Unique Brisbane: Scintillating Southbank
Holiday makers for whom Brisbane is just a transit point for the beaches of the Gold Coast are missing out on a lot. For Brisbane is a friendly, relaxed capital with reams of things to see and do that make it well worth a few days of your holiday time. Much of the city's leisure facilities are in the relatively new Southbank area south of the river.
The Southbank development transformed the Brisbane River area and added a whole new dimension to the city. The sleazy riverside area formerly known as South Brisbane received a massive makeover for the 1988 World Expo. The Expo really put Brisbane on the map and imbued it with a cosmopolitan sophistication that was formerly lacking.
As a result, South Brisbane was born again as the clean, green zone of Southbank. Southbank consists of an artificial beach and lagoon amid parklands and a riverfront promenade for taking the air, jogging and rollerblading. The extensive beach area features lifeguards.
Southbank's parklands extend about one kilometre along the south bank of the Brisbane River offering a fresh and leafy environment with scenic views of the city skyline across the river. Strolling through these wooded areas you would never imagine these parklands were anything other than ancient.
Southbank is a great place for a picnic or a BBQ and the space of 120 hectares means you can always find a secluded spot. If you don't want to bring your own food, there are over 30 restaurants, cafes and takeaways to choose from.
Most of the buildings put up for the Expo were removed. Now all that remains are some utility buildings a refurbished pub, and a unique 2-story pagoda donated by the Nepalese people. West of the pagoda is the Performing Arts Centre and the Queensland Museum and Art Gallery.
After strolling, sunbathing and picnicking, you can get a dose of Brisbane history at the Maritime Museum at the eastern boundary of Southbank, near Goodwill Bridge. Exhibits include the old Frigate HMAS Diamantina dating from 1945, ship models, ship engines, details of shipwrecks and lighthouses. The old steam-powered tug Forceful offers tours up and down the river on certain days.
Another popular pull at Southbank are the open air markets on Friday nights, Saturdays and Sundays. Southbank is also home to the Queensland Art Gallery, Queensland Performing Arts Centre, Opera Queensland, Queensland Theatre Company, Queensland Museum, and the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre.
So the next time you're in Queensland visit Brisbane and make sure you get to Southbank. It's a great area and you may well find yourself extending your stay at one of the many excellent Brisbane city hotels.
Related Tags: brisbane, brisbane river, southbank, brisbane city hotels, cheap brisbane hotels
Richard Greaves has over 20 years experience in the travel industry and writes for Cheaper than Hotels. Cheaper Than Hotels offers Brisbane hotels as Brisbane Manor Hotel and Best Western Astor Metropole Hotel and Apartments Brisbane.
Your Article Search Directory : Find in ArticlesRecent articles in this category:
- Snowdonia And The Arts: Ten Snowdonia Theatres And Galleries
The landscape of Snowdonia has long inspired the works of artists and craftspeople, and it's easy to - Rome: The 7 Hills That Was
Forming the geographical center of Rome within the walls of the ancient metropolitan is 7 Hills of R - Sonoran Sky - Rocky Point's Vacation Hotspot
The Sonoran Sky Hotel is the fourth member of the Sonoran family, which is a chain of hotels and res - Popular Buddhist Pilgrimage Spots In India And Nepal
Buddhism is one of the most popular religions in the world and was originated in India. Therefore, B - Five European Flight Destinations Worth Checking Out
It is easier than ever to travel throughout Europe nowadays, with cheap flights available from regio - A Short Guide To Menorca And Majorca
Are you tired of the everyday grind? If so, you may be thinking about taking a winter holiday break - Golfing Attractions When Visiting Edinburgh
Scotland is synonymous with golfing. Even if you've never played a game - never even picked up a gol - The Hidden Treasures Of Sardinia
Apart from the standard celebrated, active and sophisticated metropolitan areas and historic environ - Hyderabad Hotels - The Best Places To Sojourn
The heritage city of Hyderabad is flooded by tourists all through the year. Attracting people from a - Top 5 Whale Watching Destinations
Whale watching is one of those awe-inspiring experiences you don't soon forget, but with so many dif
Most viewed articles in this category:
- St Thomas Villas For Rent
Choosing St Thomas villas is a tough decision to make. There is a lot to consider when making this v - Soothing Aromatherapy At Your Favorite Marrakech Riad
While it is true that the real adventurers never lose enthusiasm towards going places, we can not de - Tenerife, The Canary Islands
Tenerife, in the Canary Islands off the coast of Africa, although belonging to Spain is a popular de - Oahu Hawaii, The Birthplace Of Surfing, Still Shreds
Hawaii, especially the island of Oahu, has long been considered the birthplace of surfing. The first - Why Not Take A Holiday In Vancouver - Despite The Weather?
'YOU'VE BROUGHT THE WEATHER with you, I see,' the driver joked as we wafted through the drizzle towa - Tenerife's Golf Course Information
Tenerife's mild and sunny year-round climate makes it a golfer's dream destination and the island is - Areas Of Tenerife
A look at what the different resorts of Tenerife, Canary Islands have to offer. Tenerife has many va - The sunshine state of Australia
Blessed with nature’s most remarkable gifts, Queensland is Australia's second largest state; i - Australia - A Land of Natural Wonders
The huge monolith known as Uluru – formerly Ayer’s Rock – remains one of Australia - Top Things To See During A Holiday In Hong Kong
In my capacity as the UK Director of Operations for One World Tours Limited, one of my jobs is to en
