Brisbane: Guide

Brisbane is the capital of the state of Queensland. It has a population of about 1.8 million people, and is the third-largest, and fastest growing, city in Australia.

Districts

The simplest division of Brisbane is north/south along the banks of the Brisbane river. In reality, there are more 'aspirational' suburbs, and less savoury suburbs in all areas of Brisbane, regardless of the way one divides it. This is unusual for a city in Australia, where single areas (such as the North Shore in Sydney, or Toorak in Melbourne) are typified as the classiest places to live. Brisbane is a big country town that has grown rapidly and now has a big city style all of its own.

Understand

In 1823, John Oxley was the first to explore Brisbane, which was then selected by the colony of New South Wales as the location for a new gaol, intended to house dangerous prisoners in a remote location. The original settlement was established in what is now the suburb of Redcliffe but was later moved to a location upstream.

In 1837, free settlers moved to the area and pushed to close the gaol and the release the land in the area.

In 1859, a gold rush led to the establishment of the colony of Queensland with Brisbane as its capital, named after Sir Thomas McDougall Brisbane, the sixth Governor of New South Wales.

In 1925, the Queensland State Parliament created the City of Brisbane Act, and set up a single government for the city of Brisbane.

Recent strong migration to Brisbane and the whole of South East Queensland is taking place due to cheaper house prices, a pleasant climate, and good employment opportunities. The area is currently facing the challenge of bringing enough fresh water to its residents. You're not likely to find the tap dry or any visible signs of the shortage, but keep your showers relatively brief and expect the locals to be horrified if you walk away from a running tap.

Climate

Brisbane has what is considered to be an excellent climate, especially those in the colder southern states. However, those from temperate climates may find summer unbearably hot, especially on windless days when the heat builds up in the valley.

Winters are warm and generally dry and sunny (day 20-25C, night 8-12C). Summer days are warm to hot, with days over 32C common. Humidity is high during the summer months and temperatures can get as high as 40C with night temps rarely dropping below 20C. If visiting in summer airconditioning can be advisable for comfortable sleep and don't overestimate what can be accomplished in terms of physical activity on hot and high-humidity days.

Summer storms with hail and heavy rainfall are common in afternoons on hot humid days. They usually pass quickly and sometimes put on a good lightning show.

Get in

By plane

is 20 kilometres east of the city centre at Eagle Farm, north of the river. A $2.50 toll is payable when crossing the Gateway Bridge from south to north.

There are both domestic and international terminals at Eagle Farm. It is possible to fly to all Australian capitals and numerous regional centres from the domestic terminal. Major carriers include Virgin Blue, JetStar, and Qantas.

The international terminal is serviced by all major regional airlines and it is possible to fly daily to most Asian centres, the USA and New Zealand. It is no longer necessary to travel via Sydney or Melbourne, although tickets may be routed through such airports to obtain cheaper fares.

connects to the city from the airport every fifteen minutes during peak times and stops at Central, South Bank, Brunswick Street and Roma Street stations. It is also possible to take the Airtrain direct to the Gold Coast, although it is necessary to connect to a bus service at Nerang to reach Surfers Paradise or at Robina to reach Coolangatta. If arriving late at night, taxis may be your only option as the Airtrain stops at around 7.30pm.

By train

operates rail services from Sydney

has services from most centres in Queensland

By car

Visitors from southern states can reach Brisbane by either the New England and Cunningham or Pacific Highways.

The Bruce Highway connects the northern coast of Queensland to Brisbane.

The Warrego Highway links Brisbane to the west through the Lockyer Valley, Toowoomba and the Darling Downs.

By bus

Premier Motor Service links some centres on the east coast of NSW and Queensland to Brisbane, as well as connections to Melbourne.

Greyhound Australia link to most other locations to Brisbane.

Get around

Bicycle

Getting around the city and the surrounding areas is easy thanks to the many cycle paths along the river. Bicycles can be rented in the centre of the city botanical gardens and also at .

Cycling on footpaths is legal in Brisbane City Council shire, however pedestrians have right of way. Always keep as far left as possible when riding on the road or a bike path. The police issue $75AUD on the spot fines for cycling without a safety helmet.

