Queensland's vibrant capital, Brisbane, is a laid-back city with a cosmopolitan attitude. Great year-round weather, a rich and varied arts and culture scene, and excellent drinking and dining options are fast making 'Brissie' the place to live. No wonder, then, that thousands of folk are packing their bags and moving here every year.

Charming city
Situated along the Brisbane River, the city is a mix of old and new. Older heritage buildings such as the Town Hall grace the central business district (CBD), and impressive modern monuments such as the Gallery of Modern Art stand proudly along the water's edge.

The diverse neighbourhoods are perfect for exploring on foot and there's an abundance of green spaces. What's more, the numerous outdoor activities, packed events calendar and easy-going Queensland attitude all help contribute to a permanent holiday atmosphere.

History
Things haven't always been so relaxed though. The city was built on the site of an old convict colony (Redcliffe), which was originally established in 1823. It soon gained a reputation for being one of the harshest penal settlements in the country.

In 1842, the area opened up to free settlers, which marked the beginning of Brisbane's rise - albeit a very slow one. Queensland was formally established as a colony separate from New South Wales in 1859 and Brisbane named the capital. 

When to go
Brisbane is blessed with a sublime subtropical climate. Summers can be hot and humid (November to April) but winters are dry and mild. It rarely drops below 20°C (68°F) though, making it an ideal year-round destination.