If you are planning to have a vacation in Australia, Brisbane is a sure destination. There are several festivals that can be part of and experience Brisbane in an amazing manner.

Some of the festivals held in Brisbane are as follows.

Brazilian Latin Cultural Event

At Brazilian Touch, which is found right in the middle of the city, is some magic that goes down every last Saturday of July. You get to experience the Brazilian Latin culture from their cuisines to their music and dressing. There are also art pieces of Brazilian origin that are paraded on this day. Its one of the most exciting entertainment festivals that Brisbane

Festival of Sails

This is an event in which yatches race. It’s a competition of more than 60 vessels. This happens during summer in the second Saturday of April there is the Festival of sails. This takes place at the Marine Parade in Redcliffe. If you want to see what goes down in this event, be at Sutton’s beach. Besides the race there are other activities that also take place, there is lots of food served in stalls, and lots of other entertainment.

Performing Arts Exhibit

On Russell Street in the first weekend in April, there is an event where classical music, ballet, and other forms of new talent in music is showcased. This is a culture rich event. You get to learn about the Australian culture far and wide, and see it in action in this event.

Brookwater Market Event

This is usually at its peaks from September to March of every year. You will experience shopping in a unique manner in this market. There are lots and lots of fresh foods sold here, foods that are locally grown in this great state. You will also find other items mostly foods raging from breads, gourmets, vegetables, pulses e.t.c.

Redcliffe Kitefest

This is a kite festival held at the Esplanade that is usually held the third weekend in May each year. It’s an art festival where you get to witness and watch marvelous kites from all over Australia. You get a chance to see the professional handling the kites. There are other activities here such as wine tasting, and a variety of foods served in this festival. It attracts thousands and thousands of people; if you happen to be in Australia at this time of the year then Brisbane is the place to be, for you to get a chance to experience this.

Youth Symphony

This is also a cultural event where the Youth Symphony Perform alongside other talented artists. There are also dances presented by young people in this event. It is an event open to the public and you get to enjoy classical music and dance all free of charge. It’s held on Grey Street Cultural Center

For other cultural experiences in Brisbane, the Queensland Museum will give you a deep feel of the history and culture of Brisbane and Queensland as a whole. There are several art galleries as well such as the Red Hill Gallery, the University of Queensland Art Museum, and Fireworks Gallery, which you should visit for an experience of the culture in Brisbane.

When in Australia, be sure to catch any of those festivals for an experience of a lifetime. Make plans to visit Brisbane, and you can be sure to come back again and again.

Myer Centre

There are great variety of shops, food joints, bars and other entertainment in the Myer Centre. There are several specialty shops that vary from fashion, accessories, music, shoes, and the like. Some of the Myer Center outlets include, Target which is a retailer store, there is also Freedom Home which is furniture outlet. There is also a bakery, Brumby’s. The McDonalds is also at Myer Center, among others such as Starbucks. There is ample packing and other amenities such as customer service desk, ATM machines etc.

Brisbane Arcade
This is the home of originality and authentic stuff. If you are looking for something very unique, this is the place to visit. There are different shops in this arcade as well such as Bora which is a designer fashion shop. There are also accessories shops that sell heavenly diamonds and pieces of jewelry made from the precious metals. It is also home to the Rendezvous Tea room.

MacArthur Central

This is a shopping mall with three levels of very luxurious shops, such as Polo Ralph Lauren. There is a great selection of international designers as far as jewelry, clothes, shoes, perfumes, leather products are concerned.

It was named after the American General Douglas MacArthur because he had established a military headquarters in this place.
Broadway on the Mall

Broadway is home to about 80 specialty shops. This is a place you will get the latest and most elegant pieces in fashion. Some of the outlets are such as Harvey Norman, The mask (clothes shop) e.t.c

QueensPlaza

QueensPlaza is located off the busy Queen Street Mall. There are about 80 specialty shops. Besides the numerous shops selling designer outfits, there food courts on the ground floor and other amenities such as chemists and travel agent offices on the QueensPlaza.

