"My Hometown!" Brisbane Range by starlet06bek

Well I live here in Brisbane (or Brisvegas as some people call it... though I don't know why?) I guess because I live here I don't really think the place is all that exciting but there are a few good things that keep the tourists about.

Southbank Parklands always draws crowds with its man-made beach looking out over the river, miles of paths amongst gardens, boardwalk and lots of cafe's and markets... even though I never go there.

The Queen Street Mall is pretty cool... it's the main part of the city. There are loads and loads of cool shops through here and the souvenirs are very reasonable considering. I noticed stuffed Koala and Kangaroo toys for about $5AUD, "Aussie themed" leather wallets for around $10AUD and heaps of shot glasses, coasters, magnets, pens, keyrings... all for about $1AUD... thats about 80c US. Theres also lots of clothes shops, surf shops, pharmacies... just heaps of good places to check out.

At the Brisbane River end of the Mall is the Casino... it makes for a great photo opportunity at night and head inside for the famous $3 Daiquiris. Yum! There's lots of clubs about the place too for the partying type.

From Brisbane a lot of tourists take the tour up to Australia Zoo which is now as much a memorial to Steve Irwin as about the crocodiles. I've never been there though I've driven past 100's of times... but I guess it's probably fun and great for tourists.

If you are coming to Brisbane and have the time I can't stress highly enough that you hire a car and take a few days at Surfers Paradise.

For the thrill seekers visit the theme parks! I have been to all of them a dozen times and NEVER get sick of them. There is 5 major parks, 4 of which are all close together and you will see as you drive down the highway... but if you can only visit one, I would recommend Dreamworld. This is where the Australian version of Big Brother is filmed. Movieworld is also really good and is probably better if you are taking younger children with you.

There is also a new attraction amongst our theme parks called "Australian Outback Adventure" where you have an Aussie BBQ dinner while watching an 'outback-type' show. It's not my type of thing to visit as I live 45 minutes from it, but I have heard that it is great.

When you actually reach Surfers Paradise, try and stay near Cavill Avenue (the main hub of Surfers Paradise) as this is where you will find the shopping, nightlife and attractions. "Infinity" is a really good attraction to visit (Chevron Renaissance building) as well as Ripleys Beleive it or not (in the mall). Drive a little South from here and you will find Conrad Jupiters Casino (an amazing show here with buffet dinner costs around $75AUD) and Pacific Harbour shopping centre.

The beach is always a big draw card...

• Pros:The place is very laid back and relaxed, The shopping is good... especially souvenirs and It's easy to get to the Gold Coast for a day or 2 from here!
• Cons:Probably not as lively for the partying type as the Gold Coast.
• In a nutshell:Easy Breezy Brisbane...