Brisbane is a fun, laid-back city with a ton of atmosphere, a vibrant events scene, great food and fantastic nightlife. Many tourists skip Brisbane and head straight to the glitzy Gold Coast, but the city has so much to offer tourists in its own right: whether you’re checking out a live band in Fortitude Valley, kayaking the Brisbane River or checking out the talented fire-twirlers at the monthly West End Fire Festival, you’ll find that Brisbane is a unique city that’s full of character, friendly locals and plenty to see and do. You’ll certainly be able to understand why both Lonely Planet and GQ Magazine have called Brisbane “Australia’s hippest city”!