Essential Information a
Backpacker, Student or Visitor
needs to know about Brisbane

Population: 1.9 million (2010)

Currency: Australian Dollar (AUD) $1 = 100 cents

Telephone Country code: +61 Area code Queensland: 07

Electricity 240 Volts / 50 Hz

Emergency numbers: Police, fire, ambulance: 000

Poisons Information: +61 7 13 11 26

 

Shop Opening hours:

General Suburban retailers core trade hours are Monday-Friday 9am-5pm, Saturday & Sunday 9am-12pm.
General City retailers core trade hours are Monday-Thursday 9am-6pm, Friday 9am–9pm, Saturday & Sunday 9am-5pm
Pubs general Trade hours are 10am till late
Caffe and Coffee Shops general trade hours are from 6am till late.
Clubs, Night Spots general trade hours are from 10am till late.

Airport

Brisbane Airport is located 13 km from the city centre (app. 15-20 min drive). Trains run every 30 minutes between 6am and 8pm. The journey takes 20 minutes, costs $12 with discounts for pre-booked fares.

Brisbane Airtrain

The Airtrain provides the quickest transfers from the Brisbane International and Domestic Airport to the CBD (popular with all backpackers), and terrific value on transfers to the Gold Coast and all suburban stations. You can even upgrade your Gold Coast transfer to AirtrainConnect, which includes a chauffer driven service to the door of your Hostel to the Gold Coast. For a 10% discount on tickets book online. Phone: 7 3216 3308 Internet: www.airtrain.com.au

Public transport

A free bus service runs around the City (CBD). Tickets for the TransLink network cost $2.30 for two hours, off-peak daily tickets start from $3.50 and can be bought from vending machines. Weekly tickets valid throughout South East Queensland cost $117. Buses are low floor, and Citytrain offer assistance with wheelchairs.
Phone: +61 7 3606 5555 or Telephone Typewriter Services: +617 3606 5800
Internet: www.transinfo.qld.gov.auwww.translink.com.au

Taxi

Rates vary with the actual locations, traffic conditions, time of day and the route chosen, but say approximately $30 plus a $2 fee for departing taxis only. Black & White Cabs: +61 13 32 22 Yellow Cabs: +61 13 19 24

Bike Hire

Brisbane City AUTOMATED Bicycle hire is possible all over Brisbane for just $2 a day just look for the yellow bike park & hire sites. Its perfect for Brisbane backpackers and students
Tel: +61 7 3846 6200 / www.cyclebrisbane.com

CityCat and City Ferries

The CityCats operate from 5.50am until 10.30pm every day and run along the Brisbane River between Brett’s Wharf and the University of Queensland, via the Brisbane CBD. The network itself consists of 14 stops. You may choose from a range of single, daily, off-peak, weekly, monthly and group tickets. Internet: www.translink.qld.gov.au

Australia Post

West End General Post Office stays open Monday-Friday from 9am to 5pm.
Address: 40 Russell St West End

Doctor

Travellers’ Medical Service on Level 1, is open 7 days a week. Address: 245 Albert St Phone: +61 7 3211 3612
Internet: www.cbdmedical.com.au

Hospitals

Brisbane Private Hospital, Spring Hill Phone: +61 7 3834 6111 Web: www.bph.com.au
Mater Health Services, South Brisbane Phone: +61 7 3840 8111 Web: www.mater.org.au
Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital, Herston Phone: +61 7 3636 8111
Web: www.health.qld.gov.au/rbwh
St Andrew’s Hospital, Spring Hill Phone: +61 7 3834 4444 Web: www.uchealth.com.au/sawmh
Princess Alexandra Hospital, Woolloongabba Phone: +61 7 3240 2111 Web: www.health.qld.gov.au/pahospital
Wesley Hospital, Auchenflower Phone: +61 7 3232 7000 Web: www.wesley.com.au

Brisbane information Internet Sites :
www.visitbrisbane.com.auwww.ourbrisbane.com

Newspapers:

The Courier Mail. The Australian, The Weekend Australian, Sunday Mail, Quest Newspapers, Brisbane News,

