Quick Facts

Get up to speed about the region

Brisbane is the capital and most populous city in the Australian state of Queensland and the third most populous city in Australia. The largest economy between Sydney and Singapore, in 2008 it was classified as a Beta-world City in the World Cities Study Group’s inventory by Loughborough University. It was also rated the 16th most livable city in the world in 2009 by The Economist.

Visas

All visitors, except New Zealand nationals, require a visa to visit Australia. Visa application forms are available from Australian embassies, travel agents or the website of the Department of Immigration & Multicultural & Indigenous Affairs.

Please note that there are several different types of visas. Be sure to arrange for the one most relevant to your travel status and plans.

Read more about visa requirements at the Department of Immigration & Multicultural & Indigenous Affairs website.

Currency

The unit of money is the Australian Dollar (AUD), made up of 100 cents. Credit cards are accepted in major hotels as well as shopping malls. 24-hour automated teller machines (ATMs) are widely available.

Here are the most recent exchange rates for some common currencies.

AUD 1.00 equals:

Exchange Rates Currency
0.76 Euro (EUR)
7.57 Hong Kong Dollar (HKD)
6.04 Chinese Yuan Renminbi (RMB)
0.98 US Dollar (USD)
Taxes

A 10% Goods and Services Tax (GST) applies to most purchases. This tax is refundable to visitors with purchases in excess of AUD 300 per store made within 30 days before departing Australia, and applies only to goods visitors take with them as hand luggage.

Please call 1300 363 263 or visit www.customs.gov.au/ for further information.

Tipping

Tipping is not compulsory. However, it is acceptable to apply a gratuity for good service.

Business Hours

Bank Hours
9.30am - 4pm, Monday through Thurday
9.30am - 5pm, Friday

Office Hours
9am - 5.30pm, Monday through Friday

Shop Hours
9am - 5.30pm, Monday through Thursday
9am - 9pm, Friday
9am - 5pm, Saturday
10am - 5pm, Sunday

Public Health

Health care in Australia follows Western traditions with advanced medical resources widely available. We do recommend, however, that all travellers be in good health prior to undertaking any strenuous travel.

Drinking water from the tap is safe throughout Australia.

Dress

Australia is known to be casual in its approach to living, although light suits and dresses are appropriate for business.

Weather

Summer months of December, January and February bring high temperatures up to 28°C. This is the best time for water activities. Winter months of June, July and August are generally sunny and dry in Brisbane. During this time, temperatures can reach a low of 11°C.

Today

Rain

A morning shower, then rain and drizzle

High: 18°C / 64°F
Low: 12°C / 53°F

Tomorrow

Partly Sunny

Partly sunny and pleasant

High: 22°C / 71°F
Low: 11°C / 51°F
Saturday:
Partly Sunny with Showers High: 21°C / 69°F Low: 13°C / 55°F
Sunday:
Partly Sunny with Showers High: 23°C / 73°F Low: 13°C / 55°F
Monday:
Mostly Sunny High: 23°C / 73°F Low: 13°C / 55°F

Local Climate

Month High Low
Jan 31ºC 23ºC
Feb 31ºC 23ºC
Mar 30ºC 23ºC
Apr 29ºC 21ºC
May 27ºC 19ºC
Jun 25ºC 17ºC
Jul 25ºC 17ºC
Aug 26ºC 17ºC
Sep 27ºC 18ºC
Oct 29ºC 20ºC
Nov 30ºC 22ºC
Dec 31ºC 23ºC

Brisbane Facts

Population
3 million

Language
English

Time Zone
GMT + 10 hours

Measures
Metric System

Voltage
240 volts

Plug Type
 

Mobile Phones
GSM 900 / 1800 / CDMA 800