Car

Due to the size of the city, renting a car is a good option - it gives access to more remote locations and parking is usually easy. Rental companies can often provide deals with airline tickets if booked in advance.

Like the rest of Australia, Queenslanders drive on the left.

Public transport

Public transport has recently been overhauled and incorporates an integrated ticketing system across the three main modes of transport: buses, ferries and trains.

Ferries have become an icon of the city. As well as traditional ferries which generally operate on cross-river routes, high-speed catamarans (CityCats) operate on longer routes.

Travellers can take advantage of Daily and Off-Peak Daily tickets which allow unlimited travel within given zones across all modes of transit. A Daily ticket for zones 1 to 3 (about 20km radius) costs $5.80 and is great for catching a bus or train into the city, taking a ferry along the river and getting back to the suburbs again, or back into the city from a ferry terminus.

A weekly zones 1 to 3 ticket costs $23.20. 50% Concessions are available to students, pensioners and children, and these tickets are available from the vast majority of the newsagents and council offices that are sprinkled liberally throughout the confines of Brisbane City.

Buses in Greater Brisbane mostly lead all the way to Queen Street. The routes 598 and 599 form the Great Circle Route which circles the city in clockwise and counter-clockwise direction and can be a great way of getting around the different suburbs.

(tel. 13 12 30) is a fantastic service provided by Queensland Transport and TransLink that can give you directions on how to reach a destination using public transport.

See

South Bank - Brisbane's artificial beach is right across the Brisbane River from the heart of the city in the cultural district, surrounded by lots of shops, cafés, and restaurants as well as some of the city's museums, theatres, and art galleries. A great place to hang out on a hot day and swim for free. Suncorp Piazza within South Bank often hosts free live events and movies.

Alma Park Zoo is about thirty minutes north of the city centre. The Zoo Train can be caught from the city on the Caboolture line.

Brisbane City Hall and King George Square - located between Adelaide and Ann Streets, this is the city's most significant historical landmark. City Hall often hosts free concerts throughout the year. There is a restored lift that can be taken to the top of the clock tower for free. The lift opens at 10 a.m. and stops running at 3 p.m. (2:30 p.m. on Saturdays) daily except Sundays. There is no access to the clock tower outside of these hours.

CityCat - take the CityCat river taxis up and down the river. A great couple of hours to see the city at speed. It's also very cheap, less than $5.00 for a daily transport ticket (which includes all citycat/ferry/train/bus)

Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary

Manly Boat Harbour - at Manly, the second largest in the southern hemisphere. There is also a public park located at Norfolk Point.

Mt Coot-tha - Brisbane's tallest mountain. A popular makeout spot with a great view and good but overpriced cafe and restaurant. Also home to the one of the Botanical Gardens.

Museum of Brisbane - in King George Square features one floor of exhibits about the history of the city, and another floor for exhibitions of local artists.

New Farm Park - large park on the river in New Farm.

Queensland Cultural Centre - incorporating , , , and - all located on Grey Street in South Bank. Be advised that the Queensland Art Gallery is closed for renovations through the beginning of December.

University of Queensland - Queensland's oldest and most prestigious university. Its majestic sandstone buildings are surrounded by parks and gardens, and located in the affluent western suburb of St Lucia. The campus also incorporates numerous sporting facilities that are open to the public, including gym, pool, squash courts, tennis courts, athletics track and football ovals. The campus also boasts a cinema, numerous coffee shops and a large art gallery, which hosts various exhibitions throughout the year, and can be reached by bus from Adelaide St on bus numbers 407 or City Cat.

Do

Kangaroo Point - the walls along the Brisbane River are a popular spot for rock climbers. Activity carries on after dark, when the walls are well-lit. Classes are available for beginners. There are also barbecue and picnic spots in the area.

