The Good and Bad of Brisbane

I spent about five months living in Brisbane, Australia, for my studies. Since it's a comfortable city to live in, I'd like to introduce it in this article. I've summarized the good and bad points, so I hope it will be helpful for those considering studying or traveling here.

Brisbane

Note that this article is not only about Brisbane but also includes characteristics of the state and country as a whole.

I won't emphasize or add photos, and I won't categorize the content. Feel free to pick and choose what you want to read, or read it from top to bottom.

Basic Information

Brisbane is the capital of Queensland (QLD), located in the northeastern part of Australia, and is the country's third-largest city (after Sydney and Melbourne). There are direct flights from Narita Airport on Qantas. The time difference is +10 hours, making it one hour ahead of Japan.

Good Points

Compact

Brisbane's city center has many shops, including shopping malls, and is easily accessible. There are also large supermarkets that are affordable, making daily commutes convenient.

Unique Buildings

The city has a mix of medieval European-style retro buildings and high-rise buildings, creating a fascinating environment. Banks and Apple Stores are designed like the Parthenon, while glass buildings are built in a unique shape.

Most Stores Accept Credit Cards

Australia is a cashless society, and I rarely used cash after arriving at the airport. Even at street stalls, most vendors have payment terminals.

However, there are some stores that charge a minimum of $5 or $10 for credit card transactions, which can be a burden. It's a good idea to be aware of these rules.

Nature is Close By

There are many parks and gardens near the city center, making it easy to take a break whenever you want. The city is also surrounded by rivers, with many bridges and walking paths. Whether you prefer forests or rivers, you'll be satisfied.

Parks are Beautiful and Large

The South Bank Park is enormous, with artificial beaches, Ferris wheels, fountains, cafes, BBQ areas, and strange-shaped objects. It's like a small theme park. The botanical garden is also nearby and is quite large.

Self-Checkout is Common

Many supermarkets have self-checkout counters, which are convenient and reduce waiting times. You can also avoid interacting with cashiers if you prefer.

The Weather is Usually Sunny

Queensland is known as the Sunshine State, and most days are sunny. Winters are particularly dry, with little rain. This makes it easy to do laundry and enjoy the outdoors.

Products are Large

Supermarkets sell large products, such as massive cornflakes and heavy juice bottles. You can feel like a kid again.

Houses are Large

Many houses have pools, tennis courts, and gyms. It's common to have guest rooms, and some houses even have five bedrooms and two bathrooms. This is due to the cultural emphasis on having guests over.

Houses are Open

The concept of home security is different in Australia, with many houses having open designs. This can make it easy to see into neighboring houses, but it also promotes community interaction.

There are Many Birds

You'll often see birds while walking around the city. There are many species that are not found in Japan, and they're quite colorful.

Public Transportation is Convenient

The train network is well-developed, and buses cover many areas. Ferries are also available, making it easy to get around. The CityCat ferry is even free.

Transportation IC Cards are Convenient

The TRANSLink system is convenient, similar to Japan's Suica card. You can charge your card online, and there are many benefits, such as discounts for frequent users.

Access is Good

Brisbane Airport has direct flights from Narita, and the city center is only 20 minutes away by train. The airport is also connected to the famous Gold Coast.

Banking Systems are Modern

When I opened a bank account, I was told to download a smartphone app, which allows me to manage my finances easily. Debit cards are also widely used.

International Cuisine is Diverse

As a country of immigrants, Australia has a diverse range of international restaurants. You can find many types of cuisine, including Japanese, Korean, and Southeast Asian food.

Peaceful

I didn't experience any crime or trouble during my stay. The city is known for its safety, and the average salary is similar to Japan's. The cost of living is also relatively low.

Libraries are Beautiful

Public facilities, including libraries, are well-maintained and beautiful. The libraries have a wide range of books and are a pleasure to visit.

Museums are Free

Like libraries, museums are free to visit, making them a great place to spend time. The Gallery of Modern Art (GoMA) is particularly interesting.

Shopping Malls are Large

Shopping malls are enormous, with many stores and restaurants. They're a great place to visit, even if you're not a fan of shopping.

Game Centers are Different

Game centers have a different culture, with many crane games and few music games. There are also laser tag facilities and other unique attractions.

Lunch is Affordable

You can find many affordable lunch options in the city center, with prices ranging from A$5 to A$10. This makes it easy to grab a quick bite.

Casinos are Available

There's a casino in the city center, which is a great place to visit if you're interested in gambling.

Similarities to Japan

Many aspects of Australian culture, such as measurement units and traffic rules, are similar to Japan's. This makes it easy for Japanese people to adapt.

Salaries are High

The minimum hourly wage is A$18.39 (around ¥1,500), which is relatively high. Taxes are also relatively low.

Bad Points

Bus Routes are Complex

There are many bus routes, and it's difficult to understand which bus goes where. Google Maps is essential.

Bus Announcements are Non-Existent

There are no announcements at bus stops, making it difficult to know which bus to take. Google Maps is essential.

Small Items are Expensive

Small items, such as 200ml bottles of water, are expensive. However, buying in bulk can be more cost-effective.

DAISO is Expensive

DAISO JAPAN stores are available, but they charge A$2.8 (around ¥300) for each item, which is relatively expensive.

Game Centers are Different

Game centers have a different culture, with few music games and many crane games. The system is also different, with tickets being used to play games.

There are Few People

Compared to Sydney, Brisbane has fewer people, which can make it feel less lively. However, this also means there are fewer crowds.

Water Conservation is Necessary

Due to the dry climate, water conservation is essential. However, this doesn't seem to be a major issue in the city center.

Conclusion

Brisbane is a great city to live in or visit, with many attractions and a comfortable environment. While it may not have any unique features, its balance of convenience and comfort makes it an attractive destination. I hope you'll consider visiting someday