Brisbane
Brisbane is in the center of Queensland with an emerging asian food scene. There are plenty of bubble milk tea and sushi shops opening in the city center. You can stroll down Eagle Street Pier to admire the glittering waterfront and hunt for fusion food or good sake.
There’s also a growing culture scene, with modern art museums and awesome live music in Brisbane. Buskers often perform in places like Chinatown and Queen Street Mall, there are also plenty of bands playing smooth jazz and rock ‘n’ roll in bars across Brisbane.
The University of Queensland is among the top Australian universities (rank 5th based on QS World University Rankings 2020), followed by The University of Western Australia (rank 7th).
Feeling Hungry?
Here are some affordable food options in Brisbane’s city centre.
Cafes:
Cafe 63 West End - Cafe 63 is a tranquil cafe surrounded by greenery. Hungry? Chow down a big breakfast of toast, creamy mashed potatoes and sizzling bacon. You can also try their fresh wraps and fruity pancakes. Food at Cafe 63 costs between A$12 to A$18.
Wicked Corner Cafe - Wicked Corner Cafe is a busy cafe in the middle of Brisbane. You can grab a savoury cheese toastie or avocado toast for A$10 before heading for classes. They also add on a mug of rich chocolate or coffee for a few dollars.
Asian Food:
Cafe-O-Mai - Cafe-O-Mai is known for authentic Vietnamese food that matches the taste of street food in Vietnam. Their signature dishes include Pho and Bành Mi for A$10 to A$15. They also have fusion food options like claypot baked eggs and bacon.
Sushi Kotobuki - Sushi Kotobuki is a hidden gem as one of the few japanese-owned sushi restaurants in Brisbane. Sushi costs A$3 to A$5 per plate, for fresh salmon, wagyu beef and scallops paired with japanese sticky rice. For A$15 you can also try Bento with perfectly flame grilled chicken and beef skewers.
Farmer’s Market:
Brisbane City Markets - This vibrant inner-city market is frequented by buskers who play music throughout the morning. The stalls specialise in organic food like wholesome vegetable stews, spicy Thai curries and premium barbecue meats. The market also overlooks beautiful architecture like historical libraries and cathedrals, making it ideal for taking photos.
Jan Powers Farmers Markets - This market is a great place for foodies, with hundreds of stalls selling street food like french pizza, meaty sausages, egg tarts and japanese skewers. The market is also known for its affordable produce, making it ideal for weekend grocery shopping.
Getting Around
Buses and trains are the main modes of public transport around Brisbane. Ferries also offer direct passage into the city center. The free CityHopper ferry allows you to travel along the Brisbane River which cuts through the middle of the city. If you’re looking to travel to the suburbs, trains are the best way to get there.
To access all the public transport systems you can buy a TransLink Go card with a minimum top up of A$20 (there’s also a A$10 deposit when you purchase the card).
Instagrammable Places in Brisbane
Places to take amazing photos in Brisbane
The University of Queensland
The University of Queensland is prettiest in spring, with colorful cherry blossoms and lucious trees.
​Image credit: Instagram @uniofqld
Fortitude Valley Markets
Brighten up your day at this cheery marketplace filled with trinkets stalls, floral clothes and feel-good music (like mariachi bands!)
​Image credit: Instagram @fortitudevalleymarkets
Story Bridge
Whether at sunrise or sunset, Story Bridge is the best spot to capture Brisbane’s city skyline!
​Image credit: Instagram @storybridgebrisbane
City Botanic Gardens
Pose under the golden glow of a thousand fairy lights at City Botanic Gardens.
​Image credit: Instagram @brisbane
Mount Coot-Tha
You won’t regret waking up early to climb Mount Coot-Tha at sunrise. But if you’re a late sleeper, the sunset view is just as spectacular.
​Image credit: Instagram @visitbrisbane
Go on a Road Trip
Travel further outside Brisbane’s city center for graduation trips or mini-vacations
Redcliffe - The perfect day at Redcliffe; start with a smooth drive over the Ted Smout Bridge overlooking Bramble Bay’s glittering waters. Stop by Wood Point Jetty for fish and chips and admire street art at Bee Gees Way.
Scenic Rim - Scenic Rim is a rich mountain region enclosed by clear waterfalls and rainforests, it’s a hiker’s paradise. Adventurous souls will love hang-gliding or kayaking through these massive forests. Foodies can also try fresh organic food in cafes or sip on the best wines in Brisbane at villages there.
Bribie Island - Getting to the island is a visual treat, as you’ll pass by gorgeous coastlines and old fashioned seaside villages. Bribie also has the freshest fish and chips and seaside camping spots where you can sleep under the stars.