Buy

City:
Queen Street Mall - main shopping mall in Brisbane, large variety of shops, has several shopping centres within it;
The Myer Centre runs the gamut from jeans shops to specialty knife stores. Internet kiosks are available.
The Wintergarden (a fashion centre)
QueensPlaza (Brisbane's newest fashion centre)
Broadway on the Mall
Brisbane Arcade
Queen Adelaide Building
The Conrad Treasury Casino is located at the George Street end of the mall
Adelaide Street - "Downtown's dress circle"
Albert Street - has many adventure and sports-type retailers, lots of bookstores
Eagle Street - the centre of law and finance in Queensland, holds the Eagle Street and Riverside markets
Edward Street - new retail development
South Bank markets - held at the South Bank Parklands
Brunswick Street Mall

Indooroopilly Shopping Centre
Westfield Garden City
Logan Hyperdome - Loganholme
Westfield Chermside
Westfield Carindale
Northside Flower Market

Eat

Brisbane has a very good assortment of restaurants however they can be expensive and busy.

Brisbane City and Spring Hill:

Cha Cha Char - Famous award-winning steakhouse located at the Eagle St Pier precinct. Their steaks are considered one of Australia's best.

E'cco Bistro - Founded and run by the internationally renowned and acclaimed chef Philip Johnson, it is one of the best restaurants in Brisbane and Australia-wide.

Little Tokyo - located in Spring Hill. Oldest Japanese restaurant in Brisbane, under same ownership for over 40 years. Authentic food and decor but at upper-range prices.

Pane e Vino - great Italian on Albert Street at reasonable prices

Sono - Japanese restaurant on Queen Street Mall serving authentic Japanese food at reasonable prices.

Fortitude Valley & New Farm:

Continental Cafe - on James St. Good food, nice atmosphere and surprisingly good kids menu

Enjoy Inn - corner of Duncan St in Chinatown. One of the longest established restaurants in Brisbane, good Chinese food.

Freestyle Tout - new restaurant featuring the best desserts in Brisbane - be prepared to line up for a table

Isis Brasserie - on Brunswick St near the Central Brunswick precinct. One of the best fine dining restaurants in Brisbane.

King of Kings - on Wickham St in the Chinatown precinct. A Brisbane institution for yum cha, decent food and prices

Lucky's Trattoria - another long-established restaurant that is arguably a Brisbane institution. Well-priced Italian, located in the Central Valley precinct.

Re Del Gelato - the best Italian gelati ever, a perfect cap after a nice meal at one of the close by restaurants on Brunswick Street

Thai-Wi-Rat - on Chinatown Mall. Authentic regional Thai-Laotian cuisine at great prices.

Southbank and Little Stanley Street:

Ahmet's Turkish Restaurant - repeat winner of best themed restaurant in Brisbane, features belly dancers every Friday

Blue Lotus - gourmet and exotic ice-creams that change according to the seasons

Chez Laila - neat restaurant/cafe serving standard cafe fare as well as authentic Lebanese cuisine. Excellent view of the Brisbane river

Era Bistro - excellent bistro food, great cafe spot, extensive wine cellar. Same owners/chef as the former critically acclaimed Circa.

Kapsali's - great Greek restaurant featuring live dancing

Poppy's basket - a great place to stop at for a quick lunch

Milton and Park Road:

La Dolce Vita - next to Rue de Paris, great Italian cafe

Rue de Paris - Brisbane's Eiffel Tower, another great cafe

Royal Thai Orchid - popular Thai restaurant on Little Cribb St off Park Road

The Lure - at the Coro Hotel on Milton Road, regarded as one of Brisbane and Australia's best seafood restaurants

Rosalie:

Freestyle - a dessert restaurant

Tomato brothers - renowned for their woodfired pizzas, expect to wait for your meal here!

Paddington:

Gambaro's - located on Caxton St. Has both a seafood restaurant and a long-established seafood takeaway. A Brisbane institution.

Harem - Turkish restaurant complete with belly-dancing

Himawari - Japanese izakaya-style bistro (open only for lunch Tue-Sat)

Kookaburra Cafe - good pizza in a relaxed atmosphere

University of Queensland:

The university provides many quality cafes if you happen to be in the area or on a CityCat ferry and caters to a cheaper market.

