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Brisbane

Brisbane is the capital and largest city of Queensland, Australia, and the third-most populous city in the country.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Brisbane is the capital and largest city of Queensland, Australia, and the third-most populous city in the country. It is located on the Brisbane River in South East Queensland and is also known by the traditional name Meanjin. The wider metropolitan area had a population of about 2.8 million, according to commonly cited 2024 estimates.

Geography

Brisbane is built along the Brisbane River in south-eastern Queensland, with the city centre located inland from Moreton Bay. Its metropolitan area forms the core of the South East Queensland urban region.

History

Brisbane developed from a colonial settlement in the early 19th century and later became the capital of Queensland. The area was originally home to the Turrbal and Yuggera peoples, and the traditional name Meanjin is still used today.

Population and governance

Brisbane is Australia’s third-most populous city and the principal city of Queensland. Its local government area is administered by the Brisbane City Council.

Economy and role

Brisbane functions as a major administrative, commercial, and transport centre for Queensland. It also serves as a key hub for the wider South East Queensland region.

Key facts

  • Brisbane is the capital city of Queensland and one of Australia’s major urban centres.
  • It is situated on the Brisbane River, near Moreton Bay.
  • The city is commonly identified as the third-largest in Australia by population.
  • Meanjin is the traditional name used for Brisbane.
  • Brisbane lies at the centre of the South East Queensland region.
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Canadian context

Brisbane is a major Pacific city relevant to Canadian readers through tourism, education, business ties, and its role as host city for the 2032 Summer Olympics, which will draw international attention.

Frequently asked questions

What is Brisbane?
Brisbane is the capital and largest city of Queensland, Australia.
What is Brisbane’s traditional name?
Brisbane’s traditional name is Meanjin.
How large is Brisbane?
Commonly cited 2024 estimates place Brisbane’s metropolitan population at about 2.8 million.
Is Brisbane the biggest city in Australia?
No. Brisbane is usually described as Australia’s third-most populous city, behind Sydney and Melbourne.
Where is Brisbane located?
It is in South East Queensland, along the Brisbane River, near Moreton Bay.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brisbane
    Supports: Capital and largest city of Queensland, third-most populous city in Australia, traditional name Meanjin, and approximate metropolitan population.
  2. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/place/Brisbane
    Supports: Brisbane as capital of Queensland, its location on the Brisbane River, and its status as Australia's third-largest city.
  3. Tourism Australia — https://www.australia.com/en-us/places/brisbane-and-surrounds/guide-to-brisbane.html
    Supports: Traditional name Meanjin and Indigenous association with Turrbal and Yuggera peoples.
  4. DIY — https://www.diy.org/article/brisbane
    Supports: Brisbane’s metropolitan population estimate, South East Queensland location, and 2032 Summer Olympics hosting.
  5. Wikipedia mirror — https://www.wikiwand.com/en/articles/City_of_Brisbane
    Supports: City of Brisbane local government area and Brisbane City Council governance.