Brisbane

Poinsettia - Floral Emblem of Brisbane

Since 2 December 1823, when John Oxley's cutter entered the river under orders from His Excellency, Governor Brisbane, a settlement was established and from these quiet beginnings, Brisbane, capital city of Queensland, was born.

With a high standard of living, and now a city of international renown, the population quickly grew to over one million. Climate and natural beauty blend harmoniously to cater for the needs of the modern day traveller.

Brisbane, the site for World Expo 88, heart of Australia's Bicentennial celebrations, was the focal point for the many nations exhibiting under the special theme "Leisure in the Age of Technology."

We now invite you to share this once-in-a-lifetime event to this "Land Down Under". We welcome you to this "coming of age" of the City of Brisbane - the proud Host City.

From 31st March until 30th September 1988 eighteen million visitors relished the continuous welcoming atmosphere of the multicultural displays, culture, food, entertainment, friendliness and kinship which incubated and grew - expanding into the holiday of a lifetime.

For your share of this famous era, sit back and enjoy! I worked in the Expo88 Aviary during these six months, preparing the birds and their surrounds from 5-9 am each day, - along with other volunteers and staff from the famous Currumbin Bird Sanctuary, of the neighbouring Gold Coast City.

Famous Sunsails - a feature of Expo88 and Sky Needle (Laser Display) Sunsails These huge sails covering three large areas - were an attraction in themselves - at night they became a twinkling fairyland of light... Not only a protection from the warm and sultry days, they formed a cover for sudden rain outbursts. They protected the large open-air aviary, they became gathering places for friends. Here you could settle in a cosy corner, enjoy a tempting dish of delicious tropical fruit salad and nuts, whilst waiting for the next event. Street buskers, top world class, continued to attract the ever increasing crowds who waiting for the opening time each day.

Some of the volunteer Host Guides - a friendly bunch! Volunteer Host Guides. These were an attraction themselves - always cheerful, these volunteer guides were always on hand - they knew every corner and recess of the 98 acres of parkland, and always ready to lend a hand.

Expo OZ and his mates... Expo OZ The Expo icon, this jovial fellow appeared everywhere - he was the spirit of Expo. Great friendships world wide were formed here, and attendances soared. Huge queues were accepted as normal, it was all fun and friendship. International varieties of food, queues here too, this was indeed a great point in the history of Brisbane - together we showed the world!!!

Passport to fun, history, culture, memories... Passport This was a parting gift, every where you went - each pavilion your passport would receive this courtesy stamp. Lots had them full. Visitors came again and again, this spirit of adventure and mateship pervading the whole parkland... Join the Spirit...

Australia says Adieu... come again... thank you all !!! ...

1997 - Design by "The City" and Rebecca Bell