A Salt 'n Battery - excellent quality fish and chip shop-cum-seafood restaurant with a wide variety of foods and decent prices, located in Hawken Village (on Hawken Drive, approx 5-10 minutes walk from the University proper)

Dapur Bali - excellent authentic Indonesian fare at unbeatable value, located in Hawken Village

Merlo's - a cafe featuring Merlo's renowned coffee

The Pizza Caffe - fantastic pizzas with really different ingredients

The Red Room - the student pub - does cheap meals and cold beer

UQ Union Complex - with a noodle and sushi bar, lolly shop and refectory, juice and ice cream shop

Wordsmiths - a touch more expensive than the other cafes on campus, but a good atmosphere (in a relatively quiet part of the campus, near the bookshop) and has a longer menu than the other options

South Brisbane and West End:

Banyan Tree - located at the West End Markets. Self-proclaimed modern Indian 'haute cuisine'. Serves both contemporary creations and classical authentic dishes at the upper price range.

Lefkas Taverna - on Hardgrave Road West End. Brisbane's most famous Greek takeaway and restaurant.

Mondo Organics - on Hardgrave Road West End. Excellent Italian restaurant serving organic produce. Considered to be Brisbane's premier organic food restaurant.

Punjabi Palace - on Melbourne St South Brisbane. Arguably one of Brisbane's best Indian restaurants.

Tukka - on Boundary st. Unique and innovative modern native Australian cuisine. Pricing is at the upper range, but worth a visit.

Restaurants in other Areas/precincts:

Baguette - on Racecourse Road in the Ascot precinct. Famous Modern-Australian restaurant that is established for over 30 years.

Bespoke - on Sandgate Road in the Albion precinct. Fantastic French/Modern Australian restaurant, upper-price range.

Breakfast Creek Hotel - in the Newstead area. Famous for its steaks, a Brisbane institution.

Brett's Wharf - off Racecourse Road. Head chef is the renowned Alastair McLeod, great seafood and splendid views of the Brisbane river.

Norman Hotel - Along with the Breakfast Creek Hotel, possibly the best steaks in town (its slogan is "Brisbane's worst vegetarian restaurant") Ipswich Road, Woolloongabba

Sitar - right next to Bespoke in the Albion area. Award-winning Indian restaurant that has franchises in suburbs like West End and New Farm.

Drink

Brisbane's drinking and nightlife scene is separated into some distinct areas. Anyone planning a night on the town should be aware that after 3AM, no more patrons are allowed into pubs and clubs. This is a safety measure, coupled with increased security presence at taxi ranks. Additionally, smokers should beware of strict anti-smoking regulations.

Suburban

Toowong:

Regatta (adjacent to the Regatta CityCat terminal) - expect a wait to get in on Thur, Fri and Sat nights, but a must-go for the best sessions on Wed and Sun nights when the venue is completely taken by students

Royal Exchange (RE) Hotel - generally a good, down to earth pub, more so than the Regatta which tends to cater to a slightly trendier crowd

Both Regatta and the RE have reputations (which they more than live up) as student haunts, being located reasonably close to the St Lucia campus of the University of Queensland.

Indooroopilly:

Indooroopilly Hotel

Pig and Whistle

Bulimba:

Catch a citycat to Bulimba for some trendy shopping on popular Oxford Street, great cafe's, hip bars or for a picnic in the park.

Oxford 152 - one of Brisbane's most popular suburban restaurant/bar (they brew their own beer!)

Brisbane City

Belgian Beer Cafe (corner of Margaret Street and Edward Street) caters for a slightly more upmarket clientele, with a "gourmet" or "boutique" style to its all-Belgian-sourced beers, also serves meals, a particular favourite being traditional Belgian mussels

Caesars - new nightclub located on Adelaide Street

Criterion Bar - newly renovated bar, recommended for those who are looking for a quick beer and some country music

Down Under Bar - if you are studying in Brisbane or just backpacking, this is perfect bar for meeting people of other nationalities

Exchange Hotel is certainly THE most popular place in town. It is popular with a wide, although decidedly young, demographic, including students, young professionals and tourists, who all stream in after cheap drinks finish at the nearby Victory and Port Office hotels, usually around 11 to midnight

Fridays - on Eagle Street, and a very popular nightclub which also features dining (not recommended after 10pm)

Her Majesties Basement - tucked away on Queen St, is definitely for those who are not into mainstream music; usually has live cover and original bands

Jorge on George - features live bands, great food, and the only place in Brisbane to get absinthe

Mary Street - on Mary Street, also known as "Scary Street" and considered a bit of a dump by Brisbanites, however they do have cheap "all you can drink" on Saturday nights

