Brisbane's Moreton Bay region was first home to the Indigenous peoples of the Jagera clan who lived south of the river, and the Turrba clan who lived to the north of the river. They spoke the Yaggera language. These peoples called the area 'Mian-jin', which in English loosely translates as 'place shaped like a spike'. They had established several campsites including Woolloongabba, Toowong, Bowen Hills, Newstead, Nundah and Nudgee. A network of pathways gave them access to different regions including pockets of rainforest and scrub, and coastal lowlands with swamps and lagoons.  

In 1823 John Oxley, the Surveyor-General for New South Wales, discovered the river which was later that same year named Brisbane River in honour of Sir Thomas Brisbane, the Governor of New South Wales. In 1824 a settlement was established. Owing to increasing escapes by convicts, in 1825 the Moreton Bay penal colony moved from Redcliffe to North Quay. When the forced emigration of convicts to Australia stopped in 1842, the abundance of natural resources in the Brisbane area enticed free settlers in their thousands to settle here.

By 1859, Brisbane was recognised as the capital city of the self-governing colony of Queensland, reknown for its booming river and maritime trade and industry. Many of Brisbane's buildings and suburbs were built in the 1880's as Brisbane's population continued to grow.

After Federation in 1901, Brisbane became one of the fastest growing cities in Australia, even to this day. Leaving behind it's convict past, Brisbane continues to develop into a modern river city. The sub-tropical climate combined with a rich cultural heritage makes Brisbane a city with a relaxed outdoor lifestyle that can be enjoyed all year round. This cultural heritage can be discovered by car, foot or ferry as transport is easily accessible, including trains and buses allowing visitors and locals alike to visit the many restaurants, cafes, tourist parks and other places of interest.

So with all that this river city has to offer, welcome and discover Brisbane and the Koala Coast.