Brisbane
Brisbane is Australia’s third largest city and the capital of Queensland. The large city is located on the Brisbane River. Brisbane’s amazing year-round climate and close proximity to major tourist destinations in Queensland has helped make it a very popular destination for visitors.
Details
Before visiting any town or city make sure you know the basics. General details and important information.
- Emergency Services: Triple Zero (000)
- Language: English
- Currency: Australian Dollar
- Country Code: AU
- Travel Visa: Required – Click here for more info.
- Population: 2,400,000
Risk Level
Researching various official sources, we perceive the risk to holiday makers and travellers are as follows;
Travellers Tips
Top travel advice and interesting tip bits of information from experienced travellers.
Emergencies
For the Emergency services just dial 000 from any phone, for not so serious situations please dial +61 131 444.
Hospitals
Click on the hospitals to visit their website:
St Vincent’s Hospital Brisbane
Tourist Offices
Brisbane Visitor Information and Booking Centre
South Bank Visitor Centre
Brisbane Domestic Airport Visitor Information Centre
Brisbane International Airport Visitor Information Centre
Wynnum Manly Tourism & Visitor Information Centre
Travelling Around
Brisbane prides itself on being green and sustainable, so it is no surprise that the public transport system is one of the best ways to get around the city. With a TransLink Go card you can travel seamlessly on all TransLink bus, ferry and rail services across south-east Queensland.
Airports
Brisbane Airport is the primary international airport serving Brisbane and South East Queensland. Click on the text to visit their website:
Train Stations
It is the principal station on the City network and is located in the Brisbane central business district.
Roma Street Railway Station
Brisbane Safety
What are some good Safety tips to know?
- Be alert at all times and be aware of your surroundings. Take the usual safety precautions so you do not become a targets for pickpockets. Don’t put your wallet or mobile phone in your back pocket. Put any valuables items in a dark colour shopping bag when going out to avoid attention.
- Biting midges are somewhat common in Brisbane, particularly in the western suburbs close to the river. Midge bites can cause itching and may result in sores if scratched. You should consult a doctor if you suffer from sores or a bad reaction from a bite. In order to avoid being bitten, wear light coloured clothing with long sleeves and trousers, particularly when outside during the early morning, late afternoon and evening. You can also wear insect repellent spray and burn insect repellent candles when sitting outdoors. When indoors, midges can be deterred with fans, plug-in insect repellents, or by spraying window blinds with a repellent spray.
- During springtime, magpies nest around parks and gardens. They can be particularly territorial and reinforce their ownership of their nesting area by dive bombing intruders.
- Snakes can be found around the city during the summer, including venomous varieties such as the Eastern Brown Snake. The risk of being bitten by a snake is very low and fatal bites are extremely rare. However, if you do spot a snake, do not make any sudden movements, and try to move away very slowly. If you are bitten, call for help and apply a broad, firm bandage to the affected area and the entire limb. Immobilise the limb using a splint of some form. Most importantly, get to hospital as quickly as possible.
- When withdrawing cash from ATM try to go inside the bank. Beware of withdrawing cash from cash points on pedestrian walkways. Try to withdraw small sums and don’t flash your cash around even in the bank.
How do I keep up with the news?
Which areas should I avoid?
It is advisable for tourists to avoid the more disadvantaged suburbs of Woodridge, Beenleigh, Bracken Ridge, Acacia Ridge and other areas on the far outskirts of the city (15-20km from the centre).
Be careful at night on trains
Although newer trains are not divided into carriages, older trains have two doors between each carriage, meaning it would be impossible for anyone to hear you calling out if anything happens. You should therefore sit in the carriage adjacent to the driver.
What are the common crimes?
Pickpockets
Beware of pickpockets as they tend to operate in tourist areas, keep your belongings secure at all times and be careful if strangers try to make conversation or distract you as it could be an attempt to steal your valuables.
Credit Fraud
Credit card fraud, cloning cards can be an issue be careful where you use your cards. Also if you are withdrawing money from cash machines make sure you cover your pin and be discreet about the amount of cash you withdraw.
Improve Your Personal Safety
Knowledge – the more you have the better equipped you are.
Awareness – the more you see the safer you become.
Response – the right reaction can change a situation.
