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The [[Greater Brisbane]] region has a population of about 2.2 million people and is Australia's third-largest city.
Brisbane, colloquially known as ''Brissie'' (pronounced ''Briz-ee''),
===History===
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* '''Summer''' (December–February) humidity is high and daytime temperatures frequently exceed 30°C, with night temperatures rarely dropping below 20°C. Occasional heat waves can raise the temperature in excess of 40°C, however these are not common. Just about any outdoor activity you do at the height of a regular summer day in Brisbane will leave you bathed in sweat. Loose-fitting clothing that protects you from the sun is appropriate attire for most casual activities, and air-conditioning will assure you a comfortable night's sleep or ride on public transport. Summer storms with hail and heavy rainfall are common in afternoons on hot, humid days. They usually pass quickly and often put on a good lightning show. Sunrise is as early as 4:45AM, and the latest sunsets are around 6:45PM.
* '''Autumn''' (March–May) sees a cool change in Brisbane with average daytime temperatures between 20 and 30°C. Most tourists not used to a humid climate will find this the best time to visit Brisbane, as the humidity lowers and the region shifts into a more comfortable, dry and sunny weather pattern, perfect for outdoor activities. Night-time temperatures usually drop to 10-20°C, with ambient heat from the day still radiating from the ground, keeping the early evening still warm and comfortable, though a light jacket may be required later at night.
* '''Winter''' (June–August) signals the region's dry season, with Brisbane experiencing cool, sunny, cloudless days. Temperatures typically go up to 25°C during the day with night-time temperatures rarely dropping below 5°C. The early-morning chill usually disappears by mid-morning and most of the daylight hours are relatively warm, however it is still recommended to have something warm to wear as this is not always the case. The eastern suburbs tend to be cooler as sea breezes blow in from the bay. Daylight hours run from 6:
* '''Spring''' (September–November) sees the revitalisation of the city with warmer days and fresh sea breezes coming in from the bay. Weather is similar to Autumn months, with increasing humidity as summer draws closer.
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===By ship===
Brisbane has an international [https://www.portbris.com.au/cruise cruise terminal] next to {{marker|type=go|name=Portside Wharf|url=http://www.portsidewharf.com.au/|lat=-27.4411|long=153.06946}}.
==Get around==
=== By public transport ===
[[File:Brisbane_transport_MAN_18.310.jpg|thumb|Brisbane is well served by public transport with a large network of trains, buses and ferries]]
South East Queensland's public transport network is run by a single provider known as Translink. The official [http://www.translink.com.au/ website] and app can be used to plan journeys. Google Maps also offers full navigation with real time information.
The region is divided into 8 concentric "zones" for fare purposes. Your fare is determined by how many zones you travel through. For example, travelling between zones 2 and 3 will cost you the same as travelling between zones 7 and 8. Network maps clearly mark the zones and zone boundaries. Major destinations like shopping centres are often used as zone boundaries. A station or stop within a zone boundary is considered part of either zone.
Fare payments can be made with a '''[https://translink.com.au/about-translink/projects-and-initiatives/smart-ticketing contactless credit or debit card]''' (buses not available until 2025). Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Apple Pay and Google Pay are accepted. Some prepaid cards may also work.
The fare is deducted as you touch on and touch off each mode of transport. You must touch both on and off for all journeys regardless of the mode of transport. A failure to touch off will result in a fixed fare of up to $30 being charged. Train stations and tram stops have fare gates or distinctive pink validators located on the platform. Buses and ferries are fitted with validators as you board and alight.
Translink uses the word "journey" to mean end-to-end journey including any required transfers, and the word "trip" to mean a single point-to-point trip. A journey can be made up of one or more trips on any mode of transport. When making a number of trips to get to your destination it is still one journey if you touch on within 60 minutes of touching off on your previous trip.
Alternatively, fare payments can be made with a '''[http://translink.com.au/tickets-and-fares/go-card go card]'''. The card costs $10 (refundable deposit) plus the travel credit you wish to top up (maximum $250). The card is available at train station ticket counters, busway fare machines, and selected newsagents and convenience stores. The card can be topped up at the same locations, including train station fare machines. Applying for a refund of the deposit and any unused travel credit can be a hassle. If you have paid by cash it can be processed directly at a train station, including the airport train station. If you have paid by credit card it can only be processed by cheque or transfer to an Australian bank account.
