Live and Learn in Brisbane
Brisbane is a dynamic, cosmopolitan, safe and friendly city, once voted Australia’s most livable city and it is the capital of Queensland. It is surrounded by some of the most popular sightseeing places in Australia: the Gold Coast & Sunshine Coast (where we also have campuses), beautiful sand islands, zoos and theme parks.
ICQ Campus is Located in Chermside on the north side of the beautiful Brisbane, close to public transport, parks, restaurants and the biggest shopping centre in Queensland: Westfield Chermside.
The city is known for its warm weather, friendly people and fun–loving outdoor lifestyle. Home to nearly two million culturally–diverse people, Brisbane has an extensive music, sporting and cultural events calendar which makes the most of the year–round subtropical climate. For more info on events, check: https://www.visitbrisbane.com.au/whats-on
Living costs are comparatively low and public transport is affordable and accessible. The amazing weather, excellent quality of life on offer and the friendly people make Brisbane the perfect Australian city in which to live and study.
Things to do in Brisbane
Southbank
Eat Street Markets
Wander the Botanic Gardens
Cruise Brisbane River on the City Cat
For more must see destinations and experiences in Brisbane visit www.queensland.com or https://www.choosebrisbane.com.au
Getting to Brisbane
By Air
You can fly into Brisbane International Airport from all Australian airports and International airports. Brisbane Airport is the primary international airport serving Brisbane and South East Queensland. The airport services 31 airlines flying to 50 domestic and 29 international destinations. Brisbane has the third highest number of domestic connections in Australia following Sydney and Melbourne.
By AirTrain
Once you’ve arrived, getting around Brisbane is a pleasure with its first-class network of travel and transport links. From the airport, board the Airtrain for a direct transfer to the city (kids 14 and under travel free) and links the domestic and international terminals. Brisbane Airport is located about 20 minutes from the city centre via train.
By Cruise
The cruise terminal at Portside Wharf welcomes the majority of cruise liners that dock in Brisbane. Located on the north side of the city and home to a buzzing dining precinct, Portside Wharf is a luxury landing for cruise passengers. A new international cruise terminal at the Brisbane River mouth will complement this facility later in 2020.
Brisbane Weather
Blessed with the perfect subtropical climate and with more than 300 days of sunshine a year, Brisbane is the ideal destination for life in the great outdoors.
Summer (December to February) – Min average temp is 21C and max is 30C
Autumn (March to May) – Min average temp is 16C and Max is 26C
Winter (June to August) – Min average temp is 10C and Max is 21C
Spring (September to November) – Min average temp is 16C and Max is 26C
For more on Brisbane weather see the Australian Bureau of Meteorology.
Brisbane Culture
An advantage of living in one of the world’s most multicultural countries is the variety of food and activities at your doorstep. The city’s diverse and inclusive community is reflected in its extensive calendar of events and festivals held throughout the year including the popular Paniyiri Greek Festival, Australia’s largest Oktoberfest and BrisAsia festival.
Brisbane is home to Queensland Art Gallery and Gallery of Modern Art – Australia’s largest Gallery of Modern Art. Explore Brisbane’s history in the Museum of Brisbane, housed in the iconic Brisbane City Hall or see science come alive at the Queensland Museum. The Queensland Performing Arts Centre hosts world class theatre and music events daily and Brisbane is the host city of the Asia Pacific Screen Awards.
Essential Services – Brisbane
Money
Australia’s local currency is the Australian Dollar. Money exchange facilities are located throughout the city and at the airport. Banks are open Mondays to Friday between 9.30am and 4.00pm. Most of them have automatic teller machines (ATMs) which can also be found at shopping centres throughout the city and region.
Postage and Freight Services
Australia Post the national postal service, are located in most of the major suburbs of Brisbane. It offers helpful information on postage costs, freight times and customs / export requirements. Freight services are available to send packages to any worldwide destination by express, sea or air at very competitive prices.
Open Monday to Friday between 9.00am to 5.00pm.
Shopping
All major international credit cards including Visa, MasterCard, Amex and Diners Club can be used in Australia and travelers’ cheques are accepted at hotels, banks and stores. Tipping is not obligatory in Australia and there are normally no service charges at hotels and restaurants (except for public holidays). You can of course tip if you want to, usually to waiters or taxi drivers.
Emergency
For a serious emergency in Australia the number to call is 000 for Ambulance, Fire and Police. This number is free from private and public telephones
Medical
Your Student Support Officer is available for you to contact, if you require, physical or mental health care. They will help you to find the right service for you. You will already have the compulsory Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) which gives you access to medical services at a reduced cost.
If you have an urgent medical situation and require immediate attention, you should call Triple Zero (000) for emergency services.
Communications
Australia’s Country Code is 61 and Queensland’s area code is 07. To place an overseas call you need to dial 0011 and then the country code, area code and number. Phone cards for cheap international calls are available in most newsagencies and internet cafes. The cost for international calls with these cards starts from 0.03 cents per minute. We have free wireless internet at the college, most of our accommodation options also have the internet available. You will also find free wi-fi options in various cafes, shopping centres and internet cafes.
Getting around Brisbane
Getting around Brisbane is easy. There is a great public transport system of buses, trams, and trains.
With your student ID you will also have a student concession discount.
Bus, Tram, Train
Use a go card electronic ticket to travel on all bus, train, tram and ferry services in all Queensland. It entitles you to travel savings and discounts. Transferring between modes involves touching on and off at the beginning and end of each trip with your go card. Timetables for these services are available through the Translink website.
Taxi and Uber
Taxis and Uber are available 24 hours a day to take you on short journeys. There are taxi ranks near business centres, shopping precincts and venues and bookings can also be made online or by phone.
You can access Uber through the Uber app.
Car Rentals
Car Rentals are another option if you have a driving license and want the independence of self- drive in, out, and around Brisbane.
Bicycle
You can hire bikes, scooters, electric scooters etc. There are several hire companies in Brisbane. This is great for those students who like to make their own way around the city on the bike pathways and boardwalks.