The central business is located on the Brisbane river. The shores of Moreton Bay are home to the eastern suburbs of Brisbane. To the east of the Great Diving Range lies the greater Brisbane region this urban area is home to many large hills and mountains.

Brisbane has hot and humid summers and mild winters.

Brisbane city is home to many city parks a few of them are Southbank parklands, Roma Street parklands and the Brisbane city Botanic gardens.

The Brisbane city river cat cruises the Brisbane river daily and is a very scenic form of transport to many people both tourists and Brisbane city locals. The river cat cruises pass the famous Story Bridge which is only one of three legally climbable bridges in the world.

After dark Fortitude Valley comes alive. Situated next to the CBD and at one end of the story bridge this is the ‘hip’ area for dinner or a night out on the town.

Brisbane is also a great ’springboard’/stopover for travellers who wish to visit the Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast and/or North Queensland (generally by train).

Farther up the mall at 91 Queen St. (at Albert St.) is the Myer Centre, which has Brisbane’s biggest department store and five levels of moderately priced stores, mostly fashion.

The shops — colorfully painted Queenslander cottages — line the main street, Given Terrace, which becomes Latrobe Terrace. Don’t miss the second wave of shops around the bend.

There are about 100 stalls, selling everything from fresh fruit and vegetables to homemade chutneys, quail, fresh seafood, free-range eggs, and pâtés. Foodies will be in heaven.

You may pale at some of the prices, but the stockroom at the back of the gallery may have something in your range. The staff will get your new acquisition shipped home for you.

The markets are also home to a number of up-and-coming designers. With a distinctive Queensland character, the markets are an ideal place for buying gifts and souvenirs or simply strolling through and enjoying the ambience.

The bistro is enormously popular, and bookings are essential. Large windows, bold colors, and modern furniture make it a pleasant setting in a small but popular restaurant enclave. The price structure is simple (each course’s offerings are all the same price), and there’s an extensive wine list — many by the glass. You can bring your own wine; the corkage fee is A$5.50 (US$4.40) per bottle.

Try saltwater barramundi (fish) filet, or roasted kangaroo loin. The early-bird offer — half-price main courses if you finish by 7pm — is available starting at 5:30pm. And when you’ve finished dining, spend some time on the observation deck — at night the city lights provide a glittering panorama.

Don’t pass up cinnamon poached pears and vanilla panna cotta — it’s divine. There’s another Tognini’s at Baroona Road, Milton, but this one is more convenient if you’re staying in the city.

The restaurant is licensed, but you can bring your own bottled wine (no beer or spirits) for a corkage charge of A$3 (US$2.40) per person. Cooking classes run from time to time; call for a schedule. The restaurant also does takeout.