Many major cities rely on tourism to bolster the economy, and Brisbane is no different. Part of what attracts outsiders to a given locale is the history. After all, you’d be hard pressed to find a large, urban centre that hasn’t had its fair share of notable moments that have been somehow commemorated. And in most cases, the result is a historic site or a city landmark of some kind. Many cities also have some kind of structure that they’re internationally renowned for; Paris has the Eiffel Tower and NYC has the Statue of Liberty; Moscow has the Kremlin and Sydney has the Opera House; Hollywood has a very large sign. And amazing works of human ingenuity like Stonehenge, the Taj Mahal, the Pyramids, and the Colosseum dot the map, inviting travellers from across the globe to come and take a gander. So if you’re looking for a few good reasons to make Brisbane your next vacation destination, here are some interesting landmarks that may catch your fancy.
Story Bridge
Just as San Francisco is known for the Golden Gate Bridge, Venice is known for the Rialto Bridge, and London is known for the Tower Bridge, Brisbane’s most famous landmark is probably the Story Bridge. This could have something to do with the fact that the central waterway, the Brisbane River, is part of the reason inhabitants settled the region in the first place. Or perhaps it is based on the massive size of the structure, which spans 1,072 metres between the northern and southern anchor piers. Maybe it’s tied to the glorious city views that can be seen when driving or walking over the bridge, or the many activities that can be done there, such as climbing and abseiling. Whatever the reason, the Story Bridge is to Brisbane as Vegemite is to toast – they simply go hand-in-hand.
Brisbane City Hall
Once the tallest building in the city, thanks to the 91-metre-tall clock tower, this structure still provides excellent views of the city as well as a lot more to enjoy. Parked on King George Square, this landmark provides a great vantage point for the many events taking place there. But visitors will also enjoy the classic architecture of the building itself, which features a circular concert hall and a world-famous organ that boasts 4,600 pipes.
Kangaroo Point Cliffs
This spectacular outcropping is not only a great place for outdoor adventures, from the tame (picnicking) to the adrenaline-producing variety (climbing and abseiling), but the view from the top is absolutely breathtaking. And since the rocks are lit at night, you can visit this locale at any time.
St. Stephen’s Cathedral
This gothic revival cathedral, complete with soaring spires and stained glass windows imported from Munich, is a must-see for anyone enamoured of architectural magnificence. The building stands as the oldest Catholic church in Queensland and it took nearly 60 years to complete. In addition, music lovers will no doubt want to catch a performance by the long-standing choir, which has made several popular recordings over the years.
Chinatown
Brisbane numbers among several large cities in the world that feature a Chinatown, thanks to the residence and influence of Asian immigrants. What’s interesting about this area of Brisbane, though, is that the mayor at the time it was built, Sallyanne Atkinson, collaborated with architects and engineers from China to ensure that the region would be populated by structures comprised of authentic design and aesthetic appeal. The resulting pagodas, archways, commercial buildings, and art installations are enough to delight visitors from near and far, making this one of the city landmarks you won’t want to miss.
