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:

May 2012, June 2012 , July 2012, August 2012 , September 2012, October 2012 , November 2012 , December 2012 and January 2013

What's on in Brisbane this week until Sunday 20th May 2012:

Noosa Food and Wine Festival 2011 Thursday 17th May 2012 to Sunday 20th May 2012. One hour north of Brisbane on the Sunshine Coast

15^th Spanish Film Festival 2012 Friday 18th May 2012 until Tuesday 29th May 2012

Timber & Working with Wood Exhibition 10am - 5pm Friday 18th May 2012 to Sunday 20th May 2012 at the RNA Showgrounds.

Powercruise Car Show 19th May 2012 at the Queensland raceway.

Brisbane Pool and Spa Show Saturday 19th May and Sunday 20th May 2012 at the RNA Showgrounds.

Panyiri Greek Festival Saturday 19th May 2012 and Sunday 20th May 2012 at Musgrave Park and the Greek Club Edmondstone St South Brisbane. Greek music, dancing and loads of tasty Greek cuisine.

Paddle & Prawns night every Friday night in March 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

Sporting Events in Brisbane this weekend

Australian Football League (AFL)

Brisbane Lions vs Greater Western Sydney Giants Sunday 20th May 2012 at the GABBA. Kick off at 1.10pm.

Super 15 Rugby Union Games in Brisbane May 2012

Queensland Reds vs Lions Saturday 19th May 2012 at Suncorp Stadium. Kick off at 7.40pm

Music concerts, theatre, comedy and entertainment in Brisbane in the next week until Sunday 20th May 2012

Ministry of Sound Electro House 10pm Friday 18th May 2012 at the Met. Tickets available from Moshtix.

Prince 8pm Friday 18th May 2012 and at the Brisbane Entertainment Centre. Tickets available from Ticketek.

Kawai Piano Series: Jayson Gillham Friday 18th May 2012 at the Ian Hanger Recital Hall Griffith University South Bank. Tickets sold by Qtix.

Josh Pyke 7.30pm Friday 18th May 2012 at the Tivoli. Tickets available from Ticketek.

Tim Ripper Owens (USA) 8pm Saturday 19th May 2012 at the Hi-Fi Brisbane. Tickets available from Moshtix.

Queensland Pop Orchestra: On Broadway Saturday 19th May 2012 at the Concert Hall QPAC. Tickets sold from QTIX.

Museum and Art Exhibitions in Brisbane this week

Mummy: Secrets of the Tomb ancient Egyptian Exhibition on display at the Queensland Museum South Bank until 19th August 2012

Giants of the Past museum exhibition displaying fossils from the Mesozoic era on display at Queensland Museum South Bank until 31st December 2012

Last updated 13th May 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.