Make a journey to downtown Brisbane and you'll realise how beautiful a city can be. You will find a unique combination of the old and new - where sandstone cathedrals blend seamlessly with steel and glass skyscrapers, modern architectural design is teamed with a healthy respect for tradition. Down at street level a network of grassy parks, drooping palm trees and a river that snakes through the heart of town reflects the sub-tropical environment in which we live. Pristine, colourful, adventurous, inviting and open; these are all accurate descriptions of the heart of the city. And another thing you'll notice about Brisbane - the pace is just right.
As Queensland's capital, Brisbane has it all. Spend lazy afternoons ordering creamy cappuccinos and dozing by the river, step it up a notch by throwing yourself into any number of adventures, abseiling the cliffs at Kangaroo Point, climbing the Story Bridge or all kinds of water sports.
But of course, the spectacular surroundings may well slide into your subconscious once you set your heart on some serious shopping.
Simply no better place in Queensland to indulge in retail therapy, over 650 store trading seven days a week. Start in the Queen Street Mall - almost a kilometre of shoppers' paradise. Stroll along to the City's chic shopping strips and arcades before heading to boho precinct known as The Valley, you'll find the edgiest young designs, jewellery and fashions imaginable. South Bank's Little Stanley Street should be next on your shopping list, a little urban sophistication right by the river. Last but not least, why not dig your way through downtown's weekend outdoor markets; you never know what you might find. Original, eclectic, or just downright fashionable - if you can't find what you're shopping for in downtown Brisbane, it simply doesn't exist.
