57 Brisbane Facts About The Most Visited Australian City

Australia or the Land Down Under is known for many things, its scenic landscapes, infrastructure, flora, wildlife, culture, history, and Brisbane.

Named after the Brisbane River, this city is the third most populous city in Australia, with a population of over 2.6 million people. Be it the inhabitants or international tourists, there is so much to learn and explore in this city that makes it the most visited Australian city.

The capital city of the Australian state of Queensland, Brisbane, covers an area of 6,117 sq mi (15,842 sq km), making it the second-largest Australian city. The city of Brisbane is 9.3 mi (15 km) from the mouth of Brisbane River at the Montero River. It is also the CBD (Central Business District) and the largest metropolitan urban.

Brisbane was selected as the capital city of Queensland in 1859 when Queensland got detached from New South Wales. The population of this city is also unique, with 32.2% being foreign-born. Not just its historical and economic significance, Brisbane has some of the best places to visit, such as art galleries, parks, monuments, landmarks, and more.

The flora is extraordinary, too, as it is situated in the southeast region of Queensland. It is recognized for its different varieties of Eucalyptus. The climate of Brisbane is mostly inclined towards the humid subtropical type, and the winter here is relatively warm too. 

Facts About Brisbane

There are so many interesting facts about Brisbane. This Australian city is famous for not only its history but also for several other aspects, from its landmarks to its culture. Some interesting facts about Brisbane are discussed below. 

The discovery of the Brisbane River was by accident, and the story is inscribed in its history. The person who discovered it was Thomas Pamphlett.

Brisbane is known as the 'Sunshine State' and is the capital of Queensland.

This city is spread across 6,117 sq mi (15,842 sq km).

Once nominated as one of the 10 beautiful cities by a popular travel guidebook, Brisbane is categorized as a global city.

This city is named after the Brisbane River. However, the river is designated after Sir Thomas Brisbane, who was a British army officer and New South Wales’s governor.

Downtown Brisbane was bestowed with the title of World's Best Downtown in 2003.

Brisbane has hosted Commonwealth Games, 2014 G20 Summit, and World Expo 88. 

Brisbane's History

The town was a penal colony before but became a municipality. It was later converted into a metropolitan area. Once inhabited by the indigenous Aboriginal tribes, Brisbane was later colonized by the Europeans.

The history of Brisbane can be traced back to 1799 after its 'discovery', but the Aboriginal occupation can be traced back to 40,000 years.

Aboriginal people, particularly the Jagera and Turrbal people, referred to Brisbane as Meanjin, which means 'place shaped like a spike'.

Europeans arrived in 1820, and before that, there were only 6,000-10,000 individuals within the area.

John Oxley explored the site in 1823, and it was occupied by a penal colony in 1824.

The city was named Edenglassie, and it was changed to honor the governor of New South Wales, Sir Thomas Macdougall Brisbane.

Convicts from Europe were made to settle here. In 1838, non-convicts began settling here too.

The War of Southern Queensland broke out between the Aboriginals and the colonists. Brisbane was an important part of the Second World War, which is evident from the South-West Pacific Headquarters or now the MacArthur Central.

During the Second World War, there were about 80,000 troops stationed in Brisbane.

However, the situation in Brisbane has improved tremendously from what it was then. It is now a progressive Asia-Pacific center of research, technology, and invention. 

Brisbane's Tourist Attractions

Tourism has a vital part to play in Brisbane's economy. This city has some of the most incredible landmarks with utmost importance.

Some of the major tourist attractions would be the Suncity Botanic Gardens, New Farm Park, Story Bridge, Brisbane City hall, Queen Street, Brisbane Water Park, Marine Park, Kangaroo Point, and more. There are plenty of adventure sports to try as well.

The Botanic Gardens are the best place to hang around with family and friends, as the green space can be quite an unwinding experience.

The Story Bridge, which is an important landmark, has a twin in Canada that is inspired by its design and is called Jacques Cartier Bridge.

The Queensland Performing Art Center is an incredible space with four theaters that were inaugurated in 1985.

Montero Bay, which has three islands, is one of the popular holiday destinations as it has marine parks, beaches, and water sports to explore.

