Relocate to Brisbane

Brisbane, Australia’s River City

Brisbane goes by a couple of names: the River City, Brisvegas or Brissie, if you’re a local. As the capital of Queensland and the third most populated city in Australia, Brisbane’s population is growing quickly thanks to the laid-back atmosphere, subtropical climate and vibrant culture that entice people to move interstate or emigrate here.

With 280 days of sunshine every year, an ever-growing arts scene and a great selection of lively restaurants and bars, this is an energetic, youthful city and a great place to live and work. The spectacular Queens Wharf complex is due to be completed in 2022, preparing the city to truly live up to its name of Brisvegas. Plans are also afoot to host the 2032 Olympics.

Brisbane’s history

Although Brisbane first stepped onto the world stage back in 1982 when it hosted the Commonwealth Games, its history goes way back. Named after the sixth governor and astronomer Sir Thomas Makdougall Brisbane, the city was first a free settlement in 1842 and named as a city in 1859 when it became a separate colony from New South Wales.

Before that, Brisbane was the ancient traditional lands of the Jagera People, including the Turrbal group, who named the area Meanjin. Brisbane is now forcibly removing itself from the shadow of the larger more well-known cities of Melbourne and Sydney, transforming from being the small quiet country town into a hub for South East Queensland as the most populated city in Queensland.

What is the climate like?

Located in the South-Eastern corner of Queensland, Brisbane’s climate is very amenable. As it is warm most of the year, it does lend itself to being an outdoors kind of place. The parks with their free barbecue facilities are busy most days and are a great place to get together with friends and family without having to spend a fortune.

Winter temperatures are not extreme at all, although you will see the locals shivering away if it drops below 20 degrees! Most winters have a low of around 10–15 °C and a high of 25 °C, so if you are moving from Melbourne or somewhere colder in winter months, you won’t even notice the cold during your first couple of years here. But be warned that acclimatisation happens fast so in a few years you’ll be getting out your winter boots and pulling on a beanie in the morning with the rest of us!

Summers can be hot. From late November until the middle of February, temperatures can reach the 40’s although it mostly settles around the 30’s. Something to adjust to here is in summer is the humidity, which often makes it feel a bit sticky. Luckily, most residences are equipped with air conditioning, as well as office buildings and recreational places like shopping malls or cinemas. You’ll find that you need a sweater for indoors rather than out! Summertime in Brisbane is also the wet season and the city has experienced flooding, most recently in 2011. If you are buying a house here, we recommend you know the area’s history before making any firm decisions.

What is the city like?

The Central Business District has an almost futuristic feel with its motorway skimming alongside the Brisbane River and the beautiful South Bank running along the opposite side. This makes for a picturesque arrival into the CBD.

The Queensland capital is a popular destination for travellers and international students since it’s so centrally located near Asia and the Pacific region, and offers an abundance of top-class universities. The city has a great transport network called TransLink, which connects trains, trams, ferries and buses through an all-purpose travel card. This makes it convenient to get around town, especially when you’re still getting to know your surroundings.

The culinary and entertainment scene in Brisbane is colourful and imaginative, with a wide array of international cuisines, budget-friendly eateries, nightclubs and other cultural activities like theatres and live music.

Winter temperatures are not extreme at all, although you will see the locals shivering away if it drops below 20 degrees! Most winters have a low of around 10–15 °C and a high of 25 °C, so if you are moving from Melbourne or somewhere colder in winter months, you won’t even notice the cold during your first couple of years here. But be warned that acclimatisation happens fast so in a few years you’ll be getting out your winter boots and pulling on a beanie in the morning with the rest of us!

What about creepy crawlies?

We are often asked about the animals here. Australia is known for its dangerous creatures and Brisbane, being more tropical, does get its fair share. Northern Queensland probably has the most interesting creatures but we won’t scare you with those details! Brisbane is home to its generous share of snakes, spiders and malicious magpies. The snakes and spiders tend to steer clear of you, although we would advise you to stay out of the magpies’ way!

Kangaroos and koalas are still around, although the koalas are less so than we would like. You can sometimes find a wallaby hopping through your back garden depending on which suburb you end up living in. We can’t think of a better way to start the day than enjoying a cup of coffee and watching the local wildlife! Just outside the city, you’ll find the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, the largest of its kind in the world. This sanctuary is home to over 100 species of koalas and kangaroos!

We acknowledge the Jagera people and the Turrbal people as the Traditional Custodians of Meanjin (Brisbane) land. We pay our respects to Jagera and Turrbal Elders past, present and emerging.