Brisbane

This week we will look at the capital of the state of Queensland, Brisbane.

The town is on the Brisbane River it has a population of around 2,568,170, making it the third most populous city in Australia, after Sydney and Melbourne. 

The first European to explore the Brisbane area was Lieutenant Matthew Flinders in 1799, during his circumnavigation of Australia. However, it wasn’t until 1823 that the area began to be considered for a settlement. That year, a group of shipwrecked timber getters, including John Oxley, discovered the Brisbane River.

The traditional name for Brisbane, used by the Turrbal and Yuggera people, is Meanjin. It was first known as Edenglassie, but later changed to Brisbane in 1834 after Sir Thomas Makdougall Brisbane, the then-Governor of New South Wales. 

The Turrbal people are considered the original inhabitants of the Brisbane area, and their traditional name for the region is Meanjin, which means “the place of the blue water lilies”. They have been custodians of the land for thousands of years.

Brisbane is known for its laid-back atmosphere, vibrant urban life, and beautiful natural surroundings, particularly its river and access to beaches and islands. It’s also a significant cultural and culinary hub, offering a wide array of dining experiences, and a diverse range of attractions, including the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary and the Queensland Cultural Centre.

Brisbane has been chosen to host the 2032 Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games. The Games are scheduled to be held from July 23 to August 8, 2032 for the Olympics and from August 24 to September 5, 2032 for the Paralympics. Brisbane will be a co-host city, along with the Sunshine Coast and Gold Coast.