Brisbane

International Students

Brisbane is the capital city in the state of Queensland, as well as the third largest city in Australia. It is set close to the Pacific Ocean, and is situated beside the Brisbane River on plains between Moreton Bay and the Great Dividing Range in south-eastern Queensland.

History

The city is named in honour of Sir Thomas Brisbane who was Governor of New South Wales from 1821 to 1825. The original settlement grew from a harsh penal colony established at his direction in 1824 at Redcliffe, 28km to the north. The colony was moved to what is now the location of the Brisbane CBD in 1825, and free settlers were permitted from 1842. It was chosen as the capital when Queensland was proclaimed a separate colony, in 1859. The city developed slowly until World War II, when it played a central role in the Allied campaign as the South West Pacific headquarters for General Douglas MacArthur.

Climate

Brisbane has a humid subtropical climate with hot, humid summers and dry, mild winters. The city's highest recorded temperature was 43.2°C on the 26 January 1940 and its coldest was -0.1°C on 9 July 2007, which was the first time Brisbane's temperature fell below freezing point.

From 2006, Brisbane and surrounding temperate areas have experienced the most severe drought in over a century, as supplying dam levels dropped below one quarter of their normal capacity. As a result, residents have been mandated by local laws to observe water restrictions.

For further information about weather in Brisbane, please visit: www.bom.gov.au/weather/qld/

Entertainment

Brisbane has a thriving live music scene, as well as theatres and museums within the city, South Bank, the South Bank Parklands and Brisbane suburbs. It is the birthplace of internationally acclaimed singers, music bands, authors, actors, artists, sculptors and fashion designers. Many of Brisbane's singers and musicians (both popular and classical) have performed overseas, and have received international awards and recognition.

For further information about Brisbane entertainment, please visit: www.visitbrisbane.com.au/

Transport

Brisbane has an extensive transportation network within the city, as well as connections to regional centres, interstate and to overseas destinations. Public Transport in Brisbane is provided by bus, rail and ferry services.

For further information about Brisbane transport, please visit: www.translink.com.au/