Welcome to Brisbane Northern Suburbs

Stretching from the sparkling Brisbane River to the calm waters of Moreton Bay, the northern suburbs of Brisbane host some of the largest sporting and entertainment events in the city.

Both of Queensland's major horseracing venues, Eagle Farm and Doomben, are located in Brisbane's north, along with the massive entertainment and sporting venues, the Brisbane Entertainment Centre and Suncorp Stadium, which hold regular events including live music acts and National Rugby League matches.

The RNA Showgrounds at Bowen Hills host the annual Brisbane Exhibition - better known as the 'Ekka' - which features all the fun of a country fair plus food, fashion and entertainment, including the famous fireworks. The latest addition, proving very popular, is the Ekka Adventure Trail (EAT), a scavenger hunt-type exploration of the grounds that encourages you to build your own showbag.

From haute cuisine through to a traditional steak dinner in a historic pub, some of Brisbane's best dining is available in the northern suburbs. Explore the dining precincts of Racecourse Road at Hamilton, Albion, Nundah and Wilston. There are a wide range of diverse cuisines represented in suburban restaurant strips, and 24-hour dining and takeaway venues in Aspley.

For history buffs, the northern suburbs feature a number of significant areas including Sandgate, Herston, Windsor, Wooloowin, Lutwyche and Kedron. Visit the historic Newstead House, explore the manicured gardens and admire the colonial Georgian-style architecture. The Windsor and Districts Historical Society is housed in a heritage stone building and celebrates the area's history and foundation. The Society features a museum, war memorial, heritage listed town quarry and tramway substation.

The famous Alma Park Zoo at Dakabin is unique in that visitors are encouraged to touch and feed many of the animals, rather than just observe them through bars. The tropical surroundings and informal ambience of the zoo ensures a great family day out that is fun and educational.

The forest and reserves of north Brisbane are ideal for a day of birdwatching or bushwalking. The Banks Street Reserve at Alderley has a number of walking tracks, sporting fields and playgrounds. The Chermside Hills Reserve and Downfall Creek Bushland Centre follows the changing vegetation from the D'Aguilar ranges to the mangrove wetlands at Boondall.

Head further afield and discover the country charm of the Samford Valley and the spectacular waterways of the Pine Rivers shire, ideal for boating, fishing, sailing and kayaking. Those yearning to taste a uniquely Australian experience will love the Australian Woolshed, which offers an entertaining insight into life on an outback sheep station.