Brisbane: Explore Queensland's capital with Princess Cruises

Originally Brisbane was founded as a penal colony, named “Moreton Bay” in 1824. Later they’ve changed the name because of Sir Thomas Brisbane, the Governor of New South Wales at that time into “Brisbane”. Australians, on the other hand, often only affectionately call the city "Brissie".

Brisbane, the capital of the Australian state of Queensland, has grown into a lively metropolis with casual flair, elegant sandstone buildings and beautiful parks. After Sydney and Melbourne, Brisbane is Australia's third largest city.

The metropolis maintains city partnerships with other important port cities such as Kobe in Japan and Auckland in New Zealand. The international airport makes it easy for travelers to get around.

Climate in Brisbane

The city is characterized by a pleasant subtropical climate, beautifully nestled on the Brisbane River and located at the Australian East coast. The rainy season starts in December and it is therefore really humid and sticky until March. From May until October on the other hand it is really dry and barely rainy.

When is the best time to travel to Brisbane?

The best time to travel to Brisbane depends on your individual interests. Basically, the whole year is suitable for trips to the city. For sightseeing, the cooler but pleasant months of spring from September to November are ideal. To relax at the paradises of the Sunshine Coast or the Gold Coast with its wonderful sandy beaches, the time from December to February is best for trips to Brisbane.

Brisbane sightseeing & activities

In addition to the endless beaches of the Sunshine Coast and the Gold Coast, the city offers many attractions and activities. So what do you have to see in Brisbane? Whatever you choose, Brisbane will welcome you with open arms and the famous Brisbane joie de vivre.

Story Bridge

The Story Bridge is the landmark of Brisbane and one of the most important sights of the city. With its total length of 1072 metres, it does not have to be in the shadow of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, probably the most famous bridge of Australia. The bridge, opened in 1940, is impressively illuminated at night. The Story Bridge in Brisbane is a real highlight for all visitors who like thrills. At so-called "Bridge Climbs" you can climb the bridge and experience the big city from above.

Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary

Only 12 km from Brisbane, in the suburb of Fig Tree Pocket, is the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary. For families and nature lovers, the surrounding nature reserve with its large population of cute marsupials offers particularly amusing activities. For example, enjoy a picnic in the midst of jumping kangaroos, where one of the 130 koalas also enjoys having a snack.

Australia Zoo

Follow the tracks of the Crocodile Hunter at Australia Zoo. The Sunshine Coast Zoological Garden, where the famous Steve Irwin used to work, is located in Beerwah near Brisbanes. The complex was established in 1970 as a private zoo and is now an absolute Australian attraction and one of Queensland's largest sights.

Mount Tamborine Plateau

Brisbane is also the gateway to adventure. The Tamborine National Park is about 45 kilometres away. The Tamborine Plateau is 8 kilometres long. Here you will find humid rainforest as well as the typical eucalyptus forests. The Mount Tamborine Plateau offers ideal conditions for hiking in gorges and rocky cliffs. You can also admire some waterfalls in this area.

Great Barrier Reef

In addition to Cairns, Brisbane is also the starting point for day trips to the Great Barrier Reef. The largest coral reef on earth is located on the east coast of Queensland. The UNESCO World Heritage Site covers such a large area that it can even be seen from space with the naked eye. The Great Barrier Reef is home to more than 1500 different fish species and is a paradise for divers. The diverse underwater world can be admired while snorkelling or diving and guarantees an indescribable experience that you will never forget.

Cruises from Brisbane with Princess Cruises

Obviously Brisbane is an important port of departure for cruises in Australia & New Zealand. But also many longer routes from 10 nights in direction South Pacific & Hawaii start in this port city. If you have more time, you can go on a trip through the Panama Canal from Brisbane or even start a world cruise with the Sea Princess. Cruises from Brisbane are available all year round with the first class cruise ships of Princess Cruises. Queensland, with its many activities, is also an ideal starting point for your further journey in Australia. From here you can explore the continent and travel on to Sydney or Melbourne.