Brisbane Museums and Galleries

The Queensland Cultural Centre at Brisbane's South Bank Precinct is home to the Queensland Art Gallery, one of Australia's most prominent galleries. In addition to its extensive collection of Australian, Aboriginal, European and Asian art works, the gallery has developed a reputation for exhibitions of major Australian artists (such as Lloyd Rees and Arthur Streeton) and international exhibitions including Van Gogh, Renior, Lautrec, Matisse and works from the Musee D'Orsay.

The adjacent Queensland Museum brings together a fascinating collection of natural history exhibits with folk history of our indigenous and European settlers. From the call of the humpback whales suspended near the entrance to pioneering aviator Bert Hinkler's plane. Queensland Museum promises both education and entertainment. Also worth exploring is the Queensland State Library at the western end of the Cultural Centre. The reading rooms, with panoramic city views, are filled with books, journals, newspapers and CD's. Access to the National Film Archive and internet links to international data bases are also available. The John Oxley Library is a treasure trove of Queensland history.

Art lovers can explore the delightful gallery at the stately customs House with its changing exhibitions of mostly Queensland artists as well as permanent ceramic displays. The City Hall Gallery has two floors for contemporary exhibitions in a variety of mediums.

The established, inner suburbs of Brisbane city are home to a flourishing art community, particularly New Farm, Newstead and Fortitude Valley. The Art Circuit links 17 small galleries covering a broad spectrum of art including sculpture, painting and Aboriginal art, on a Brisbane Transport bus route through the district. For details contact TransInfo on 13 12 30. Also worth exploring are the suburbs of Paddington, Milton, Red Hill and Spring Hill for more interesting small galleries and studios.