If adventures like bushwalking and hiking are your thing, then the Mount Coot-tha Reserve is a must-visit. It even has a planetarium that makes this experience unforgettable.

Besides these, there are several coasts and national parks to explore. This city is the perfect amalgamation of modern architecture and nature.

The Brisbane City Hall has a crucial role to play in this city as it is a cultural and heritage icon.

The Brisbane City Hall has hosted several significant guests, including Queen Elizabeth II and the Rolling stones.

North Stradbroke Island and Moreton Island are the second and third-largest sand Islands and great tourist attractions with water sports and dolphins in the area.

Brisbane has an artificial beach called the South Bank artificial beach in the middle of the city center.

The Story Bridge spanning over Brisbane River offers fantastic views.

'Ekka', Queensland's annual agricultural show, is held in Brisbane.

The Cathedral of St. Stephen is the heritage-listed church of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese in Brisbane. It is an excellent site for tourists to visit.

Brisbane's Climate

The continent of Australia has diverse geography as it has massive deserts, forests, grasslands, tropical beaches, woodlands, and even snow-capped mountains. However, Brisbane is situated in Queensland's southeast corner, and it experiences primarily hot and humid summers and dry and relatively warm winters. 

Brisbane has 283 days of sun every year, and the temperature is somewhere between a minimum of 62 F (16.6 C) and a maximum of 80 F (26.6 C).

However, it is still not the hottest city in Australia. As it is situated near the coral sea, it primarily receives warm ocean currents.

Brisbane has the most beautiful weather, with 283 days of full sunshine.

The highest temperature that has been recorded in Brisbane was in 1940, which was 109.8 F (43.2 C).

The winters are not very chilly as they never drop below 36 F (2 C). But the regions situated in the west of this city have experienced temperatures as low as 23 F (5 C).

The city receives moderate rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms between November and March. 

Did You Know...?

Brisbane will host the Summer Olympics and Paralympics in 2032. 

'Brisbanite' is a demonym of Brisbane. 

Brisbane has popular nicknames like 'Brissy', 'Brizzy', and 'River City'.

After Sydney and Melbourne, Brisbane is the third most populous city in Australia (19% of the national population).

After the Pearl Harbor incident, the American force decided to conduct their operations from Australia, making Brisbane the world's busiest submarine port during the Second World War. 

The Brisbane City Hall was designed by Noel Wilson, Peter Kaad, Bruce Dellit, and Emil Sidersten and was once the tallest construction in the city. 

The famous dessert of Brisbane, Lamingtons, was created accidentally in 1901 by a chef who dropped a sponge cake in melted chocolate. 

The famous dessert lamington was first made in the Old Government House in Brisbane for Lord and Lady Lamington by French chef Arman Galland in 1900.

The famous Queen Street, which is now the central street of Brisbane, was once a barracks that contained almost 1,000 convicts between 1827-1830.

The world’s largest Koala sanctuary in the world is situated at the Fig Tree Pocket in The Lone Pine Sanctuary.

Jackie Chan's movie 'First Strike', which was the highest-grossing action film in Hong Kong, was partially shot in China Town, Fortitude Valley, in Brisbane.

Brisbane is currently home to more than 1,000 stores, which also includes the most extensive range of flagship boutiques.

The Suncorp Stadium, popular for its Rugby, Rugby leagues, and A-league clashes, is actually built on the city's first cemetery.

The Underground Opera Company remodeled the Old Springwater reservoir to build an underground opera performance center.

Brisbane City Botanic Gardens are home to the first cultivated Macadamia tree planted by Sir Walter Hill in 1858.

The 47th edition of the Davis Cup, an international men's tennis event, was held in Brisbane in 1958.

Sir Charles Kingsford Smith of Brisbane spent 83 hours and 38 minutes flying from California to Brisbane over the Pacific Ocean, setting a record.

Brisbane river has 15 bridges across it; while some are popular, some aren't.

The Queen Street Mall, which has over 700 stores, is the most successful pedestrian mall in Brisbane.

The Brisbane Central Business District streets are named after the members of the British Royal Family.

The first record of the use of electricity for public purposes was in Brisbane in 1882.

The City Ambulance Transport Brigade started in 1892 and is more than a century old.