Brisbane tourist information and Car Hire options

By Teresa Burrows

Queensland's capital city is Brisbane, being a vibrant cosmopolitan city and a favourite with tourists because of the near perfect weather, "beautiful one day perfect the next". Affectionately know as "Brissie", this city has come to life in the last decade. Despite the relaxed lifestyle, businesses are flocking here to be part of the economic growth of one of Australia's fastest growing states. Queensland is the Sunshine State and is said to have more sunshine hours than any other state. Brisbane's airport both international and domestic has just undergone a major upgrade and could be a holiday destination in itself. The airport precinct has its own 4.5 star motel, tavern, shopping complex, child minding centre all linked together by a bus service. Brisbane is the gateway to the Sunshine and Gold Coasts, both just an hours drive from the city. Navigating around the city is quite easy. However it is the third largest city in area in Australia, so very spread out you may need a vehicle to get around. Webbcarr.com Car Rental will find you cheap car hire in Brissie and for a small fee a satellite navigation system to make it even easier to get to those great holiday attractions. The city centre does have several one way streets, so consult the sat nav or street directory provided with the hire car. Parking in Brisbane isn't too bad as there are plenty of off street parking stations and if you are early enough, on street parking, but it is limited to time periods. Take note of the parking signs.

Brisbane is a picturesque city with Brisbane River dividing the city into north and south. The north side is a wonderful example of the traditional Queensland of days gone by, with its majestic large and airy homes (The Queenslander), wide open verandas and large Moreton Bay Fig trees or Poinciana trees lining the streets. The south side is more modern but still a few suburbs have maintained the old world charm.

For a holiday boosted with total luxury, Brisbane is ideal. Across the Brisbane River from the CBD area is the relaxing parklands called Southbank. You will not believe that you are in the middle of a capital city when you sit back and enjoy the sun and sand at the man made beach. You will also find the Lyric Theatre and the Queensland Museum and Library within walking distance. It is a very popular place to meet, especially in the warmer months and tourists enjoy the beach and surrounds all year round. It is so easy to find Southbank and with underground parking you can pack a picnic and travel in your hire car directly to this wonderful location.

To the north of Brisbane is Deception Bay. Just 30 minutes from the city centre, this beautiful seaside community known as Redcliffe has much to offer the visitor, miles of walking and bike tracks along the shoreline, cafe's and bars open 7 days, play areas and BBQ facilities for the more relaxed family outing. All sorts of water activities, sailing, skiing, swimming, kite boarding and much more are available. If driving in the countryside is more your style, then head north-west of Brisbane to the Caboolture area. Pastoral land, pretty farms, some selling their produce in roadside stalls, antique shops to find a bargain and country pubs for a cold ale and some good Aussie tucker are to be found here. To the East of Brisbane is the bay side suburbs of Cleveland and Wynnum-Manly. These areas look over Moreton Bay and it is from here that the vehicle and passenger ferries leave to take visitors and locals to the many islands in the bay. Both Deception and Moreton Bays offer visitors plenty of history to explore, old museums, the Cleveland Lighthouse constructed in 1864 and served for 110 years and the Old Court House built in 1863, now a restaurant which is said to be haunted. Weekends in the bay areas are special with the locals offering fresh farm produce and arts and crafts at one of the many markets

Just 40 minutes by car in any direction will have you experiencing one of the many Brisbane attractions. So be sure that you get the best car hire deal you can as that way you will be on your own timetable and you can stay and enjoy your destination for as long or little as you please. The toll roads in Brisbane do not take cash, so check out the payment options on the e-toll website before you travel .If you are coming from interstate your e-tag will work on the Brisbane toll roads. No matter where you travel in Australia or New Zealand, Webbcarr.com Car Hire will provide you with the best prices, comparing the national companies on the one site. See you somewhere in the great south east!

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