About Brisbane

A sophisticated modern economy, cultural diversity, and world-class industry capabilities support Brisbane’s growing reputation as a global investment destination.

Find an inspiring collection of places to explore in and around Brisbane. From the natural pleasures of parklands to the urban appeal of art galleries - it's right here. Wining and dining. Urban village hotspots. Nights out on the town. Beds and boutique hotels, shopping and cinemas and everything in between. For more things to do and see in Brisbane explore click here. 

Environment 

Brisbane is a unique city, defined by its subtropical climate and diverse natural environment. The curving Brisbane River, waterways that crisscross our suburbs, beautiful bushland and rolling hills make it one of the most biodiverse capital cities in Australia.

Brisbane City Council is committed to protecting its natural environment for the future prosperity of the city and to achieve council's long-term vision for our clean, green city. Council works hard to preserve the lifestyle and environment that makes Brisbane such a great place to live, work and play. 

Brisbane has an extensive and expanding network of over 2000 parks, currently covering more than 6000 hectares in urban parks and more than 8000 hectares in conservation reserves.

Parklands are an essential component of Brisbane’s appeal. Key green spaces across the city include: 

• Brisbane Botanic Gardens at Mt Coot-tha 
• City Botanic Gardens 
• Roma Street Parkland 
• South Bank 

Geography

Brisbane is the capital city of Queensland – Australia’s second largest state by area. In addition to being the third most populous city in Australia, Brisbane is geographically the largest of Australia’s capital cities and the third largest in the world, occupying some 1140sq km.

Transportation

Brisbane is a compact, intuitively planned city which makes it simple for locals and visitors to navigate on foot. Getting to, from and around Brisbane is made easy with these transport options.

Public transport

Brisbane’s fully integrated public transport network offers a cost-effective option for road, rail and river travel. Spanning the South East Queensland corner, the TransLink system represents one of the largest public transport networks in the world. For further information, visit the Translink website.

Free Loop bus services

For inner-city travel, Brisbane’s free Loop bus services are a quick and convenient alternative to taxis and pavement pounding.

Taxis

Dedicated taxi ranks are centrally located on the front doorstep of Brisbane Airport’s international and domestic terminals.
For further information, visit the Black & White Cabs website or Yellow Cab Co website.

Vehicle hire

Various vehicle rental companies, chauffeured cars and charter services operate in and around Brisbane.
For further information, visit the Brisbane Airport website.

Boardwalks and bikeways

From strolling to cycling, the green options for getting out and about are plentiful in Brisbane. A simple grid system of city streets and an expansive network of pedestrian paths, parks, bridges and boardwalks encourage delegates to head outdoors for eco-friendly travel options.

CityCycle

Ideally suited to short journeys, Brisbane’s CityCycle scheme offers an eco-friendly and cost-efficient travel option. Working on a subscription basis with time usage fees, CityCycle provides registered users with access to bikes from hire stations located across the inner-city suburbs.
For further information, visit the CityCycle website.

Housing

Brisbane offers a range of housing options spanning all styles from the iconic Queenslander with its high ceilings and breezy verandahs to the modern, loft-style apartment. Most Brisbane houses sit on their own block of land, but growing interest in Brisbane has seen a burst of apartments erected across Brisbane’s CBD and its vibrant fringe neighbourhoods. 

For those in the rental market, Brisbane offers a wide variety of rental options. Houses, townhouses (semi-detached houses), apartments and share accommodation have become increasingly popular and are readily available throughout the city.

For further information about property in Brisbane, visit the Brisbane City Council website or any of the following websites:

• Office of Fair Trading
• Real Estate Institute of Queensland
• RealEstate Review
• Residential Tenancies Authority

Universities

Brisbane is home to three world-class universities, each recognised for the quality of its graduates and research and development initiatives.

Griffith University is recognised as one of Australia’s most innovative tertiary institutions – the first to offer degrees in Asian studies and environmental studies.

The Queensland University of Technology (QUT) is a top Australian university with global connections and a reputation for quality undergraduate and postgraduate courses. With more than 45,000 students (including 6000 from overseas), QUT courses are in high demand and span a wide range of studies and applied research areas specifically suited to the needs of industry and the community.

The University of Queensland (UQ) is the oldest university in Queensland. UQ is a founding member of the national Group of Eight, a leading group of Australian universities that conducts a significant portion of all university research in Australia, as well as one of only three Australian universities to be a member of the global Universitas 21, an alliance allowing UQ to offer students unique opportunities to participate in student exchanges and events throughout the world. Placed among the top 100 universities in the world, UQ graduates have become leaders in all areas of society and industry, and the university is considered to be a pacesetter in discovery and translational research.

There are also several other universities operating in niche fields in and around Brisbane, including:

• Australian Catholic University
• Bond University
• CQUniversity
• University of New England
• University of Southern Queensland
• University of the Sunshine Coast

TAFE network

The Technical and Further Education (TAFE) network in Queensland trains more than 240,000 people annually in trades and technical skills including engineering, electrics, plumbing, information technology and hospitality.

Primary and secondary education

Queensland has compulsory schooling for children aged six to 16.

Brisbane has a network of both public and private primary and secondary schools, offering one to two years of preparatory schooling with 12 years of formal schooling.

Many schools have English language programs for international students to support and assist them with their studies.

Demographics

Brisbane is one of the fastest-growing capital cities in Australia in terms of population and employment. Our residents are young and skilled, highly educated and culturally diverse.

Population and growth

• South East Queensland is one of Australia’s largest metropolitan regions, comprising 3.1 million people, of which approximately 70 per cent reside in the Greater Brisbane area.
• The Greater Brisbane population has grown rapidly over the past decade, now totalling more than 2 million people.
• The region is set to continue to be one of Australia’s fastest-growing, with the Queensland Government forecasting Brisbane’s population to grow to nearly 3 million by 2031.

Visa and permits

Currently, the Australian Government’s Department of Immigration and Citizenship is the only organisation that has the authority to approve visa applications in Australia. It is important to check the latest regulations before making a visa application as conditions and visa categories are subject to change. Before making any plans to live, work in or travel to Australia, you must ensure that you have the appropriate visa, without which you will be refused permission to enter and sent back to your home country at your own expense.

Passports and visas

All international travellers must present a valid and approved travel document (generally a passport) and a visa to enter Australia. New Zealand passport holders can apply for a special category visa upon arrival in Australia, while all other passport holders must apply for a visa before travelling to Australia. European Union passport holders can apply for a visa through the Australian Government’s online eVisitor system. Passport holders from a range of other countries (including the US) can apply for a visa online through the Australian Government’s Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) system. Another option is to apply for an ETA through a travel agent, airline office, specialist service provider or Australian visa office.

Business and skilled migration

Australia is committed to encouraging business and skilled migration. The Federal Government controls immigration to Australia, with support from specific State Government agencies as appropriate. There are two key classifications – business migration and general skilled migration. Under each category there are visa classes, and different eligibility criteria apply to each. In most cases there is the option to be sponsored if you meet certain criteria. 
 
For further information on visas and permits visit the Department of Immigration and Citizenship website.