Brisbane

Brisbane is the capital city of Queensland, Australia. It is located on the eastern coast, along the Brisbane River and near Moreton Bay. It is the third-most populous city in Australia, with a metropolitan population of about 2.5–2.6 million.

Before European settlement, the Brisbane area was inhabited by the Turrbal and Yugara peoples. European exploration began in the early 1820s, and Brisbane was established as a penal settlement for Moreton Bay in 1824–25. It grew into a free settlement and became the state capital in 1859. The city was named after Sir Thomas Brisbane, governor of New South Wales (1821–1825). The 20th century saw rapid growth; Brisbane hosted the 1982 Commonwealth Games and is slated to host the 2032 Summer Olympics.

Brisbane has a humid subtropical climate, with hot, wet summers and relatively mild winters. The city sits on the Brisbane River, with the Moreton Bay region to the east.

The economy is service-oriented, with significant contributions from government, education, healthcare, construction, and tourism. Major employers include universities and health services. The city hosts campuses of the University of Queensland, Griffith University, and the Queensland University of Technology.

Culturally, Brisbane features a central business district and mixed neighborhoods such as Fortitude Valley and South Bank. Cultural institutions include QAGOMA, the Queensland Performing Arts Centre, and a growing contemporary arts scene. Notable attractions include South Bank Parklands, Kangaroo Point Cliffs, and Mount Coot-tha.

Brisbane is served by the TransLink public transport network, Brisbane Airport, and a growing light rail system. It is connected by road and rail to the Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast regions.