From the Yuggera language of Brisbane, try saying Wunya (welcome, greetings) or Gurumba bigi (Good day).
Brisbane is bursting with fun things to do, exciting places to visit and an epic line-up of major sporting and cultural events. Queensland’s sunny capital offers up laidback charm and urban energy with a dash of adventure. Visit Queensland Tourism for ideas for getting to know Brisbane and its surrounds.
Currency
Australia uses a Decimal currency system, where 100 cents = one dollar ($). We have six coins – 5c, 10c, 20c, 50c, which are silver coloured, and $1 and $2, which are gold. We have five notes, made from plastic – $5 (pink /purple), $10 (blue), $20 (red), $50 (yellow), and $100 (green).
Driving
If you have had a licence in your own country for more than a year, you can apply for an Australian Driving Licence, but you must pass a driving test. If you are on a Student or Working Holiday visa and studying for 10 weeks or less you can drive using your International Licence, if you already have one. Visit the Department of Transport and Main Roads website for more information.
What is the weather like in Brisbane?
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.
Summer (December – February)
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 (March – May)
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.
Winter (June – August)
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).
Spring (September – November)
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.
Things to do in Brisbane City
To chat face-to-face to a local about all the best things to see and do in Brisbane City, step into a Visitor Information Centre.
Meander your way down Queen Street Mall - opened in 1982, today the pedestrian-only precinct remains one of Brisbane’s key shopping destinations, home to both leading department stores and independent retailers alike. In recent years designer boutiques aplenty have found their way to the southern end of the strip. High-end labels gather in luxury precinct Queens Plaza, with the likes of Louis Vuitton, Chanel, and Tiffany & Co residing along local labels like Zimmermann and Aesop.
Post-shop, indulge in one of the growing number of sophisticated dining venues taking advantage of the city's relaxed alfresco lifestyle. Even once-lonesome laneways have also been repurposed, now awash with lively bars and cafes, a standout being the much-lauded Howard Smith Wharves development. The suave refurbishment of a heritage-listed wharf fringing the Brisbane River houses a collection of popular fine diners, breweries, bars, and a design hotel to boot. Take a front row seat with locals riverside and watch the city come to light.
But it’s not just the foodies who'll be satisfied with a trip to Brisbane City. Immerse yourself in culture and heritage with ample cultural components to explore. King George Square remains a Brisbane icon, home to Brisbane City Hall and the famed bell tower which chimes on the hour. Take a tour of its hallowed halls, or wander up towards the Treasury Casino to see more of the city's grandeur.
You don't have to leave the inner city to find the thrill of adventure, either. Hiring a kayak and cruising down the river, abseiling down the Kangaroo Point cliffs, or the Story Bridge Adventure Climb all prove Brisbane's CBD is more than just a concrete jungle.
Festivals/Things to do in QLD
The most popular festival in Brisbane is The Ekka which is held in August each year and runs for about two weeks. There is also the famous River Fire Festival along South Bank Parklands which lights up the Brisbane River with its spectacular fireworks display. The Caxton Street Seafood and Wine Festival always brings the streets alive, which is full of entertainment, fresh seafood and a great place to make new friends. Some of the most popular places to visit in Brisbane include: City Botanical Gardens, Roma Street Parklands, Steve Irwin’s Australia Zoo, Mt Cootha, and of course, the beautiful Gold Coast (which is only a 45 minute train ride away).
There are also major theme parks which attract millions of visitors each year: Movieworld, Dreamworld, Seaworld, Wet n Wild, Australian Outdoor Spectacular, and Aussie World.
There are also so many must see places near Brisbane which are only a ferry or short flight away: dive The Great Barrier Reef, go Island hopping such as at Fraser Island, visit the Outback, or go to the Whitsunday Islands.
