Travel tips · Brisbane · Australia
Brisbane travel tips: what to know before you go
The etiquette, money and practical details that make the first day easier.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Chris Olszewski, CC BY-SA 4.0
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Quick answer
Brisbane is relaxed and outdoorsy, shaped by its subtropical climate. Life revolves around the river, sport — rugby league above all, with State of Origin a mid-year obsession — and long weekends at the coast. Turrbal and Yuggera peoples are the traditional custodians of the land the city stands on, known as Meanjin.
Key facts
- Language
- English
- Currency
- AUD
- Plugs
- Type I sockets (angled two-pin), 230 V, 50 Hz
- Tap water
- Tap water is safe to drink, and many parks have public water fountains.
- Emergency
- 000 (police, fire and ambulance); 112 from mobiles
Things to know
- Dress is casual almost everywhere; smart-casual is enough for most restaurants.
- Shouting a round of drinks for your group at the pub is customary; take your turn.
- Stand on the left on escalators and let passengers off before boarding trains and ferries.
- Use 'G'day' or 'hi' as a greeting; Australians are informal and use first names quickly.
- QAG, GOMA, the Queensland Museum, the Museum of Brisbane and Streets Beach are free.
Tipping
Tipping is not expected in Australia. Leaving about 10% for good table service in a restaurant is appreciated but optional; rounding up taxis is common.
Language
| Phrase | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Arvo | Afternoon |
| Brekkie | Breakfast |
| Thongs | Flip-flops |
| Bottle-o | Liquor shop |
| Ta | Thanks |
What to wear
Light, breathable clothing, a hat and sunscreen most of the year; a light jacket is enough for winter evenings.
Practical details
- Plugs and voltage
- Type I sockets (angled two-pin), 230 V, 50 Hz
- Drinking water
- Tap water is safe to drink, and many parks have public water fountains.
- Emergency number
- 000 (police, fire and ambulance); 112 from mobiles
- Phone and internet
- Free Wi-Fi is available in parts of the CBD, South Bank and at libraries; local SIMs and eSIMs are sold at the airport.
- Time zone
- Australia/Brisbane
Brisbane is generally safe for visitors. The main hazards are sunburn, heat and summer thunderstorms; avoid flooded roads and paths after heavy rain. Fortitude Valley can get rowdy late on weekend nights.
Entry requirements
Visa and passport rules depend on your nationality and change often. Check Australia's official government guidance and your own government's travel advice before booking.
Plan the trip
Questions travellers ask
+Do you tip in Brisbane?
Tipping is not expected in Australia. Leaving about 10% for good table service in a restaurant is appreciated but optional; rounding up taxis is common.
+Can you drink the tap water in Brisbane?
Tap water is safe to drink, and many parks have public water fountains.
+What plugs are used in Brisbane?
Type I sockets (angled two-pin), 230 V, 50 Hz
+What language is spoken in Brisbane?
English.