About Brisbane

Brisbane is the capital city of Queensland and is located halfway up the east coast of Australia (27.5oS, 153oE). With the Gold Coast to the south and the Sunshine Coast to the north, Brisbane is an ideal base for an Australian holiday. Brisbane has domestic and international airports, with direct flights from several cities in the USA, Europe, Japan and other Asian countries. Queensland operates on Eastern Standard Time (EST), which is 10 hours ahead of GMT, all year round (daylight saving in not practiced in the state).

Residents and visitors to Brisbane enjoy a range of landscapes and lifestyles. The inner-city is surrounded by leafy and hilly suburbs, while in the outer suburbs the traditional Australian house on a large block dominates.

Transport in Brisbane

The Brisbane central business district (CBD) is the hub for public transport services, with the major terminals Queen Street Bus Station, Roma Street and Central Railway Station. Brisbane's CityCat high speed ferry service, popular with tourists and commuters, operates services along the Brisbane River between the University of Queensland and Apollo Road. The Citytrain urban rail network consists of 10 suburban lines and covers mostly the west, north and east sides of the city. It also provides the route for an Airtrain service between the Central railway station and Brisbane Airport.

After arriving at Brisbane airport, you may take a taxi to your hotel (cost about $45Aus) or an Airtrain to the Central Railway station (cost about $15Aus). Airtrains also go to the Gold Coast. Find out more about Airtrains.

All hotels with EXCON’10 reservations are walking distance from the Central Railway station, visit our accommodation page for more information. The conference site, Novotel Hotel, is less than five minutes from the Central Station. If you are with heavy luggage then may consider taking a taxi from the Railway station to your hotel.

Airport Transfer

addition to hiring a taxi or taking a train from the airport to the Central Railway station/your hotel there exists a limo service called “Alan's Limos Brisbane”. Depending on the luggage they can take up to 5 persons in one car and you pay only one charge of $60.00 from the domestic airport and $70.00 from the International airport to your hotel. They can also pick you up from your hotel on return. For larger groups they can offer mini buses as well. It is advised that you book in advance. For booking please fill in the booking form and send it directly to Alan’s Limos.

Download Transfer Booking Form.

Visas

All visitors to Australia must have a valid visa before boarding their plane regardless of the length of stay.

Note: New Zealand and Norfolk Island passport holders do not usually need to lodge a visa application prior to their departure unless there are health and/or character concerns.

As visa processing times may vary, you are encouraged to apply for the appropriate visa six to eight weeks before your departure to Australia. Your passport must be valid for the period of your intended stay in Australia. Please contact the Australian Embassy/High Commission in your country for further information.

You may also apply online. Click here to find out more.