Hotels in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia

Brisbane, the capital of Queensland and the heart of the South East Queensland metropolitan area, is noted for its pleasant ambience, youthful vigour, and 280 days of sunshine a year. It is Australia's third most populous city after Melbourne and Sydney. It is also the country's fastest expanding and most diversified destination. It is a liveable city with lush open spaces, world-class events and galleries, pleasant weather, and bustling pubs and restaurants. This dynamic city is also known as Sunshine State.

Although a large city, it is quite affordable, and accommodation ranges between cheap and mid-priced. Some facilities provide an indoor or outdoor pool, fitness centre, free parking and Wi-Fi. You will find a range of lodging options including, but not limited to, hostels, hotels, motels, apartments and backpackers' facilities.

Neighbourhoods of Brisbane

There are numerous neighbourhoods in this city, each with unique features. Some of which include:

• Fortitude Valley: Fondly referred to as The Valley, this was the country's first devoted entertainment district. Live music thrives here and it remains a hive of activity.
• Indooroopilly: Situated on the west side of the city, this is a riverside suburb with a blend of exclusive riverfront homes, contemporary apartments, and grand old homes.
• Portside Wharf: This is one of the city's more modern landmarks. It is home to award-winning restaurants, high-end retailers and a lifestyle hub for residents.
• New Farm: This trendy suburb has numerous amenities and offers a variety of weekend markets, restaurants, cafés and entertainment options.
• Toowong: This leafy suburb consists of flat land and rolling hills. This peaceful neighbourhood is sought after by upper class and middle-class residents.

What to see and do in Brisbane

• Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary: Cuddle a koala and get the typical Aussie experience. Get to see the sheepdog shows, shearing, platypus feeding and flight demonstrations of birds of prey. You'll also get the chance to hold a baby crocodile or snake.
• The Cultural Precinct: Home to excellent performance venues, museums and galleries, this award-winning architectural structure provides many activities.
• Queensland Art Gallery and Gallery of Modern Art: Browse through thought-provoking art creations.
• Queensland Performing Arts Centre: Attend a ballet or comedy show, opera, or contemporary music concert.
• State Library of Queensland: Browse through the vast collection of books.
• Queensland Museum & Science Centre: View the interactive exhibitions.
• South Bank: This area is filled with an array of promenades, parklands and plazas. Enjoy a thrilling ride on the giant Ferris Wheel of Brisbane.
• Brisbane Botanic Gardens Mount Coot-tha: This spot offers panoramic views and diverse themed gardens. It hosts horticulture on 128 acres with dedicated sections of cactus, indigenous plants, bamboo and others.
• Brisbane River: Take a cruise and glide through the twists and turns of the river as you enjoy the scenery. You can also hop onto the City Ferries and enjoy a free cruise with stops at attraction spots such as the Maritime Museum and South Bank.

What to eat in Brisbane

The metropolitan is known for its wide variety of speciality dishes. Those termed as the most iconic include:

• Sand crab lasagne.
• Slow-cooked lamb shoulder (almost falling off the bone)
• Deep-fried duck nuggets.
• Papardelle served with slowly cooked baby goat ragu.
• Pork chunks, potato gnocchi, black truffle and fennel sausage tapenade.
• Crab souffle served with a light cream sauce.

Typical events and festivals in Brisbane

A city bustling with activity, events and festivals, there's also something to do and events to attend. Some of these are:

• Comedy Festival: This laughter extravaganza is held over various venues and hosts a selection of hand-picked comedians. It takes place from mid-July to early August.
• The Ekka: This is the largest annual event in Queensland. It is an agricultural show and a great opportunity for you to learn about anything about farming.
• Oktoberfest: German culture lovers get to reunite at Oktoberfest, the largest authentic German celebration in the country.
• Caxton Street Seafood & Wine Festival: This is one of the city's favourite food, wine and music celebrations.
• Paniyiri Greek Festival: Celebrated in May each year, this cultural festival is the longest-running, having started in 1976.

How to move around in Brisbane

A TransLink Go Card is required to access public transportation in Brisbane, including ferries, trains and buses. This card can be purchased at Brisbane International and Domestic Airport and train stations and convenience stores across the city. Alternative options include hiring a car rental, using coaches, the Airtrain or hailing a cab.

The climate in Brisbane

The peak travel time to this destination is during winter, which is mild, and falls between June and August. During this period, temperatures rise to 22°C (71.6°F) and drop to 10°C (50°F) on average November to March is the rainy season with an average of 8 to 9 days of rainfall each month. This is also the warmest period with temperature highs of 29°C (84.2°F) and lows of 20°C (68°F). Generally, the weather is mild and pleasant all year, suitable for visiting any time.