Destination: Queensland
General Things to Do Weather Time Health Education
Welcome
Our Brisbane team extend a warm greeting to you and welcome you to our great nation and in particular, Queensland.
If you intend to relocate to Australia and have not yet arranged for a home visit and customised moving quotation, please complete our online Contact Request Form. Once we receive your completed form, one of Wridgways experienced moving consultants will contact you, and arrange for a representative to visit you in your home, anywhere in the world. You will then receive a firm, customised moving quotation.
Wridgways offer comprehensive moving and relocation solutions. Not only can we provide moving, storage, insurance and packing services, we can also help you find a new home, temporary accommodation, deliver cultural transition programs, find suitable schools for your children and introduce you to your new city with our orientation service.. just to name a few. Contact our Brisbane office or our Relocation division to find out more about our extensive services.
General
Brisbane, the capital city of Queensland, is midway up the east coast of Australia. With the Gold Coast to the south and the Sunshine Coast to the north, Brisbane is an ideal headquarters for an Australian holiday or a relocation haven.
Residents and visitors to Brisbane enjoy a wide range of landscapes and lifestyles. Inner-city Brisbane is surrounded by leafy, sometimes hilly, suburbs. A 10 minute drive from the city area, will take you to the outer suburbs, where the traditional Australian house is often positioned on a large block or even acreage.
Since playing host to a string of major international events, including the Commonwealth Games and Expo '88, Brisbane has developed into a cosmopolitan city complimented by its great street cafe scene, riverside parks, a lively cultural calendar and hip nightlife.
Things to do... Places to visit
Want to explore Brisbane but don't know where to begin? Like most Australian cities, Brisbane is well serviced with public bus, ferry, Citycat and electric train transport to make getting around easy.
Follow the yellow brick road.. well not quite, follow the golden arrows set into the footpath for an enjoyable walking tour of Brisbane. Along this well laid out track, you will see the Mansions and Harris Terrace, the Old Government House, The Old Windmill and Observatory. The sandstone Treasury building on the banks of the Brisbane River has undergone a massive transformation into the Conrad Treasury Casino.
Take time to stop at one of Brisbane's oldest buildings, Parliament House. Parliament House was designed and built to house the Queensland Parliament in 1868. This building is one of the few historical buildings in Brisbane, still being used for its original purpose. One of the most prominent aspects of this incredible structure, is the outstanding French Renaissance style architecture with magnificent mansard roofs. The Parliament House also features the original painted and leadlight windows and doors. Take one of the free public tours at Parliament House, offered several times a day.
Cycling is increasingly popular In Brisbane, with the extensive bikeway network recently constructed. Brisbane has more than 300 kilometres of bikeways, taking you past such landmarks and sights as the University of Queensland, West End City Northern Bank of River South Bank Parklands, Maritime Museum, Hamilton, Breakfast Creek, New Farm Park and Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary.
Upon arriving to Australia and awaiting your delivery of household effects by Wridgways, Australia's finest removalist, you may wish to hire a bicycle. Bicycles are delivered direct to your hotel or apartment, complete with itineraries and maps to get you started by company Valet Cycle Hire. They can even provide a guided bicycle tour of your choice. Cyclists must wear helmets when riding in public places in all areas of Australia.
The market by the bay, Cleveland Bayside Markets is on every weekend and is just bursting with handcrafted wares and fresh produce. Shoppers can browse the 200 plus stalls, offering handmade timber and wrought-iron furniture, homewares, jewellery, ceramics, designer clothing, handmade soap and perfumes. Painted glassware and artwork is the markets speciality.
South East Queensland's region is rich in beach, rainforest and mountain experiences. Just a few kilometres East and you're in the midst of Brisbane's own backyard aquatic playground; Moreton Bay and Islands. Another hour's drive to the North and South, lie two of Australia's most popular beachside holiday destinations; the Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast. Turn the car inland and discover some of the best-kept secrets in Queensland. Historic hinterland and small country villages nestle amongst deep secluded valleys, jagged mountains and immaculate wilderness areas.
