What is It:  The Australian city of Brisbane is an interesting place with a compact business and shopping area downtown. Founded as a penal colony, it quickly became a leading transportation hub for the province of Queensland and later developed into the gateway for the popular beach communities of Australia’s Gold Coast to the southeast. 

One of the city’s most impressive features is the South Bank of the Brisbane River.  Originally the industrial waterfront of the city, this area gradually evolved into the region’s premier lifestyle and recreation destination. Easily reached from the downtown by several pedestrian bridges and water taxis, the South Bank offers a performing arts center, art galleries, a science center, a maritime museum, a Ferris wheel as well as numerous restaurants, parks and cafes for people to enjoy. All of these activities can be reached by foot along a shaded riverside walkway which draws joggers, walkers and cyclists of all ages to the area.  

One of the unique features of the South Bank is Streets Beach. Many inland communities have a river and many coastal cities have beaches. What is unique about  Streets Beach is that it consists of a series of crystal clear lagoons and imported sandy beaches built alongside the river.  Larger than five Olympic size swimming pools, Streets Beach is open to the public and offers connected pools in a variety of shapes and sizes which are suitable for swimmers of all ages and abilities. The experience is enhanced by amenities such as life guards, restrooms, changing rooms and shade trees. 

Blending this attractive beach with many different recreation, arts, entertainment and food attractions has made the South Bank of Brisbane a hot spot for new housing complexes. The redevelopment of the South Bank has created an alternative to city life for people of all ages, and puts Brisbane into the mix with Sydney and Melbourne for the title of Australia’s most livable City.  

Interesting Facts: The Brisbane River has its origin in Mount Stanley located 214 miles to the west of the City. It then meanders to the coastline at Moreton Bay on the Coral Sea about 10 miles away. The river has caused some extreme flooding in the city over the years including in 1974 and 2011. The Beach is named after the Streets ice cream company which sponsored the beach after it opened in 1992 and is best known in the west for its popular Magnum brands.

When to Go: Brisbane is located about 550 miles north of Sydney and boasts a pleasant climate with temperatures of 70 degrees or higher throughout the year. So Streets Beach is open throughout the year.  During Australia’s summer months of November to February, there is more rain and outbursts can occur.