Brisbane, the state capital of Queensland, Australia, is the third largest city in all of Australia. Visitors have a wide variety of options available to them, choosing between exploring the city from the inside and trekking up Mount Choo-tha for a birds-eye view. Some even prefer cruising down the Brisbane River. No matter what you choose to do you’ll find that Brisbane is an eclectic city with much to offer.

When to Visit Brisbane

The weather in Brisbane, a sub-tropical Southern Hemisphere atmosphere, is beautiful year round. Because of its southern location, the seasons are reversed from the Northern Hemisphere. The summer months begin in December while the winter months begin in June.

The hottest months for traveling in Brisbane are between November and March. The temperatures can climb into the mid-90’s Fahrenheit (35 degrees Celsius) and the days are often very humid. Visitors from colder climates are encouraged to dress in cool clothing, wear sunscreen, and drink plenty of water. Exploring Brisbane during the summer is fun but only if you treat the sun’s powerful rays with respect.

The temperatures during the winter months, especially August and September, are much cooler with temperatures averaging around 77 degrees Fahrenheit (or 25 Celsius) during the day. There are only a couple of weeks during the middle of the winter where temperatures drop much lower.

Transportation throughout Brisbane

The city of Brisbane does have its own airport and it does entertain both domestic and international flights. Upon your arrival you’ll want to catch the Airtrain to get into the main city. The Coachtrans airport shuttle will take you directly to your Brisbane hotel.  Taxis are also readily available or if you’d prefer to take care of yourself you can opt to rent a car from the airport.

Brisbane is a very large city but it’s not difficult to get around. The streets are mapped out in a grid pattern and it’s easy to figure out what direction you’re going on. If you are on a street that appears to be named after a King (like William, Edward, etc) you are running parallel to the river. If you are on a street that appears to be named after a Queen (Alice, Mary, Adelaide) you are running in the opposite direction.

The public transportation systems within Brisbane are safe, clean, and inexpensive. You can get an all-day pass that will give you access to the bus, train, and ferry, making it easy to get wherever you want to go. Another great option is to rent a bicycle and ride along the river, a great opportunity to see more of the city than you would be able to if you were cooped up in a car or a bus.

Tourist Information Centers in Brisbane

The Brisbane Visitor Information Centre is located in the Queen Street Mall across from Wintergarden. It is open 7 days a week and is a great place to obtain maps and information about local events and attractions. There is a second center, the South Bank Visitor Centre, in the Stanley Street Plaza in the South Bank section of the city. These are the main tourist information centers and there are several smaller centers scattered throughout the city as well.

Speaking the Language in Brisbane

Yes, the folks in Australia speak English but the slang is a bit different than you’re used to and occasionally you’ll hear a word or two that seems confusing. To start out, remember that phrases like “excuse me,” “sorry,” “please,” and “thank you” are pretty universal – use them.

You’ll also hear a few other phrases. The term “blue” as in “I’ve just had a blue” means that a person has just gotten into an argument. Someone who claims to “feel a bit crook” is telling you that he doesn’t feel very well. The word “bugger” is often used as an exclamation to express disappointment and if a person doesn’t want to talk to you they might tell you, albeit rudely, to “bugger off.” Finally, the words “pissed,” “tanked,” “sloshed,” “maggoted,” and “blotto” all refer to someone who is intoxicated.

Keep these terms, and others, in mind throughout your travels and you’ll have an easier time communicating with locals as you explore Brisbane.

Things to do in Brisbane

There are dozens of incredible attractions scattered throughout the city of Brisbane. They include cultural landmarks, historic sites, museums, cathedrals, and even entertainment venues.

Make sure you start your trip with a visit to the Museum of Brisbane and City Hall where you’ll learn about the heritage of the city itself. The Maritime Museum Southbank is another incredible attraction where you’ll have a chance to explore some of Brisbane’s old battle ships and military docks.

It’s safe to say there’s something for everyone in Brisbane. All you have to do is look around and you’re guaranteed to stumble upon something spectacular.