Brisbane is the capital of Queensland and Australia's third-largest city, built along the looping bends of the Brisbane River about 25 km upstream from Moreton Bay. The subtropical climate — warm and sunny for most of the year — shapes city life, and the outdoor spaces along the river are heavily used. The South Bank Parklands, built on the site of Expo 88 on the south bank of the river, contain Streets Beach, the Gallery of Modern Art, Queensland Museum, and a good cafe strip.
The city centre is compact and walkable. The oldest buildings date from the convict period: the Old Windmill (1828) in Spring Hill is the oldest surviving structure in Queensland. Newstead House (1846) on the river to the northeast gives a sense of early colonial Brisbane. The Brisbane City Hall clock tower on King George Square offers a free panoramic view. The inner suburbs of Fortitude Valley, West End, and New Farm each have their own character and the best eating and drinking options in the city.
The Story Bridge is Brisbane's defining landmark. The heritage wharves at Howard Smith Wharves beneath it are the best riverside precinct. Mount Coot-tha Lookout gives you the best view over the whole metropolitan area. Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, the world's oldest, is 12 km out.
The Gold Coast surf beaches lie about an hour south; the Sunshine Coast an hour north; the Glasshouse Mountains about 75 km northwest. Moreton Bay and its islands are accessible by ferry from the suburbs.