Brisbane, Australia

Introduction

Brisbane is the capital of the Sunshine State of Queensland and, with over 1 million people, is Australia's third largest city. Lying at the heart of the most diverse and popular vacation region in Australia, it boasts a subtropical climate, with average highs of 70 degrees (winter) and 85 (summer). The city's imposing skyline rises above the Brisbane river, and its streets offer all the excitement of a modern cosmopolitan center: museums, cafes, shopping and nightlife. While there are ultra-modern high-rises, the city has preserved the charm of its 19th century architectural legacy. Brisbane is a vacation destination, but it's also a thriving commercial and cultural center. The city has so much to offer: beaches, riverwalks, gardens and wildlife parks (the country's largest population of koalas). Excellent public transportation makes popular recreational destinations easily accessible. Moreton Bay, nearby islands and surf beaches are all within a few minutes. The Gold Coast and Sunshine Coasts are easily reached, too. West of the city, you can explore rainforests, national parks, bushlands and vast lakes.

Semester in Brisbane