Tourist information:

Visitor Information Centre Address: Queen Street Mall Opening hours: Monday–Thursday 9am-5.30pm, Friday 9am-7pm, Saturday 9am-5pm, Sunday andpublic holidays 9.30am-4.30pm. Tel: +61 7 3006 6290 www.visitbrisbane.com.au

ABOUT BRISBANE

Brisbane is a lively, cosmopolitan city with excellent restaurants, beautiful riverside parks, a busy cultural calendar and a great nightlife. Its fantastic weather year-round has allowed outdoor activities to thrive and develop a vibrant café culture.

The city is surrounded by some of the state’s major tourist attractions, and there is an abundant choice of daytrips whether it be to the coast for the golden beaches, or inland for some of Queensland’s serene bushland, there is something for everybody.

The capital of the “Sunshine State,” Brisbane, could very well be the world’s most laidback city: its residents are friendly and optimistic in a way rarely seen in big city life. But with such a fantastic lifestyle, who can blame them for smiling?Brisbane has a world of experience to offer, from the hustle and bustle of the Central Business District (CBD), you can escape to the creative ambiance of the contemporary arts centre – The Brisbane Powerhouse in New Farm. Perhaps you’d prefer dinner with sights of the city at South Bank?

Afterwards, if you’d like a stiff drink, head towards the trendy bars of Fortitude Valley and West End.If you don’t dance the night away, you might be up early enough to watch the sun rise as you kayak on the Brisbane River. Or perhaps you’d prefer relaxing at Australia’sonly inner city beach at South Bank. If you still have the energy, you can try rock climbing and take in the views of the Story Bridge and the city skyline from the Kangaroo Point Cliffs.When you’re ready to relax, head down to Woolloongabba to enjoy some of the spectator sports that Queensland is famed for!

BEST THINGS TO DO & SEE

Tangalooma Island Resort

One of only a few places in the world where it’s possible to hand-feed dolphins in the wild. Address: The Tangalooma Island Resort, Moreton Island Phone: +61 7 3637 2000

Internet: www.tangalooma.com

Underwater World and Dolphin Lagoon

Queensland’s largest oceanarium/aquarium with 25,000 sea animals and a multi award winning tourist attraction. Take the opportunity to walk with thousands of marine animals without getting your feet wet. Address: Parkyn Parade, Mooloolaba Opening hours: Daily 9am-4.30pm Phone: +61 7 5458 6280

Internet: www.underwaterworld.com.au

Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary

This sanctuary gives you the opportunity to touch and hold koalas in the world’s largest koala enclosure. The site is easily accessible by bus from the CBD, or via Miramar Cruises who do daily trips from South Bank’s Cultural Centre pontoon at 10am. Address: Jesmond Road, Fig Tree Pocket Opening hours: Open daily 8.30am-5.00pm Phone: +61 7 3378 1366 and 1300 729 742 (Mirimar Cruises)

Internet: www.koala.net and www.mirimar.com

Australia Zoo

The place to see a crocodile up-close without getting eaten. Other attractions include tigers, elephants, wombats, echidnas, dingoes and kangaroos. Address: Steve Irwin Way, Beerwah, Queensland Opening hours: Open daily 9am – 5pm Phone: +61 7 5436 2000

Internet: www.crocodilehunter.com

Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary

Less publicized, but no less astounding, the sanctuary is home to the world’s largest collection of Australian native animals.Address: 28 Tomewin Street, Currumbin Opening hours: Open daily 8am-5pm Phone: +61 7 5534 1266

Internet: www.currumbin-sanctuary.org.au

Lamington National Park

World Heritage-listed, the park’s walks take in pristine waterfalls and over 120 bird species live in the rainforest. Address: Lamington Nationalpark Phone: +61 7 3227 8185

Internet: http://lamington.nrsm.uq.edu.au

The Gabba

The spiritual home of Queensland sport, it’s a legend in itself and a must-see for any cricket or Australian Football League fan. Address: Vulture Street, Wooloongabba Phone: +61 7 3008 6166

