Brisbane
Major Attractions
Brisbane
is a only city that enjoys the sun throughout the year.
The
places that are of interest for most tourists include the South Bank Parklands,
the city center's Historic Buildings, the Brisbane River cruises, the Mt.
Coot-Tha lookout, and the Conrad International Treasury Casino.
South
Bank Parklands
South
Bank Parklands is Brisbane's leisure and entertainment precinct. The 16 hectares
of riverside parklands is filled with tropical gardens, lagoons, rainforest
groves, water gardens, cafes, restaurants, and shopping outlets. Cycle paths
and walkways weave through pristine gardens and groves of tropical forests
providing some of the best views of the city skyline.
The
Heritage City
Brisbane,
a modern city today, was once the domain of Aboriginal people for as long
as 40,000 years before European settlement. Much of Brisbane city bears the
name of native tribes such as Toowong, Indooroopilly, and Mt. Coot-tha. The
European exploration of the region began with John Oxley in 1823. British
colonization began further upstream and until today their colonization can
still be witnessed through the many historical buildings around. The grand
colonial architecture include the City Hall, classical and dramatic clock
tower, Old Windmill, and the beautifully restored Customs House on the riverbank
just next to Queensland University of Technology.
Mt.
Coot-Tha Lookout
The
best of the city panoramic view is from Mt. Coot-Tha (Coot-Tha derives from
"kuta" meaning "place of native honey") where the impressive
view of Brisbane and Moreton Bay is accessible. The lookout complex includes
viewing terraces, a café, gift shop, and restaurant.
City
Shopping
For
shopping, don't miss the South Bank's lantern market on Friday nights and
the Crafts Market on weekends. City center shopping will include the colorful
Queen Street Mall where there are more than 500 shops to explore. It stretches
between George Street and Edward Street and extends out into Albert Street
Mall. Most city shops open every day of the week, and night shopping in the
city is available each Friday until 9:00 p.m.
Conrad
International Treasury Casino
While
in the city, check out Brisbane's casino, the Conrad International Treasury,
which is located at the top end of Queen Street. The building is also beautiful
and of European architecture and one of Brisbane's finest landmarks. The Casino
is open daily for 24 hours, has over 1,100 gaming machines, and over 100 gaming
tables. It also has four restaurants to suit the various tastes of both tourists
and locals and up to seven bars to keep you entertained while simultaneously
quenching your every thirst.
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