Insider Guides - International Student Guide Brisbane Edition 2013

important role open in October.

Proudly supported by Brisbane City Council and Brisbane Marketing through the Study Brisbane program, this International Student Guide Brisbane 2013 will fast track your understanding of the unique student experience that attracts over 80,000 international students to Brisbane each year.

INSIDER Good luck with your studies and I trust you will enjoy your time in Brisbane.

GUIDES

International Student Guide Graham Quirk

Brisbane 2013 Lord Mayor

International Student Guide

Brisbane 2013

STUDYBRISBANE.COM

Free!

Brisbane Tel: (07) 3210 6033 Mob: 0430 277 427 Skype: ametbne777

Gold Coast Tel: (07) 5518 7888 Mob: 0433 830 805 Skype: ametgct4

Sunnybank Tel: (07) 3423 7688 Mob: 0433 463 388 Skype: ametbne1

Sydney Tel: (02) 8252 7688 Mob: 0433 356 818 Skype: ametsyd2

Melbourne Tel: (03) 9663 6448 Mob: 0424 882 082 Skype: ametmel1

Never be Bored Again.

Australia Student Guide

Ever.

Local students know how to enjoy Australian cities.

Now it’s your turn.

Locals maintain the free Australia Student Guide app so you can discover the best nightlife, student specials, events, adventures, shops, experiences and more.

nt accommodation e ud st st e rg la e th e We ar w Zealand e N d an ia al tr us A in provider

Our properties: • Are safe, fun and affordable • Offer independent student living options • Are close to universities • Have onsite management and building security • Have a Community Spirit Program where you can make new friends and do fun things together

For more information, visit

unilodge.com.au

Adelaide | Brisbane | Canberra | Melbourne | Sydney | Auckland | Wellington

Welcome We know moving to a new country to study is both exciting and frightening. We are here to help. Insider Guides - International Student Guide is designed to help new students discover what to love about Brisbane. To do this, we recruited local students, interviewed past international students and researched the city. The aim of the guide is to provide international students with the tools to discover their new home from the inside out. Throughout the guide you will discover how the locals already enjoy Brisbane, now it’s your turn.

We have also launched a free smart-phone app called ‘Australia Student Guide’. This is the best way to discover new places and experiences in Brisbane, with a constantly updated calendar of events picked just for you, the international student in Brisbane.

The Insider Guides Team

Contents Your New City Fun Facts Getting Around The Australian Flag Indigenous Australia Aussie Cultural Diversity

14 15 16 20 21 22

Setting-up & First Steps Need to Knows The Right Accommodation Accommodation Decking Out Your New Pad Getting Connected Finding a Job Banking & Money Staying Healthy When Things Break

24 25 26 28 30 32 34 38 41 42

Shopping Need to Knows Shop Spots Your Local Shops Books, Music & Movies Clothing & Accessories Student Supplies Markets & Vintage Stores

44 45 46 48 50 52 55 56

Eat & Drink Need to Knows Eat & Drink Spots

58 59 62

Aussie Cuisine Coffee Culture Cafes & Breakfasts Budget Eats Casual Restaurants Pubs & Student Hangouts Cocktail Bars Nightclubs Late Night Eats Recycling

64 66 68 69 70 72 74 75 76 77

Entertainment Need to Knows Live Sports Live Music Net Cafes, Gaming Arcades & Karaoke Theatre & Live Arts Cinemas Galleries Events Calendar

78 79 80 82

Adventure Need to Knows Cheap & Free Activities Group Activities Local Sites Day Trips Weekend Trips Wildlife Beaches Discover Australia

96 97 98 100 102 104 106 108 110 112

84 86 87 88 90

STUDYBRISBANE.COM

STUDY BRISBANE

STAY CONNECTED STUDYBRISBANE.COM FACEBOOK.COM/STUDYBRISBANE TWITTER.COM/STUDYBRISBANE YOUTUBE.COM/STUDYINBRISBANE

GET INVOLVED BRISBANE WELCOMES INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS EVENT Saturday 2 March 2013, King George Square LORD MAYOR’S INTERNATIONAL STUDENT FRIENDSHIP CEREMONIES, year-round BRISBANE INTERNATIONAL STUDENT AMBASSADOR PROGRAM Applications for 2014 open October 2013

For more details, visit STUDYBRISBANE.COM

LORD MAYOR’S WELCOME Welcome to Brisbane!

Brisbane is recognised as a destination of choice by students from across the globe for its leading education institutions and enviable lifestyle.

But as Australia’s New World City, Brisbane is also different from other cities in its efforts to make international students feel like they’re in a home away from home, right from Study Brisbane’s Airport Welcome.

I look forward to seeing you enjoying the Brisbane Welcomes International Students 2013 event in King George Square on 2 March, right outside my office in City Hall.

