Brisbane

Brisbane, called Meanjin in the Turrbal language, is Queensland, Australia’s energetic capital. With a population of almost 2.6 million, this city is third most populous in Australia and Oceania. Brisbane, tucked away in the center of South East Queensland, is not only a city but also a vast metropolitan area comprising several regional centers and cities. Strategically situated on a peninsula of the Brisbane River approximately 15 kilometers from its mouth at Moreton Bay, the central business district offers a special fusion of urban life and natural beauty.

Brisbane, which is on the hilly floodplain of the Brisbane River Valley, is surrounded by the mountain ranges Taylor and D’Aguilar as well as Moreton Bay. This geographical location gives the city, most especially the City of Brisbane, a beautiful scenery spanning several local government areas. Reflecting its rich cultural and natural legacy, Brisbane has been known historically as the “City of Flowers” and “Later Rome.” Brisbane’s distinctive character and attitude are summed up in the term “brisbanites,” the moniker used by its citizens.

Brisbane’s history is firmly anchored in its early development as a prison colony. Founded at Redcliffe for secondary offenders from the Sydney colony, the Moreton Bay penal settlement opened in 1824. Soon it was moved to North Quay on the banks of the Brisbane River, bearing the name Sir Thomas Brisbane, British army general and Governor of New South Wales. German Lutherans founding Zion Hill at Nundah in 1838 brought the city’s first free settlement. When Queensland broke away from New South Wales in 1859, Brisbane was declared the state capital. It had become a significant port and immigration hub by late 19th century. Hosting General Douglas MacArthur of the United States Army’s headquarters, Brisbane was vital as the base for the Allied command in the South West Pacific during World War II.

Brisbane is acknowledged today as a worldwide hub of research and invention. With top strengths in medicine and biotechnology, it ranks in the top 10% for its innovation environment among 500 cities worldwide. The city also boasts a sizable tech scene anchored on Fortitude Valley. Along with Brisbane Airport and the Port of Brisbane, Australia’s third-largest seaport, Brisbane is well-served as a transportation hub by broad rail, bus, and ferry networks.

Brisbane’s population reflects its cultural variety; more than thirty-six percent of its metropolitan dwellers are foreign born. This variety helps to explain its regular ranking among the most livable cities worldwide. Galleries and museums—including the Queensland Art Gallery and the Gallery of Modern Art—add to the city’s cultural scene. Major events including the 1982 Commonwealth Games, World Expo 88, the last Goodwill Games in 2001, the 2014 G20 summit, and will be hosted by Brisbane the 2032 Summer Olympics and Paralympics.