Pacific Center - Migration Services
BRISBANE

BRISBANE OVERVIEW:

Brisbane is the capital city of Queensland- Australia's second largest state by area. In addition to being the third most populous city in Australia, Greater Brisbane is the largest of Australia's six capital cities by geographic area, occupying 15,842 sq km across South East Queensland.


A river curving and curling its way around the landscape makes Brisbane one of the most unique capital cities in Australia. Brisbane came into being long before the state of Queensland was established, when intrepid Surveyor General John Oxley named the river he discovered after the Governor of New South Wales - Thomas Brisbane - in 1823.


Brisbane is one of the fastest-growing capital cities in Australia in terms of population and employment. The residents are young and skilled, highly educated and culturally diverse.

As Australia's new world city, Brisbane is built on a strong foundation of infrastructure. Assets include: a world-class international airport; a busy international port; a comprehensive road and rail network; a fully-integrated public transport and ticketing system; vibrant entertainment and sporting venues; and an exceptional range of accommodation options.


Find an inspiring collection of places to explore in and around Brisbane. From the natural pleasures of parklands to the urban appeal of art galleries - it's right here. Wining and Dining. Urban village hotspots. Nights out on the town. Beds and boutique hotels, shopping and cinemas and everything in between.


As the most biologically-diverse capital in Australia, Brisbane is a green city with clean, healthy air and a clear commitment to its environment. Council achieved carbon neutral status for its operations in 2017 and aims to reduce average Brisbane household emissions from energy, transport and waste to six tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent by 2031.

There is no bigger Koala Sanctuary in the world than Lone Pine. You can find koalas and kangaroos in hoards, which both uniquely represent Australia in some capacity or another. It may be touristy, but with over 100 species to interact with, it has even made it's way into the Guinness Book of Records.


Brisbane's Markets are in full throttle with everything from fresh produce to fashion and handicrafts. Check out West End, Bakery Lane, or Boundary Street for a taste of local cuisine and culture, or get diverse with one of the many Partisan, Asian or African-themed markets all over the city and suburbs. Beyond shopping, the CBD or "City" is comprised of a number of diverse districts that include the South Bank, West End, New Farm, Portside Wharf, Fortitude Valley, Sunnybank, Bulimba, Mount Coot-tha. Spring Hill, Manly Harbour, St Lucia, South Brisbane, Toowong, and Indooroopilly. While it's impossible to visit all of them in just one trip, it'll only leave you wanting more.


When anyone thinks Australia, sand has to come to mind. For a more cultural inner city beach, the South Bank boasts dozens of restaurants and cafes.

BRISBANE WEATHER:

Sunseekers flock to Brisbane. The Queensland capital enjoys a subtropical climate, defined by warm or hot weather for most of the year. Plan ahead with our information on temperature and rainfall.

During summer, average temperatures range from 21 - 29.8°C (69.8 - 85.6°F) and the city has its highest rainfall, which can bring thunderstorms and occasional floods. Average rainfall during this time is 426.6 mm (16.8 inches).

Autumn signals the end of the hot summer when average temperatures drop between 15 - 25°C (59 - 77°F), and the city experiences low humidity and less rain.

Brisbane’s weather in winter is generally dry and mild with mean temperatures between 11 - 21°C (51.8 - 69.8°F). Early mornings and nights can be crisp, but overnight lows rarely drop below 9°C (48.2°F).

The spring climate is similar to autumn, with average temperatures between 15 - 25°C (59 - 77°F). Warm, sunny days are tempered by cool sea breezes.

Daylight saving is not observed in Queensland. The time zone in Queensland is Australian Eastern Standard Time (AEST), UTC +10.

December experiences the longest hours of daylight with sunrise at approximately 4:50am and sunset at 6:40pm. June has the least hours of daylight with sunrise at approximately 6:30am and sunset at 5pm.

In Brisbane the average humidity ranges from 50 per cent in winter to 65 - 70 per cent through the months of January, February and March. On average February is the most humid and September is the least humid.

It does not snow in Brisbane, however light snowfall has been reported in southern Queensland, including Stanthorpe on the Granite Belt.

Visitors to Brisbane should look out for the UV index in local weather reports, which describes the daily solar UV radiation intensity. Protect yourself from sunburn by using SPF30+ sunscreen, which is readily available throughout Australia at supermarkets, convenience stores and pharmacies, and wearing sun-smart clothing, including a hat and sunglasses.

BRISBANE LIFESTYLE:

Brisbane is renowned for its lifestyle – the envy of most world cities. Boasting a subtropical climate and an average of 283 days of sunshine every year, Brisbane is defined by an energised spirit, a youthful vitality, and a vibrant love of the outdoors.

This environment is ideal for fostering economic growth and nurturing creativity – our city is fast becoming a hotbed of cutting-edge cultural expression. A strong vision for the future and an easy balance between progress and sustainability deliver an everyday existence that embodies Australia’s status as one of the world’s best countries for quality of life.