Annual Events
Annual events allow a city come together for some amazing experiences. If visiting at this time, make sure you have your accommodation booked and are always aware of your surroundings when travelling around.
Events
Brisbane International Tennis Tournament
The Brisbane International Tennis Tournament takes place in December to January each season at the Queensland State Tennis Centre in Tennyson. The tournament features the biggest stars in international tennis.
Brisbane Winter Racing Carnival
Brisbane Racing Club runs the Brisbane Winter Racing Carnival during May and June on an annual basis. This is a great day out whether you want to place a bet, admire the fashion or simply soak up the exciting atmosphere. The high stakes horse races are held at both the Eagle Farm and Doomben Racecourses in Brisbane.
Brisbane Marathon
Whatever your ability, the Brisbane Marathon has an event for you, ranging from the punishing full or half marathon, through to 10k, 2k and Kids Run events. The marathon is held annually in August. If you are visiting Brisbane on this date, allow extra time for travelling in and around the city as road closures may affect your plans.
Brisbane Boat Show
The Brisbane Boat Show is a fabulous nautical show, exhibiting recreational and leisure boats and marine accessories from Queensland and throughout Australia. It takes place over 4 days at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre
Brisbane International Film Festival
A must for film buffs, Brisbane International Film Festival is one of the most esteemed film festivals in Australia. Taking place over 11 days in November, it showcases international films of any genre in venues throughout Brisbane and Fortitude Valley.
Brisbane Highlights
Where can I see great exhibitions?
Queensland Museum offers a great variety of exhibitions concerning natural history, cultural heritage, science and human achievement. The Museum’s exhibitions and displays allow visitors to feel a real connection with Queensland by exploring its past, present and future. Visitors can also view touring exhibitions from Australia and around the world.
The Gallery of Modern Art is an art museum located in the South Bank precinct of Brisbane, Queensland, Australia. The gallery is part of the Queensland Cultural Centre.
Museum of Brisbane explores contemporary and historic Brisbane, Australia, and its people through a program of art and social history exhibitions, workshops, talks, tours and children’s activities.
Are there any great parks?
This picturesque park is located in the heart of the city and features colourful subtropical gardens and Celebration Lawn, a green oasis for picnicking, flying kites or simply relaxing.
This family-friendly parklands provides the ideal setting for a great day out. Take a bike ride alongside the river, wander round the gardens or sunbathe on the inner-city beach, before treating yourself to a meal out and some shopping – Southbank Parklands caters for every possibility!
Mt. Coot-tha is a natural recreation reserve which presents the perfect vantage point from which to view Brisbane and beyond. Visitors can enjoy a meal with stunning views at the Brisbane Lookout restaurant, or explore the Mt. Coot-tha Botanic Gardens, the Cosmic Planetarium, Herbarium and the many picnic, walking, cycle and horse tracks around the reserve.
What are the highlight attractions?
Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary
A trip to Australia would not be complete without meeting some koalas – not to mention kangaroos, Tasmanian Devils, wombats, dingoes and more, all of whom you can see at this wonderful zoo. With the opportunity to feed and cuddle many of the animals, this is a perfect experience for any animal lovers who want to get up close and personal with native Australian creatures.
Farmers Market
Held in the heart of the city in the Queen Street Mall, the Farmers Market attracts city dwellers and tourists alike due to the array of fresh, local produce on offer.
XXXX Brewery
If you love beer and want to learn more about Australia’s favourite tipple, why not visit the XXXX Brewery Ale House. Visitors can take a tour of the Ale House and, of course, sample the local favourite brew!
City Botanic Gardens
Located on the Brisbane River, the City Botanic Gardens boast a Bamboo Grove, ornamental ponds and sculptures. Events are held in the Gardens throughout the year, including outdoor concerts at the Riverstage venue.
Story Bridge
The view from Story Bridge is not to be missed! Climb atop the bridge to see the sparkling cityscape and the Brisbane River below, Moreton Bay to the east and the lush green hills of the Scenic Rim to the west.
Riverlife Adventure Centre
Whether you fancy cycling, rollerblading, rock climbing or abseiling, at Riverlife Adventure Centre you can try a range of outdoor activities in a scenic setting. You can also take a kayak or a ‘pumpabike’ out on the river – there is something for everyone. The centre caters to kids and adults from 8 years and up, providing expert guidance and instruction from beginner to intermediate level.
