It may be Australia’s third-largest city, but for the longest time Brisbane was seen as something of a poor cousin to Sydney and Melbourne: a sleepy country town hiding behind a big city façade.
In recent years, however, Brisbane has stirred from its slumber and is casually emerging as one of the most desirable places to live in Australia with an estimated 1000 people packing their bags and moving up here every week.
Of course locals have always known that Brissie offers the perfect lifestyle and it doesn’t take visitors long to understand why. Despite the transformation into a sleek, cosmopolitan city complete with world-class art galleries, a booming live music scene and a fabulous café culture, Brisbane still retains the laid-back, easy attitude of a small community.
No doubt the lazy subtropical climate, gently curving Brisbane River and rich cultural flavours of its many neighbourhoods also have something to do with its appeal. 
But mostly people love Brisbane because it’s a ritzy city with a down-to-earth attitude and home to some of the friendliest locals in Oz.Show in Lonely Planet
Ready to go?
These tours & activities make it easy:
- For the best views take a Brisbane sky dive
- See some fascinating glow worms with your own eyes
- Cruise to Moreton Island National Park
More about Brisbane
