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Brisbane

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Brisbane is the capital city of Queensland, Australia.

Aerial panorama of Brisbane city from Roma Parklands
Aerial panorama of Brisbane city from Roma Parklands

It is the third-most populous city in the whole country. About 2.8 million people live in the city today.

Sandy Shores of Moreton Bay
Sandy Shores of Moreton Bay

The city sits in South East Queensland near the Pacific Ocean. It spreads across a hilly area called a floodplain. This land sits between the Taylor and D'Aguilar mountain ranges. The Brisbane River flows through the heart of the city.

River views of Brisbane CBD, October 2018, 03
River views of Brisbane CBD, October 2018, 03

The central business district sits on a peninsula of this river.

The city is built around the water and the hills.

Brisbane CBD seen from Mount Coot-tha Lookout, 2025, 06
Brisbane CBD seen from Mount Coot-tha Lookout, 2025, 06

The Brisbane River was once the center of life for many people. It provided a way to move goods and travel. Today, the city uses large networks of trains, buses, and ferries.

New Farm Riverwalk, Brisbane River views from Bowen Terrace, 2021, 01
New Farm Riverwalk, Brisbane River views from Bowen Terrace, 2021, 01

There is also a large airport and a busy seaport. These help people and things move in and out of the region. The city is also very green and full of plants. Many people enjoy the many parks and gardens found here.

Long ago, the area was home to many Indigenous peoples.

Tree lined avenue at the City Botanic Gardens, Brisbane
Tree lined avenue at the City Botanic Gardens, Brisbane

The Yagara, Turrbal, and Quandamooka peoples lived there for over 22,000 years. They used the river for work and ceremonies. Later, a penal settlement was started at Redcliffe in 1824.

StateLibQld 2 148511 Early drawing of a section of the town of Brisbane, Queensland including the Convict Hospital, 1835
StateLibQld 2 148511 Early drawing of a section of the town of Brisbane, Queensland including the Convict Hospital, 1835

This settlement moved to the banks of the river in 1825. It was named after Sir Thomas Brisbane. In 1859, Brisbane became the capital of the new state of Queensland.

Brisbane has seen many big changes over the years.

Parliamentary Buildings & Govt. Imperial guard, Brisbane, March, 1869
Parliamentary Buildings & Govt. Imperial guard, Brisbane, March, 1869

It has faced hard times like big fires and floods. In 1893, a great flood swept away the first Victoria Bridge. During World War II, the city became a major base for the Allied command.

StateLibQld 1 130295 Parade of RAAF recruits through Queen Street, Brisbane, August 1940
StateLibQld 1 130295 Parade of RAAF recruits through Queen Street, Brisbane, August 1940

General Douglas MacArthur even had his headquarters there. The city grew much more after the war ended. Many people moved from different countries to live in Brisbane. This made the city a very diverse and multicultural place.

Today, Brisbane is a famous place for visitors to explore.

28 - South Bank Parklands (4741163759)
28 - South Bank Parklands (4741163759)

South Bank is the most visited spot in Queensland. Over 16 million people go there every year. The city is known for its music, food, and sports.

Expo 88 (8075991938)
Expo 88 (8075991938)

It has hosted big events like World Expo 88. It will also host the Summer Olympics in 2032. People often call it the River City or Brissie. It remains one of Australia's most popular places to see.

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🖼️ Images & Media (43)
File:Portrait of Major-General Sir Thomas Brisbane, 1842.jpg
Portrait of Major-General Sir Thomas...
File:StateLibQld 2 148511 Early drawing of a section of the town of Brisbane, Queensland including the Convict Hospital, 1835.jpg
StateLibQld 2 148511 Early drawing of a...
File:Drawing of Captain Towns' "Townsvale" Cotton Plantation, Veresdale, Queensland.jpg
Drawing of Captain Towns' "Townsvale"...
File:Parliamentary Buildings & Govt. Imperial guard, Brisbane, March, 1869.jpg
Parliamentary Buildings & Govt. Imperial...
File:Queensland State Archives 161 Queen Street Brisbane looking south west from Creek Street c 1932.png
Queensland State Archives 161 Queen...
File:StateLibQld 1 130295 Parade of RAAF recruits through Queen Street, Brisbane, August 1940.jpg
StateLibQld 1 130295 Parade of RAAF...
File:Expo 88 (8075991938).jpg
Expo 88 (8075991938).jpg
File:Sandy Shores of Moreton Bay.jpg
Sandy Shores of Moreton Bay.jpg
File:Howard Smith Wharves, Brisbane in Oct 2019, 20.jpg
Howard Smith Wharves, Brisbane in Oct 2019, 20.jpg
File:Shorncliffe Pier, Queensland, 2026, 08.jpg
Shorncliffe Pier, Queensland, 2026, 08.jpg
File:Jacaranda mimosifolia trees in New Farm Park, Queensland, 07.jpg
Jacaranda mimosifolia trees in New Farm...
File:Storm over the Brisbane city centre.jpg
Storm over the Brisbane city centre.jpg

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