Make a journey to downtown Brisbane and you'll realise how beautiful a city can be. Youll 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.

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 If youre looking for some retail therapy, then the Queen Street Mall is the place to head for a complete shopping experience. Over 700 stores trading seven days a week call this kilometre strip home. South Bank's Little Stanley Street should be next on your shopping list, a little urban sophistication right by the river.

For those who love to party, Brisbane's superb selection of nightlife venues will keep you more than entertained. Or, something a little more cultural, theres live theatre, galleries, museums, and even guided walking tours of Brisbanes historical sites.