Brisbane

Welcome to Brisbane! Or "Brissie," as locals call it. This city is surprisingly relaxed for a major capital, blending big-city perks with an easy-going, outdoorsy vibe. Brisbanites are a friendly and approachable bunch with a definite laid-back attitude that’s very Australian, happy to have a chat or give directions. It's got great food, a buzzing cultural scene, and beautiful architecture—all under the warm Queensland sun. English is the main language, of course, but the city is a multicultural hub, so you'll hear languages from all over the world. Don't be surprised by the local slang; you'll hear "g'day" (hello), "arvo" (afternoon), and "cheers" (thanks) a lot. It's all part of the charm.

Brisbane offers a perfect blend of urban adventure and natural beauty. You can spend the morning kayaking on the Brisbane River, the afternoon exploring world-class art at the GOMA (Gallery of Modern Art), and the evening at a laneway bar in Fortitude Valley. The city is built around the river, and its lush parklands like South Bank and the City Botanic Gardens are genuine highlights, not just patches of green. Plus, the food scene is fantastic, moving way beyond typical Aussie fare to offer everything from incredible ramen to contemporary Greek food. It's a city that invites you to slow down and enjoy the sunshine.

Brisbanites are a friendly and approachable bunch. There's a definite laid-back attitude here that's very Australian. People are generally happy to have a chat or give directions. English is the main language, of course, but the city is a multicultural hub, so you'll hear languages from all over the world. Don't be surprised by the local slang; you'll hear "g'day" (hello), "arvo" (afternoon), and "cheers" (thanks) a lot. It's all part of the charm.

Brisbane's food scene has really come into its own. It's fresh, diverse, and makes the most of Queensland's amazing produce. Must-try dishes include the Pappardelle al ragù d'anatra (duck ragu) at Julius Pizzeria and the incredible pastries from Agnes Bakery in Fortitude Valley. You'll also find amazing Asian food, from authentic Tonkotsu ramen at Taro's Ramen to fantastic dumplings. For a casual meal, a burger from Ben's Burgers or a trip to a local farmers market is always a good shout. Expect to pay around A$20-40 for a main course at a mid-range restaurant, with many excellent cheaper options available from around A$10-20.

Brisbane is a modern, well-developed city. The internet is generally fast and reliable, and you'll find air conditioning everywhere, which is an absolute lifesaver in the humid summer months. The public transport system, run by TransLink, is extensive with buses, trains, and the popular CityCat ferries that cruise the river. The much-hyped "Brisbane Metro" is a high-frequency bus rapid transit (BRT) service, not a train system, operating on existing busways with a new fleet of vehicles. Stage 2 (M2 route) launched in January 2025, and Stage 3 (M1 route) launched in June 2025. A new Adelaide Street bus tunnel, part of the Metro project, is expected to open in late September 2025, further enhancing city centre connectivity. The city is prone to summer thunderstorms and occasional flooding, especially in February, so it's something to be aware of if you're visiting during the wet season. Overall, it's a very functional and easy city to navigate.

You'll be flying into Brisbane Airport (BNE). From there, the easiest and fastest way to get to the city center is the Airtrain. It’s a direct 20-minute journey to Central Station, with fares starting from A$22.30, and you can often get discounts by booking online in advance. Ride-sharing services like Uber and DiDi are also available, with dedicated pick-up areas at both terminals; a trip to the city will cost around A$30-50. Taxis are a bit pricier, and there are also shuttle bus services which can be a good option if you have a lot of luggage.

Getting around Brisbane is a breeze. The best way to use public transport is to get a Go Card, which you can tap-on and tap-off on all TransLink buses, trains, and ferries. You can also now use a contactless debit/credit card. The CityCat ferries are a fantastic way to see the city from the water and connect key areas like South Bank, the CBD, and New Farm. For getting around the inner city, there are free bus loops (routes 40 & 50) that are super handy. The central areas like the CBD and South Bank are very walkable.

Brisbane is generally considered one of Australia's safer capital cities, and travelers typically feel safe here. However, like any major city, minor crime such as pickpocketing and theft has seen an increase with tourism development, so it's advisable to remain aware of your surroundings and safeguard your possessions. The main nightlife area, Fortitude Valley, is designated a "Safe Night Precinct" (SNP). While this means a higher police presence and regulated trading hours for venues, it can still get rowdy late on Friday and Saturday nights, with higher rates of assault and anti-social behavior compared to other areas. A growing homelessness crisis is an observable reality, particularly in some public parks and near transit hubs. Areas like Musgrave Park and Kurilpa Point in South Brisbane have seen a rise in temporary encampments, leading to council crackdowns and concerns over public amenity, safety, and hygiene. While authorities are working to connect individuals with services, visitors should be aware that some public spaces may present scenes of visible poverty or associated anti-social behavior. It's advisable to be mindful of your surroundings, especially in less crowded park areas or late at night, and to secure your belongings. This situation is a reflection of broader housing affordability issues rather than a direct threat to tourists, but it shapes the on-the-ground experience in certain areas. All in all, the biggest "danger" you'll likely face is the sun! The UV rays here are no joke, so a hat and sunscreen are non-negotiable, even on cloudy days.