Paper tickets are only available at train station ticket counters, train station fare machines and busway fare machines. Paper tickets are only valid for one way journeys and cost 30% more than a card. Buses are prepaid only so you will need to purchase a paper ticket beforehand or use a card instead.
If you are going to be travelling extensively and using the Airtrain, you can buy a 3-day or 5-day unlimited travel SEEQ Card for $79 and $129 respectively. SEEQ cards work like regular go cards and provide additional discounts at various tourist attractions around South East Queensland. You don't have to worry about topping up and refunds, but you'll struggle to get value out of it unless you are catching the Airtrain.
You can be fined $261 for travelling without a valid fare.
====Trains====
Brisbane has a sizeable rail network. Most services are through-running, travelling from one side of the city to the other. All trains stop at Bowen Hills, Fortitude Valley, Central and Roma Street, regardless of their origin or destination. Interurban services run between Brisbane and the Gold Coast, with connecting tram services at Helensvale. Interurban services also run between Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast, with connecting bus services at Landsborough. Trains generally run from 6AM to midnight, running later on Friday and Saturday nights, and finishing earlier on Sundays.
===
Brisbane has a large interconnected network of bus routes that service the whole city. The bus fleet is the most modern in Australia and can be identified by the vibrant blue and yellow colouring. All buses have a digital display of their route number and a brief description of the terminus and/or areas serviced. Most routes run frequent services from 6AM to 11PM at a minimum.
Brisbane's "busways" are dedicated bus corridors that provide high frequency routes between the northern and southern suburbs. Most busway routes stop at Roma Street, King George Square, Cultural Centre and South Bank. The busways interchange with the rail network at Roma Street and South Bank, and the two modes of transport combined provide very good coverage of the city.
In some of Brisbane's notoriously dispersed outer suburbs, services may be much less frequent or have reduced running hours, so it is advisable to check timetables if making these trips. Timetables are sometimes optimistic, especially during morning and afternoon peak hours when traffic is heavy, and buses are occasionally up to 10 minutes late.
As with many cities, Brisbane has a large number of express buses, so it should not be assumed that all buses observe every stop along the roads they travel. In peak hour there are even more express routes ("rockets" and "bullets") for commuters which make very few stops at all. Ask the driver if you are unsure.
All-night bus services known as 'NightLink' are operated on Friday and Saturday nights.
The following routes are convenient for travel around the inner city:
* The [https://translink.com.au/sites/default/files/acquiadam-assets/timetables/230116-500-501-502-503-504-505-506-510.pdf 'Brisbane City Loop'] (Route 40) is a free and convenient bus service travelling in both directions around the CBD. This bus operates M-F 7:00AM-5:50PM every 10 minutes from the distinctive bright purple bus stops.
* The [https://translink.com.au/sites/default/files/acquiadam-assets/timetables/220124-30.pdf 'Spring Hill Loop'] (Route 30) is a free and convenient bus service travelling around the Spring Hill area just north of the CBD. This bus operates M-F 8:25AM-6:05PM every 10 minutes from the distinctive bright yellow bus stops.
* The [https://translink.com.au/sites/default/files/acquiadam-assets/timetables/221010-60.pdf 'Blue CityGlider'] (Route 60) is a paid bus service for quick north-south cross-city travel between West End and Teneriffe, stopping at the distinctive light blue bus stops. This bus operates every 5 minutes in peak hour (M-F 7-9AM and 4-6PM), and every 10 to 15 minutes all other times. It operates Su-Th 5:30AM-11:30PM, and F-Sa 24 hours.
* The [https://translink.com.au/sites/default/files/acquiadam-assets/timetables/180122-61-maroon-glider.pdf 'Maroon CityGlider'] (Route 61) is a paid service for quick east-west cross-city travel between Ashgrove and Coorparoo, stopping at the distinctive maroon bus stops. This bus operates every 10 minutes in peak hour (M-F 7-9AM and 4-6PM) and every 15 minutes all other times. It operates Su-Th 5:30AM-11:30PM, and F-Sa 24 hours (every 30 minutes after midnight).
