Brisbane’s journey began in 1824 when the Moreton Bay penal settlement was established at Redcliffe for secondary offenders from the Sydney colony. In May 1825, the settlement moved to North Quay along the Brisbane River, named after Sir Thomas Brisbane, Governor of New South Wales. The city’s first free settlement was founded in 1838 at Zion Hill, Nundah, by German Lutherans. By 1859, Brisbane was officially chosen as the capital of the newly formed state of Queensland after its separation from New South Wales. During World War II, the city played a strategic role as the base for Allied command in the South West Pacific and the headquarters of General Douglas MacArthur of the U.S. Army.

Today, Brisbane is a global centre for research and innovation and a major transportation hub, with extensive rail, bus, and ferry networks, Brisbane Airport, and the Port of Brisbane—the nation’s third-busiest airport and seaport. Its multicultural population is reflected in the fact that over 36% of residents are foreign-born, contributing to the city’s reputation for diversity and high quality of life. Brisbane has a proud history of hosting international events, including the 1982 Commonwealth Games, World Expo 88, and the 2014 G20 summit, and is preparing to welcome the world again as host of the 2032 Summer Olympics.