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!
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.
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.
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.
Emergencies
Phone 000 for emergency fire, ambulance or police services.
For storm and flood emergencies phone the State Emergency Service (SES) on 132 500.
The Brisbane CBD Emergency Plan has more information about planning for and managing emergency situations in the city.
Search the Yellow Pages for non-urgent medical and other services.
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.
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.
Prescription drugs
Prescription drugs are available at chemist shops and pharmacies but you must have a prescription from a doctor to have them dispensed.
Public holidays
Many businesses are closed on public holidays. Visit Queensland Government's websites to check the dates of public holidays and school holidays.
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 |
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.
Shopping
Major shopping centres are open 7 days a week.
Check our shopping guide for more information about store locations and opening hours.
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.
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.
Television stations
- ABC - national commercial free broadcaster
- SBS - "The voice and vision of multi-cultural Australia."
- 31 - Your Local Television - Community TV – the local community station
- Channel 7
- Channel 9
- Channel 10
Check our tv guide for today’s programs.
Time zone
Brisbane is 10 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time. (GMT+10)
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.
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.
Water quality and water restrictions
It is safe to drink water straight from the tap in Brisbane. SEQWater has detailed information about water quality in south east Queensland.
Water restrictions apply in Brisbane and south east Queensland. Check the SEQWater website for current dam levels.