Brisbane's Hinterland region is a popular tourist attraction, incorporating the fascinating hamlets of Mt. Glorious and Mt. Nebo. These picturesque mountain landscapes are covered in dense tropical rainforest. The views are spectacular and views over the Brisbane City and the distant islands are not to be missed. Take time to enjoy the experience on a bushwalk or perhaps stop for a bite at one of the local restaurants.
Try a day trip to the Sunshine Coast, a beautiful drive and only a few hours from Brisbane. Travel via Australia's largest pineapple producing area to the Sunshine Plantation, home of the Big Pineapple. Ride a genuine Sugar Cane Train, through tropical fruit orchards and pineapple fields. Then try the locate delicacies at the Ginger Factory and Bunya Park.
Or perhaps a visit to the famed Gold Coast is more your style, with the glamour of Surfers Paradise, action packed theme parks and wildlife sanctuaries. Some of Australia's finest golf courses, addictive shopping and rainforest wonderland. All this within a few hours drive of Brisbane. The Gold Coast's beaches are predominantly patrolled by the local bronzed life savers. The beach front esplanades of Surfers Paradise, Burleigh Heads, Broadbeach, Palm Beach and Coolangatta, invite you to sit back, relax and soak up the fun and sun in a memorable holiday atmosphere.
Other related links:
» Brisbane City Life
» Lonely Planet: Brisbane
» Queensland Holidays
Weather & Climate
Brisbane enjoys a hot, humid climate which dictates the laid-back and relaxed lifestyle typical of Queensland.
The winter months average maximum temperate is around 17oC and is extremely mild. The summer months offer some extremely hot days, often the daily maximum temperature can range between 30oC and 40oC. It is highly recommended that you wear a hat, cool clothing and apply sunscreen during the hotter periods.
Brisbane's summer extends from December to February and is generally hot. Autumn is pleasant and extends from March to May, winter is mild, sometimes cool and extends from June to August and spring is often warm and extends from September to November.
Time
Queensland, is Australian Eastern Standard Time (GMT +10 hours). Summertime or 'Daylight Savings' is not observed in Queensland.
Health
Australia offers a high standard of medical care and facilities. All cities offer privately funded doctors surgeries, hospitals and clinics as well as Government funded facilities. Most Australians are covered by private health insurance to avoid the long waiting periods associated with certain treatments, but many also enjoy the government funded public health system referred to as Medicare.
Medicare is Australia's universal health insurance scheme and provides access to free treatment in a public hospital and free or subsidised treatment by practitioners such as doctors, including specialists. Australia's public hospital system is funded jointly by the Commonwealth, State and Territory Governments and is administered by State or Territory health departments. Contribution to the health care system is made through taxes and a Medicare levy which is based on taxable income.
Are you eligible for Medicare?
People who reside in Australia are eligible if they meet any of the following four criteria:
- they hold Australian citizenship
- they have been issued with a permanent visa
- they hold New Zealand citizenship, or
- they have applied for a permanent visa, restrictions apply to persons who have applied for a parent visa (other requirements apply).
However, for new arrivals to Australia it is interesting to know that The Commonwealth Government has signed Reciprocal Health Care Agreements with some countries. Under these arrangements, residents of these countries are entitled to restricted access to health cover while visiting Australia. For further information,
» visit the Medicare website
Ambulance services are offered Australia-wide and provide emergency services, clinical care, paramedic training and non-emergency transport. It is among the best in the world in providing state-of-the-art emergency care.
The state government provides free services to some pensioners and Senior Card holders, however, this service is generally not free of charge in Australia. It is suggested you contact your state ambulance authority and discuss the option of membership subscription with them as soon as possible.
» Ambulance Queensland
Dental services are extensive in Australia and dentists operate within private practices in most communities throughout the country. Dental services are not free, but can be partly or completely covered within a private health fund membership or dental protection plan.
To obtain details of your closest dentist, visit:
» www.dentist.com.au or
» Dental Services Australia.
