Brisbane

Considering it began life as a dumping ground for the more wayward convicts who weren't welcome in New South Wales, Queensland's capital city has come a remarkably long way.

It's broken free from the shackles of its infamous heritage to become a cosmopolitan city in every sense, and its 1.6 million 'inmates' can only be described as a rather chic crowd.

Australia's third largest city is very much river-based and has the perfect sub-tropical climate to fully exploit the potential for outdoor living.

Queen Street Mall, with traffic-free, open air shopping, ranging from clothes stores to jewellery and chocolate outlets, is enough to wear out even ardent shopaholics, and its two stages offer free performances, providing respite if required.

The cultural hub of the city is the South Bank, with sprawling parkland, a riverfront promenade, market stalls, barbecue sites and a choice of more than thirty restaurants. It's also home to Australia's only man-made beach.

Nearby are the Botanic Gardens, the Queensland Art Gallery (which houses an impressive array of work by Australian and Aboriginal artists) and the Queensland Performing Arts Centre.

Like all notable cities Brisbane boasts its own Chinatown, with tea-houses, artworks and all the usual Far Eastern offerings.

A short distance from the centre, Mt Coot-tha offers a spectacular view of Brisbane, while Moreton Bay provides a beach-side haven for watersports enthusiasts.

The Valley is the pivotal after dark stomping ground with an array of restaurants, bars and clubs that adequately reflect the diversity of the city.

Brisbane is also widely regarded as Australia's most haunted city. City Hall, where paranormal activity is reportedly at its busiest, offers ghost fans the chance to get into the spirit of things.

And for the rare visitor who isn't enamored to modern-day Brisbane, a day trip to St Helena Island, the redundant colonial prison formerly known as the 'hell-hole of the Pacific', provides a startling insight into the city's sinister past.