Quilpie Opals

This is located on Queen Street Mall. It is a spectacular sight with a lot of color going on. The main activity that takes place in the Quilipie Opals is the cutting, polishing and decoration of the Australian national gemstone.
This is one place you will get very unique and handcrafted items that you can get as souvenirs. There is also an Art Gallery which sells local art and you can browse the internet while here.

Tattersalls Arcade

There is a great range of elegant fashion and accessories at some of the outlets at the Tattersalls Arcade. This is the place that is known for housing the exclusive Tattersall’s Private Club,

Some of the outlets at Tattersalls Arcade are Anthony, DA Robinson Jewellers, Tracey Mathers Shoe Studio, Marcs which are all fashion and accessories stores. Hunt Leather is a shop where you will catch the finest leather works.

Wintergarden

Wintergarden is considered the heart of fashion in Brisbane. There are over 90 specialty stores that house a great range of luxuries. If you are looking for a piece by any Australian designer, there are outlets such as Carla Zampatti, Pierucci, Wayne Cooper, Midas, or Industrie.

If you want something unique for your house the place to be.

Chinatown

The Chinatown district in Duncan Street is one that will give you an amazing experience.  This is one place that stands out and right at the entrance you cannot help but notice the great gates that are uniquely constructed, giving this place a very authentic look. There is also a peaceful and beautiful garden in Chinatown. A water fall to adorn it as well and a couple of rotundas that are roofed in style to represent and reminisce of the Tang Dynasty era.

Chinatown is also a noisy place; due to the price haggling that takes place here. There are also many Chinese restaurants here. Most of the restaurants however have blended in a couple of cultures. There are also different shops that showcase different items from other countries especially in Asia such as Thailand, Malaysia, Korea, Vietnam and Japan.

If you come to Brisbane and leave without a souvenir you can only blame yourself…

A few of those are discussed below;

St Helena Ghost Tour

Now if you are looking for a real thrill St. Helena Ghost Tour is what is prescribed. This tour takes place at the St. Helena Island Prison. The idea is to get locked up in the prison for your curiosity, as you listen to very spooky stories about this place. This is a very spooky experience and be prepared for just about anything. It is an experience that will leave you scared straight. You will have to bear stories such as those of people who came to this island and didn’t leave alive.

Good thing is that when you this whole game is over and you are released there are tokens such as free desert, and you get a free pass for many other spooky activities that take place during the night.

Brisbane Ghost Tours

If you are the spooky kind, then this is the place to be. The Ghost tours are usually carried out in the south of the state of Queensland as well as Brisbane. There are historic haunted sites here where this takes place. You get to hear of ghost stories, that are very old, as well as the urban legends and myths. There are also true, real life stories on different areas of life such as murder, magic, witchcraft, love, mystery, and misfortune. The host usually dresses and speaks to complement the haunted heritage sites. You will scare yourself senseless through these stories. If you are not sure about your brevity, this is not the place to be.

Conrad Treasury Casino

This is a hidden treasure. It’s a gaming spot with a Vegas feeling. The Conrad Treasury Casino has about 1300 gaming machines, and more than 70 gaming tables to choose from. Whether you enjoy the Roulette, Blackjack, Mini Baccarat, Caribbean Stud, or the Treasury Wheel, you will get it all at the Treasury Casino.

Besides the gambling for those who are not feeling lucky, you can still visit the Treasury Casino for live music and live comedy and you will not believe it, it’s for free.
You can catch a drink at this joint or have dinner here with your friends to and wish away the evening in a five star like ambience. There are several delicacies to choose from.
Bridge Climbing

This is one of the activities that is a must do for anyone who is visiting Brisbane. It’s one of the four bridge climbs in the world. Another such in Australia is the Harbour Bridge in Sydney in the state of New South Wales. In Brisbane we have the Story Bridge.