====Ferries====
[[File:CityCat on the Brisbane River (5275427527).jpg|thumb|A CityCat passing the CBD]]
Ferries have become an icon of the city and are a fantastic way to tour Brisbane along the river.
The CityCat is a high-speed catamaran service that travels up and down the river between Northshore Hamilton and UQ St Lucia. Popular stops include New Farm Park, Howard Smith Wharves, Riverside, South Bank, North Quay and West End.
The CityHopper is a slow-speed catamaran service that travels up and down the river between Sydney Street and North Quay. This particular service is free but often crowded as a result.
===By taxi===
Taxis are numerous throughout Brisbane and can take you anywhere
In the outer-suburban areas, cabs will pull over if you hail them down from the side of the road and can be found in designated taxi ranks in shopping centres, or near bars and pubs. The same can be said for the inner-city, however taxi ranks are more common and it's usually best to catch a cab from there. At night though, especially on Friday and Saturday, taxis exclusively pick up passengers from these ranks and you'd be extremely lucky if you get one elsewhere. These ranks are usually monitored by security and have ushers at night. From midnight-5:30AM on Friday and Saturday nights, all taxis from the CBD and Fortitude Valley become "FlatFare", meaning that there is a fixed price for any given destination and you will have to pay before entering the taxi.
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Taxis can be expensive in Brisbane; a trip between the airport and the city can be in excess of $50–60 and can easily run to over $100 if you go beyond the metropolitan Brisbane region.
===
Uber, Ola and DiDi are available.
===
There are plenty of national car rental companies available to pick up from the airport. As is common with many hire car companies, you will often pay a premium to pick up or return at the airport location. If you are looking to cover a long distance by car, ensure your rental policy includes unlimited mileage – most economy to standard sized car rental include this already. Most car rental companies hire to people 25 years of age and over, some all age car rental companies do hire to younger drivers over 18 years of age (there are surcharges involved for under-age drivers).
Many of the roads in the CBD are one-way, making driving in this area complicated for people not familiar with the layout. Drivers used to city driving should not find Brisbane too much of a challenge, and parking is readily available in parking stations in the city, albeit often at a steep cost, around $40 to casually park for a day. $15 parking is generally available with early-bird deals (arrive before 9:00, leave after 16:00.) The CBD has limited street parking and issues parking infringements for illegally parked vehicles. All inner-city street parking is metered and signed and costs about $4 per hour. Avoid parking fines by only parking in designated parking bays marked by white lines. A yellow painted line along the kerbside indicates no standing and no parking.
Most CBD roads become clearways at 16:00 (unless signed otherwise), and any cars parked on the side of the road will be fined, towed or both. You have to pay for the towing to get your car back, and then expect a fine to follow in the mail. Check for signs and line marking when parking, or just play it safe and find a parking station.
If you are looking to visit the areas surrounding the city, then generally a car will be as quick as any other way of getting around, with the possible exception of the height of peak hour. Brisbane is notorious for having roads that bottle-neck and what would normally be a 15-minute trip could easily turn into well over an hour during peak times.
There are several toll roads in and around Brisbane (clearly signed and marked for approaching motorists), including the Gateway Bridge which crosses the river near the airport, the Clem-7 tunnel and the Go-Between Bridge. Cash is not accepted, toll users must have a prepaid transponder or post-pay via a website. Check the Linkt [https://www.linkt.com.au/brisbane website] for details.
A street directory or GPS unit is an essential addition to your car. Locals are generally friendly and more than willing to help you out if you are lost, so don't be afraid to ask.
===By motorcycle===
Under Queensland law, 50cc scooters can be ridden by just about anyone who holds a car driver's licence. This makes them a good way to get around the CBD, due to limited street parking, and often-expensive off-street parking. Scooter and motorbike parking is free and plentiful. The down side to renting a scooter is that they are speed-limited to 55 km/h. If on a multi-lane road, stay in the left lane. Scooters are not allowed on highways. North of Brisbane you will find many beautiful scenic drives for motorbike enthusiasts. The North side is surrounded by many windy roads and great mountain roads on which any motorbike rider can enjoy a full day out on the motorbike of just about any size. There are services available throughout Brisbane and the Gold Coast which deliver both scooters and motorbikes right to your door-step. Some will even provide all the necessary gear as well.
