Brisbane

Overview of Brisbane

Australia’s third largest city has a relaxed, easy-going ambience that is well suited to its moniker: ‘The City of Sundays’. As the capital of the state of Queensland, however, it has a serious side too, and despite it’s laid-back aura it is filled with the cosmopolitan hustle and bustle of a major urban hub. Brisbane has several interesting districts, a good selection of street cafes, a wonderful riverside park, a very full cultural calendar, and a vibrant nightlife. Culture vultures should head for the South Bank, home to the Queensland Museum with its interactive displays; the Queensland Art Gallery with its magnificent collection; and the Performing Arts Centre, where international theatre companies and performing artists take to the stage.

There is plenty to keep shopaholics busy too, with the designer boutiques and department stores of Queens Street Mall ready to welcome visitors and numerous bustling markets dotted around the city. Sport fanatics, as always the case in Australia, are well catered for thanks to the Gabba sports ground and Suncorp Stadium, where the Wallabies often take on the world at rugby. The city is generally easy to explore on foot, and provides the perfect base from which to make daytrips to popular surrounding areas.

Situated on Australia’s fabled Gold Coast, Brisbane provides easy access to Australia’s east coast resorts and theme parks on the Pacific Motorway. A sub-tropical climate ensures that a holiday in Brisbane will be a sunny experience no matter what time of year is chosen. Most of the rain falls in summer, but not enough to deter holidaymakers. Most of those who travel to Brisbane come for leisure and pleasure. It is an ideal destination for a family holiday, a surfing holiday, or as a good base for anyone wanting to visit the nearby National Parks.

Key Facts

Language:

English is the official language of Australia.

Passport/Visa:

A valid passport and a visa or ETA is required for travel to Australia. An ETA is an electronically issued and verified visa, not visible in a passport. ETAs are issued to passengers travelling for touristic or business purposes. Tourist ETAs are usually valid for three months. ETAs are obtainable online at: www.eta.immi.gov.au or through most travel agents. It is highly recommended that passports are valid six months after departure from a holiday destination.

Currency:

The unit of currency is the Australian dollar (AUD), which is divided into 100 cents. Credit cards are widely accepted and ATMs are freely available throughout the country. Banks and bureaux de change exchange most foreign currencies. Banking hours are generally 9.30am to 4pm, Monday to Thursday, and 9.30am to 5pm on Friday, but some banks offer extended hours and some are open on Saturday mornings.

Electricity:

Electrical current is 230 volts, 50Hz. Three-pin flat blade plugs are used but are different to those in most other countries, so an adapter is normally required.

Travel to Brisbane

Climate for Brisbane

Brisbane enjoys a subtropical climate with very high humidity and temperatures in the summer months, between December and February, and dry, mild winters, between June and August. Summers in Brisbane are often plagued with thunderstorms, heavy hailstorms, cyclonic winds and drought, but generally the warm, sunny weather is well suited to the holidaymakers who visit for leisure and pleasure all year round. The rainy season runs from November to March. Temperatures average between 67F (19C) and 84F (29C) in the peak summer months, but it is only marginally cooler the rest of the year, with the exception of the winter months, when temperatures average between 49F (9C) and 71F (22C).

7 day forecast for Brisbane, Queensland, Australia

Saturday Dec. 20, 2024	Sunday Dec. 21, 2024	Monday Dec. 22, 2024	Tuesday Dec. 23, 2024	Wednesday Dec. 24, 2024	Thursday Dec. 25, 2024	Friday Dec. 26, 2024
Hi: 90°F Lo: 63°F Overcast	Hi: 88°F Lo: 67°F Mostly sunny	Hi: 92°F Lo: 67°F Sunny	Hi: 92°F Lo: 67°F Sunny	Hi: 86°F Lo: 63°F Sunny	Hi: 86°F Lo: 63°F Sunny	Hi: 88°F Lo: 63°F Sunny

Health Notes when travelling to Australia

A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required by travellers over one year of age arriving within six days of having stayed overnight or longer in an infected country. No other special immunisations or medications are required for most trips to Australia; however, insect repellents are strongly advised because of the risk of mosquito-borne illnesses. Another health risk is sunburn, and visitors are advised to take precautions. Medical services are excellent but can be expensive, so travellers should ensure that they have adequate insurance. Australia has a reciprocal health agreement with the United Kingdom providing for free hospital emergency medical treatment; proof of UK residence is required.

Safety Notes when travelling to Australia

The crime rate in Australia is low; however, travellers should be aware that tourists could be targeted by petty criminals. Visitors should be vigilant about personal possessions and travel documents, particularly in popular tourist destinations such as along the Gold Coast. Tropical cyclones normally occur between November and April in some parts of Australia, particularly in Western Australia, Queensland and the Northern Territory. There is a serious risk of bush fires in summer (November to March), especially in Victoria, Tasmania, New South Wales and ACT. Also during the summer months, the shallow coastal waters of northern Australia and Queensland become infested with marine stingers, commonly known as box jellyfish, whose sting is highly dangerous and can be deadly. Visitors should pay attention to signs on beaches and follow the instructions of local lifeguards to avoid injury.

