What springs to mind when you think of Brisbane? Endless sunshine, a chilled out lifestyle and Oktoberfest? You heard right – each year, the Queensland capital hosts its own answer to the classic German folk (and beer) festival, so read on to find out more.
Suspended in permanent summer, Brisbane’s 243 days of sunshine each year are enough to make anyone jealous. Sandwiched between the Sunshine Coast and the Gold Coast, Brisbane even boasts a winter temperature that rarely falls below 17 degrees centigrade. The city, located on the Brisbane River – which hit the headlines for all the wrong reasons at the beginning of this year when serious floods hit – is well known for its proximity to some of Australia’s most popular coastlines and the Great Barrier Reef.
Brisbane embodies much of Australia’s appeal – the subtropical metropolis lays on a relaxed yet buzzing lifestyle for its 2 million chilled-out occupants, who adore its lush botanical gardens, art galleries, cafe culture and dining scene. Queen Street Mall is Queensland’s largest retail precinct, boasting more than 700 specialty shops, restaurant, cinemas and live music venues. Sporty types are often to be found pounding some of the city’s many woodland tracks which wind around the central business district.
It’s not just holidaymakers and those looking to start a new life down under that flock to Brisbane – a survey revealed that more Australians would opt to live and work in Brisbane than anywhere else in the country if they had the option.
As for its annual Oktoberfest – Brisbane promises Queensland’s ‘biggest and most authentic Oktoberfest.’ To be held this year from the 7 to 9 October and the 14 to 16 October at Brisbane’s RNA showgrounds, the 2011 event marks the 201st anniversary of the original Munich Oktoberfest.
The Brisbane event aims to celebrate both German and Australian culture, with a mix of local and German beers and foods. You’ll even be able to try your hand at yodelling. Bring it on.
If you are bringing the kids along, head over to the Oktoberfest tent, which has become a fabulous family favourite. Alongside singing and dancing to the Munich Oompah band, yodellers and cow bell ringers, you can also check out the Bavarian Strongman competition and the Miss Oktoberfest competitions. Nibble on a traditional German bratwurst (hot sausage) or a tasty pretzel whilst you’re lurking with in(tent).
Pick up tickets to Brisbane’s Oktoberfest from £10 and read more about Australia’s answer to the world’s best beer festival at www.oktoberfestbrisbane.com.au.
Read more about Brisbane as a place to visit at www.visitBrisbane.com.au, where you can pick up a whole host of handy tips on which attractions to visit, where to eat, where to shop and much, much more.
(Image: LenDog64)