You can get to enjoy the Story Bridge Adventure Climb, and get to experience Brisbane from an angle you will live to tell a tale. You get to watch Brisbane from 80 meters above and you get to see different corners of not only Brisbane in the night, but also the Brisbane River, the nearby mountains, and the Moreton Bay Island. You can climb this bridge day or night. Both will give you a great experience

As you climb up the bridge there is a leader who is usually experienced and in the process gets to share the history and the story surrounding the bridge and the surroundings as well.

Climb to the Story Bridge are usually in groups of about twelve people.

If you are a night person, you will be well taken care of in Brisbane.

There are several things to do while in Brisbane Australia. There are great pieces of art and some of the places that may interest you when you visit this part of the world are discussed below.

Naldham House

Located at the Corner Eagle and Felix Streets, Waterfront Place, the Naldham House is a must visit place. It is a building that goes as back as 1889. It is a white three-story building that was first used for the Australian United Steam Navigation Company. It is now used as private club. Has a spectacular cupola on the northern end, with a river nearby. This is one of the greatest architectural wonders found in Brisbane Australia.

The Historic Windmill

The historic Windmill is also known as ‘The Old Windmill’. It is located in Wickham Park, on Wickham Terrace in Spring Hill.  This is the oldest surviving building in Queensland according to the heritage notice.  It was built in the colonial times about 1820s, by convicts who were in Queensland for grinding grains. The windmill was powered by wind. The grinding of the maize, wheat and other grains was done on a treadmill.

This is a must see art that you must visit when you are in Brisbane.

The Regent Theatre

Located at 167 Queen Street on the popular Queen Street Mall, the Regent Theatre is one of the oldest picture palaces in Queensland which greatly resembled the American Hollywood. It was built in the 1920s. The original decoration on the inside was borrowed from a mixture of Spanish, Gothic, and Romanesque origins. There is a also a marble staircase that is made from local (Queensland) marble. The ceilings are cathedral vaulted ones, which makes them very spectacular.

It is a piece of art that you must see during your visit to Brisbane.

The Moreton light house

Moreton Island Lighthouse was the first lighthouse built in Queensland. The tower is in the northern point of Moreton island, neighboring the Moreton Island National Park information center.

It was built on a sand island and is constructed using sandstone quarried on Moreton Island. It was built to help with lighting the entire east coast of Australia. People would work for longer hours as the shipping movements became more and more.

Newstead House

Newstead House is Brisbane’s oldest surviving residence and was completed in 1846 for the Darling Downs pioneer Patrick Leslie and his wife Kate. This great piece of art was built by Brisbane’s first architect and builder Andrew Petrie. It was constructed on the bank of the Brisbane river at the Breakfast Creek.

The Newstead House is now a museum that is a tourist attraction in Brisbane. Concerts are sometimes held here. It’s a great historical piece that you must visit while on a trip to the Sunshine State.

Miegunyah Folk Museum

This is a piece of art that depicts the spectacular Victorian era. It is furnished in the traditional way just like it was done in the late nineteenth century. It is adorned with iron lace balustrades, filigree columns and friezes.

Brisbane is a city rich with art and history. A place to learn and get an experience of a lifetime.

If you are thinking of taking a holiday in Brisbane and you are afraid of denting your bank account on accommodation, worry no more. Brisbane comes with a package for everyone and you get to experience Brisbane in a great manner.

We shall have a look at a few hideouts where you may opt in while planning for a holiday in this marvelous city.

Best Western Astor Metropole Hotel

The Best Western Astor Metropole is one place where your family can enjoy their vacation without costing you an arm and a leg. It has great ambience and is tastefully decorated.

It is located a few yards away from the city center and the entertainment joints as well. There are many other facilities to enjoy such as dry cleaning and baby sitting. Whether you are in Brisbane for business or on vacation this is one hotel that will meet your traveling needs.