Customs in Australia

Generally an informal attitude, in dress and behaviour, prevails in most social and business situations. Sport, particularly rugby and cricket, is almost a religion in Australia.

Duty Free in Australia

Travellers to Australia over 18 years do not have to pay customs duty on 2.25 litres of alcohol; and 25 cigarettes or 25g of cigars or tobacco products. All tobacco products in travellers’ baggage are included in this category, regardless of where they were purchased. Gifts are included in the A$900 duty-free allowance. Fresh produce and animal or plant products are prohibited.

Doing Business in Australia

Those doing business in Australia are sure to find that the friendly yet professional corporate atmosphere of the country will provide them with an exciting opportunity to develop their careers. The business culture of Australia is a bit of a hybrid breed, incorporating the trappings of British formality and conservatism, the egalitarian ethos of Scandinavian countries, and the dynamic, innovative approach to business that is generally thought of as American in origin – rounded out, of course, with typical Australian warmth and humour. The approach to management in Australia is consultative, pragmatic, and strictly non-hierarchical. Those in positions of relative power are accorded respect by virtue of their personal qualities, not simply because they happen to be the boss.

Business etiquette in Australia further reflects this egalitarian ethos. Business people should use titles initially, though they will almost certainly be told to dispense with them and refer to their colleagues by their first names. They should maintain eye contact when speaking to their associates, as this is regarded as a sign of forthrightness and trustworthiness, qualities that Australian business people tend to favour over showiness, self-aggrandisement or empty promises. Business meetings in Australia should be scheduled about a week in advance, and then confirmed a few days before they are due to take place.

Colleagues should be punctual, as lateness can be seen as a symptom of flakiness or indifference. Business meetings in Australia do not generally proceed from a set agenda. Rather, they are viewed as open forums, in which ideas are to be debated and discussed. In fact, over-preparing for a meeting can make participants seem pushy, as though they wish to bully others into adopting their opinions on the issue at hand. The dress code for business in Australia remains surprisingly traditional: dark suits and ties are the norm for men; for women, business suits, worn either with pants or a skirt. As a general rule, business people should avoid loud jewellery and accessories, as to Australian eyes they might make them seem arrogant. The official language of business in Australia is English, and business hours are generally from 8.30am (or 9am) to 5pm (or 5.30pm), Monday to Friday.

Communication in Australia

The international dialling code for Australia is +61. Hotels, cafes and restaurants offering free WiFi are widely available; purchasing a local prepaid SIM card can be a cheaper option than paying international roaming costs, which can be quite high.

Tipping in Australia

Most service providers in Sydney don’t expect a tip, so travellers shouldn’t feel pressured into giving one. A tip of 10 percent is standard in restaurants, however, and passengers usually round up to the nearest dollar or more in taxis.

Passport/Visa Note

A valid passport and a visa or ETA is required for travel to Australia. An ETA is an electronically issued and verified visa, not visible in a passport. ETAs are issued to passengers travelling for touristic or business purposes. Tourist ETAs are usually valid for three months. ETAs are obtainable online at: www.eta.immi.gov.au or through most travel agents. It is highly recommended that passports are valid six months after departure from a holiday destination.

Entry Requirements

Entry requirements for Americans:

US nationals must have a valid passport on arrival. A pre-obtained Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) is required for stays of up to three months.

Entry requirements for Canadians:

Canadian nationals require a passport valid for intended period of stay. A pre-arranged Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) is required for stays of up to three months.

Entry requirements for UK nationals:

UK nationals must have a passport valid for intended period of stay. A pre-arranged Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) is required for stays of up to three months.

Entry requirements for Irish nationals:

Irish nationals must have a passport that is valid on arrival. A pre-arranged Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) is required for stays up to three months.

Entry requirements for New Zealanders:

New Zealanders require a valid passport on entry to Australia. A Special Category Visa (SCV) is issued on arrival after completing a passenger card.

Entry requirements for South Africans:

South African nationals must have a passport valid for at least six months after their date of departure. A visa is required.

Getting around in Brisbane, Queensland

There are three main types of public transport in Brisbane: buses, trains and ferries (CityCats), all operated by TransLink. Bus routes may be somewhat complicated for visitors, but they do cover most of the city. Buses need to be flagged down and will not automatically stop at bus stops. Two free bus routes that cover a number of popular tourist attractions are available in Brisbane: the City Loop operates around the CBD between red signposted bus stops, using distinctive red buses; and the Spring Hill Loop operates between the CBD and Spring Hill between yellow signposted bus stops, using distinctive yellow buses. Trains are quick and efficient, covering most of the city and suburbs. The ferry system, which serves points along the Brisbane River, is very popular with visitors. Ticketing for all forms of transport is cheap, and works on a zoning system. A variety of passes are available. Cycling is a popular option, and the city has many dedicated cycle-paths. Trains, buses and ferries are equipped to carry bicycles. Taxis can be found in ranks in the city centre and near most major hotels. Taxis may be pre-booked or hailed on the street. Driving a car in the city centre can be confusing because it consists mainly of a grid of one-way streets. There are parkades available downtown.