Despite its inauspicious beginning as a penal colony, Brisbane is, today, one of the most important cities in all of Australia. Indeed, as it "is the third largest city in Australia, with a population of over 1.77 million," and, as the capital of the state of Queensland, it plays important roles in both the economic and political lives of modern-day Australians (www.en.wikipedia.org).
Of course, Brisbane was inhabited before the Europeans discovered it, but it was in "1824, [when] the colonial administration of New South Wales established a penal settlement at what is now Redcliffe," that Brisbane began playing a major part in the national life of Australia (www.en.wikipedia.org). And despite the fact that Redcliffe was disbanded and moved just one year after it was established, Brisbane continued to grow. By 1859 it was the capital of Queensland, and by the 1980's it was one of the most exciting, up-and-coming cities in Australia.
Academic Study Abroad Programs in Brisbane
Today, residents, travelers, and students alike make the most of all that this wonderful city has to offer. Some people-okay, many people-refer to it as Bris Vegas, for "the city is renowned for its sun and the brash, glitzy hordes that follow it, but it's also a thriving arts capital, with dozens of theatres, cinemas, concert halls, galleries and museums" (www.lonelyplanet.com). It's hard to believe that, just a generation ago, Brisbane was thought of as a bit of "a backwater," especially considering that now it is "one of the country's most progressive centres. It has several interesting districts, a good street cafe scene, a great riverside park, a busy cultural calendar and a thriving nightlife" (www.lonelyplanet.com).
Students will find themselves particularly drawn to the downtown area of Brisbane, which is home to "a unique combination of the old and the new - where sandstone cathedrals blend seamlessly with steel and glass skyscrapers, where modern architectural design is teamed with a healthy respect for tradition. And 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" of the city (www.queenslandholidays.com). So even while walking from your housing-whether it's a dorm or an apartment-to classes, you will experience much of the beauty and quality of life that Brisbane is known for.
And, as we all know that students are social creatures, no discussion of Brisbane is complete without mentioning its world-class nightlife. "For those who love to party, Brisbane's superb selection of nightlife venues will keep you more than entertained. Cool, sophisticated bars boasting the very latest in design and decor are sprinkled right throughout downtown Brisbane, as are energetic pubs, pumping nightclubs and intimate live music venues" (www.queenslandholidays.com).
The areas surrounding this city in eastern Australia are just as alluring. From the "Quaint country villages and hamlets rich in history" of Laidley Shire to the "complete holiday destination" of the Redlands on Moreton Bay, there is quite enough to see and do in the areas around Brisbane to keep even the most jaded visitor occupied (www.ourbrisbane.com).
There are also a number of universities in Brisbane, which means that students will feel very much at home. There are several "multi-campus universities and colleges including the University of Queensland (A member of the Group of Eight), Queensland University of Technology and Griffith University. Other universities which have campuses in Brisbane include the Australian Catholic University, Central Queensland University, James Cook University, the University of Canberra, the University of New South Wales and the University of Southern Queensland" (www.en.wikipedia.org). This means that there is not only the kind of infrastructure already in place that will make student life easier, but also that there are many students in the city, too, thereby making it that much easier to meet people with similar interests and goals as you.
Ultimately, Brisbane is a truly wonderful place to visit or study abroad. From the world-class culture to the famously friendly people to the temperate climate, there are simply too many factors working in Brisbane's favor to not give it a chance. Indeed, most visitors tend to have one common reaction upon experiencing all that this city has to offer: "It must be paradise" (www.lonelyplanet.com).
