Brisbane, or Brisvegas as the locals affectionately call it, is a vibrant place blessed with good weather, friendly people and an optimism bigger cities often manage to quash.

One of the best ways to cruise around Brisbane is with the River City Cats. Seven days a week, it's a great way to take in Brisbane avoiding the traffic lights. Take a quick ride from the Brisbane Powerhouse to the South Bank or simply cruise up and down the river all the way from Bretts Wharf in inner-city Hamilton to Queensland University at St Lucia.

Alternatively, make a journey to downtown Brisbane and you'll realise how beautiful a city can be. You will find a unique combination of the old and new - where sandstone cathedrals blend seamlessly with steel and glass skyscrapers, modern architectural design is teamed with a healthy respect for tradition.

Down at street level a network of grassy parks, drooping palm trees and a river that snakes through the heart of town reflects the sub-tropical environment. Pristine, colourful, adventurous, inviting and open; these are all accurate descriptions of the heart of the city. And another thing you'll notice about Brisbane - the pace is just right.

As Queensland's capital, Brisbane has it all. Spend lazy afternoons ordering creamy cappuccinos and dozing by the river, step it up a notch by throwing yourself into any number of adventures, abseiling the cliffs at Kangaroo Point, climbing the Story Bridge or all kinds of water sports.

A Christmas Eve barbecue around the swimming pool;New Year's Day sunning at the beach. A change is as good as a holiday and Brisbane's subtropical climate certainly offers you that. The coolest months are July/August, with day temperatures around 21 Celsius (70F), nights around 10 Celsius (50F). The hottest season (January/February) has highs around 29 Celsius (84F) with evenings around 21 Celsius (70F), but be prepared for the intense humidity. Your luggage should be mainly light clothes, cool and casual.

No wonder Queenslanders market their state as Beautiful one day, Perfect the next!