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Brisbane, Australia

Brisbane Central Business District

Introduction

Brisbane is the capital of Queensland on the northeast coast of the continent.

Where You're Docked

Cruise ships typically dock at Portside Wharf 10km from the Central Business District (CBD). If ships can not fit under the Gateway bridge or if Portside is occupied, the Multi-Use Terminal is used which is 23km from the CBD. Shuttles are usually provided to take passengers to the CBD.

• Cruise Schedule - http://www.portbris.com.au/shipping-operations/shipping-schedule
• Portside Wharf Info- https://portsidecruise.com.au/

Money and Tipping

Australia's currency is the Australian dollar (AUD). Bills are plastic with coins for $2 and under. Australia has eliminated the penny and cash transactions are rounded up or down to the nearest nickel. Taxes are inclusive on sticker prices of items and tipping is not common. Money exchange can be done at any bank. When changing money, make sure you get a good rate and don't pay commission. ATM's are readily available. Tipping is not customary in Australia.

Local Transportation

If a shuttle is not provided at Portside Wharf, you can take bus 300 from the Bretts Wharf bus stop (200m from east of the cruise terminal) to Adelaide St by City Hall to get into the CBD. An alternative is to take the CityCat ferry to/from Bretts Wharf (just west of the cruise terminal) to Riverside Pier. You can use this service for an inexpensive river cruise. Fare is $4.60 one way, 2 zones (Dec 2011) for ferry or bus. The Loop is a free bus service that does a loop around the CBD. http://translink.com.au

To/From the Airport

Airport transportation options here https://bne.com.au/passenger/to-and-from-airport

Hotels

Search hotels in Brisbane here

Sights

• City Botanic Gardens
• Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary - World's first and largest koala sanctuary, with over 130 koalas. Cuddle a koala any time, hand feed kangaroos and encounter a large variety of Aussie wildlife, all in beautiful, natural settings. Admission $32 (Dec 2011). Catch the hourly 445 from Adelaide St (stop 40, westbound, 35 min journey, no Sunday service) or 430 from Queen St Bus Station (@George St, stop B4, 45 min journey). Fare is $5.40 one way, 3 zones (Dec 2011). Verify bus schedules at the translink website since routes may change. http://www.koala.net There is also a ferry service from the CBD to Lone Pine. http://www.mirimar.com/site/daily-cruises/

Been Here Before

• Australia Zoo - 77km and a hour's drive north of Brisbane. This zoo was made famous by the late Steve Irwin. http://www.australiazoo.com.au/
• Theme Parks - Movieworld http://www.movieworld.com.au and Sea World http://www.seaworld.com.au/
• Surfer's Paradise - 78km south of Brisbane

Shopping & Restaurants

The main shopping area is Queen Street Mall which is surrounded by shopping centers including the large Myer Center. Chinatown is centered around Brunswick St northeast of the CBD.

There are many restaurants at Portside Wharf and as well as a pricey IGA supermarket.

Internet

Cafes and restaurants may provide free wifi to customers.

Maps (right-click to save)

City

Ferry

The Loop Map - http://translink.com.au/sites/default/files/assets/timetables/091207-loop-brisbanecity.pdf

Weather

Brisbane Weather Forecast

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