Brisbane is the third largest city in Australia with 1.75 million inhabitants. It experienced a growth spurt in the 80’s, making it the lively and cosmopolitan city that it is today. Its cultural calendar is always rich and varied, and live music is popular in the numerous bars and cafés. Brisbane is an ideal departure point for over a hundred trips to destinations such as Surfers Paradise, Fraser Island and Byron Bay. The climate, fine almost all year round, and the recent blossoming of the city make it one of the most pleasant destinations for studying English.