Brisbane

Positive and forward-thinking, generous and optimistic, Brisbane is Australia's new world city. Located on the east coast of Australia in the heart of one of the country's fastest growing regions, Brisbane is the capital of Queensland - a state well known for its natural beauty and world-class tourism attractions.

Home to almost two million people and boasting a great outdoors lifestyle and the greatest variety of native wildlife (dugongs, wild dolphins and koalas just to name a few) of any capital city in Australia, Brisbane offers an impressively diverse menu of leisure and recreational activities. From art lover to outdoor adventurer, Australia's third largest city caters to all tastes.

Along with the cosmopolitan and urbane offer of world-class shopping, restaurants, nightlife, culture and entertainment, Brisbane lives and breathes outdoor experiences. From kayaking on the river, to cuddling a koala, to hand-feeding wild dolphins at sunset, visitors can enjoy a range of unique and memorable Australian experiences.

Brisbane's prime location, excellent transport infrastructure and proximity to the marine sanctuary of Moreton Bay also make it the ideal launch pad for day-trips to some of the country's most well-loved tourist attractions, including the Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast and iconic Australia Zoo (the Steve Irwin zoo). Day trips from Brisbane can include hand-feeding wild dolphins on Moreton Island; camping on the beachfront at North Stradbroke Island; indulging in local wine at a family-run vineyard; or hiking through national parks and the mountains of the Scenic Rim. You can even visit the Big Pineapple.

Blessed with 261 clear-sky sunny days a year, and plenty of action, Brisbane is one of the fastest growing capital cities in the world but is uncomplicated, laid-back and fun-loving. Brisbane average winter temperatures range from 10 degrees Celsius at night to low-20s during the day. Brisbane’s year-round subtropical setting is best enjoyed with the grass beneath your feet and the sun on your back. Brisbane comes alive each day as its subtropical temperatures call people from their beds year round to wake up and smell the coffee, soak up the sunshine and drink in the view of the winding Brisbane River.

Below are some external links that will help you find things to do in Brisbane and Queensland outside of the conference. Please note that the IAGS Conference Organisers will not be organising any tourism visits for participants; participants will have to organise and pay for this for themselves.

Local Transport- Brisbane has multiple local transport options: bus, train, ferry and CityCat. For more information on local transport, including route maps and timetables, see the Translink website. Translink also has an app for iPhone and Android. The University of Queensland is serviced by multiple bus routes and the CityCat (please enter ‘University of Queensland St Lucia’ into the Translink journey planner; the two main UQ bus stops are UQ Lakes and UQ Chancellor’s Place). Brisbane runs a free CityHopper ferry for sightseeing on the river; and two free city bus loops. Bus routes 411 and 412 take you close to the conference accommodation site, King’s College (72 Upland Rd, St Lucia).

Airport transport

Taxis

Uber

Uber is available in Queensland. The Uber app can be downloaded from the iTunes, Windows or Android app stores. Uber is extremely competitively priced, especially for longer journeys such as to/from the airport.

For riders, Uber is a convenient, inexpensive and safe taxi service. Hire a private driver to pick you up & take you to your destination with the tap of a button on your phone - and they'll arrive within minutes. Not only is it an on-demand car service, but you can see exactly where the driver is as they come to pick you up. For more information on Uber, see here.

Visit Brisbane

Gourmand & Gourmet

The ultimate site for all that’s food in Brisbane. While our focus is on where to source great food in Brisbane, we respect that our food culture is influenced heavily from afar; we respect Brisbane’s multi-cultural heritage and encourage its people’s undying wanderlust. Gourmand and Gourmet is more than an account of Brisbane venues, it is a look at food more holistically, from sourcing the best fois gras from France, to providing tips from nutritionists, wine growers and chefs, to hunting down the best peking duck in town, or celebrating the humble herb garden. http://www.gourmandandgourmet.com.au/

The Urban List Brisbane

Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary

Story Bridge Climb

Climbing Brisbane’s iconic Story Bridge is an adventure like no other. Standing on top of the bridge above the glistening landscape is a very special moment – you’ll feel like you’re on top of the world. This is your chance to see Brisbane truly shining. From far above the river gleams, the city sparkles, cars look like toys and you can see all the way out to Moreton Bay in the east and the rolling green hills of the Scenic Rim to the west.http://www.sbac.net.au

Cultural and Heritage Places of Greater Brisbane

Weekend Notes Brisbane

Stradbroke Island

Moreton Island

Just 25km off Brisbane’s shore is the third largest sand island in the world. Crystal-clear lakes and lagoons exist among tall sand dunes, abundant wildflowers and pristine beaches. Hand feed wild dolphins, and dive or snorkel among mysterious wrecks and pristine waters, or watch silhouettes of fishermen casting their lines in lingering twilight. The adventurous can try quad biking, four-wheel-driving or sand tobogganing. Chances are you'll want to extend your stay at the resort or pitch a tent for the night. http://www.visitbrisbane.com.au/moreton-island?sc_lang=en-au

Australia Zoo

Located an hour’s drive north of Brisbane, on Queensland's Sunshine Coast, Australia Zoo is a team of passionate conservationists working around-the-clock to deliver an animal experience like no other. Steve and Terri Irwin's vision has always been to make Australia Zoo the biggest and best wildlife conservation facility in the entire world, and there is no other zoo like Australia Zoo! http://www.australiazoo.com.au

The Big Pineapple

Australia is famous for its ‘Big Things’, and 1.5hours drive north of Brisbane is the Big Pineapple! The Big Pineapple originally opened in 1971 and was a Queensland Tourism Icon. The Big Pineapple boasts iconic, heritage listed BIG fun. You can climb the Big Pineapple and explore the process of pineapple farming from start to factory, on your way to enjoying the fabulous views of the observation deck. Follow this iconic Queensland tradition and photo opportunity with a train ride and visit to our cafe for a step back in history!http://www.bigpineapple.com.au/attraction/

Queensland

Travelling further afield

Australia is a very big country! There are many spectacular and beautiful sights to see and many activities to do around the country. There are a variety of transport options for travel further afield. Flights are the quickest option, and can be very competitively priced if booked ahead. Australia’s domestic airlines are:Qantas, Jetstar and Virgin Australia. Car hire is another way to travel around. Car hire companies include Hertz,Budget, Avis, Alpha, Apex, Thrifty, East Coast, Abel, Redspot and Europcar. Another favourite transport option for seeing Australia is a campervan rental; some companies that rent cars and campervans include Britz, Jucy, Wicked Campers and Apollo.