Internet: www.thegabba.org.au

Roma Street Parkland

The world’s largest urban subtropical garden is the perfect place to see some of Australia’s native flora and fauna in the heart of the city. Address: 1 Parkland Boulevard Opening hours: 24hrs a day, entry is free. Phone: +61 7 3006 4545

Internet: www.romastreetparkland.com

Moreton Bay Escapes

One Day Moreton Island Four Wheel Drive Adventure includes activities and lunch. Address: Manly Harbour Village Phone: +61 1300 559 355

Internet: www.moretonbayescapes.com.au

Story Bridge Adventure Climb

Ever wanted to climb a bridge? The Story Bridge at Kangaroo Point in Brisbane is one of the only three legally climbable bridges in the world. With the height being the equivalent of a 22-storey building, it is not something for the faint hearted! Make sure you stop in at Story Bridge Hotel for a celebratory drink afterwards. Address: 170 Main Street, Kangaroo Point Opening hours: Telephone reservations open Monday – Friday8.30am – 5.30pm Phone: +61 1300 254 627 / +61 7 3514 6900 (Head Office)

Internet: www.storybridgeadventureclimb.com.au

Gallery of Modern Art

Situated at the Kurilpa Point on the Brisbane River, Brisbane’s new Gallery of Modern Art and the refurbished Queensland Art Gallery is the largest modern and contemporary art gallery in Australia. Address: Stanley Place, South Bank Opening hours: Open Monday – Friday 10am – 5pm, Saturday – Sunday 9am – 5pm Phone: +61 7 3840 7303 Price: Free

Internet: www.qag.qld.gov.au

Mount Coot-tha

Mount Coot-tha is one of Brisbane’s most popular tourist destinations, but also offers an escape from the city life through its 220 hectares of natural bushland and native wildlife that make up the Mt. Coot-tha Reserve. See the breathtaking panorama of Brisbane City all the way out to the ocean at Moreton Bay from the observation deck.

Address: Mount Coot-tha Internet: www.brisbanelookout.com

The Brisbane Botanical Gardens

The original Botanical Gardens were established in 1855 and are located on Alice Street on the south-east side of the city. Due to the proximity to the river, the gardens have been flooded eight times which lead to the new botanical gardens at Mount Coot-tha. You can also catch a bus or ferry to the gardens. Address: George Street Phone: +61 7 3403 8888 Internet: www.anbg.gov.au

South Bank Parklands

South Bank offers 17 hectares of lush gardens , lawns, beach, restaurants, cafes and shopping. Both tourists and locals frequent the Riverside Walkway, as well as flock to the area during music and arts festivals. Address: South Bank Parklands

Internet: www.visitsouthbank.com

FOOD

One of the many highlights of any visit to Brisbane is experiencing the epicurean delights of the city’s different neighbourhoods. Brisbane is immeasurably proud of its reputation for fine dining, and within a ten minute radius of the town centre you can choose between the kitchens of European, Mediterranean, Asian or contemporary Australian restaurants. And the Best of these neighbourhoods is West End.

Tukka

This award winning restaurant gives visitors the opportunity to experience foods found native in Australia, including meat from emu, wallaby, possum and wild boar. Address: 145B Boundary Street, West End Phone: +61 7 3846 6333

Internet: www.tukkarestaurant.com.au

Mondo Organics

If you thought organic food was for hairy hippies you’ll be pleasantly surprised with this sophisticated eatery. The mixed vegetarian and meat dish menu is Italian inspired. Address: 166 Hardgrave Road, West End Phone: +61 7 3844 1132

Internet: www.mondo-organics.com.au

The Gun Shop Café

The only fault to be found here is that the breakfasts are too popular. But the generous portions of food are worth waiting for. Address: 53 Mollison Street, West End Opening hours: Tuesday to Saturday Phone: +61 7 3844 2241

Internet: www.thegunshopcafe.com

BARS & NIGHTLIFE

Brisbane is scattered with great pubs, you’ll realise this the moment you learn that most of the “hotels” which you see are actually drinking establishments. Beers are served in pots, schooners, pints and jugs and the beer taps in many bars will be specially chilled, causing the condensation to freeze on the outside. Most hotels are open 10:30am-3am, and the traditional

“Sunday Session” runs from 11am to midnight.

