If you’ve decided to move to Brisbane, whether from afar or within Australia, then firstly, allow us to congratulate you on your smart decision making. Queensland’s capital city offers its residents a unique blend of urban living and more countryside, peaceful ideals. You’ll have all the convenience of the CBD at your disposal, with incredible wineries, waterfalls, mountain ranges, and other natural wonders all within easy reach.
That said, there are a few need-to-knows to bear in mind before you make the move. From mastering public transport to tracking down the best serviced offices in Brisbane, the following tips will help you hit the ground running in Queensland’s River City.
Public Transport Differs Wildly From Suburb To Suburb
If you plan on using public transport to get around Brissie, it’s crucial to choose your suburb wisely. Generally speaking, suburbs close to ferry terminals and train stations tend to offer the most reliable public transport options. Suburbs with express bus lines can also be convenient. However, any Brisbane resident will tell you that certain bus lines are so unreliable you can be left waiting for more than an hour, despite arriving on time.
Predominantly, the inner western suburbs of Brisbane are those with the best connectivity in terms of public transport. These include Bardon and Paddington, as well as Auchenflower, Milton and Toowong.
Other suburbs considered to be preferably connected include West End (though it remains prohibitively expensive), South Bank, which has the huge added benefit of being walkable from Brisbane CBD, as well as Taringa and Indooroopilly, both suburbs with access to buses and train lines that connect to the city centre, as well as ferry access.
The Weather Can Be Wild
Brisbane has a subtropical climate with hot weather all year round. If you’re coming from one of Australia’s southern states, you’ll find that summers in Brisbane are far hotter than perhaps you’re used to. Winters are also a lot warmer, which Melbournites used to bitterly cold Junes and Julys will surely appreciate. Whatever season you’re in, Brisbane is famous for enjoying a lot of sun, with around 2,800 hours – or 283 days – of sunshine annually.
However, summer also comes with the risk of wild storms and dangerous flooding. So, be sure to check whether the suburb you’re considering renting or buying a home in has a low flood risk.
Weekend Getaway Options Are Top Tier
Brisbane is an incredible home base for anyone wanting to explore the beauty of South East Queensland. The endless pristine beaches of the Sunshine Coast and Gold Coast are both less than two hours away. You also have plenty of world-class wineries at your doorstep.
Then, of course, there are all the national parks like Springbrook, Moreton Bay Marine Park, Samford Regional Park, and others to explore. The opportunities to connect with the magic and beauty of nature are limitless. You can even explore caves full of glow worms out at Springbrook… What’s not to love?
Read: 5 road trips worldwide that will take your breath away
Competition For Rentals Can Be Fierce
It’s crucial to have some form of reliable accommodation locked in before you head to Brisbane. That doesn’t mean you need a rental lease in place. However, you do need to ensure that you can extend your time in temporary accommodation if needed. Staying on a friend’s couch may not be ideal, as it could take you months to find a long-term rental in Brisbane’s highly competitive market.
It’s also worth noting that, as of 2023, this competition is driving rental prices up in South East Queensland, with record levels reached this year. So, you may end up paying more per week than what you’re currently seeing listed for rentals online. Depending on your circumstances, it might be worth looking at house-sharing websites and living with roommates.
Generally speaking, the cost of living in Brisbane is high, with a one bedroom city centre apartment clocking in at an average of almost 2’500 AUD (around £1’400) a month.
Serviced Offices Are Ideal For Brisbane-Based Business Owners
That said, with a higher cost of living and a young, affluent population comes a city that attracts plenty of innovators and entrepreneurs.
Should you be planning to set up a business in Brisbane, then serviced offices offer an affordable way to establish yourself in Brisbane’s otherwise expensive CBD. You’ll also find serviced offices spread all throughout the city, making it easy to establish a professional business premise at a fraction of the cost of leasing or purchasing an office.
It’s worth noting that the offices available in the CBD and adjacent suburbs like Spring Hill generally offer the best features. In these suburbs, you can enjoy amenities like a pool, gym, barbeque terrace, bars, and easy public transport options.
The Bottom Line
Brisbane is a city filled with opportunities. It’s also an expensive place to live, make no mistake. Therefore, it pays to be aware of the above factors before committing to life in South East Queensland.
If you’re wondering about the wider area and some of the excursions available to you when living in Brisbane, then check out these suggestions on fantastic adventure activities to experience in Queensland. We’ll see you at the shark feed dive?