Welcome to Brisbane.
Brisbane, with its sub-tropical climate and laid back lifestyle, is the capital of Australia's Sunshine State , is Australia's third largest city and the state capital of Queensland. Not so long ago, the rest of Australia considered it little more than an overgrown country town, but it has shirked off this unwelcome reputation to become one of the country's most progressive centres. Since playing host to a string of major international events in the 80s, including the 1982 Commonwealth Games and Expo 88, Brisbane has developed into a lively, cosmopolitan city with several interesting districts, a good street cafe scene, a great riverside park, a busy cultural calendar and decent nightlife.
Located in the southeastern corner of Queensland, Brisbane is a river city, situated 25km (15mi) upstream from the mouth of the Brisbane River. The compact city centre is built along and between the looping meanders of the river, making it easy to explore on foot. The transit centre, where you'll arrive if you're coming by bus, train or airport shuttle, is about 500m (550yd) west of the city centre. The airport is about 15km (9mi) north-east of the city centre.
Brisbane has plenty of backpackers' hostels and there are also quite a few well-priced hotels, motels and self-contained apartments within a few blocks of the city centre. Most of the action, however, happens in the inner suburbs. Brisbane's restaurant and cafe scene has blossomed in recent years and you'll find there's no shortage of good eateries. Many of these places have taken advantage of the balmy climate and provide outdoor eating areas. Away from the city centre, there are clusters of restaurants in Paddington, Fortitude Valley and New Farm, on the South Bank and in the West End. Queensland's growing tourism industry has brought an influx of visitors to the capital, and with its near-perfect climate year-round, Brisbane comes as a pleasant surprise to most visitors. The city is also surrounded by some of the state's major tourist destinations, and there are plenty of options for daytrips. Population: 1.6 million
Country: Australia
Time Zone: GMT/UTC plus 10 hours
Telephone Area Code: 07 HEADING SOUTH............................................ Surfers Paradise.  All About ... SURFERS PARADISE
POPULATION: 13,851 approximately
GENERAL INFORMATION:
Over the past fifty years, Surfers Paradise has become famous as Australia's most popular holiday destination. With world famous surf beaches, international standard accommodation and exciting attractions, Surfers Paradise has everything for all holiday makers. A sunny sub-tropical climate and a year-round festive atmosphere combine to make Surfers Paradise one of Queensland's top tourist holiday destinations.
DISTANCE FROM BRISBANE (State Capital): 77kms
TRANSPORT WITHIN THE REGION:
TAXI:
Regent Taxis - Ph: +61 7 5588 1234
COACH:
Coachtrans - Ph: +61 7 5588 8777
McCafferty's - Ph: +61 7 4690 9888 or 13 1499 - within Australia only
Pacific West - Ph: +61 7 3236 1000
RAIL:
Helensvale Railway Station - Ph: +61 7 5529 7891
BANKING FACILITIES:
All banks and building societies service Surfers Paradise.
SHOPPING FACILITIES:
Surfers Paradise is renowned for its boutiques and duty-free resort style shopping.
LOCAL TOURIST INFORMATION CENTRE:
Information Centre
Cavill Mall
Surfers Paradise, Qld, 4217
Ph: +61 7 5538 4419
Fax: +61 7 5570 3259
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