Pushpitha Wijesinghe
As one of Australia's most visited holiday hubs Brisbane is home to a large number of iconic landmarks. From iconic bridges to sports arenas here are the top 5 most popular landmarks in the city.
Frequented by locals as well as visiting celebrities the Story Bridge is no ordinary overpass in Brisbane. As a cantilever overpass which links Sothern Brisbane with the north the iconic landmark is one of the most recognizable landmarks in Brisbane as well as a focal part of its celebrations. As the site of countless fireworks displays during the Riverfire each year the bridge is not only a shutterbug's dream come true but also a popular hiking venue in the city. Visitors can reach the summit of the bridge and enjoy the spectacular views on top or drive across the Bradfield Highway as thousands of commuters do each day.
Revered as the cultural heart of Brisbane and a recreational heartland in the city South Bank is another noteworthy landmark in the city. As a former meeting ground for the aboriginal communities known as the Yuggera and Turrbal people the picturesque quarters of South Bank also serves as the main settlement regions for Europeans between the 1840's and 1890's. Having hosted the World Expo 88 the area was later transformed in to a leisure space for the masses. Lined with trendy boutiques, cafes and chic restaurants the South Bank area welcomes a whopping 11 million visitors annually. Home to beaches, lagoons, quirky bars and picnic hubs South Bank is a must-experience highlight for all tourists vacationing in Brisbane.
Located down Vulture Street in Brisbane's Woolloongabba region The Gabba just maybe the most coveted cricketing ground in the country after the Melbourne Cricket Ground or MCG. Larger than life and towering above the surrounding area The Gabba has hosted some of the most iconic cricket matches in history with literally hundreds of cricketing tournaments taking place within its mammoth confines. As Brisbane's most popular cricket ground guided tours of the Gabba are available to visitors and cricket fans vacationing in Brisbane. Those visiting during tournament season will be lucky enough to catch a game between the Queensland Bulls cricket team and visiting teams or enjoy a game of footie with the Brisbane Lions taking to the field.
A well-regarded landmark in Brisbane's inner city area the Roma Street Parkland is no ordinary leisure park in the city. Having opened its doors to the public in April of 2001 the Roma Street Parkland occupies an area of the Brisbane with an equally illustrious history and legacy. Having been an aboriginal meeting point and ceremonial grounds for centuries the area is one of the most verdant regions in Brisbane with subtropical plants and trees occupying the park. A popular picnic and barbeque hotspot the family friendly park is the best place in the city to enjoy a day out with friends as well. Home to a restaurant and a water fountain the park also offers train rides for young children.
Revered as the proud home and headquarter off the Queensland Reds, the Kangaroos, the Brisbane Broncos and the Socceroos Suncorp Stadium also holds the distinct honour of being the country's foremost rectangular sporting stadium. Also known as Lang Park the venue refurbished at a cost of $280 million is one of the city's prominent sporting arenas. Visitors based in Port Douglas resorts such as the Oaks Lexicon Apartments will have easy access to the stadium due to the aparthotel's strategic location.
