BRISBANE

 Brisbane has shucked its reputation as a back water and emerged as one of the country’s most progressive centres. It has several interesting districts, a good street café scene, a great riverside park, a busy cultural calendar and a thriving nightlife.

Known locally as Bris Vegas, the city is renowned for its sun and its brash, glitzy hordes that follow it, but it is also the arts capital of Queensland, with dozens of theatres, cinemas, concert halls, galleries and museums. A climate this good and culture too? It must be paradise.

 It was, in its role as host to international events in the 80s, including the 1982 Commonwealth Games and Expo 88, that brought Brisbane out of its shell. It’s the third largest city in Australia and is fast becoming one of its most desirable places to live.

 Located in the South-eastern corner of Queensland, Brisbane is a river city, situated 25 kilometers(15 Miles) upstream from the river mouth of the Brisbane River. The compact city center is built along and between the looping meanders of the river, making it easy to explore on foot. The transit center if you are coming by bus, train or airport suttle, is about 500 M (550yds) north-west of the city center.

Brisbane has plenty of backpackers' hostels and there are also quite a few well-priced hotel, motels and self contained apartments within a few blocks of the city centre. Most of the action, however, happens in the inner suburbs. Brisbane's restaurant and cafe scene has blossomed in recent years and you'll find there's no shortage of good eateries.  Many of these places have taken advantage of the balmy climate and provide outdoor eating areas.  Away from the city centre, there are clusters of restaurants in Paddington, Fortitude Valley and New Farm on the South bank and in the West End.