Holiday makers for whom Brisbane is just a transit point for the beaches of the Gold Coast are missing out on a lot. For Brisbane is a friendly, relaxed capital with reams of things to see and do that make it well worth a few days of your holiday time. Much of the city's leisure facilities are in the relatively new Southbank area south of the river.

The Southbank development transformed the Brisbane River area and added a whole new dimension to the city. The sleazy riverside area formerly known as South Brisbane received a massive makeover for the 1988 World Expo. The Expo really put Brisbane on the map and imbued it with a cosmopolitan sophistication that was formerly lacking.

As a result, South Brisbane was born again as the clean, green zone of Southbank. Southbank consists of an artificial beach and lagoon amid parklands and a riverfront promenade for taking the air, jogging and rollerblading. The extensive beach area features lifeguards.

Southbank's parklands extend about one kilometre along the south bank of the Brisbane River offering a fresh and leafy environment with scenic views of the city skyline across the river. Strolling through these wooded areas you would never imagine these parklands were anything other than ancient.

Southbank is a great place for a picnic or a BBQ and the space of 120 hectares means you can always find a secluded spot. If you don't want to bring your own food, there are over 30 restaurants, cafes and takeaways to choose from.

Most of the buildings put up for the Expo were removed. Now all that remains are some utility buildings a refurbished pub, and a unique 2-story pagoda donated by the Nepalese people. West of the pagoda is the Performing Arts Centre and the Queensland Museum and Art Gallery.

After strolling, sunbathing and picnicking, you can get a dose of Brisbane history at the Maritime Museum at the eastern boundary of Southbank, near Goodwill Bridge. Exhibits include the old Frigate HMAS Diamantina dating from 1945, ship models, ship engines, details of shipwrecks and lighthouses. The old steam-powered tug Forceful offers tours up and down the river on certain days.

Another popular pull at Southbank are the open air markets on Friday nights, Saturdays and Sundays. Southbank is also home to the Queensland Art Gallery, Queensland Performing Arts Centre, Opera Queensland, Queensland Theatre Company, Queensland Museum, and the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre.

So the next time you’re in Queensland visit Brisbane and make sure you get to Southbank. It's a great area and you may well find yourself extending your stay at one of the many excellent Brisbane city hotels.