Australian Cities ③ | What Is Brisbane Like?

Hello, this is Awork Academy.

We've previously introduced Sydney and Melbourne, Australia's major cities.
This time, we'll take a detailed look at Brisbane, Australia's third-largest city and a popular destination for language study abroad.

< What Is Brisbane? >

Brisbane is Australia's third most populous city after Sydney and Melbourne, and it is the capital of Queensland.

With its warm climate and open, relaxed streetscape, it's a great city for those who want to enjoy a laid-back study abroad experience.

< Brisbane's Climate >

Brisbane is a port city said to enjoy more than 300 sunny days a year.

Winter: June to August (seasons are opposite to Japan since it's in the Southern Hemisphere)
Winter high temperature: around 15℃
Winter low temperature: rarely drops below 5℃

For those who aren't fond of cold climates, Brisbane is an extremely comfortable city to live in.

However, summers are very hot and humid, sometimes reaching temperatures similar to midsummer in Tokyo. If you're not good with heat, it may be worth comparing Brisbane with other cities.

< Basic Information: Time Difference, Prices, and More >

Time difference: +1 hour compared to Japan
Currency: Australian Dollar (AUD)

Prices

As with other Australian cities, prices are generally higher than in Japan.
To keep living costs down, we recommend cooking your own meals as much as possible.

Everyday tips

Many public facilities close around 5 p.m.
Thursday is "Shopping Day," when stores stay open later than usual
Credit cards are accepted at most stores
That said, it's a good idea to carry some cash for tips or emergencies

Things to note

Alcohol can only be purchased at "liquor shops"
Drinking in the street is illegal

< Recommended Spots in Brisbane >

1. South Bank Parklands

About a 10-minute walk from central Brisbane.
A large complex area with green spaces, cultural facilities, restaurants, and entertainment venues.

From the "Wheel of Brisbane" Ferris wheel, you can get a 360-degree view of the city.

Adult: 22 AUD
Student: 18 AUD
Child: 14.50 AUD

2. Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary

The world's first and largest koala sanctuary.
You can see around 130 koalas and more than 100 other species of animals.

Adult: 49 AUD
Student (14–17 years) / Senior: 39 AUD
Child (3–13 years): 35 AUD

3. City Botanic Gardens

A vast garden located in central Brisbane, popular with locals as a relaxing spot.

Events and concerts are sometimes held at the "River Stage" on the lawn area.

4. Treasury Brisbane Casino

One of the few places in Brisbane open 24 hours a day.

Free admission
Entry limited to those 18 and older
A passport must be shown

Housed in a 19th-century Baroque-style building, its attached five-star hotel is also a popular sightseeing spot.

Summary

Brisbane offers:

A warm climate
Plenty of sunny days
A relatively relaxed city size
A good balance of nature and city life

These are some of the features of this city.

It's an especially great study abroad destination for those who don't like the cold, or who want to focus on learning English in a relaxed environment.

If you'd like to learn more about studying English in Australia, feel free to contact Awork Academy anytime.