Working in Brisbane Australia

Brisbane, Queensland and the Tropical North

Brisbane is the ideal jumping off point from which to explore Queensland, Surfer’s Paradise, the Great Barrier Reef and the tropical far north of the east coast of Australia. Once in Brisbane, you are less than an hour from Queensland’s Gold Coast and Surfer’s Paradise and within easy reach of Cairns, the Reef and some of Australia’s most beautiful ocean side landscapes.

 Brisbane itself is a trendy and happening city. The Brisbane River flows through the centre of town providing many opportunities for water-based activities. You can dine-out and shop along South Bank after exploring man of the city’s enticing parks and gardens. There is an engaging cultural side to the city with terrific museums and galleries as well as a number of heritage attractions.

 After you’ve had your fill of Brisbane and taken time to head south to Surfer’s Paradise, its time to set your sights northward on Bundaberg, Rockhampton, Great Keppel Island, Townsville and Cairns. You’ll also have to find time to explore the Great Barrier Reef before taking in the tropical rainforests of the far north.

 A final change of pace involves traversing the Great Dividing Range on your way to exploring outback Queensland in classic Australian towns like Emerald, Longreach and Mt Isa. No matter what sort of Australian experience you’re after, Queensland offers it all.

Location

Brisbane

Tourism Video


Airport

Brisbane Airport

Brisbane Airport is the main airport for southern Queensland and is the third busiest airport in Australia servicing over 20 million passengers each year. Offering flights to over 40 domestic destination as well as cities throughout Asia and North America, Brisbane is truly one of Australia’s gateway cities. No matter where you’re arriving from, starting off in Brisbane opens up a world of opportunities both in Australia and beyond.

Once at the airport, you can move from terminal to terminal via the TBus. You can catch the TBus between the Domestic and International Terminals as well as to the Skygate shopping precinct. A one-way trip on the TBus is $5 AUD per person.

There is a rail service between the Airport and the City and you can catch the Airtrain at either terminal. Travel into Brisbane takes about 20 minutes and costs $16.50 AUD. You can also catch taxis into the city as well as use the Con-X-ion bus service by booking at the Con-X-ion service counter (International Terminal) or kerbside booth (Domestic Terminal).

Railway station

Queensland Rail provides a rail network throughout Brisbane and the surrounding suburbs as well as a transport network across the entire state. The Kuranda, Gulflander and Savannahlander are the senic, tourist rail journeys, while back in Brisbane, the SEQ (South East Queenland) system services Brisbane and other local communities. There are 11 lines in total with conveniently located stations providing easy access throughout the city.

Transportation

In addition to the SEQ service throughout the city, you can get around Brisbane using any one of a number of bus services, the CityCat or CityFerries, taxis and even bicycles which make for easy, eco-friendly movement around the city.

 Bus services include Buz, CityGlider, City Sight and free city loop buses.

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If you are going to be in Brisbane for a while and plan to use public transport, make sure to explore both the SEEQ card and the “go” card to determine which is best for your travel needs.

 There are plenty of taxis available as well. You can catch a taxi at a taxi stand (rank) or simply hail an unoccupied one on the street.

Cost of Living

In comparison to other parts of the world, the cost of living in Australia is generally higher. The Australian dollar is relatively strong against other currencies, the Australian economy is also strong and the cost of moving goods into and around Australia is significant. All of these factors combine and put pressure on local costs, but smart travellers can still find plenty of budget-friendly options

 According to the online database, Numbeo (www.numbeo.com) prices for typical items in Brisbane are as follows:

Food
Cheap meal (inexpensive restaurant) 16.39 A$
Three-course meal for two at mid-range restaurant 80.00 A$
Domestic beer (500mL) 6.00 A$
Coke (330mL) 3.00 A$
Milk (1 litre) 1.50 A$
Loaf of bread 2.00 A$
Eggs 4.00 A$
Transport
One way ticket (local transport) 5.00 A$
Monthly pass 125.00 A$
Petrol (1 litre) 1.50 A$
Rent (monthly)
One bedroom apartment (central area) 1,789.50 A$
Three bedroom apartment (central area) 3,278.65 A$
Accommodation
Hostel bed (one night) 30.00 A$
Five star hotel room (one night) 600.00 A$

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Moneyconverter.com is an excellent resource for converting any local currency to that of your home country. This is a great tool for budgeting and stretching your “hard-earned” cash.

Accommodation

Brisbane offers a range of accommodation options. The particular type of accommodation that you choose is really a matter of personal preference and budget. Once you have decided what kind of accommodation you are seeking, then it is simply a matter of finding something that suits.

 You will have to make some decisions about whether you are seeking short or longer-term options. For short-term accommodation, backpacker hostels and the less expensive hotels are always an excellent option.

 Across some different price brackets, options in Brisbane include:

 Budget

Brisbane City YHA

Somewhere to Stay

Bunk Backpackers

Mid-range

Rendezvous Studio Hotel

Emporium Hotel

Sofitel Brisbane Central

High-end

Hilton Brisbane

Pullman Brisbane King George Square

Quay West Suites Brisbane

Shopping

Queen Street Mall in Brisbane is the place to go if you’re up for some shopping. The mall offers over 1,000 stores across four shopping precincts and six shopping centres. You’ll find local and international designers as well as boutiques galore. If shopping is your thing, then step out into the city.

 Like with most Australian cities, don’t forget to be on the lookout for that unique little treasure that lies just off the beaten track; in a laneway or tucked in an unexpected nook.

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Time your shopping to coincide with either the post-Christmas sales or the end of financial year sales in June. Many Australian retailers offer significant discounts at these two times of year.

Emergency

Emergency telephone numbers

Police, Fire and Ambulance      000

Insurance and Healthcare

A number of countries have signed reciprocal health care agreements with Australia. Check out www.humanservices.gov.au to find out if your home country is one. Regardless of whether you qualify or not, you should still consider taking out some form of additional cover – especially if you are on a working holiday and intend to be in Australia for 12 – 24 months.

Taking out private health cover while in Australia is well worth the investment. Any visitor to Australia can take out Overseas Visitors Health Cover. This type of cover will essentially bring you up to par with the basic coverage that all Australian residents have as part of their Medicare entitlements. Overseas health cover should ensure that you are covered for hospital admissions as well as a portion of any doctor’s fees.

Many Australian doctors will offer a bulk billing service meaning that they only pass on to the patient the costs that are not reimbursed to them by the Australian Government. If you can find a doctor that “bulk bills” you will achieve excellent savings in regards to your basic medical costs.

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Some insurance policies will have waiting periods and exclusions. Make sure you fully understand the limitations of your cover before signing up.

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As with any travel experience, before heading off to Australia for holiday or work, you should confirm the specific health-care services that will be available to you and also consider taking out your own, personal travel insurance.