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Brisbane sits on the Brisbane River on Queensland's South-East coast between Moreton Bay and the Great Dividing Range. It is the state capital and Australia's third largest city. Original inhabitants of the area were the Turrba Aborigines with white settlement beginning in 1830s. Named in honour of Sir Thomas Brisbane (NSW Governor (1821-5), Brisbane was only incorporated as a city in 1902. The city hosted the Commonwealth Games (1982), Expo' 88 & Goodwill Games (2001). Brisbane's economy is based on information technology, financial services, petroleum, paper & metal working industries and of course, tourism. Amongst its many events and festivals are Brisbane International Film Festival (July-Aug), Ekka (Royal Qld Show (Aug), Brisbane Festival (Sept -even numbered years), Livid (music festival) (Oct), Festivus (Nov-Jan). Popular markets include Riverside and Eagle St Pier, South Bank Art & Craft, Valley, Farmers at the Powerhouse and People's markets.
Visitor Information Centre: Cnr Albert & Queen Sts, Queen St Mall. Tel (07) 3006 6200 or (07) 3006 6290.
Airport: Brisbane International Airport (BNE), Lot 1 Airport Dr, Hamilton. Tel (07) 3406 3000. (14 km n-e).
Hospitals: St Andrews War Memorial Hospital, 457 Wickham Terrace, Spring Hill. Tel (07) 3834 4444. (2 km north); Princess Alexandra Hospital, 199 Ipswich Rd, Woolloongabba. Tel (07) 3176 2111. (4 km south).
Parts of Brisbane, Toowoomba, Ipswich and others towns in SE Qld were devastated by floods in mid January, 2011. The resilient community is rebulding, but all help and donations are greatly welcomed. Please contact the Australian Red Cross for donations of any kind.
Regional Business Directory:
1. Beauty & Fashion
2. Business to Business
3. Shopping
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