natural history in addition to indigenous and European history. Some highlights to the museum include exhibits of a humpback whale skeleton and a pioneer aviator’s airplane.
South Bank, South Brisbane Open daily 10am - 5pm 3840 7555

Queensland Performing Arts Centre
The performing arts centre caters perfectly for both opera and theatre lovers and hosts various current performances.
South Bank, South Brisbane. Bookings and enquiries 13 6246

State Library
The collection of Australian and international books and magazines is astounding. With all the facilities of a modern library you are sure to find that special bit of information that you have been looking for.
South Bank, South Brisbane; Open Mon - Thu 10am - 8pm, Fri - Sun 10am - 5pm
3840 7666

Inner Suburbs

Brett’s Wharf/Hamilton
The wharf serves as a downriver terminal for the city’s River Cats. Its location is situated on a waterfront in the suburb of Hamilton. From here you can access cafes, restaurants and shops.

Bulimba
Bulimba is where you’ll find over 15 casual alfresco dining restaurants, cinema complex and various fashion stores and a bookstore.

Caxton Street
This short road leads to Petrie Terrace. Caxton Street has various pubs, clubs, bars and some of the best seafood dining restaurants.

City Cat Ferries
City Cats are let you explore the riverside suburbs located along the Brisbane River.
Transinfo:13 1230

Eagle Street Pier
If you get off at the Eagle Street Pier you can try some of the great restaurants, specialty shops and the market.

Fortitude Valley
The Valley is Brisbane’s most vibrant and liveliest multicultural zone. It’s a great cosmopolitan centre with definitely some of Brisbane’s best nightclubs and pubs on offer.

Lone Pine Sanctuary
Interacting with Australia’s native fauna has never been more of a pleasant affair than when you do it at Lone Pine Sanctuary.
Jesmond Road, Fig Tree Pocket
Open daily from 9 am –5 pm 3378 1366

Mt Coot-tha Lookout
If you venture 7km west of the CBD you’ll find the Mt Coot-tha Lookout. This stunning vantage point offers panoramic views that sweep from the Sunshine Coast to the Gold Coast. It’s definitely a place to visit at night when the city is lit up like a Christmas tree.

New Farm
This dynamic suburb has a smorgasbord of ethnic restaurants. The main thoroughfare has alfresco eateries, cinemas, bookshops and art galleries. The New Farm Park has a beautiful display of flowering plants. It caters well for the family with playgrounds, barbeques and a sports oval.

Newstead House
This old homestead is open to visitors. It was constructed in 1846 and it is outfitted with fine Victorian décor and beautiful surrounding gardens.
open Mon –Fri 10 am –4 pm, Sun 2 am –5 pm
3216 1846

Paddington
Paddington is a contemporary youthful suburb with shops and great alfresco restaurants. The surrounding vegetation is leafy and adorns the houses that have been restored to a new lustre.

Park Road, Milton
The Park Road in Milton has an enticing array of fashion and home décor shops and great eateries.

Powerhouse
The newest theatre in Brisbane is now a regularly used performance space. It was initially built in 1926 but was abandoned in the 70’s. Yet now it has been restored and rebuilt to its initial former glory.
119 Lamington St, New Farm 3358 8600

River Queen
The River Queens is a great boat that allows you to unwind and relax whilst cruising the Brisbane River and seeing the city from a more chilled out perspective.
River Queen, 1 Eagle Street, Brisbane
Daily from 9:30 am 3321 1300

Teneriffe
Teneriffe is currently undergoing a large urban renewal project. New apartment buildings are springing up all over the place amongst specialty shops, cinemas, furniture warehouses and fine restaurants.

West End
Brisbane’s West End is on Boundary Road, on the southern side of the river and nearby South Bank. West End is host to many ethnic restaurants and multicultural food shops were you’re sure to find something of interest.

Brisbane was established when Sydney and the colony of New South Wales needed a better place to store its more recalcitrant 'cons'. The tropical country further north seemed a good place to put them and in 1824 a penal settlement was established at Redcliffe Point on Moreton Bay. This location was soon abandoned in favour of the riverside site to the south where Brisbane's business district now stands. The penal settlement was abandoned in 1839 and the area was thrown open to free settlers in 1842. As Queensland's huge agricultural and mineral resources were developed, Brisbane grew into a prosperous city, and in 1859 the state of Queensland separated from the colony of NSW, and Brisbane was declared its capital.

Queensland's early white settlers indulged in one of the greatest land grabs of all time and encountered fierce Aboriginal opposition. At the time of white settlement, Queensland was the most densely populated area of Australia, supporting over 100,000 Aboriginal people in around 200 tribal groups - it is probable that Aboriginal people had been in the country for at least 50,000 years before the arrival of Europeans. For much of the 19th century, what amounted to a guerrilla war took place along the frontiers of the white advance. By the turn of the century, the Aboriginal people of Queensland had been comprehensively run off their lands, and the white authorities had set up reserves for the survivors. In the 1980s control of the reserves was handed over to the residents, subject to rights of access for prospecting, exploration or mining.

By the 1860s Brisbane had shed its convict background and developed into a handsome provincial centre, although it wasn't until the 1880s that the central business district was transformed by the construction of many fine public and commercial buildings. Despite a country-wide climate of jingoism and giving it all for the motherland, WWI saw Queensland vote in an anti-conscription Labor government. Labor hung on to government until 1957, introducing a series of social and industrial reforms including compulsory voting and workers' compensation.

During WWII, large areas of the state were transformed into military camps, with thousands of Americans being garrisoned throughout Queensland as Australia and the USA fought against Japan throughout the Pacific. The war resulted in Australia shifting its allegiance from the UK to the USA, as the north of the country, in particular, realised how vulnerable it was to invasion. In the post-war years Queensland shifted from a rural to an industrial economy and Labor was replaced by a conservative Liberal-Country Party coalition.

