Brisbane is an ultra-modern, clean city. Things still close pretty early compared to Sydney, Melbourne, and even Perth, but things are changing quickly as the city becomes more and more cosmopolitan. Beyond the CBD and its proliferation of new gleaming glass high-rises, you’ll find parkland, public pools and many outdoor craft and artisan markets and even a manmade beach in the popular Southbank area. Galleries and museums abound around the city and the Botanical Gardens is a wonderful relaxing green space. When you can drag yourself away from the city, escape for a few days to nearby tropical islands boutique beach towns, or outback and hinterlands adventures all just a couple of hours drive from the city.