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).