===By bicycle===
[[File:BicycleBrisbane.jpg|thumb|Bicyclists on Clem Jones Promenade]]
Getting around the city and South Bank is easy thanks to the many cycle paths along the river.
Cycling on footpaths is legal in the Brisbane City Council area (maximum speed 10 km/h), however pedestrians have right of way. Keep left and take special care when riding through South Bank Parklands as the shared (and quite wide) foot and cycle path is often clogged with large groups taking up the whole path, pedestrians stopping unexpectedly for photos and playing children running heedlessly in front of you. It is often too noisy here to use your bell, so use your common sense, and dismount and push your bike through crowded pedestrian areas.
Maps showing extensive dedicated bikeways and shared paths in the Brisbane City Council area are available on the [https://www.brisbane.qld.gov.au/things-to-see-and-do/outdoor-activities/cycling-in-brisbane/cycling-brisbane-bikeway-map BCC website]{{Dead link|date=May 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }} and a journey planner is available [https://cyclingbrisbane.com.au/route-planner here]{{Dead link|date=September 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}. These bikeways offer a pleasant way to explore and enjoy Brisbane.
Some areas of Brisbane are very hilly. If your street map shows a tangle of winding streets close together that is a sign of steep roads. A short trip can quickly become a lot of work; stick to the river when possible, it's where you get the best views and it is almost entirely flat.
If you leave the cycle paths, footpaths, and minor streets you should be prepared to contend with busy urban traffic. Feel free to ignore any Brisbane motorists that may have resentment toward cyclists and ignorance of the road rules applying to cyclists; cyclists are permitted to travel on just about all roads in Brisbane. Special "bicycle lanes" on Brisbane's roads are becoming increasingly common and are often denoted by a narrow green-coloured strip of road adjacent to the curb.
===
Brisbane is an excellent city for walking and you should have no problems getting around the CBD. Within minutes of walking in virtually any direction you will be able to find a bus, train or ferry station. Maps can be purchased from bookstores, any tourist information centre or viewed online. There are also a number of shared pathways that offer relaxed walking routes away from roads and traffic. Beyond the CBD and inner-suburbs however, sights can become very spread out, so you might want to consider other modes of getting around. Areas near the river are relatively flat and are perfect for walking. If you find yourself lost, it's advisable to head to the nearest main road as more than likely it will be serviced by buses or trains.
==See==
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| wikipedia=Roma Street Parkland | image=Winter_in_Roma_Street_Parkland_01.jpg | wikidata=Q7361492
| content=The world's largest subtropical garden in a city centre and home to 1,800 unique species of plants. Experience the theme gardens such as the topiary maze, rain forest walk, lake, celebration law and amphitheatre with many public artworks to admire.
}}
** {{see
| name=Rainforest Walk | alt= | url= | email=
| address= | lat= | long= | directions=
| phone= | tollfree= | fax=
| hours= | price=
| content=Ecological park of South Bank. Set along the banks of the Brisbane River, it's a cool spot to stroll along the boardwalk with plenty of shady subtropical trees. There are also small benches to soak in the tranquility.
}}
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| name=South Bank and Cultural Precinct | alt= | url= | email=
| address= | lat=-27.47899 | long=153.02225 | directions=
| phone= | tollfree
| hours= | price=
| content=South Bank is a relatively recent development across the Brisbane River from the heart of the city on the site of World Expo '88, and features an artificial beach surrounded by extensive parklands. Also in South Bank are the shops, cafés, restaurants and cinemas of the Grey Street precinct. A great place to hang out on a hot day and swim for free. Adjacent to South Bank, the Cultural Precinct includes the [
}}
:* {{see
| name=Suncorp Piazza | alt= | url= | email=
| address= | lat=-27.47705 | long=153.02144 | directions=
| phone= | tollfree
| hours= | price=
| content=Within South Bank, it often hosts free live events and movies.
