Overview
The Moreton Bay penal settlement was established in 1824 at Redcliffe as a place for secondary offenders from the Sydney colony. It was later moved to North Quay in 1825, along the banks of the Brisbane River, named after Sir Thomas Brisbane, a British army general and Governor of New South Wales. In 1838, German Lutherans founded the first free settlement of Zion Hill at Nundah. Brisbane became the capital of Queensland in 1859 when the state separated from New South Wales. Over time, the city grew into a major port and a hub for immigration. During World War II, Brisbane served as the base for the Allied command in the South West Pacific, as well as the headquarters for General Douglas MacArthur of the United States Army.
Today, Brisbane is a leading center for research and innovation in the Asia-Pacific region, particularly in the fields of medicine and biotechnology. It is also a major transportation hub, with extensive rail, bus, and ferry networks, as well as Brisbane Airport and the Port of Brisbane, which is Australia's third-largest seaport.
With a diverse population, with over 36% of its metropolitan residents being foreign-born, Brisbane is often ranked highly in terms of livability. The city's culture is enriched by its galleries and museums, with notable institutions such as the Queensland Art Gallery and Gallery of Modern Art. Brisbane has also hosted significant events, including the 1982 Commonwealth Games, World Expo 88, the final Goodwill Games in 2001, and the 2014 G20 summit. It has been chosen to host the 2032 Summer Olympics and 2032 Summer Paralympics.
As a tourist destination, Brisbane offers a range of major landmarks and attractions. These include the South Bank Parklands, the City Botanic Gardens, King George Square and City Hall, the Story Bridge, the Mount Coot-tha Botanic Gardens and Lookout, and the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary.
Cheap Hotels in Brisbane, Australia