O'Malley's Irish Pub - beneath the Queen Street Mall (Winter Garden centre), this Irish Pub is the perfect place in Brisbane to dine and then enjoy a Guinness beer; open till 3am

The Brewhouse on Albert street has its own brewery where it makes delicious beers without preservatives

The Victory - very popular especially every Thursday when it's "student night" with drinks starting from AUD1.50, although its often hard to move once you're in there as karaoke nights and cover bands are often to be found

Fortitude Valley

The Fortitude Valley is a very unique area of Brisbane catering to the live music scene. A large number of Brisbane's hippest clubs are located here. Through the 1960's and 70's it was seen as Brisbane's bohemian hub and has maintained a certain degree of that reputation and street cred. More recently it is sometimes thought of as being one of the more dangerous areas of the city but this attitude is changing as the area becomes more popular and hence, safer. This however has had an adverse affect on the area's creative vibe as locals turn their back on the area, forcing the creative epicentre of Brisbane to other areas of the city such as West End and Paddington. As with anywhere, simple common sense, caution and courtesy will keep you out of harm's way.

Barsoma - trendy little bar tucked away on Constance Street (off Ann st) offers great cuisine & an array of delicious (& creative) cocktails

Birdee Num Num - great atmosphere, creative decor, usually crowded - expect to wait in line for up to half an hour

Bowery Bar - a small & chic New York inspired bar

Glass Bar - vibrant atmosphere, restaurant & bar/lounge

GPO - nightclub situated in a former Post Office on Ann Street; trendy spot/Cool tunes

Monastery - dance club

Rics - live music most nights

Royal George (RG) Hotel - cheap drinks, 2 for 1 drinks on Thursdays

The Beat - downstairs is hardcore dance/rave, upstairs is gay (generally a younger crowd than the Wickham) & has two dancefloors & a beer garden (usually crowded)

The Empire - alernative dance club, nice long balcony overlooking busy Brunswick Street, a few levels, less pretentious than other dance clubs in Brisbane although no less cheaper

The Family (top end of the Brunswick Street Mall) is a bit pricey to get in, but it's probably the biggest club in Brisbane and has awesome music and atmosphere; Sunday nights (fluffy) are gay

The Press Club - very popular club on Brunswick Street

The Sunbar Restaurant Lounge - modern and stylish ambience

The Wickham - gay & lesbian dance club with outdoor seating, drag shows most nights

The Zoo - this live music venue is almost more Brisbane than the river

West End

Less crowded than 'the valley' or the city, this bohemian district popular with locals offers a few hip clubs, intimate restaurants and a very laid back atmosphere.

Check out:

Lychee Lounge - intimate setting, sensual cocktails, beautiful crowd

Pavillion Bar - laid back atmosphere, great for a Sunday afternoon, enjoy a game of pool or sit al fresco & people watch

Tongue & Groove - restaurant & bar offering a cosmopolitan menu catering for vegeterians. Friendly bar, live music 5 nights a week, from reggae to funk, jazz & blues & dance - check out the many local acts

Uber - opulent, sophisticated & funky restaurant/bar/lounge/dancefloor - all the look and feel of a velvet rectum, with arguably the best sound system in the southern hemisphere

Sleep

Youth hostels

Birdee Num Num - modern, clean, very popular, swimming pool, & one of Brisbane's popular (but more expensive) night clubs

City Backpackers

Cloud 9 Backpackers Resort

Palace Central Backpackers

YHA has a hostel near Roma Street Station

Hotels

Brisbane hotels are listed in alphabetical order.

Albion Manor offers spacious studio apartment that are designed to delivery comfort and convenience.

The Barbizon Apartments are located directly opposite the magnificent Roma Street Parklands. It's minutes away - by foot - from the St Andrew's Hospital and Brisbane Private Hospital, and a few minutes away from other attractions, including City Hall, the Queen Street Mall and Suncorp Stadium, South Bank, Fortitude Valley, New Farm and West End.

Central Brunswick offers spacious apartments close to Chinatown, just minutes from the CBD area of downtown Brisbane.