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}}
*{{buy
| name=South Bank markets | alt= | url= | email=
| address= | lat=-27.47508 | long=153.0212 | directions=
| phone= | tollfree
| hours= | price=
| content=Held at the South Bank Parklands every Sunday.
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| phone=+61 7 3120-5400 | tollfree= | fax=
| hours= | price=
| content=The largest shopping centre in the Eastern Suburbs.
}}
*{{buy
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| content=Famous for its steaks, a Brisbane institution.
}}
* {{eat
| name=The Courthouse Restaurant | alt= | url=https://www.courthouserestaurant.com.au/ | email=
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* {{drink
| name=Regatta | alt=
| address=543 Coronation Drive, Toowong | lat=-27.48256 | long=152.99628 | directions=adjacent to the Regatta CityCat terminal
| phone=+61 7 3871-9595 | tollfree
| hours= | price=
| content=Expect a wait to get in on Th, F and Sa nights, but a must-go for the best sessions on W and Su nights when the venue is completely taken by students.
}}
* {{drink
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* {{drink
| name=Covent Garden West End | alt= | url=https://www.coventgarden.com.au/ | email=
| address=142 Boundary St, West End | lat=-27.
| phone=+
| hours= | price=
| content=A modern Australian, gin house. This is where gin lovers in Brisbane go to satisfy their thirst.
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* {{sleep
| name=Royal on the Park Hotel | alt= | url=http://www.royalonthepark.com.au/ | [email protected]
| address=
| phone=+61 7 3221-3411 | tollfree
| checkin= | checkout=11AM | price=From $169
| lastedit=2016-01-10
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}}
*{{sleep
| name=
| address=
| phone=
| checkin=2PM | checkout=10AM | price=
| content=Ann Street, Brisbane City. In the heart of the CBD, is in a contemporary building with 1 and 2 bedroom apartments. Facilities and service of a modern hotel but providing a self-contained apartment. Minutes to the Queen Street Mall, Riverside and the Brisbane Convention Centre.
}}
*{{sleep
| name=Evolution Apartments | alt= | url=
| address=
| phone=+61 7 3034-3700 | tollfree
| checkin= | checkout= | price=
| content=In Brisbane CBD, fully serviced and provide a media room, swimming pool, deck with BBQs and a business centre.
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}}
* {{sleep
| name=Oaks Aurora Tower | alt= | url=
| address=420 Queen Street | lat=-27.46542 | long=153.03036 | directions=
| phone=+61 7 3246 1706 | tollfree
| checkin=2PM | checkout=10AM | price=
| lastedit=2017-05-12
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* '''Outer Suburbs''': Tend to have a higher crime rate than inner suburbs which should be taken into account when visiting these areas.
**Days: Very safe during the day, but using common sense goes a long way. Avoid gangs of people, especially if they seem trashy or obnoxious and be mindful if a questionable person approaches you.
**Nights: Like most other places, outer suburbs to get more dangerous. Most suburban streets are poorly lit or have no lighting at all. It is recommended that individuals walking in these areas at night take
* '''City Central/CBD''': Usually very safe at all hours.
**Days: Very safe during the day thanks to a good police presence and most people only being there for work. Though during school holidays groups of youths can congregate, especially around Queen St and South Bank and can get rather rowdy, but they usually mind their own business.
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== Go next ==
Brisbane provides a base for day trips to explore the southeast of [[Queensland]]. The North Coast of [[New South Wales]] can also be reached in an hour if traffic is light, but allow up to two hours travel if traffic is heavy or there is an accident on the Pacific Motorway. Queensland Rail also provides extensive services out of Brisbane to the north and south of the city and to the Gold Coast.
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* [[Ipswich (Queensland)|Ipswich]] - is situated 40 km west of Brisbane. 45 minutes by road from Brisbane City.
* '''[
* '''Brookwater Golf Club''' - An 18 hole Greg Norman championship golf course and Australia's No. 2 public access course.
* '''[https://www.qldraceways.com.au/#/ Queensland Raceway]''' - Queensland's premier race circuit. This is the only location near Brisbane where members of the public can drive on the same racetrack as professional drivers. Champions Way, Willowbank.
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