About Brisbane
Brisbane is the capital and most populous city of the Australian state of Queensland, as well as the third largest city in Australia. With 1.7 million people, Brisbane offers all the infrastructure and facilities of a global hub for technology and tourism. Brisbane is a popular place for academic conferences. It is a city set close to the Pacific Ocean, and is situated beside the Brisbane River on plains between Moreton Bay and the Great Dividing Range in south-eastern Queensland. Among others, Brisbane was the location of the largest annual Information Systems conference ICIS in 2000.

Named in honour of Sir Thomas Brisbane, the city grew from a harsh penal colony established in 1824 at Redcliffe, 40 km to the north. The colony was moved to Brisbane in 1825 and free settlers were permitted from 1842. It was chosen as the capital of Queensland when it was proclaimed a separate colony in 1859. The city developed slowly until after World War II, when it played a central role in the Allied campaign as the South West Pacific headquarters for General Douglas MacArthur.

Brisbane Climate and weather
With predominantly hot summers and mild winters the Brisbane climate promotes outdoor activities and a subtropical lifestyle. In July the average maximum temperature is 21°C and the average minimum is 10°C.

For more current information and Brisbane weather forecasts visit http://www.ourbrisbane.com/news/weather/

Water quality and water restrictions
The water in Brisbane (and throughout Australia) exceeds the standards for safe drinking water set by the World Health Organisation. It is safe to drink water straight from the tap in Brisbane. Brisbane Water has more information about the water quality in Brisbane, including fluoridation.

What to see and do in Brisbane and surrounds
For great ideas on what to see and do in Brisbane visit http://www.ourbrisbane.com/see-and-do

Brisbane Maps
For maps go to http://www.ourbrisbane.com/maps

Parking
Since QUT Gardens Point campus is located in the city centre, parking is limited. For information about parking in the city and other transport alternatives, see the QUT parking and transport options web page

Brisbane City Webcams
Your webcam view at Southbank and City Beach looking across the river at the conference location, Queensland University of Technology:
http://www.ourbrisbane.com/see-and-do/places-to-see/webcam-south-bank-brisbane

Your webcam view South from Queensland University of Technology looking down the main highway towards the Gold Coast and our golden beaches on the Pacific Ocean:
http://www.tmr.qld.gov.au/Traffic-cameras-by-location/Traffic-cameras.aspx?name=Riverside%20Expressway%20-%20Mercure%20Hotel%20(South)

Gold Coast Webcams
Your webcam view of Coolangatta, the Gold Coast – one hours drive south for great surfing and lots of fun on the beach.
http://ci.wrl.unsw.edu.au/index.php?page=scripts/latestImages.php&site=coolgtta