I agree with phronima in that Brisbane is more of a tourist city. I know Fortitude Valley was a bit more trendy and may have a good underground music scene. The whole time I was there, I wanted to hear local jazz or blues, but never found a place. As for the literary scene, I haven’t a clue. I recommend your friend travel to Byron Bay for a good, relaxing time.

As phronima stated, i would highly reccomend www.ourbrisbane.com

If your friend is thinking about public transport(bus, train, ferry), www.transinfo.qld.gov.au/ is great for times, costs and i think it has some maps too.

Any business’s you want to find out about go to www.yellowpages.com.au/

For any good events on go to http://www.ourbrisbane.com/whatson/events/

The left hand menu has a section called ‘freebies’. Once here you can look at free concerts that are on, as well as arts, family, ‘always free’ and special events – eg: lectures.

I would reccomend the queensland museum (free entry). It is worth a visit. The artgallery is also free and good if art is your thing. Also a citycat (ferry) ride on the brisbane river would be a great experience for anyone. The wind rushing through your hair is really exhilarating. I higly reccomend it (less than 5 dollars).

You seem quite interested in the literary scene. Well i dont think brisbane has a very strong one. There are numberous bookstores around the place however that sell books and coffee. YOu can read whilst you drink. NOt sure about the coffee quality – i’ve never had one there.

http://www.bordersstores.com/stores/store_pg.jsp?storeID=501

Has the address for it. IT is in the middle of the city.

I’m not sure what else your into, but the brisbane botanical garden’s arnt bad. (ourbrisbane will have a map). They are right in the middle of brisbane. YOu can hire tandem/single bikes and go for a ride around the river. Its quite pleasant. There is also a cafe at the gardens and the queensland university of technology.

If you want to, you can do the story bridge adventure climb http://www.storybridgeadventureclimb.com.au/ I have never done this myself. The story bridge is minute compared to the sydney harbour bridge.

We also have the kangaroo point cliffs if you are into abseiling/rockclimbing.

ALso nearby at the goldcoast is movieworld, wet n wild, dreamworld and seaworld. They are theme parks. Just google them.

Hope that helps.

ps- if you are really into the music, byron bay is really great for DECENT live music in pubs and the like. Also not bad for the surf.

Hi! I’ve got to say, there’s a lot more to Brisbane than meets the eye – even for Brisbanites!

You will find an enormous Literary Scene in Brisbane: check out the Queensland Writers Centre – www.qwc.asn.au.

They host and co-ordinate loads of regular & oneoff events that are generally based in Brisbane, some of which are FREE. Their website also provides you with info & links to other literary organisations & events.

Also, as mentioned by evilamoeba, there are a number of good bookstores in Brisbane. In particular, Coaldrake’s – www.coaldrakes.com, Dymocks – www.dymocks.com.au and my fave, Mary Ryan’s – www.maryryan.com.au. All of these bookstores hold regular literary evenings, events – including workshops, author readings & signings. My favourite place to go on a Sunday afternoon is Park Road, Milton (5min from the city of Brisbane and where I also have an apartment. Here you will find the original Coaldrake’s & the best branch of Mary Ryan’s where you can also get a great coffee (merlo).

If you’re after poetry readings – there’s a number of places in and around Brisbane to go to – check out: www.en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Australian_literature and www.styluspoetryjournal.com.

West End and The Valley are great places to visit/hang out. The Valley has the Brunswick Street Market every Saturday – very bohemian and arty and the West End has a great cafe scene with some excellent book shops scattered amongst. Here you’ll find loads of notice boards in the cafes & shops advertising Poetry Readings and Literary events too.

Also, if you like the occasional Martini – you MUST go to the Lychee Lounge in Boundary Street at West End. The martinis are awesome (the best)and the atmosphere blends an odd yet evocative mix of deco and retro.

The suggested CityCat along Brisbane River is a must do as is the Botanical Gardens & Kangaroo Point Cliffs (walk from Southbank). The Qld Art Gallery is fabulous and a trip up to the top of City Hall is brilliant. Also make your way to Mt Coot-tha – spectacular views of Brisbane & beyond and close-by yet relaxing retreat from the city.

Visit the suburb of Paddington – typical Queensland architecture & great shops/cafes/art.

Also do a side-trip to Noosa & Eumundi if time allows.

There’s loads more on offer in and around Brisbane, so don’t be fooled by those who ‘pass through’or those of us who live there but like so many of us in our home towns, don’t explore…

J