Brisbane is an attractive alternative for cruisers during the cyclone season. One advantage is the climate, average temperatures are in the 20 to 30 degree C range for much of the year. November to April is the wetter half of the year, Brisbane gets about 450mm of rain from January to March, about half that of north Queensland coastal towns. Another advantage, it is a warmer and easier sail from the Pacific Islands than going south to New Zealand.

Brisbane could be affected by a cyclone but the last major cyclone which caused damage to the Gold Coast was in 1954. Flooding of the Brisbane River is another possibility but the last big flood was in 1974 caused by Cyclone Wanda. Dams have been constructed up river and it is believed this will help minimize flooding in the future.

Queensland has been deemed the best state in which to live, the main reasons being safety and sense of community offered by Queensland towns and cities, including Brisbane. For cruisers, the city is easily accessible, as are the outlying suburbs and towns by means of an excellent transport system, buses, trains, and ferries. The moorings (A$200 per month) and anchorage are 14nm up the river, adjacent to the City Botanic Gardens.

Brisbane, the third largest city in Australia, is a lively, relaxed, cosmopolitan city. The city centre is compact, everything within walking distance. There is little crime and walking at any time, day or night, does not appear to be a problem. The people are hospitable and the service is very good. What you cannot find in the city centre will be available in the outlying suburbs.

For culture-hungry cruisers, there are museums, art galleries, theatres and libraries. Many tourist destinations are nearby and can be visited on day trips. Including rain forests, national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, Australian Zoo (Steve Irwin “The Crocodile Man”), casinos and theme parks, like Dreamworld, Seaworld and Movieworld.

Christmas and New Year spirit in the city is marvelous with daily free entertainment in Queen Street Mall, South Bank, and other locations. Other festive occasions are Australia Day on 26 January and the Chinese New Year at the beginning of February.

Brisbane has lovely old heritage buildings which can be seen by taking the heritage walk, either a guided tour or by oneself. There are courses at the University of the 3rd Age (U3A), located at 243 Edward Street, aimed at the young 50 plus age group, courses include languages, writers’ group, arts and crafts and much more. The only cost is a $25 per year membership fee. The libraries offer computer courses and interesting lunchtime lectures and the Red Cross has first aid courses. These are only a fraction of things to do while in Brisbane and the Gold Coast offers many anchorages if city life grows tiring.

Some useful websites to use while in Brisbane are: www.transinfo.qld.gov.au [BROKEN LINK] for transport options and fares

www.citysearch.com.au to find the location of addresses

www.ourbrisbane.com [BROKEN LINK] for entertainment and general info

www.bom.gov.au for weather information.