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Sunshine Coast to Brisbane

A Guide to Brisbane

Know Before You Go

Get online for free. If you don't want to fork out money for a data plan, you can use the free WiFi available in public parks and spaces around the city.

Save on transport costs. If you're going to be using trains, buses or ferries to get around, buy a Go Card. You'll get 30% off on ticket prices, and you can get refunded if you don't use all the money on the card.

Use the Brisbane City Loop. It's a free bus service that operates around the CBD and is an ideal way for budget travellers to move around the city.

Support the local music scene. Brisbane is known around the world for its incredible live music venues. Head to the Valley, choose one of the many bars, pubs and clubs and discover your new favourite band.

Pack sunscreen. The sun in Brisbane is harsh, even in the cooler winter months. If you're going to be spending a lot of time outside, make sure you protect your skin and stay hydrated.

Getting Around Brisbane

Take a CityCat ferry. Tickets cost AUD 4.60, and there are 21 routes you can choose from. The boats depart every 15 to 30 minutes and run from 5:15 a.m. to 12:45 a.m. every day.

Save money with the free loop buses. The Spring Hill and City Loop stop at popular attractions around Brisbane and are a convenient way to get around the city. Regular public buses have routes between the CBD and the suburbs with fares starting at AUD 4.60.

Use the light rail service. If you're staying in the outer suburbs, this is one of the best ways to get into the city. Fares costs AUD 4.60 for zone one or AUD 2.56 if you have a Go Card.

Rent a bicycle. With over 400 km of pathways going around the city, cycling is one of the best ways to explore Brisbane. Rentals start at AUD 35 a day, or you can use the CityCycle bike-share program and pay only AUD 5 per hour.

Flag down a cab. Metered taxis and ride-sharing services operate in the city. Fares start at AUD 3 and go up by AUD 4.84 for each kilometre.

Walk around the city. Brisbane is compact and easy to explore on foot. You can wander around the Brisbane Riverwalk that boasts 20km of pathways.

Hire a car. While you don't need a vehicle to get around the city, you'll need one for day trips. Rentals can be picked up at the airport or one of the offices in the CBD. 

When is The Best Time to Visit Brisbane?

The best time to visit Brisbane is during its autumn season. From March to May there is little rainfall, and it's scorching temperatures start to dip. You'll have an easier time finding hotel deals, and the city's calendar is packed with events like the Brisbane Comedy Festival and Bike Week.

June to August is winter in Brisbane, but temperatures hover around 15°C. With mostly sunny days, the city is full of large outdoor events. Plan your trip around the Food and Wine Festival or the Queensland Music Festival. The only downside about visiting during this time is that the crowds will push up hotel rates.

September to November is spring and marks one of Brisbane's biggest events. The annual Brisbane Festival attracts hordes of local and international travellers. If you're planning to visit during this festival, book a few months in advance to lock in prices on airfare and hotel rooms before they skyrocket.

The least popular time of year to visit Brisbane is during its summer months. From December to February, temperatures reach highs of 30°C, and heavy rains and thunderstorms are common. If you can handle the less than perfect weather, you'll have the city's attractions to yourself and save with low hotel rates.

Brisbane Airport

Brisbane Airport is the third busiest in Australia. It serves 31 airlines and offers routes to 50 domestic and 29 international destinations. The airport is a hub for Virgin Australia, Qantas, Jetstar Airways and Tigerair.

Getting To And From Brisbane Airport

The quickest way to get from the airport is with the Airtrain. It only takes 20 minutes to arrive in the city, and trains leave the airport every 15-minutes between 5:04 a.m. and 10:04 p.m.

TransLink has two buses that run from the airport into the city. Follow the signs to the bus stop outside of the terminals and take either route 569 or 590.

If you don't want to take public transport, you'll find the taxi rank in front of the terminal building. Ride-sharing services like Uber are also available. You can meet your driver in front of the domestic arrivals terminal for immediate pickup.

For car rentals, you'll find the desks located on level 1 of the domestic terminal.