12th ALIA National Library Technicians Conference
9-12 September 2003
Bridging services - embracing reality

About Brisbane...

Brisbane is a popular tourist destination and has the fastest growing population of the state capitals. Its subtropical climate has attracted people from other states, especially retirees. Brisbane boosts to offer 'value-for-money' holidays, has a reputation for fine seafood and great shopping.

The city straddles the meandering Brisbane River which rises in the hills and ranges about 100 kilometres (60 miles) northwest of the city of Brisbane. The river is about 320 kilometres (200 miles) long with the hills bordering the west and the ocean to the east.

Suburbs have developed along transport corridors: south-east towards the Gold Coast (a popular tourist destination), south-west to Ipswich and, to a lesser extent, towards the Sunshine Coast to the north of Brisbane.

Population: 1 627 535 (2001 Census)

Brisbane in spring is the horticulturalist dream and while mother nature provides optimum conditions, outdoor activities and markets are popular this time of year. The social scene can be mainstream or alternative offering side walk cafe's, bars, eateries, discos, live bands; and of particular interest to visitors, is the yearly Riverfestival.

Geographically, Brisbane streets with female Royal family names run north to south. While streets named after male Royal family members flow east to west. To the west we have Park Road Milton, land marked by a mini Eiffel tower, this area provides caffeine and chocoholic temptations as well as full course meals. Shopping in this district may require credit cards!

Further north but due west, we have the Caxton Street Crawl of Paddington which is renown for it's drinking and dancing venues that provide meals during set hours. Direct to the north of the city, is Fortitude Valley which offers alternative music, art and people. If you intend souvenirs such as tattoos and body piercing, the Valley is the place for you.

Beyond the Valley, is New Farm: a superb cosmopolitan environment furnishing the unique and unusual. This suburb extents to the New Farm Park on the banks of the Brisbane River. Ferry services operate from the Northbank to Southbank. Southbank is a manmade replica of nature's wonders and has become a landmark for tourists as has Roma Street Parklands. The Roma Street Parklands are within walking distance of the conference venue with both providing excellent photo opportunities.

For specific social enquiries in and around Brisbane, ask a local: Krys at Organiser's Australia, e-mail alia@orgaus.com.au or for a virtual tour of the city go to Brisbane Tourism's website at http://www.brisbanetourism.com.au.