Hilton - overlooks Queen Street Mall

Hotel Grand Chancellor

Hotel Ibis

Kingsford Riverside Inn 114 Kingsford Smith Drive, Hamilton (phone 3862 1317). From $69. Close to the airport. A few minutes walk from the Breakfast Creek Hotel.

.

Mercure

Riverside Hotel

Rydges 9 Glenelg Street, South Bank (phone 1300 857 922) - located in the heart of Brisbane's arts and entertainment precinct, it is the closest hotel to the Queensland Performing Arts Centre. The Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre is immediately adjacent to the hotel and downtown Brisbane and the bohemian village of West End are a 10 minute stroll away. Rydges Hotels and Resorts is an Autralian owned and operated company.

Saville - South Bank - new, modern, brash & very stylish

Sofitel Hotel (previously Sheraton)

Contact

Free Internet access is available at BCC public libraries, although you might need to book your session in advance.

Stay safe

Emergency numbers

Throughout Australia, the number for emergency services (Police, Fire and Ambulance) is 000. When using a mobile or cell phone, the numbers 000, 112 and 911 all work, are free of charge, and connect using any of the available networks.

Areas

Fortitude Valley - Police presence very strong here. It is a good idea to travel in groups or pairs, especially females.

City Central - As per Fortitude Valley, but with a little extra care to be taken.

Suburban pubs - Drunks can be a hassle when in the vicinity of suburban pubs, especially around closing times.

Treasury Casino - Casino patrons often gather outside, sometimes a dangerous area late at night due to drunks. Entire area around casino monitored by camera, and with a heavy security and light police presence.

Myer Centre - Shopping centre patrons are warned to watch their food and drinks at all times, it's not just enough to be sitting next to them. Also, keep an eye out for suspicious people, you might be attacked.

The good news is that Brisbane has no massive safety issues. As in any other developed-world city, it's quite easy to have a good time without worrying about security.

Get out

Brisbane provides a base for day trips to explore the southeast of Queensland. The North Coast of New South Wales can be reached in an hour if traffic is light, leave up to two hours if traffic is heavy or there is an accident on the Pacific Motorway.

North of Brisbane:

Glass House Mountains National Park - about an hour north of Brisbane. There is a scenic drive through the mountains with a couple of lookouts, or you can go for a hike - easy or difficult, depending on the mountain. (Mt. Beerwah offers a stern but quick scramble and a good view of the area.) There are a few small roadside shops in the area that sell homemade jams and varieties of macadamia nuts.
Beerwah - home of the Australia Zoo , run by the family of "Crocodile Hunter" Steve Irwin. Admission is $46 for adults.
Sunshine Coast (Queensland)|Sunshine Coast - a couple hours north of Brisbane, suitable for surfers without the clutter of the more famous beaches to the south. The city of Noosa and several derivatively-named cities (e.g. Noosa Heads, Noosaville) offer short and long-term accomodation, some restaurants and a few stretches of shops aimed at tourists with and without a budget.
Eumundi markets - on Wednesday and Saturday.
Fraser Island - World Heritage listed site, offering pristine, unspoiled lakes, dunes, forests and wildlife. Camping is possible, or day-trips can be arranged from Noosa.

South of Brisbane:

Gold Coast - famous for being a tourist town, approximately 70km south of Brisbane on the Pacific Motorway.

Mt. Tamborine - extensive areas of National Park with arts, crafts, galleries and the like, and several forest hikes. There are some excellent fudge shops at the top that offer generous free samples and a staggering variety of flavors.

Surfers Paradise - tourist mecca, and arguably the most upmarket area on the Gold Coast, host to Caville Avenue and several shopping malls

Dreamworld - theme park in the western Gold Coast suburb of Coomera, on the Pacific Motorway

Lower Moreton Bay

Moreton Bay Islands - includes places like Moreton Island (where Scooby Doo was filmed) and St. Helena Island (a former maximum security prison island)

Seaworld - aquatically-themed park sandwiched on a peninsula between the Gold Coast Seaway and the Pacific Ocean, located in Southport (just north of the Gold Coast)

Wet' n' Wild and Movieworld - more theme parks near Dreamworld, on the Pacific Motorway

This "Travel Guide" section is drawn from the Wikitravel article "Brisbane". We hope you will edit and improve it. It is available under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 2.5 license.