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   with option dolphin feeding

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    Tour


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» Fraser Island
   3-day tour

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5-day tour
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   Reef 3-day tour

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   Reef 5-day tour

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   Park 2-day tour


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» Cunamulla 9 days
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   Wildlife experience

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   Hop on, Hop Off pass

Brisbane River
The botanical gardens and the central business district, with its towering buildings, make for a spectacular backdrop for yachts moored in the Brisbane River. Photo: BCEC - Wikimedia Commons

Brisbane River is heart of city

THE Brisbane River is perhaps the heart and soul of the city.
   Commercially, the centre of Brisbane is the point where the river splits the City of Brisbane and Fortitude Valley on the northern side and South Brisbane and Kangaroo Point on the southern side.
   It is at this point on the northern side of the river that the central business district has grown. And, it is within these four suburbs that many of Brisbane's great attractions lie.
   The attractions are both natural and man-made. Natural splendour is reflected in the way in which the river, flanked by high cliffs, winds its way through Kangaroo Point and then out through New farm and Bulimba.
   Man-made attractions are many. In the City of Brisbane, beside the river, there are the Brisbane Botanical Gardens, Riverside Centre and historic buildings of interest.
   Further east, in Fortitude Valley, there are cafes and restaurants, a popular mall area, nightclubs, Chinatown and weekly markets.
   Across the river on the southern side is South Bank, built initially for World Expo 88 but then redeveloped as a tourism precinct. It offers visitors a man-made beach and swimming area plus a host of restaurants, cafes and entertainment facilities.
   Further on, in Kangaroo Point, there is the Kangaroo Point Park and cafe - perched on cliff tops offering spectacular views of the river and towering CBD buildings opposite.
   A ferry network links all these points to other points along the river. The Brisbane City Council operates a fleet of 21 CityCats and nine monohull ferries across a network of 25 terminals stretching from The University of Queensland at St Lucia in the west to Northshore Hamilton

CityCat on Brisbane River
A CityCat ferry, seen from the cliffs near Kangaroo Point Park, glides past the Brisbane Botanical Gardens. Photos above and below: Brisbane.com.au
A majestic paddle boat is available for cruises on the river.
Paddle boat rides on the Brisbane River.

CHANGING BRISBANE SKYLINE
Brisbane River at night
2008: This picture shows the city skyline before the construction of the 81-storey high Infinity building, 71-storey Soleil building and the One One One Eagle Street. The Riverside Centre building is in the centre with the Riparian Plaza building on the left. Photo: Brisbane.com.au
Brisbane skyline 2011
2011: The Infinity and Soleil buildings have yet to go up. Photo: Lachlan Fearnley - Wikimedia Commons
Brisbane_skyline_2013
2013: More buildings can be seen in the CBD cluster.


in the east. River cruises are one of the most popular attractions for tourists.
   An annual highlight in Brisbane is Riverfire, a mind-blowing night of fireworks on the river that happens on the final night of the three-week-long Brisbane Festival, held in September.