Brisbane

Brisbane is the capital of Queensland, Australia’s “Smart State”, and is widely known as the country’s most liveable city.

It is Australia’s fastest-growing capital with a population of more than 1.8 million and offers a safe, friendly, multicultural environment.

Brisbane is considered one of the major business hubs in Australia. Most major Australian and international companies have a contact office in Brisbane. Many electronics companies also take advantage of the strategic port and airports by choosing to have distribution hubs in the city.

The inner city is characterised by the Brisbane River, parklands, convention facilities, museums, art galleries, a casino, malls, shopping districts and a host of cosmopolitan restaurants and cafés.

The golden beaches and fun parks of the Gold Coast are just an hour’s drive south. The beautiful Sunshine Coast beaches lie a short drive to the north, along with National Parks, rainforests and attractions such as Australia Zoo.

Brisbane’s reputation as a friendly, modern city makes it a popular tourist destination.

Read more about the geography, transport, weather, food and shopping, communication and technology, and things to do in Brisbane - on the Guide for Internationals students website, as well as about Australia's culture and religion.

Useful links

Lonely Planet www.lonelyplanet.com

Our Brisbane www.ourbrisbane.com

Things to do in Brisbane www.thingstodo.com/au/queensland

Brisbane City Council www.brisbane.qld.gov.au

Brisbane – facts and figures

Brisbane
> Capital city of the State of Queensland, Australia.

Population
> 1,820,375 (Brisbane city and surrounding areas).
> 4,132,015 (Queensland).
> Brisbane is Australia’s third largest city after Sydney and Melbourne.

Time Zone
> GMT/UTC + 10 hours.

Language
> English.
> Australia is a multicultural ountry so it is normal to hear people speaking a variety of languages.

Currency
> Australian Dollar (AUD$).

Climate
> Subtropical.
> Summer – December to February; Autumn – March to May;
Winter – June to August;
Spring – September to November.
> Summer maximum average temperatures are around 29° celsius (84° Fahrenheit).
> The average maximum daytime temperature in winter is around 21° celsius (70° Fahrenheit).
> People are advised to wear hats, cool clothing that protects from the sun and maximum UV-protection (30+) sunscreen during summer.
> A long-sleeved jacket and warm clothes will be necessary during the early morning and evening in winter.

Source: Population statistics: Queensland Govt,
Office of Economic and Statistical Research, 2007.

In This Section

Queensland Queensland attracts more than half of all international tourists to Australia. Its tropical coastal strip includes sandy beaches, coral islands and plenty of sunshine.
Queensland schools Brisbane has a wide range of schools to choose from with almost 1300 public (Queensland Government-administered) and 450 private (independent) schools spread across the State. Education at public schools is free, although most schools do...
Brisbane maps Links to maps of Brisbane city and suroundings
Queensland maps Link to maps of Queensland and surrounding areas