Brisbane, Australia

Cutting dramatically through lush coastal plains, the Brisbane River coils like a snake around the cosmopolitan chic of Queensland's unique sub-tropical capital. Developed as a penal colony in 1824, the city spent years in the shadow of its southern neighbors. However, following the Commonwealth Games and Expo in the 1980s, investment skyrocketed, cementing Brisbane's future as a place of wealth, beauty and excitement.

Brisbane's architecture is a mix of the modern and the old with impressive Renaissance style and timber Queenslander dwellings sharing a berth with the modern giants. Despite being close to the ocean, this is very much a river city, and the footpaths and waterways are a delightful way to explore this majestic metropolis.

Central Business District

Dominated by the impressive City Hall , Brisbane's business center is a remarkable dichotomy of style. Unlike other Australian cities, the life of the central area does not fade with the sunset. Bars and clubs swell with numbers, attracting large crowds with entertainment each night. The spectacular Conrad Treasury Casino looms proudly over the river, whilst Queen Street Mall 's garnished modern decor greets shoppers, diners and people-watchers with open arms. Built in 1828, the Old Windmill and Observatory are some of Brisbane's oldest buildings and Parliament House , built to French Renaissance style in 1868, is a classic example of the city's historical prowess.