Brisbane is a lively, cosmopolitan city with excellent restaurants, beautiful riverside parks, a busy cultural calendar and a great nightlife. Its fantastic weather year-round has allowed outdoor activities to thrive and develop a vibrant café culture.
The city is surrounded by some of the state’s major tourist attractions, and there is an abundant choice of daytrips whether it be to the coast for the golden beaches, or inland for some of Queensland’s serene bushland, there is something for everybody.
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The City
The capital of the “Sunshine State,” Brisbane, could very well be the world’s most laidback city: its residents are friendly and optimistic in a way rarely seen in big city life. But with such a fantastic lifestyle, who can blame them for smiling?
Brisbane has a world of experience to offer, from the hustle and bustle of the Central Business District (CBD), you can escape to the creative ambiance of the contemporary arts centre - The Brisbane Powerhouse in New Farm. Perhaps you’d prefer dinner with sights of the city at South Bank? Afterwards, if you’d like a stiff drink, head towards the trendy bars of Fortitude Valley and West End.
If you don’t dance the night away, you might be up early enough to watch the sun rise as you kayak on the Brisbane River. Or perhaps you’d prefer relaxing at Australia’s only inner city beach at South Bank. If you still have the energy, you can try rock climbing and take in the views of the Story Bridge and the city skyline from the Kangaroo Point Cliffs.
When you’re ready to relax, head down to Woolloongabba to enjoy some of the spectator sports that Queensland is famed for!
Do & See
If you don’t dance the night away, you might be up early enough to watch the sun rise as you kayak on the Brisbane River. Or perhaps you’d prefer relaxing at Australia’s only inner city beach at South Bank.
Tangalooma Island Resort
Underwater World and Dolphin Lagoon
Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary
Australia Zoo
Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary
Lamington National Park
The Gabba
Roma Street Parkland
Moreton Bay Escapes
Story Bridge Adventure Climb
Gallery Of Modern Art
Mount Coot-tha
The Brisbane Botanical Gardens
South Bank Parklands
XXXX Brewery Tour
Springbrook and Tamborine Rainforest Tour
Dining
One of the many highlights of any visit to Brisbane is experiencing the epicurean delights of the city’s different neighbourhoods. Brisbane is immeasurably proud of its reputation for fine dining, and within a ten minute radius of the town centre you can choose between the kitchens of European, Mediterranean, Asian or contemporary Australian restaurants.
Cru Bar
Julius Pizzeria
Cha Cha Char Wine Bar & Grill
Urbane Restaurant
Malt
Moda
Montrachet
Cafes
In Brisbane you will have many options of enjoying a great cup of coffee in the sun along with a sweet treat.
The Gun Shop Café
Marchetti Cafe
Scout Cafe
Bar Merlo
Sassafras
Bars & Nightlife
Brisbane is scattered with great pubs, you’ll realise this the moment you learn that most of the “hotels” which you see are actually drinking establishments. Beers are served in pots, schooners, pints and jugs and the beer taps in many bars will be specially chilled, causing the condensation to freeze on the outside. Most hotels are open 10.30 am - 3am, and the traditional “Sunday Session” runs from 11am to midnight.
Norman Hotel
The Beat Megaclub
Story Bridge Hotel
Breakfast Creek Hotel
Buffalo Bar
Lychee Lounge
Jade Buddha
The Bowery
Embassy Craft Beer Bar
Vue Lounge
Laruche
Shopping
Brisbane offers good shopping in fact there are more than 1000 stores, four vibrant precincts and the state’s largest collection of flagship stores. The city also boasts an array of hidden gems around every corner, from minor and fashion-forward stores to stylish arcades and luxury retailers. You will definitely find what you are looking for whether it is a famous international brand or a local designer brand.
The Queen Street Mall
QueensPlaza
Local Designers
Fortitude Valley
South Bank Lifestyle Markets
Farmers Markets
Brookside Shopping Centre
Woolloongabba Antique Centre
Le Creuset
The Vintage Watch Co.
The Myer Centre
Avid Reader Bookshop & Cafe
Essential Information
Passport/Visa
Unless you are a New Zealand citizen granted visa exemption on arrival (in most cases), you will need to obtain a visa prior to visiting Australia. Citizens of all European Union countries, as well as Andorra, Norway, Iceland, San Marino, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Monaco, and Vatican City are eligible for an eVisitor visa, which can be applied for online. For citizens of the United States, Canada, Japan, Hong Kong, Singapore, Brunei, South Korea and Malaysia, the Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) entry permit is available, which can be applied for online and grants holders the right to enter Australia an ulimited amount of times for stays of no longer than 3 months per visit.
Citizens of all other world countries (with the exception of Somalia) are also able to apply for a visitor visa online. For more information, visit the official website of the Australian government's department of home affairs: https://www.homeaffairs.gov.au/lega/lega/form/immi-faqs/what-visa-do-i-need-to-visit-australia
Best Time To Visit
Since March to May are the autumn months in Australia, it is best to visit Brisbane during that time. You will avoid holiday crowds while still being able to enjoy the warm weather and a low chance of rain. Temperatures will generally be around 24 °C.
Airport
Brisbane Airport is located 13 km from the city centre (app. 15-20 min drive). Trains run every 30 minutes between 6 am and 8 pm. The journey takes 20 minutes and pre-booking is available.
Address: Airport Drive, Brisbane
Phone: +61 7 3406 3000
Website: www.bne.com.au
Public Transport
A free bus service runs around the City (CBD). Tickets for the TransLink network can be bought from vending machines. Weekly tickets are valid throughout South East Queensland. Buses are low floor, and Citytrain offer assistance with wheelchairs.
Phone: +61 13 12 30
Website: www.translink.com.au
Pharmacy
There are multiple Pharmacies and Chemists located in the immediate city centre as well as outside of Brisbane.
Chemist Warehouse Brisbane
103 Edward St, Brisbane
+61 7 3220 2041
chemistwarehouse.com.au
Priceline Pharmacy Anzac Square
202 Adelaide Street, Brisbane
+61 7 3221 1541
priceline.com.au
Direct Chemist Outlet Brisbane Airport
Skygate Shop 13 The Village Markets 1-5 The Circuit, Brisbane
+61 7 3123 9255
directchemistoutlet.com.au
Post
There are several Australia Post offices located all over the town, where stamps can be bought, and where mail and packages can be sent from.
Address: 261 Queen Street, Brisbane
Phone: +61 13 13 18
Taxi
Rates vary with the actual locations, traffic conditions, time of day and the route chosen. Save on fares by sharing a Maxi-taxi from special ranks in the CBD and in the Valley. Wheelchair accessible taxis are available. At night secure ranks operate in the CBD, the Valley and Caxton Street.
Black & White Cabs: +61 13 32 22
Yellow Cabs: +61 13 19 24
Telephone
Country code: +61
Area code Queensland: 07
Electricity
240 Volts / 50 Hz