Rydes South Bank

Rydges South Bank is located in the heart of Brisbane’s arts and entertainment precinct and is the closest hotel to the Queensland Performing Arts Centre. There is a lot of activity going on in this part of the city some of which include events and showcases on art, music, food & films.

It’s the perfect place to take advantage of Brisbane’s outdoor lifestyle; wander through the weekend art & craft markets, take a dip in South Bank’s man made Street’s beach, or enjoy a barbeque or picnic in the lush parklands.

The Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre is immediately adjacent to the hotel; CBD Brisbane and the bohemian village of West End are a 10 minute stroll away. They offer business facilities as well. There is a roof top terrace where you can get a full view of the Brisbane River. You will get a great sight seeing experience.

Mantra

This is another elegant place with spacious and sophisticated accommodations. From business travelers, to vacationers, and any other kind of visitor to Brisbane, are all catered for in this hotel.

Some of the amenities that Mantra has to offer are such as fitness center, sauna, laundry facilities and conference facilities. The rooms are elegant and spacious. Mantra also offers two bedroom apartments that are fully furnished if you would prefer a homely setting, while in Brisbane.

Hotel ibis Brisbane

Hotel Ibis Brisbane is located at the center of the city. It is a walking distance from the Queen Street Mall. Other places that are also easily accessible from Ibis Brisbane are the Treasury Casino, South Bank Parklands, Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre, Queensland Performing Arts Centre and Roma Street Transit Centre.

It is an affordable hotel with a very convenient location. All travelers will get their accommodation needs met in this great hide out. The hotel features 218 rooms, a restaurant and bar. It neighbors the Mercure Hotel

Other hotels worth checking out are, Metro Hotel Tower Mill Brisbane, Soho Brisbane, Sapphire Resort Brisbane, Airway Motel Brisbane, City Star Motor Inn Brisbane, Astor Apartments Brisbane, Explorers Inn Hotel Brisbane. All these are three star hotels that you can check out before settling on what hotel to stay in while in the capital of Queensland.

Rendezvous Hotel Brisbane

This is a hotel that is right in the middle of Brisbane. Nearby are the Central Railway Station, and the beautiful Anzac Square memorial Gardens. It has about 131 guest rooms that are spacious and elegant. The hotel is hardly 100 meters from the vibrant Queen Street Mall which is Brisbane’s shopping and entertainment hub. It is also just a stone-throw away from the Treasury Casino and popular South Bank Parklands.

It is important to note that this is a non-smoking hotel. The guests however enjoy an array of facilities from room-service, broadband Internet access, a guest library, babysitting services, currency exchange facilities and luggage storage, to business services, 24hr room and concierge services along with valet parking, handicap accessible rooms, express check-out, dry cleaning and laundry services.

It is located on 255 Ann Street (corner of Edward Street) Brisbane Australia.

Hilton Brisbane

 
The hotel is located in the heart of Brisbane. It is about 400 yards from Central Station and less than a mile from the Convention and Exhibition Center.

This is one place where you will get treatment of a five star in a spectacular way. There are loads of amenities in this hotel and you are guaranteed serious value while you are at the Hilton Brisbane.

Some of the services that you get to enjoy while at the Hilton Brisbane hotel are an Executive Lounge and a 24-hour business center. A heated swimming pool and a tennis pitch you will also find here. You also get the bonus of a gym, high speed internet, self parking, valet parking, whirlpools, meeting rooms, and handicap facilities.

You will be spoilt for choice when it gets to the foods in the Hilton Brisbane. From local Australian delicacies, to different exotic meals. There is also a Lounge Bar here where you will get a filling with great wines and cocktails.
The Hilton Brisbane is located on 190 Elizabeth Street Brisbane Queensland, Australia.

