Major city · Australia
Brisbane
Use Brisbane as a 2–3 night destination for the river core and koala sanctuary, or as a base for Gold Coast/Sunshine Coast day trips. It is not just a transit stop.
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- AUD
- Best months
- Apr–Sep
- avoid Dec–Feb (hot, humid, storm-prone)
- Airport
- BNE
- Nights
- 2–3
Rules in force · 7
- Oceania ↗Oceania's island states guard their farms and reefs at the border: tick 'yes' on the arrival card for any food, plant, animal product, soil or used outdoor gear, and let the officer decide.
- Oceania ↗Across the tropical South Pacific, cyclones are possible from November to April: choose insurance that covers weather delays and keep one spare night before a long-haul departure.
- Australia and New Zealand ↗Both countries drive on the left, with long distances between fuel stops in the outback and on New Zealand's back roads; fatigue causes more visitor crashes than speed.
- Australia ↗Almost every visitor needs a visa or an electronic authorisation (ETA or eVisitor, depending on passport) before boarding: apply only through the official Department of Home Affairs site or the official AustralianETA app, and check the rules for your passport.
- Australia ↗Declare all food, plant material, seeds, wood and animal products on your arrival declaration; undeclared items can bring on-the-spot fines or visa cancellation. When unsure, declare it.
- Australia ↗Drive on the left. An overseas licence in English (or with an official translation or International Driving Permit) is accepted for visitors; check the state rules and your rental contract.
- Australia ↗Swim between the red and yellow flags on patrolled beaches; rip currents cause most beach drownings.
Brisbane is Queensland's capital and Australia's third-largest city, defined by its winding river and warm subtropical climate. It works best as a compact 2–3 night stay covering South Bank, Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary and the CityCat ferries, or as a launchpad for coastal day trips before moving on to Cairns or Sydney.
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Brisbane, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the Australian dollar (AUD, A$).Australia-wide
- SIM or eSIMTelstra has the widest outback coverage; Optus and Vodafone (TPG) are cheaper and fine in cities and along highways.Australia-wide
- Tap waterTap water is safe in cities and towns; in remote places use signed drinking taps.Australia-wide
- TippingRestaurants: Not expected; 10% for very good service in a nice restaurant if you wish.Australia-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets I. US/Canada (A/B): adapter · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): fits. 230 V: US 120 V-only devices (hair dryers) need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.Australia-wide
- SafetyGenerally safe in tourist areas.
- RestroomsFree public toilets in parks, beaches, shopping centres and petrol stations (servos); the National Public Toilet Map app lists them.Australia-wide
- Emergency numbers000 police, fire, ambulance · 112 emergency from mobile
- Sundays & holidaysChristmas Day, Good Friday and Anzac Day morning close most shops; many cafés close by 15:00; country towns close early on Saturday and all Sunday.Christmas Day, Good Friday and Anzac Day morning close most shops; many cafés close by 3:00 PM; country towns close early on Saturday and all Sunday.Australia-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportBNE Brisbane Airport (Airtrain connects directly to the CBD in about 20 minutes.).
- Getting aroundTranslink operates trains, buses and CityCat ferries.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- CoffeeCoffee (flat white)A$4–6 (≈ US$3–4)
- BeerBeer (pub)A$9–12 (≈ US$6–8)
- Taxi, about 5 kmTaxi, about 3 miTaxi start fareA$5–7 (≈ US$4–5)
- Metro or bus ridePublic transport single fareA$0.50 (≈ under US$1) flat fare
- Budget bedHostel dorm bed, a night, per personA$35 (≈ US$25)
- Mid-range bedStandard hotel double room, a night, per roomA$180 (≈ US$120)
- High-end bedStandard hotel double room, a night, per roomA$300 (≈ US$200)
A day, not counting the bed: Budget A$110 (≈ US$75) · Mid A$220 (≈ US$150) · High A$350 (≈ US$250)
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- BNE Brisbane Airport (Airtrain connects directly to the CBD in about 20 minutes.)
