The City of Sun Days, on the banks of the winding Brisbane river, is decorated and animated by the colorful ferries, paddlewheels, and luxurious boats. Brisbane is the only city that is able to enjoy the sun throughout the year and winter seems to be the best days where you still get lots of sun during the day and slightly cooler temperatures during the night.

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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