Sofitel Brisbane Grand Central

This is a hotel with breathtaking views. It is a short distance to the city center. You can actually walk there. The facilities here are great and it is a 5 star hotel that will meet your demands and make your stay in Brisbane one that you will never forget. You get true value for your money in this hotel.
One of the greatest advantages of booking yourself into the Sofitel Hotel is its central location, which offers proximity to all major facilities. And it is also close to the Central Station which eases your transportation to the different parts in Brisbane, to the airport and to the Gold coast as well.
This hotel has a total of 429 guest rooms. There are a variety of amenities in this haven that you will enjoy while on your holiday in Brisbane. There is a wonderful spa retreat, a workout gym, swimming pool. There are great dining experiences here with great variety in their menu everyday. Everything in this hotel is properly polished from the bathrobes to the linen. They meet your expectations of a five star.
This hotel is located at 249 Turbot Street 4000 Brisbane.

If you want to experience Brisbane with a touch of class then any of the places we have discussed above will serve you right.

Brisbane is a city with a touch of both modern and old scenic beauties. Brisbane started off as a port and has several preserved cottages and old buildings especially along the river. There are great museums that tourist seek out when they visit this great city. Art centers, theatres, and galleries are also a must stop when you visit the capital of Queensland.

For those who love the outdoors there are lovely gardens, parks and picnic spots in Brisbane where you can go for walks and have meals outdoors. That said, there are also very many classy restaurants with great diversity of the culinary pleasantries that they serve.

There are several places to visit while in Brisbane, some of which include the following Brisbane Botanic Gardens. This is located at the foothills of Mount Coot-tha Forest park, which is a few minutes out of the city. There are more than 23000 specimens of herbs, shrubs trees and flora in general. Some of the spots to look out for in Brisbane Botanic Gardens are the Japanese Garden, Fern House, National Freedom Wall, eucalypt groves, a lagoon, and a Tropical Display Dome.

Another popular site is the Brisbane City Botanic Gardens which is the second oldest in this city after the Koala Sanctuary. There is a great variety of fauna here as well from bunya pines to macadamia trees. It also has small lakes within it. the lakes are popular with water birds that have made them their homes. It is a great place to jog/cycle or just walk around a great hideout away from the city.

The Lone Pine Sanctuary is also another popular spot for tourists in Brisbane. It is home to more than 100 koalas. There are also kangaroos, possums, dingoes, wombats, and emus. This a great place to take walks, and have a family day out as you watch these great animals.

The Queensland Cultural Center is the spot for art in Brisbane. It’s made up of the Queensland Art Gallery, Queensland Museum, Queensland Performing Arts Centre and State Library of Queensland.

The Queensland art gallery has a unique collection that is very diverse. There is European, Asian, and Aboriginal among other collections of art. The Queensland museum is filled with great exhibits of plants and endangered species. The Queensland performing art center has four theatres, with one of them being the main concert theatres.

There is also the Riverlife Adventure Center, which offers a variety of sports such as rollerblade sessions, biking abseiling, kayaking. This is the place that will give you the thriller adventure that you are looking for.

Some of the landmarks in Brisbane include the parliament House, Commissariat Store Museum, Newstead House, City House, the General Post Office, and the Old Windmill.

For both local and international tourists, Brisbane is a place worth visiting, you will, besides the great scenery culture and good food in Brisbane, the friendly people of Brisbane will make your visit here one that will be memorable for many days to come.

As you go from city to city your not sure what is available but here are a series of links that you can use that can really help you.

It provides you with all the different categories of businesses that you may need.

Melbourne Travel

Sydney Travel

Brisbane Travel

Canberra Travel

Hobart Travel

Darwin Travel

Adelaide Travel

Perth Travel

I am sure this will be of great assistance.

Good luck.

Here is a series of Australian cities and links that makes it ease to try different test searches to obtain a result.

Melboune Businesses

Sydney Businesses

Brisbane Businesses

Adelaide Businesses

Perth Businesses

Canberra Businesses

Hobart Businesses

Darwin Businesses

Hope this helps.