Further information about Health in Australia, is available on the Internet at the following related links:
» Public Health System in Australia
» Medicare public health system
» Private Health Insurance Administration Council of Australia
Education
Queensland state education operates as a partnership between schools and their communities. All state schools are coeducational. Children may begin their education with kindergarten and/or preschool, in preparation for primary school. Preschool provides a year of non-compulsory education, for four and five year olds.
By law, children must attend school between the ages of 6 and 15. Primary school is the first compulsory stage and covers Years 1 to 7. Children usually commence Primary school in the year of their sixth birthday and continue this level of education for seven years.
After completing Primary school, most children attend secondary or commonly referred to as High school. High school offers years from Years 8 through to 10, children often commence their High school education aged between 12 and 13 years. On completing Year 10, students have the option of continuing to Years 11 and 12 or leaving school.
The school year usually runs from late January to mid-December. It is divided into two semesters, with two terms in each and vacation breaks for Easter, winter, spring and summer.
» Queensland Studies Authority
Secondary Schools
Choosing a secondary school for your child can be a daunting task, particularly if you are moving from an overseas country. For parents who are new to Australia, it may be difficult to know what questions to ask to make an informed decision.
If you require assistance with school searches, please contact our Brisbane office or our Relocation Division. We also suggest you visit the numerous education websites available for further details, please see links provided below. We hope it will help you as parents, make the important decision your child's secondary education.
We suggest that before you begin your school search, you clearly establish what your educational priorities and educational requirements, for your child are. Consider the individual personality, strengths, weaknesses, skills, likes, dislikes and needs of your child. This will enable you to create a clear picture of the kind of school that will reflect your educational values and will best suit your son or daughter.
The Queensland secondary school year is broken into two semesters and four terms. Semester 1 commences in January and concludes in June and ), Semester 2 commences in July and concludes in December. The Queensland Senior Certificate comprises a two-year course of study which comprises four semesters, over Years 11 and 12.
If you are planning to transfer to Queensland from interstate or overseas you, or your school, will be required to provide the school principal with all school reports and certificates, as evidence of your child's previous schooling and level achieved.
Further information about the full range of Queensland education services is available on the Internet at the following related links:
» Brisbane City Schools
» Association of Independent Schools of Queensland Inc.(AISQ)
» Australian Qualifications Framework
» Board of Teacher Registration
» Catholic Education - The Archdiocese of Brisbane
What does education cost?
Queensland State schools do not charge annual tuition fees. The parents and citizens' associations of most schools, however, do request that parents/caregivers donate a financial contribution. The amount varies from school to school.
In most schools, parents are responsible for providing such items as stationery and uniforms. Parents also bear the costs of sending their children on school excursions and to camps and for participating in extracurricular activities.
Private school fees vary from approximately AUD$1,000-$6,000 per year for Catholic and smaller private schools and up to AUD$5,000-12,000 for the larger private schools.
Further information about the full range of Education Queensland services is available at:
» Education Queensland
Real Estate & Accommodation
Most Brisbane houses are on their own block of land. Semi-detached houses are rare and are called duplexes. Most modern homes are single story, with brick walls and a tiled roof. Many older homes are timber (weatherboard) and there are still many traditional "Queenslanders" in older suburbs. Backyard pools are common and by law must be fenced to prevent drowning accidents. Townhouses are becoming more common.
Flats and apartment blocks are common in the inner city suburbs. Check the BCL real estate listings and estate agents web sites to get an indication about prices. Most expect four (4) weeks rent as bond. You could also get an idea about rentals through the classified ads in the local newspaper
» The Courier Mail
» The Residential Tenancies Authority regulates rental agreements and bonds.
Many people who work or study in Brisbane commute from surrounding areas including Pine Rivers, Redcliffe, Ipswich and Logan. Check the BCL Accommodation Guide for apartments, motels and other accommodation. Bed & Breakfasts can offer a lot of extra services and local knowledge. Many offer reduced rates for weekly or monthly bookings and can arrange transport from the airport.
