Former penitentiary colony become a tourist paradise, the third Australian city has everything to please: a dream climate, outstanding infrastructures, a human size and a range of activities to satisfy all types of travellers, big or small about to take a flight to Brisbane. With its subtropical climate, the capital of Queensland in eastern Australia has thrived on its mineral wealth to become a cosmopolitan megalopolis of 1.5 million inhabitants whose architecture harmoniously blends modern, Victorian and colonial buildings. Located between the Gold Coast and the Sunshine Coast, two of the country's main tourist destinations, it is crossed by the Brisbane River which flows, 25 km, into the impressive bay of Moreton, with 300 islands. One of Brisbane's great attractions is, of course, the beauty of its nature. Mango trees, fig trees or jacarandas flourish between skyscrapers and parks and gardens are legion, like the South Bank Parklands or the City Botanic Gardens. Booking a few hotel nights in Brisbane, which hosted the 1988 Universal Exhibition, will also allow you to enjoy many events, festivals and exhibitions organised by the Queensland Cultural Center, one of Australia's leading cultural institutions. Some historical monuments, such as the town hall with its 92 m Renaissance tower or the Parliament House, are also worth a visit. North of Brisbane, Fraser Island, the world's largest sand island, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In the south, confirmed surfers will not miss Byron Bay, world renowned for the height and regularity of its waves. The CBD, Central Business District, concentrates most of the historical monuments including the clock tower, Clock Tower, which offers a beautiful view over the city. If you're looking for the local atmosphere and colour, don't miss the Brunswick Street Market, which is set up every weekend in the heart of Fortitude Valley, the city's trendiest neighbourhood. Evenings, during a trip to Brisbane, do not cause melancholy. Between Fortitude Valley's sleepy neighborhood, or places like New Farm, Paddington and South Bank, a little quieter, you'll have plenty of choice to blacken your sleepless nights with colorful notes. For a more romantic outing for two, head out to Eagle Street, whose outdoor bars overlook the Brisbane River.