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Getting around Brisbane

Public transport

Translink (tel: 131 230, in Australia only; www.translink.com.au) operates an extensive network of public transport throughout Brisbane, working with a range of different bus, rail, ferry and City CATs (catamarans) operators.

Go card is Translink’s electronic ticket which enables travel on all Translink bus, train and ferry services and can be topped up like a mobile phone. It's cheaper than using a paper ticket, with an additional 20% saving during off-peak hours (8.30am to 3.30pm, after 7pm to 3am on weekdays and all day weekends).

CityCats and CityFerries operate along the river from the University of Queensland at St Lucia to Northshore Hamilton. Services are frequent and daily. There is also a free CityHopper ferry service that runs every 30 minutes between 6am and midnight, seven days a week. The CityHopper stops at a number of places along the Brisbane River, including North Quay, South Bank 3, Maritime Museum, Thornton Street, Eagle Street Pier, Holman Street, Dockside and Sydney Street.

A free bus loop circles Brisbane’s CBD and stops at Central Station, Queen Street Mall, City Botanic Gardens, Riverside Centre, QUT and King George Square.

NightLink buses, trains and flat-fare taxi services operate late on Fridays and Saturdays to destinations across Brisbane.

Taxis

The major cab operators in Brisbane are Black & White Cabs (tel: 133 222), in Australia only) and Yellow Cab Co (tel: 131 924, in Australia only). Typically, passengers round up the bill to the nearest dollar.

Driving

Brisbane’s road network is improving, but like most Australian cities, driving during peak hours in the centre is not recommended. Many roads in the central business district (CBD) are one way and congestion is common during peak hours.

The Brisbane Central Traffic Area covers the CBD and surrounding suburbs; within this area, you can park for up to two hours on unsigned streets, unless there are parking meters. Parking meter prices are set according to which parking zone you're in. Brisbane City Council operates two public car parks in the CBD, located at King George Square and Wickham Terrace.

Car hire

All the major car hire companies have offices in Brisbane, including Avis (tel: +61 7 3247 0577; www.avis.com.au), Budget (tel: +61 7 3633 5333; www.budget.com.au) and Hertz (tel: +61 7 3221 6166; www.hertz.com.au). The minimum age for hiring a car is usually 21, but there are often hefty surcharges if you're under 25.

Bicycle hire

Brisbane is cycle friendly, especially following the introduction of the CityCycle bikeshare network (tel: 1300 229 253, in Australia only; www.citycycle.com.au).

There are around 150 CityCycle stations across Brisbane’s city centre. You can buy a daily or weekly subscription to use the network, then the first 30 minutes of any journey is always free. Bikes are available 24 hours a day.

Brisbane Bike Tours (tel: +61 413 253 366; www.brisbanebybicycle.com.au) hires bikes by the day and also runs half-day tours. Phone to book a bike, and they will deliver it to you.

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City Highlight: Brisbane

Glorious year-round sunshine, a packed events calendar, splendid scenery and friendly locals make Brisbane a top destination for backpackers and families alike

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Featured Hotels

Rydges South Bank Brisbane

With a South Bank postcode, this modern hotel is ideally placed for art aficionados and culture buffs. Rooms are elegant without being fussy and the high-end options feature private balconies with views over the Brisbane River and city skyline. There are 304 rooms, including 64 one-bedroom suites. A gymnasium, spa and sauna are among the in-house attractions.

George Williams Hotel

In the heart of the CBD, this 103-room hotel makes the ideal base from which to explore the city. Following an extensive A $2.5 million dollar revamp, the minimalist rooms feature colourful artworks, flat-screen TVs and coffee-making facilities. The on-site restaurant, 325 on George, dishes up international fare in a casual outdoor setting.

Capri by Fraser

Billing itself as urban inspired, high tech and intuitive, this is one of the latest additions to Brisbane's vibrant hotel scene. Capri offers 239 serviced studios and one-bedroom apartments, each featuring integrated living spaces and kitchenettes fitted with a microwave and Nespresso coffee machines. Within striking distance from Queen Street Mall and Eagle Street Pier, some of the other highlights of the chic property include living vertical gardens, art installations, and facilities such as a restaurant, an indoor pool, a sauna and 24/7 fitness centre.

Metro Hotel

Situated in the heart of Queensland Business District, this hotel provides easy access to all parts of the city, with free Spring Hill and City loop buses that depart from outside the hotel. The building overlooks Wickham Park and its heritage-listed Old Windmill Tower. Standard rooms offer private balconies and free Wifi, among other modern amenities.

Spicers Balfour Hotel

Spicers Balfour hotel is an Art Deco style boutique hotel, situated in the historic suburb of New Farm but still central enough to get around the city. The hotel also has a rooftop bar for the evenings and does high tea over brunch or in the afternoon. Check the Spicers Balfour website for the best days to book and save some money.

Summer House Brisbane

Summer House is a great accommodation option for those looking to save on hotel rooms, and it's just a 10-minute walk from the Central Business District. Fabulous graffiti style murals adorn the walls and the atmosphere is warm and lively - the perfect place to meet new people to explore the city with. With laundry facilities, free wifi, a rooftop terrace and a TV room, this hostel has all you need during your stay in Brisbane.

Introducing Brisbane

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