Weather and climate
Brisbane: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
30°C86°F
21°C70°F
14 rd
Feb
30°C86°F
21°C70°F
15 rd
Mar
29°C84°F
20°C68°F
13 rd
Apr
27°C81°F
17°C63°F
8 rd
May
24°C75°F
14°C57°F
7 rd
Jun
22°C72°F
12°C54°F
5 rd
Jul
22°C72°F
10°C50°F
4 rd
Aug
23°C73°F
11°C52°F
4 rd
Sep
26°C79°F
14°C57°F
5 rd
Oct
27°C81°F
16°C61°F
8 rd
Nov
28°C82°F
19°C66°F
10 rd
Dec
29°C84°F
20°C68°F
12 rd
High / low °C°F · rd = rain days
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
Translink operates trains, buses and CityCat ferries. Contactless payment (credit/debit card) is accepted across all modes with a flat fare cap. The Airtrain links BNE airport to Central station.
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Gold Coast
goDoor to door: About 1.5 hours each way
Train from Central to Surfers Paradise, about 1 hour
Beaches and theme parks; easy return by train.
Sunshine Coast
goDoor to door: About 1.5–2 hours each way
Train to Nambour or bus connection
Calmer beaches than the Gold Coast.
Moreton Island
overnightDoor to door: Varies; check ferry times
Ferry from Brisbane or taxi barge
Requires sand driving permit; better as an overnight stay.
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Central Business District (CBD)
Best for transit access; walkable to Queen Street Mall and Roma Street Station.
Fortitude Valley
Nightlife hub with live music venues and dining; noisy on weekends.
South Bank
Riverside parklands and cultural institutions; quieter evenings.
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- A$90–140 (≈ US$60–95) excl. bed
- Mid
- A$180–260 (≈ US$120–180) excl. bed
- High
- A$300 (≈ US$200)+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Standard hotel double room1 × 2 nights × A$180 | A$360 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 2 days × A$220 | A$880 |
| Airtrain one-way (BNE to Central)2 × A$22 · Discount available online | A$44 |
| Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary entry2 × A$45 · check current price | A$90 |
| eSIM data plan (week)2 × A$30 | A$60 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | A$143 |
| Trip total≈ A$394 per person per day, bed included | A$1,577≈ US$1,100 |
2026 estimate in AUD. Flights excluded.
Prices of common things
| Coffee (flat white) | A$4–6 (≈ US$3–4) |
| Meal at a casual restaurant | A$20–35 (≈ US$14–25) |
| Beer (pub) | A$9–12 (≈ US$6–8) |
| Public transport single fare | A$0.50 (≈ under US$1) flat fare |
| Taxi start fare | A$5–7 (≈ US$4–5) |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Summer storms can cause flooding and transport delays.
- Sunburn risk is high year-round due to UV levels; wear sunscreen.
- Fines apply for travelling without touching on/off correctly.
Emergency numbers
- Police, Fire, Ambulance
- 000
- Emergency from mobile
- 112
Pocket card
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BrisbaneBrisbane
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
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—
—
To this address, pleaseTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police, Fire, Ambulance000
- Emergency from mobile112
Embassy
See /australia/visa-requirements for entry rules. Major countries have consulates in Brisbane; check your government's website for local contact details.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Airtrain BNE → Central: Approx A$22 (≈ US$15), 20 min
- Translink daily cap: Approx A$11 (≈ US$8) (adult)
- Taxi CBD → South Bank: A$15–20 (≈ US$10–14)
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Brisbane. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Apr–Sep · avoid Dec–Feb (hot, humid, storm-prone) · month by month →
- 1 airport and 3 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 3 day-trips, door to door
- 3 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Airport-to-bed contract for BNE: Airtrain frequency checks, late-night taxi fallbacks.
- River-focused walking clusters: South Bank, Kangaroo Point, CBD connector bridges.
- Place pages for Lone Pine, Queensland Museum, and CityCat terminals with verified opening hours.
- Seasonal fixtures for wet season closures and summer storm warnings.