About Brisbane

Australia's "most liveable city", Brisbane is the capital of Queensland, the Sunshine State. While Brisbane is a vibrant but relaxed city with so much to see and do, it is also the gateway to the sun, surf and beaches of the Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast.

Standard time zone: UGT/GMT +10 hours.
No daylight saving time in Queensland.

climate

The weather in Brisbane is comfortable and sub-tropical. The city of Brisbane enjoys a very enviable climate of brilliant hot summers and clear mild winters. These enticing attributes ensure that Brisbane is idyllic for visitors all year round. Seasons in Australia are the reverse of North America and Europe. For example, Christmas day usually spent at the beach or around the pool with a cool drink in hand!

Summer is December to February, Autumn March to May, Winter June to August, and Spring September to November. Average Temperatures: Summer: 29C maximum, 21C minimum; Winter: 22C maximum, 10C minimum. Water Temperature: Summer 25C , Winter 19C.

For more accurate Brisbane Weather information visit the Australian Bureau of Meteorology

Download the Brisbane Visitor guide

GETTING AROUND BRISBANE

Brisbane's excellent transport infrastructure makes it relatively easy to get from point A to point Z and virtually anywhere in between with minimal interruptions or changes. Buses, trains, CityCat Ferries, hire cars, taxis and even water taxis are all available at regular intervals throughout the day and night and there's little chance of you being stuck in the middle of nowhere and no way to get home.

The Queensland Government's transport website TransLink, provides a detailed trip planning guide with fare calculators, timetables and suggestions on the best way to get between (almost) any two points in Queensland, right down to how far you have to walk to the bus stop.

Translink Website: http://translink.com.au

RESTAURANTS

South Bank is one of Brisbane’s best dining hotspots with an array of cafes, pubs, bars, take-away restaurants and gourmet eateries to suit any taste. Just some of the precinct’s many cuisine styles include Turkish, Indian, Malaysian, Japanese, Mediterranean, Modern Australian, Russian and Italian. Click here to view a list of South Bank Restaurants.

CURRENCY

The Australian dollar is divided into 100 cents. One and two cent coins are no longer in circulation, but many items in shops and supermarkets are priced in odd amounts, such as $1.97 or $9.99. The law provides that the TOTAL bill is rounded up or down to the nearest 5 cents. So $19.97 becomes $19.95, $19.98 becomes $20.00. Coin denominations are 5c, 10c, 20c, 50c, $1 and $2. Notes are $5, $10, $20, $50 and $100, colour coded and made from a plastic compound that will survive a wash or a swim.

CREDIT CARDS

All banks have automated teller machines (ATMs) accessible 24-hours a day, generally outside the branch or in the foyer. Check with your card issuer that your charge or account-linked credit card can be used in this way, and at which bank as none accept every brand of card.

TRAVELLERS CHEQUES

Travellers cheques, especially in foreign currencies, are generally NOT accepted EXCEPT by hotels and big stores and tourist shops. These display a 'travellers cheques welcome' sign. Cash your cheques at a bank or Bureau de Change to ensure you have enough spending money. The same holds true for foreign currency, which is not generally accepted by Australian businesses and shops.

TIPPING

No service charge applies in Australia. Tipping is not mandatory but a tip in restaurants and hotel bars is optional for exceptional service.

Last updated:
Thursday, August 16, 2018