Although Queensland has some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, Brisbane missed out on these. The coastline of Brisbane is made up of marshland. To find beautiful beaches, from Brisbane you can go south to the Gold Coast (around 45 minutes) or north to the Sunshine coast (around 1 hour).

Brisbane City CBD

What to do in Brisbane

See What's on in Brisbane:

January 2012, February 2012 , March 2012, April 2012, May 2012, June 2012 , July 2012, August 2012 , September 2012, October 2012 and November 2012

What's on in Brisbane this week until Sunday 29th January 2012:

Paddle & Prawns night every Friday night in January 2012. Paddle & BBQ every Saturday night in January. Come join the fun on the Brisbane River at night, starting off with a fully instructed kayak and 1.5 hours on the water. Then come back to fresh prawns or BBQ made by our chef and drinks. It’s a wonderful way to see the city from a completely unique perspective. Come alone or come as a group, and it’s a very romantic date night. Leaving from Kangaroo Point. For more details check out www.riverlife.com.au

Moonlight Cinema recent release and classic movies starting January 2012. Watch movies under the stars at New Farm Park at Brisbane Powerhouse.

Australia Day Celebrations 2012 Kings Beach Caloundra. 10am - 9.30pm Thursday 26th January 2012.

Australia Day Cockroach Races at the Story Bridge Hotel Thursday 26th January 2012

St Jerome's Laneway Festival Saturday 28th January 2012 at Alexandria Street Fortitude Valley. New and revered seminal music.

Sporting Events in Brisbane January 2012

A-League Football (Soccer) in Brisbane January 2012 at Suncorp Stadium:

Brisbane Roar FC vs Newcastle Jets FC Saturday 28th January 2012 at Suncorp Stadium. Kick off at 6.45pm.

Music concerts, theatre, comedy and entertainment in Brisbane in the next week until Sunday 29th January 2012

Lloyd 7.30pm Wednesday 25th January 2012 at the Arena. Tickets available from Ticketek.

Ali Campbell's UB40 & Special Guests 5pm Thursday 26th January 2011 at the Riverstage Brisbane. Tickets available from Ticketmaster.

Heath Franklin in Chopper's 'Big F**ken Australia Day Weekend comedy 8pm Thursday 26th January 2012, Friday 27th January 2012 and Saturday 28th January 2012 at the Sit Down Comedy Club

Morning of the Earth in Concert Friday 27th January 2012 at the QPAC. Tickets available from Qtix.

The New Breed Strikes Back 7.30pm Friday 27th January 2012 at The Hi Fi. Tickets available from Moshtix.

An Unforgettable Evening - Natalie Cole Saturday 28th January 2012 at QPAC. Tickets available from Qtix.

Tim Minchin Versus the Orchestra Round II comedy Saturday 28th January 2012 at the Brisbane Entertainment Centre. Tickets available from Ticketek.

Last updated 22nd January 2012

Top 10 things to do in Brisbane Australia

1. Sporting events - Gabba - cricket or AFL matches and Suncorp Stadium for Rugby League and Rugby Union matches.

2. Lunch or dinner at various restaurants over looking Brisbane River at Southbank or at Eagle Street Pier.

3. Nightlife at Fortitude Valley, only 1km away from the Brisbane city centre there are plenty of bars, nightclubs, restaurants and late night cafes within The Valley. Brisbane's Chinatown is also located here so lots of good Yum Cha Restaurants during the day and Chinese cuisine late into the night.

4. Botanical gardens have some great horticultural display and open park lands right in the Brisbane city centre.

5. Take a lunch or dinner cruise along the Brisbane River on one on the old paddle wheel boats run by Kookaburra Cruises. Depart 12.15pm for lunch and 7.30pm for dinner. Bookings call (07) 3221 1300.

Kookaburra River Queen Brisbane River

6. Horse Racing at Eagle Farm or Gabba.

7. Golf - there are a number of good golf courses around Brisbane including Victoria Park Golf Complex just 2kms from Brisbane city centre.

8. Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary is located 11km from the Brisbane city centre. On display are a number of native animals from Australia including Koala Bears, Kangaroos, possums, native birs including colourful lorikeets and birds of prey.

9. Brisbane Treasury Casino located right in the centre of Brisbane on the banks of Brisbane River. A spectacular building with great entertainment, restaurants and bars inside.

10. Brisbane Lookout is located 10 minutes from the city centre in the natural bushlands of Mt Coot-tha Forest Park. With panoramic views over Brisbane city. Have lunch or dinner at the Summit Restaurant or a casual meal or coffee at the Kuta Cafe and Gift Shop.