The City: Brisbane • Meanjin, Queensland
Galang Nguruindhau! Hello! G’Day!
The City
Brisbane is Queensland’s thriving subtropical capital city. Home to industry-leading research and globally acclaimed event facilities with nature on its doorstep, Brisbane has everything you need to connect, ignite innovation and build lasting legacies.
With its idyllic subtropical climate, compact layout, and location in the heart of Australia’s premier tourist region, Brisbane presents the ideal setting for delegates to enjoy a microcosm of Australia’s iconic experiences. World heritage-listed rainforests, amazing beaches, islands, wineries and the internationally famous Australia Zoo – home of the Crocodile Hunter – and Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary are all easily accessible within an hour of the city. You can even do day trips to the Great Barrier Reef from Brisbane.
Accommodation
There are more than 260 hotels and over 20,000 accommodation rooms in Brisbane. Rydges Hotel, a 305-room hotel, is directly linked to BCEC, while 48 of the 230 hotels are within 2km or short walking distance of BCEC. Hotels are affordable by world standards and range from five-star to serviced apartments and budget-type accommodations.
Travel
Brisbane’s award-winning airport and superior infrastructure provide a smooth and warm welcome to Brisbane for visiting delegates.
How to get to Brisbane: Brisbane International Airport
Brisbane Airport has two major terminals accommodating 23 airlines flying to 74 domestic and international destinations. With excellent access to the Asia Pacific, Europe, and the USA, delegates are offered the optimum flexible travel itineraries. Operating 24 hours a day, Brisbane Airport is just a 20-minute drive from the city and the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre (BCEC).
How to travel from Brisbane International Airport
Train
The Airtrain is a quick and easy option for getting to the city from the airport. Brisbane Airport to Brisbane City takes just 20 minutes. Train services run every 15 minutes during peak times and every 30 minutes off-peak periods. Airtrain connects to the Queensland Rail suburban network. At the International Terminal, take the travellator or lift to Level 3 of the Terminal building and follow the signs to the station.
Taxis
Passengers can expect to pay AUS$45 – AUS$55 (one way for a trip from the airport to Brisbane City). It is approximately a 20-minute drive from the airport to the city outside peak periods.
Uber and RideShares
Brisbane Airport offers rideshare pick-up services from Uber, Didi, Ola, and Sheba. Order your rideshare using your preferred app and follow the signs to the designated Rideshare Booking areas to meet with your driver. From the International Terminal, Level 2, take the lift or escalator down to Level 1, follow the Rideshare Booking signs towards the open-air car park on the left as you exit the Terminal building (towards the city).
Shuttle: Con-x-ion
Con-x-ion operates door-to-door transfers to and from Brisbane Airport from both Terminals to dozens of locations around Brisbane, the Gold Coast, and the Sunshine Coast. To book, visit the Con-X-ion website.
Public transport
Brisbane has an extensive public transport system of buses, trains, taxis and the city’s high-speed scenic river catamaran service. You can plan travel using the Translink website or the Journey Planner tool to map your route.
Use the TransLink Go Card (transit card) to access this network. The card enables seamless travel across various transport options. The venue, Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre (BCEC), is central to several major transport hubs. You can purchase a Go Card at a range of locations within Brisbane upon arrival, including Brisbane Airport.
If you haven’t acquired a Go Card, purchase pre-paid paper tickets at the stations and fare machines before boarding a bus, train, or ferry service.
Top travel tip
If you want to use a credit card, debit card, or mobile device instead of a Go Card, use the same payment method when tapping on and off.
Rail
Brisbane’s rail network is a great way to visit attractions across the city and reach the surrounding suburbs. Use the Journey Planner tool to map your route.
Bus
The bus network is an efficient way of hopping around Brisbane and its neighbourhoods. The free City Loop and Spring Hill Loop bus services operate in the city centre. CityGlider bus services pass through the city centre on two routes: from West End to Teneriffe and from Ashgrove to Coorparoo.
Ferries
Ferries are a popular way to get around as the Brisbane River cuts through the centre of Brisbane. The free CityHopper ferry operates between North Quay terminal in South Bank and Sydney Street wharf in New Farm. Use a Go Card to catch the CityCat ferry, which will take you to attractions like Eat Street Northshore and the City Botanic Gardens.
Visas
Letter of Invitation for Visa Applications
International delegates attending the conference will require a visa. The Department of Home Affairs (Australian Government) provides information on visa options for international delegates and accompanying family members.
This Fact Sheet outlines the visa types, eligibility criteria, and links for attendees and speakers.
What is the timeline for visa application?
All delegates and speakers should apply for their visa at least eight (8) weeks before their intended travel date. To allow sufficient time, please submit your application before 1 September 2024. This allows time for applicants to provide additional information for the Department of Home Affairs to support their application.
Who do I contact if I need a letter of invitation?
To request a visa invitation letter, please email adrian.stagg@usq.edu.au and provide all the following information:
- Complete name of conference attendee (as it appears in passport)
- Date of birth (as per passport)
- Conference attendee’s company and position
- Conference attendee’s address and telephone number (both work and home)
- The date the conference attendee intends to arrive and leave Australia.
Where can I find additional information about visas?
This information is outlined on the Australia Immigration website. Find out about the eVisitor Visa here.
What Else To Expect
Brisbane is Australia’s only subtropical capital city with an average daily summer temperature of 27 degrees Celsius and an average daily winter temperature of 21 degrees Celsius, ideal for pre- and post-touring and social and leisure activities. Brisbane has more sunny days than Florida and warmer winter days than the Bahamas and offers an idyllic climate during OE Global 2024.
Average November Temperatures
Brisbane in November experiences around 9 hours of sunshine a day, with an average temperature of 23 ℃ / 73 ℉ as the summer season begins. Brisbane has highs of 26 ℃ / 79 ℉ and lows of 19 ℃ / 66 ℉.
Brisbane’s November rainfall is estimated at 100 mm over 13 rainfall days. The chance of a rainy day increases during November from 26% at the month’s beginning to 31% chance at the month’s end.
What to pack
Clothes
As Brisbane enters summer, pack casual, cool, and comfortable clothing to keep cool in the summer season. Light layers are recommended as it can get cooler at night. Due to the increasing chances of rain, pack some rainproof gear to keep dry.
Electronics
In Australia, the power plug sockets are of type I.
The standard voltage is 230 V, and the frequency is 50 Hz. Travellers from most nations in Asia, Africa, and Europe should have appliances that work on the same main voltage as Australia. You will not need a voltage converter travelling from Japan, the USA, or Canada, which uses 100/120V 50/60Hz.