Australia's quality of life was ranked first in the Asia Pacific and fourth in the world by the Institute for Management Development's (IMD) in 2013. Australian cities are affordable destinations for international expatriates, and Brisbane’s lower cost of living proves a drawcard for multinational organisations seeking to contain the costs of a mobile workforce in tight economic conditions.

Brisbane seems to have shaken off its reputation as a slightly behind-the-times big country town, and turned into a bustling, multicultural contemporary city.

Despite the lack of beaches, there are still plenty of things to do in Brisbane. Most attractions are centred around the river, and the CBD itself has a more modern, shiny look than Sydney and Melbourne, but with green spaces too.

South Bank Parklands, across the water from the CBD, is a relaxing place to spend the day, with the beach and lagoon, gardens, food options and nearby art galleries.

Other Brisbane highlights include the City Botanic Gardens, cliffs at Kangaroo Point, and stunning views from Mt Coot-tha. Hopping on the City Cat ferry to eat at Eagle Street Pier is also fun!

Even though Brisbane isn’t a beach city, it lies smack-bang in the middle of the well-trodden backpacker route up the east coast. The city is ideally located to reach some of Australia’s most popular tourist destinations. Heading north, you can visit the picturesque Sunshine Coast, Fraser Island, and a host of tropical Queensland destinations such as the Whitsunday Islands at the Great Barrier Reef, where temperatures will be warm even in winter.

BRISBANE COST OF LIVING:

Like any of the major capital cities of Australia, it is going to be more expensive to live directly in the city than it is to live further cost of living in brisbaneout in the suburbs.

In the Brisbane city, you’ll probably be spending $565 per week for a room in a share house (usually living with professionals and other students), $359 per week for a serviced apartment, or $620 per week for a one-bedroom unit all to yourself. Additionally, there are homestay options to live with local families that cost around $305 per week.

In the suburbs around Brisbane’s CBD, a one-bedroom unit is significantly cheaper at an average of $330 per week, while a room in a share house outside the city goes for around $205 per week depending on the number of bedrooms available.

Managed student accommodation is a great option as the weekly cost usually covers utilities and added extras. Weekly rental at Managed student accommodation weekly rates can start as low as $200 per week.

Because you are a tertiary student, you are entitled to a 50% discounted fare, so make sure you take advantage! This discount means a single trip can cost as little as $1.66 during peak times and $1.32 in off-peak times. Furthermore, if you make eight trips on your go card from Monday to Sunday, all additional trips will be a further 50% cheaper. This means your weekly travel costs will rarely reach more than $23.

If you choose to cook and eat at home, you can generally expect to spend around $2 per breakfast, $5 per lunch, and $11 per dinner. Of course, this depends on your grocery preferences.

If you head to a bar that features music, burlesque or other live entertainment, it will likely enforce a cover charge, but usually no more than $10.

Here are some other prices:

McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal)12.50 A$
Cappuccino (regular)4.52 A$
Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g)3.10 A$
One-way Ticket (Local Transport)4.00 A$
Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult63.48 A$
Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat16.00 A$
1 Pair of Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range)143.21 A$

BRISBANE TRANSPORT:

Brisbane is an easy city to get around. The metropolitan area has a great range of options for public transport, driving, and walking.

To use public transport including buses, trains, and ferries in Brisbane, it’s recommended that you purchase a TransLink Go Card. You can purchase a Go Card at both Brisbane International and Domestic Airport, or from convenience stores and train stations throughout the city. Go Card also has specific offers for visitors and tourists.

You’ll need to load the Go Card with money to cover your fares before taking any trips on public transport. You can add money to the card at fare machines and Go Card retailers across the city. To start your ride, tap your card on the reader when you board your selected mode of transport and be sure to tap off when you disembark.

The Go Card is available to use on the TransLink network throughout southeast Queensland, and includes services from Brisbane to the Gold Coast or Sunshine Coast.

Brisbane’s rail network is a great way to visit attractions across the city and reach the surrounding suburbs. There are train services running daily from early morning to late at night. Major stations in the city include Central Station and Roma Street Station. From either of these stations, you can catch a train to reach attractions including the Queensland Museum or the Gallery of Modern Art, and destinations such as South Bank or Fortitude Valley.

Brisbane has a number of busways which separate buses from general traffic on the roads. The bus network is an efficient way of hopping around Brisbane and its neighbourhoods.

There are free City Loop and Spring Hill Loop bus services in the city centre. These bus loops run in both clockwise and anti-clockwise directions, and depart every 10 minutes between 7am and 6pm. These buses are particularly useful for travel between Brisbane’s downtown hotels and attractions, including King George Square, Queen Street Mall, and the City Botanic Gardens.

The Brisbane River makes its way straight through the centre of Brisbane, so ferries are a popular way to get around. The free CityHopper ferry operates between Sydney Street and North Quay terminals, and is an easy way to move between the city centre and South Bank. With a Go Card you can also catch the CityCat ferry, which will take you to attractions like Eat Street Northshore and the City Botanic Gardens. If you don’t have a Go Card, single tickets can be purchased on board.

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