Brisbane 's recorded history dates from 1799 , when Matthew Flinders explored Moreton Bay on an expedition from Port Jackson , although the region had long been occupied by the Jagera and Turrbal aboriginal tribes . The town was conceived initially as a penal colony for British convicts sent from Sydney . Its suitability for fishing , farming , timbering , and other occupations , however , caused it to be opened to free settlement in 1838 . The town became a municipality in 1859 and a consolidated metropolitan area in 1924 . Brisbane encountered major flooding disasters in 1893 , 1974 and 2011 . Significant numbers of US troops were stationed in Brisbane during World War II . The city hosted the 1982 Commonwealth Games , World Expo 88 , and the 2014 G20 Brisbane summit
2014 G20 Brisbane summit
2014 G20 Brisbane summit
History of Brisbane