ABOUT BRISBANE

Brisbane is the capital city of Queensland, popularly known as the Sunshine State. It is the largest of the six capital cities of Australia and the third most populous one. Brisbane is built around and named after the Brisbane River, which was named after Thomas Brisbane, the Governor of New South Wales at the time of discovery.

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

WEATHER

Brisbane has subtropical weather, boasting 300 days of sunshine yearly (it’s called the sunshine state for a reason!); the temperature ranges from a long-term average high of 26 – 27 degrees to the 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. This warm and clear weather makes this city 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 the Translink office, any 7-Eleven or railway stations.

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

Other transport options are

City loop bus:

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

Bicycle:

Brisbane is very bicycle-friendly, with around 1100 km of dedicated pathways, and cycling is a great way to get around and get to 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 centre or in shopping centres. Popular banks include ANZ, Westpac, and Commonwealth Bank.

To open a bank account, you will need your passport, an address in Australia, and maybe extra documents; you can verify the bank’s requirements directly. International credit cards such as Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and traveller’s cheques can usually be used 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 weekends.

EMERGENCY: When applying for a student visa, you must get health insurance covering your stay in Australia. Over 30 private and 20 public hospitals are in Brisbane and surrounding areas.

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 or a fire emergency or to reach the police. This number is free to contact.

THINGS TO DO IN BRISBANE

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

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

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