Brisbane is a city on the eastern coast of Australia. It is the capital city of the state of Queensland and is arguably the place with the best lifestyle in Australia due to its location, weather and beaches.
The Sunshine Coast to the north of the city and the Gold Coast to the south offer numerous clean, sandy beaches and the average summer temperature in Brisbane is 25 degrees Celsius, or 77 degrees Fahrenheit.
Brisbane flights depart regularly from London Heathrow (LHR), London Gatwick (LGW) and other UK airports. Brisbane International Airport (BNE) has a range of transport options. The local bus-service provider, Con-x-ion Airport Transfers, meets all international flights and provides a door-to-door service into the Brisbane Central Business District seven days a week.
Alternatively, passengers can take a taxi from the taxi rank located in Arrivals on Level 2. Anyone looking to avoid traffic altogether can catch the Airtrain from the station directly outside the airport terminal. Trains depart to downtown Brisbane every 15 minutes during peak times and the journey takes 20 minutes.
The Brisbane central business district is an eclectic mixture of old and new architecture as the result of a major overhaul a few years ago. The Brisbane River flows right through the city, confining the business district to a relatively small area, before discharging into Moreton Bay. Moreton Bay and Islands, approximately 15 miles from Brisbane, is famous as one of the best whale-watching locations in the world. Deception Bay, about 18 miles north of the city, enjoys a sheltered location which makes it an ideal place for recreational boating and fishing.
Renowned Brisbane landmarks include St. John's Cathedral, Brisbane City Hall - which re-opens in early 2013 following repair and restoration - and Brisbane's oldest surviving residence, Newstead House, which was completed in 1846. Cultural attractions include the Museum of Brisbane, which celebrates the culture and identity of the city and the Gallery of Modern Art, which features exhibits from local, national and international artists.
If you're interested in natural history, the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, situated south of the city on the banks of the Brisbane River, is home to over 100 koalas, kangaroos and other Australian native species. The Parklands at South Bank is a haven of natural beauty, but also home to the Wheel of Brisbane, a 200-foot observation wheel that gives you a 360-degree view of the city. The City Botanic Gardens are a living museum of plant collections from Australia and around the world. If you're feeling even more adventurous, you might like to climb the Story Bridge, the steel cantilever bridge that rises to a height of over 250 feet above the city, the river and the countryside beyond.
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