ABOUT BRISBANE

Brisbane is the capital city of Queensland, also known as the sunshine state. It is the largest of the six capital cities of Australia and the third most populous one. The city of Brisbane is centred along and named after the Brisbane river, which in turn was named after Thomas Brisbane, who was the Governor of NSW at the time of its discovery.

Now Brisbane is one of the fastest-growing city in Australia in terms of population and employment which makes the city one of the most vibrant and culturally diverse one.

WEATHER

Brisbane has a subtropical weather, boasting 300 days of sunshine yearly (it’s called the sunshine state for a reason!), the temperature ranges from long term average high of 26 – 27degrees to lowest of around 16 degrees. During the hotter months (December – January), the highest temperature can reach up to 40 degrees, but it does not reach heatwave conditions. With this warm and clear weather, this city is perfect for outdoor activities.

Source : https://www.weather-atlas.com/weather/images/climate/

GETTING AROUND BRISBANE

There are a lot of options for public transport in Brisbane. You can travel around the city via train bus or ferry with the help of a cashless card called Go Card, which can be bought from Translink office, any 7-Eleven or railway stations.

Source: https://i.redd.it/vp7p2nbvub211.jpg

Other transport options are

City loop bus:

This bus moves around the inner city only and runs from 7 am to 6 pm on weekdays only. It’s free of cost and fastest way to get around inside the inner-city areas.

Bicycle:

The city of Brisbane is very bicycle friendly, with around 1100 km of dedicated pathways, cycling is a great way to get around and know the city better.

Taxi:

There are taxi rinks at the airport and around the city for easy transport. You can also use the rideshare apps like Uber, DiDi, Ola and Go Catch. On weekends or special events, you also have the option to get a green cab, which is eco friendly and affordable.

LIFE IN BRISBANE

MONEY: The currency in Australia is the Australian Dollar (AUD). You can exchange cash or withdraw money in the city center or in shopping centers. Popular banks include ANZ, Westpac, Commonwealth bank.

To open a bank account you will need your passport, an address in Australia and might need extra documents – you can check the requirements directly with the bank. International credit cards can usually be used such as Visa, Mastercard, American Express as well as traveller’s cheques in some places.

MOBILE PHONE: You can choose between different providers depending on what you need : Optus, Telstra, Vodafone and more.

SHOPPING: Popular supermarkets include Coles, Woolworths and IGA. You can find them all around Brisbane and they are usually open throughout the day even on week ends.

EMERGENCY: When you apply for a student visa you will need to get a health insurance that covers your whole stay period in Australia. There are over 30 private and over 20 public hospitals located in Brisbane and surrounds.

The biggest hospital in Queensland, The Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital, is situated in Brisbane. If you have an emergency, you can call 000 for an ambulance, fire emergency or to reach the police. This number is free to call.

THINGS TO DO IN BRISBANE

Being blessed with the year around sub tropical weather, you will find a lot of outdoor activities to fill your days in Brisbane. From scenic tours to adventurous activities or just exploring the city’s art and culture, this city has a lot to offer. You can visit the local farmers market or go shopping at popular brand stores.

You can go hiking in the hikes and walking trails within 30 km of the city, or take a scenic drive, explore the museums and planetarium, or explore the inner city to discover amazing cafes and restaurants hidden in the laneways.

The event calendar of the city is always jam packed, so you’ll always have something to look forward to.