Brisbane's more recent history is dominated by the right-wing Joh Bjelke-Peterson regime which lasted from the early 1970s to the late 1980s, thanks to a bit of sleight-of-hand with electoral boundaries. Queensland (and Brisbane in particular) suffered a government which was at odds with the rest of the country in matters such as human rights, rainforest conservation, Aboriginal land rights and even the availability of condoms (although it must be said in its favour that economically, Bjelke-Peterson's policies were a huge success). Corruption was rife and since the defeat of the National Party in 1989, it seems everyone from the former Commissioner of Police to Joh himself has appeared in court on charges relating to some sort of shady deal.

Brisbane's rapid economic growth, its favourable climate and Joh's 1977 decision to abolish death duties have all attracted a massive wave of internal migration. Since 1980 over half a million Australians from other states have packed up and moved to Queensland. Queensland most recently hit the headlines as the state where the controversial far-right One Nation party gained more than 25% of the vote, a trend which didn't continue into the later Federal election.

Brisbane since pre-European times

Aboriginal culture before 1824
Brisbane was home to the Jagera and Turrbal Aboriginal clans. Before European settlement, the land, the river and its tributaries were the source and support of life in all its dimensions. The river's abundant supply of food included fish, shellfish, crabs and shrimps. The good fishing places became campsites and the focus of group activities.

Moreton Bay Penal Settlement from 1824 until 1842
The selection of Brisbane as a gaol site was actually an afterthought. Redcliffe, north of the city, was the original preference when Surveyor General John Oxley, aboard the cutter 'Mermaid', first surveyed the region late in 1823.

The boat was anchored off Bribie Island when the crew saw a group of Aborigines and "one who appeared larger than the rest" on the shore. This was an ex-convict called Thomas Pamphlett, one of four men who had left Sydney earlier that year on an ill-fated journey to sail south to buy cedar.

Pamphlett and a fellow survivor of the journey, Finnegan, had been living with the Aborigines for several months when Oxley spotted Pamphlett on a beach in Moreton Bay. Pamphlett and Finnegan told Oxley of a large river they had seen in the area. Intrigued, Oxley set off in a whaleboat with a small crew and Finnegan as their guide.

Oxley found the river the next day and named it in honour of the then Governor of New South Wales, Sir Thomas Brisbane. It was the red cliffs north of the river that impressed him as the most suitable site for the new penal settlement.

In 1825, less than a year after the convicts arrived, the Redcliffe site was abandoned mainly because Brisbane had a more reliable water supply. It was also surrounded by a bend in the river, which meant that escape was more difficult.

With a government decree forbidding unauthorised people coming within fifty miles, the walled gaol operated for the next seventeen years, taking only the toughest prisoners from Sydney. However, mounting pressure on decision makers in England to stop sending convicts to Australia finally led to Moreton Bay district being opened to free settlers in 1842.

Free settlement 1842-1900
Brisbane was free to grow as a city. Grand homes like Palma Rosa at Hamilton and Brisbane's oldest surviving residence, Newstead House, sprang up among the slab huts and shanties.

The population grew from 829 in 1846 to almost 6,000 by 1859 when Brisbane became capital of the self-governing colony of Queensland. By 1888, most evidence of convict occupation in the central business district was gone. In its place stood imposing buildings like Old Government House and Customs House. The grandeur of these buildings highlighted the strength of Brisbane's growing economy.

A new century 1901-2000
By the time of Federation in 1901, Queensland was the fastest growing state in the new nation and Brisbane was its economic hub. Despite the drought, floods and depression of the 1890s, trade and industry were booming. The Brisbane River was a hive of maritime activity.

Post World War I and the Great Depression
After World War I, Brisbane became the largest local authority in Australia. The 1924 City of Brisbane Act abolished two cities, six towns and ten shires to create a single council governing 1,220 square kilometres.

Ironically, landmark buildings like City Hall and the Masonic Temple were built in 1930 just as the Great Depression took hold. For Brisbane, as well as for other cities, the early thirties brought high unemployment and desperate poverty. Construction of the Story Bridge was the city's biggest Depression-time project. 'Tent cities' sprang up around Brisbane to house the homeless.

Brisbane in World War II
World War II and the threat of Japanese attack transformed many parts of Brisbane into military camps. In 1942, the AMP building became headquarters for the United States General Douglas MacArthur, the Commander in Chief of the South-West Pacific Campaign.

Thousands of United States servicemen were stationed in Brisbane, boosting the population to over 750,000. As city services strained to meet the needs of the extra populaton, tensions mounted between American and Australian servicemen. On 26 and 27 November 1942, those tensions erupted into the infamous streetfight that is now remembered as the 'Battle of Brisbane'.

The boom years in Brissy
After World War II came the boom years, a period marked by increased industrial activity and population levels boosted by immigration. In Brisbane, suburbs began to flourish. There was a major focus on sealing roads and providing the city with sewerage services.

Floods and fame
In 1974 floods devastated Brisbane. Sixteen people lost their lives and an estimated $300 million damage was caused. Brisbane soon recovered to host two major world events - the 1982 Commonwealth Games and World Expo 1988. These events brought new sports and cultural facilities to Brisbane, as well as a renewed identity. The media coverage of the Games was the biggest broadcasting operation ever undertaken in Australia at that time and in 1988 World Expo was hailed as another major international success for Australia.

Planning to live in Brisbane?
Are you, a family member or a friend intending to settle in Brisbane, QLD Australia? See our article menu on the home page or email me for more information at bruce@bestrealestate.com.au 
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List of Brisbane suburbs

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