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Getting to Brisbane

Travellers' Tips

These handy tips should help make your Brisbane experience all the more enjoyable.


Accessibility

The Access Brisbane website has comprehensive guides to access, facilities and resources to assist Brisbane visitors and residents with disabilities.

Accommodation

Visit our accommodation section to browse and book accommodation in Brisbane.

Alcohol

It is illegal for people below 18 years of age to be sold alcohol. If you are planning to visit bars, nightclubs or restaurants in Brisbane, make sure you have proof of age (such as a passport) with you.

Beach Safety

Brisbane has an abundance of beautiful beaches on its doorstep, but always check that conditions are safe before entering the water. And don't forget the sunscreen!

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Climate and weather

With predominantly hot summers and mild winters the Brisbane climate promotes outdoor activities and a subtropical lifestyle.  The table below gives average maximum and minimum temperatures for Brisbane.

Month
MAX
MIN
January
30°C
22°C
February
30°C
22°C
March
28°C
20°C
April
26°C
18°C
May
26°C
16°C
June
22°C
12°C
July
22°C
12°C
August
24°C
12°C
September
26°C
14°C
October
28°C
18°C
November
30°C
20°C
December
30°C
22°C

Throughout your stay you may want to check the weather forecast for Brisbane.

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Currency and shopping hours

The currency used in Brisbane is Australian Dollars ($AUD). Consult a currency converter or your financial institution for accurate exchange rates.

Most stores in Brisbane open Monday to Saturday until around 5 or 6 pm. Some retailers may remain open until 9pm weeknights and between 9am and 6pm Sundays. Grocery and department stores generally open seven days a week, with late night trading until 9pm on weeknights.

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Electricity

Electricity in Australia is 220-240V AC 50Hz. The sockets are three pin and you may need an adaptor.   Universal outlets for 240V or 100V shavers are found in most leading hotels and multi-voltage appliances as well as adaptors are readily available in department stores and luggage shops.

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History, heritage and culture

While you're in Brisbane, take the time to explore Brisbane's rich history and heritage.

Local Government

Brisbane is governed by the Brisbane City Council.

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Medical and emergencies

Phone 000 for emergency fire, ambulance or police services.

For storm and flood emergencies phone the State Emergency Service (SES) on 132 500.

Search the Yellow Pages for non-urgent services.

Newspapers

Brisbane has one daily newspaper, The Courier Mail, and one Sunday newspaper, the Sunday Mail (both available as print editions and online). The other major online newspaper is brisbanetimes.com.au. There are several free community newspapers.

Parking

For a list of car parks and information about parking in Brisbane check our parking section.

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Prescription drugs

Prescription drugs are available at chemist shops and pharmacies but you must have a prescription from a doctor to have them dispensed.

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Public holidays and school holidays

Many businesses are closed on public holidays. Visit Queensland Government's websites to check the dates of public holidays and school holidays in Queensland.

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Radio stations


AM


Frequency Station
612 kHz 4QR - 612 ABC Brisbane
Brisbane’s local ABC talk and music.
693 kHz 4KQ
Hits of the 1960s, 70s and 80s.
792 kHz 4RN - ABC Radio National
Radio for the mind. Enjoy over 60 programs and use the podcasts, transcripts and live streaming radio for even more information.
882 kHz 4BH
A station for easy listening music as well as regular programs about local gardening, boating, fishing and health.
936 kHz 4PB - ABC NewsRadio
Frequent news and radio documentaries
1008 kHz 4TAB - UNiTAB Limited
Racing and sports radio
1053 kHz Rete Italia
Italian language radio
1116 kHz 4BC
News, talk and sport. Syndicated with national talkback radio.
1197 kHz Switch 1197
Brisbane’s Maximum Music Station
1296 kHz 4RPH
Radio for Print Handicapped. A national network with a Brisbane station, run by volunteers.
1620 kHz UK BBC Radio 2
World Audio Group National Network
1638 kHz NTC
Country music across Australia
1701 kHz Radio Brisvaani
Hindi Language Radio with live webcasts and music, news and programs.


FM


Frequency Station
88 MHz 88FM - Planet Radio
90.5 MHz 4RBL - Rebel FM

93.3 MHz 4SBSFM - SBS National Radio

94.9 MHz River 94.9 FM
Covers South East Queensland for the 35 – 44 year demographic
96.5 MHz 96five - Family Radio FM
Family and Christian Radio. Music without explicit language, plus parenting advice and competitions.
97.3 MHz 4BFM - 97.3 FM
Mix of the music of the 80s, 90s and now.
98.1 MHz 4EB
Ethnic Community Radio, with programs in 50 languages, broadcasting across South East Queensland.
98.9 MHz 4AAA
Brisbane’s country music station
99.7 MHz 4RED
Community Radio, Redcliffe
100.3 MHz BayFM
Bayside Community Radio, Wynnum Redlands
101.1 MHz 101FM
Community radio for Logan City
101.5 MHz 101five FM
Music radio for the Caboolture region.
102.1 MHz 4ZzZ FM
Independent station, broadcasting new and alternative music, programs and news.
103.7 MHz 4MBS
Classical music radio
104.5 MHz 4MMM - Triple M

105.3 MHz 4BBB - B105 FM

106.1 MHz 4ABCFM - ABC Classic FM
The national classical music station
106.9 MHz 4BNE - Nova 106

107.7 MHz 4JJJ - Triple J
National ABC youth radio station

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Road rules and transport

Brisbane has an efficient network of public transport at your convenience. Consult our transport section for more details.

If you are planning on driving a car while you are in Brisbane make sure you understand and obey the Queensland road rules.

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Smoking

In Queensland it is illegal for people under 18 years of age to be sold cigarettes or other tobacco products. Queensland has very strict anti-smoking laws and fines will be issued to anyone smoking in no-smoking zones. Refer to the Queensland Government's website for detailed information about tobacco laws.

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Telephone

To call Brisbane from overseas you will need to dial the country code for Australia (61) followed by the area code for Brisbane (7) then the number you are after.   If you are calling Brisbane from within Australia but outside the Brisbane area you will need to dial 07 and then the Brisbane phone number.

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Television stations


Check our tv guide for today’s programs.

Time zone

Brisbane is 10 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time. (GMT+10)

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Tipping

Tipping is neither compulsory nor expected in Brisbane, but is nonetheless appreciated for good service in places like restaurants (where 10% of the bill is customary) and bars, as well as taxis.

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Tours

See Brisbane in under two hours with a City Sights tour. Set your own pace on this hop-on hop-off bus tour as you enjoy the historical and cultural sights of Brisbane.

Search or browse our directory for half-day, full day, extended and tailored tours.

Visa requirements

If you are visiting Brisbane from any overseas country you’ll need a visa for Australia.   If you are from New Zealand a visa will be issued on arrival in Australia.   If you’re from any other country you’ll need to obtain a visa in advance.

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Water quality and water restrictions

The water in Brisbane (and throughout Australia) exceeds the standards for safe drinking water set by the World Health Organisation.   It is safe to drink water straight from the tap in Brisbane.  Brisbane Water has more information about the water quality in Brisbane, including fluoridation.

Since 23 November 2007 Level 6 water restrictions apply in Brisbane and South East Queensland.

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ourbrisbane.com An initiative of Brisbane City Council Number one hitwise, Australian News and Media, Community Directory and Guide for 2006