UBer

A very hip bar and Night Spot, Uber is the hotspot for celebrity spotting. The food is good and the venue really is very stylish. Address: 100 Boundary St West End 4101 QLD

Internet: www.uber.net.au

Lychee Lounge

This very stylish oriental and Samurai inspired lounge and bar with great cocktails is popular for pre-clubbing dinner or drinks. Also open for lunch.Address: 2/94 Boundary Street, West End Phone: +61 7 3846 0544

Internet: www.lycheelounge.com.au

 SHOPPING

The Queen Street Mall is Queensland’s premiere shopping destination with over 700 shops doing business seven days a week and independent designers as well as a plethora of cafés abound.QueensPlaza is where a host of home-grown talents such as Herringbone of Sydney and Alannah Hill take pride of place. Take a short stroll and you’ll also find the likes of Max Mara, Vuitton, and Tiffany & Co, proving that Brisbane isn’t too small for the big names. The assortment of logos and brands available in this stretch between Edward Street and George Street is mind-boggling, but of note are the legendary department stores David Jones and The Myer Centre. You may also want to take a peek in the boutique of local designer Bora, whose creation graced the body of Miss Universe in 2004.If you leave the Queen Street Mall and head down Edward Street towards the river, you’ll find more Australian designers and if you continue up Elizabeth Street, you’ll find many of the up-and-coming.Beyond the CBD, it’s worth taking a look at Ann Street and James Street in Fortitude Valley where you’ll find a mixture of boho chic and ultra-trendy style. Come back at the weekend and you’ll find the Valley Markets: fashion on Brunswick Street where you can buy one-off items and flowers and fresh produce on James Street.Back at the South Bank Lifestyle Markets, you’ll find everything from local crafts to unique

artworks at the weekend.Every second and fourth Sunday at the Powerhouse in New Farm, check out the Farmers Markets where you can pick up Queensland’s finest pineapples and mangos, freshly caught seafood or just-picked vegetables. The farmers bring their goods to the markets literally on the back of their trucks. Open from dawn till around lunchtime but, for the best experience, be early to get the best produce and avoid the heat.

Backpackers and Hostels

Prices can range widely due to season also there are plenty of special deals and packages available.

Somewhere to Stay

Very popular backpackers hostel, Somewhere to Stay is located in West End, and just minutes away from cafés, restaurants and supermarkets. Dorms, double and triple rooms.

Address: 47 Brighton Road, West End

Phone: +61 7 3846 2858

Internet: www.somewheretostay.com.au

Palace Backpackers

With dormitories as well as single bedrooms and shared bathrooms. Restaurant with bistro menu, café with breakfast and lunch menu and the bar is open 7 nights a week! Address: Corner Ann Phone: +61 7 3211 2433 Internet: www.backpackbrisbane.com

Bunk Brisbane

Bunk offers shared dorms and single, double or triple rooms with ensuite bathroom. Apartments are also available. Clean and stylish. Address: Corner Ann Phone: +61 1800 682 865 +61 7 3257 3644 Internet: www.bunkbrisbane.com.au

5 Star Hotels

Conrad Treasury

This world class standard hotel occupies two of Australia’s finest heritage buildings, the Brisbane Treasury Building and the Land Administration Building. Just across Queen’s Park, Treasury Casino offers hotel guests three levels of exhilarating gaming, approximately 80 gaming tables and over 1300 gaming machines. Address: 130 William Street Phone: +61 7 3306 8888

Internet: www.treasurybrisbane.com.au

Stamford Plaza

With 252 luxurious guestrooms and nestled between the banks of the Brisbane River and the Botanical Gardens, the Stamford Plaza is one of Brisbane’s premier hotels. Every room features stunning views across the Brisbane River. Address: Margaret Street Phone: +61 7 3221 1999

Internet: www.stamford.com.au