Sciencentre, Brisbane

Advantages: Everything you need, neatly packaged into an attractive city
Disadvantages: Not on many people's itineraries - though it should be!

...I headed to Brisbane for a few days as a suitable stop over from Cairns to Sydney, and a suitable base from which to explore Fraser Island and Byron Bay. It was location more than anything that attracted me, but in the end Brisbane ended up being one of my favourite places during my time in Australia. Brisbane is in the middle of the east coast of Australia, just north of the Queensland / New South Wales border, and the capital of the former. The time difference between Brisbane and the UK varies, as does the time difference between Brisbane and Sydney since once adopts summer time and the other doesn't, but currently when it's midnight here, it's 10am in Brisbane. Though you can fly into the international airport from most of the Asian stop over options, most people fly into Sydney or Melbourne and then jump on a domestic flight. I... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful

Advantages: Lovely
Disadvantages: No Star Attraction

...Brisbane is like a second home to me, I have been there many times because to see family. What I like most about Brisbane is the friendly atmosphere. This is what makes it so special. I can't imagine a more relaxed city. Brisbane lacks a big name attraction to draw as many tourists in as Sydney, but there are loads of places to visit in the near vicinity. The Gold Coast is an hours drive south. There you can find miles of white sand beaches, casinos, huge theme parks and a wicked nightlife. To the north is the sunshine coast, which is a lot quieter, but has some spectacular scenery. Brisbane itself has it's own unique charm. The Queens Street Mall is great for shoping and South Bank, in the city centre is a nice area for leisure. There's always lots of sport going on in the city. The Aussie Rules at the gabba is great fun. Don... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: Close to Surfers paradise
Disadvantages: It's a greay and gloomy looking city

...I was at Brisbane quite a while now, back in 1991. I was about 17 years old and working, by the time I had got to Brisbane, I was expecting a little more from the place. Since the drinking age is 18, I was still under age, but that didn't stop me! The most great pub, piano bar, restaurant and club is on Kingsfordsmith Drive! I didn't find the city to be nice at all, very gloomy and grey looking. The river was full up with Jellyfish and really, I couldn't wait to leave. When I was there working it was roughly about 35 degrees, I'd been walking all day and then suffered from heat exhaustion. So, for you British people, take it easy! Lots of sun block and fly spray. However, there is one place to go for a long day trip, take a bus to the park of Dreamland, it's Australia's version of Disneyland. The bus trip from... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful