Make a journey to downtown Brisbane and you'll suddenly realise how beautiful a city can be. Here you will find a unique combination of the old and the new - where sandstone cathedrals blend seamlessly with steel and glass skyscrapers, where modern architectural design is teamed with a healthy respect for tradition. And down at street level a network of grassy parks, drooping palm trees and a river that snakes through the heart of town reflects the sub-tropical environment in which we live. Pristine, colourful, adventurous, inviting and open; these are all accurate descriptions of the heart of the city. And another thing you'll notice about Brisbane - the pace is just right.

As Queensland's capital, Brisbane has it all. Spend lazy afternoons ordering creamy cappuccinos and dozing by the river, or step it up a notch by throwing yourself into any number of adventures such as abseiling the cliffs at Kangaroo Point, climbing the Story Bridge or splashing out with all kinds of water sports. But of course, the spectacular surroundings may well slide into your subconscious once you set your heart on some serious shopping.

There's simply no better place in Queensland to indulge in retail therapy with over 650 stores trading seven days a week. Start in the Queen Street Mall - almost a kilometre of shoppers' paradise. Then stroll along to the City's chic shopping strips and arcades before heading to boho precinct known as The Valley, where you'll find the edgiest young designs, jewellery and fashions imaginable. South Bank's Little Stanley Street should be next on your shopping list, for a little urban sophistication right by the river. And last but not least, why not dig your way through downtown's weekend outdoor markets, where you never know what you might find. Original, eclectic, or just downright fashionable - if you can't find what you're shopping for in downtown Brisbane, it simply doesn't exist.

For those who love to party, Brisbane's superb selection of nightlife venues will keep you more than entertained. Cool, sophisticated bars boasting the very latest in design and decor are sprinkled right throughout downtown Brisbane, as are energetic pubs, pumping nightclubs and intimate live music venues. Or, for something a little more cultural, there are musicals, live theatre, galleries, museums, and even guided walking tours of downtown's historical sites.

Brisbane has a fine reputation for dining out, having developed its own unique cuisine that matches the climate perfectly. Inventive and imaginative, the gastronomic creations starring at some of the finer establishments simply won't be found on any other tables. Reflecting this is the fact that some of Australia's most awarded chefs can be found in the kitchens downtown, having been attracted by the inquisitive attitude of its proprietors and patrons alike. And don't worry if your tastes or budget are a little more modest - there are restaurants catering for every kind of cuisine, budget, view, pace, style and flavour.

If you'd like to see more of what this spectacular region has to offer, Brisbane is the perfect hub for exploring its wide variety of outer lying regions, all reachable in a 60 minute drive. Spectacular Moreton Bay beckons with its expansive waterways and myriad of islands, as does the white sand surf beaches of the Gold and Sunshine coasts. The regional hinterland is a well-kept secret worthy of exploration, as you'll find it filled with arts, crafts and interesting characters.