Brisbane, Queensland
Guide to Brisbane
Aboriginal name: Meanjin (pronounced Me-an-jin)
Queensland’s sunny capital offers up laidback charm and urban energy with a dash of adventure.
Brisbane is a city that lives up to its sunny potential with a strong focus on the outdoors – think al fresco dining, picnics by the river, islands just off the coast and national parks. Add to this a dynamic cultural precinct, abundant wildlife and easy access to nearby icons like the Gold Coast and Great Barrier Reef, and you’ve got a destination you can’t say no to.
The traditional name for Brisbane is Meanjin, meaning ‘the place of the blue water lilies.’ Brisbane was founded upon the homelands of the Turrbal and Yuggera peoples, whose Country stretches north from Elimbah Creek, south to the Logan River and inland as far as Moggill. Discover Brisbane's thriving First Nations culture with a range of unforgettable tours and experiences.
- Traditional name for Central Brisbane: Meanjin (pronounced Me-an-jin)
- Indigenous Peoples: Turrbal and Yuggera peoples
- Traditional languages: Yugara
- How to say g’day in Yugara: Gurumba bigi
Getting to Brisbane is easy with both domestic and international flights arriving directly into Brisbane Airport.
- Brisbane Airport (BNE) is 17km (10mi) from the city and services international and domestic arrivals
- Hire cars, ride shares and a shuttle service are available from both airports
Once you’ve arrived, Brisbane is an easy city to get around. The city has a great range of options for public transport, including trains, buses and even river ferries. It's also an easy city to drive and walk around. Learn more about getting around Brisbane.
As would be expected from the capital of the Sunshine State, Brisbane really comes into its own in summer as sunseekers flock here for the idyllic weather. In summer, temperatures and humidity can rise, so locals head to the coast. The benefit of Brisbane’s subtropical climate is that winter is very mild with lots of blue skies and moderate temperatures. In fact, Brisbane boasts an average of 261 days of sunshine per year.
- High season: Spring and summer (November to February)
- Low season: Winter (June to August)
- Don’t miss: Brisbane’s calendar of events and festivals
Brisbane provides many accessible options for exploring the city. You'll find a range of accessible accommodation, wheelchair-friendly experiences and activities for travellers with sensory sensitivities.
- Arrival: Brisbane Airport provides special assistance for people with disabilities – including hidden disabilities – throughout the airport journey.
- Getting around: The TransLink website provides information on city trains, while Brisbane City Council buses have low floors and ramps. All CityCat river ferries and most ferry terminals are also fully accessible.
- Accessible experience highlights: Exceptional staff are on hand to help wheelchair users and people with disabilities revel in the views from the Wheel of Brisbane. People travelling with mobility aids can also embark on a Brisbane Whale Watching cruise to spot the migrating ocean giants.
- Helpful resources: Changing Places is a great resource for those needing highly accessible bathrooms. For ideas on things to do, check out this accessible travel guide.
