Australia’s third-largest city isn’t just the sunny gateway to the Gold and Sunshine coasts, it’s a fast-evolving capital of investment, culture and innovation. Brisbane ranks second in the world for Air Quality, and its subtropical lifestyle (aided by a #4 ranking for Weather) continues to draw new residents. But what’s happening along the riverbanks today points to a more ambitious tomorrow. The $3.6-billion Queen’s Wharf Brisbane development began phased openings in late 2024, aiming to make the city an entertainment, hospitality and tourism powerhouse. South Bank’s new 1,500- seat Glasshouse Theatre, opening in 2026, will add cultural muscle to an arts precinct already buzzing with the Queensland Gallery of Modern Art and festivals, including the beloved International Cake Show Australia.
Yet Brisbane is as smart as it is fun, with a #27 University ranking led by UQ, which racks up recognition for both teaching and research. Major infrastructure like the Cross River Rail, now slated for completion in 2029, will double peak capacity through the CBD; airport upgrades are preparing for passenger surges leading into the 2032 Olympic Games, and are designed to benefit all of Queensland. With residential towers under construction in Fortitude Valley and West End, demand remains strong, though moderated by higher interest rates, with median apartment prices up over 10% year on year in mid-2025.