As your study gets underway, I encourage you to stay connected to Study Brisbane’s burgeoning local and international network via Facebook and Twitter, and feel welcome to share its YouTube videos with other students thinking of coming to study in Brisbane.

And during 2013, I want each of you to join me at a Lord Mayor’s International Student Friendship Ceremony, where I will offer you lifelong friendship with our great city. Whether you decide to realise your career goals here in Brisbane, or abroad, we will always welcome you back warmly.

Finally, if you’re returning to Brisbane to study in 2014, I also hope you will consider becoming a Brisbane International Student Ambassador when applications for this important role open in October.

Proudly supported by Brisbane City Council and Brisbane Marketing through the Study Brisbane program, this International Student Guide Brisbane 2013 will fast track your understanding of the unique student experience that attracts over 80,000 international students to Brisbane each year.

Good luck with your studies and I trust you will enjoy your time in Brisbane.

Graham Quirk Lord Mayor

STUDYBRISBANE.COM

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CITYCAT CROSS RIVER FERRY INNER CITY FERRY

Name

Map

Venues Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre K6 Suncorp Piazza L8 Suncorp Stadium F1 The Arena A11 The Gabba O15 The Tivoli North of A9 The Zoo A12

Hospitals / Medical Brisbane Private Hospital E7 Mater Hospital (public & private) O11 Princess Alexander Hospital Off Map Royal Brisbane Hospital Off Map St. Andrews Hospital (private) D7 Travellers Medical Services (general practice) H8

Accommodation Base Embassy Brisbane Brisbane Marriott Hotel Central Dockside Apartments Central Hillcrest Apartments Central Summit Apartments ¡¢£¤¥¦§¨¦©¤ªª«ªConrad Treasury Brisbane Emporium Hotel Hilton Brisbane Holiday Inn Brisbane Hotel George Williams Hotel Grand Chancellor Hotel Ibis Brisbane Inchcolm Quality Hotel Limes Hotel Mantra South Bank Mantra Queen Street

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Mercure Hotel Brisbane Metropolitan Motor Inn M on Mary Hotel Novotel Brisbane Oask 212 on Margaret Oaks Aurora Oaks Casino Towers Oaks Charlotte Towers Oaks Felix Oaks Festival Towers Oaks Lexicon Oaks Rivercity Park Regis North Quay Portal Hotel Quay West Suites Brisbane Quest River Park Central Rendezvous Hotel Brisbane Riverside Hotel South Bank Royal on the Park Brisbane Rydges South Bank Brisbane Sebel Suites Brisbane ¯«°¨¤±¦²³¢¬´§ª¤¦ ¤ª¨³§± Stamford Plaza Brisbane The Marque The Point Brisbane The Sebel & Citigate King George Square Brisbane Urban Brisbane

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QUT has the largest university career mentor scheme in Australia, so you can start your career with real world experience. www.qut.edu.au/international www.facebook/QUTBrisbane

Train and busway network map Key

23 Traveston

Sunshine Coast line Caboolture line Ipswich/Rosewood line

23

Cooran

23

Pomona

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Ferny Grove line Beenleigh line

This map only shows connecting railbus services at train stations. These railbus services replace train services. Many more bus services are scheduled to connect with train services at most train stations.

Sunshine Coast

Eumundi

For details call 13 12 30 any time or visit translink.com.au.

19 Yandina

Doomben line Cleveland line Shorncliffe line

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Nambour

16

Woombye

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Airtrain line# (Special fares apply) Gold Coast line

Express services do not stop at all stations depicted on this map. Please refer to separate line timetables for details.

Most train stations and some busway stations provide free park ‘n' ride facilities.

Palmwoods 15

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Exhibition line and station (Open for special events only.

Special fares apply.)

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Mooloolah

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^ Gold Coast line services stop at Park Road, Coopers Plains and Loganlea stations off-peak only.

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Australia Zoo 12

Northern Busway

# Services to and from the airport stations travelling along the airport spur are operated by Airtrain Citylink Limited ABN 98 066 543 315 pursuant to a contract for services with Queensland Rail.

Nambour-Caboolture railbus

Eudlo

Landsborough

South East Busway

Beerwah

Glasshouse Mts 10

Eastern Busway

Beerburrum 9/10

Nambour-Caboolture railbus

8

Toogoolawah-Ipswich railbus

Caboolture line

Morayfield

7/8

Eagle Junction-Myrtletown railbus

Elimbah

Caboolture

8

Helidon-Rosewood railbus

(49.6km)

4

Burpengary

Sandgate

7 Narangba

Connecting station 5

Notes

(172.9km)

Cooroy

21

effective August 2011

Sunshine Coast line

Gympie North

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4

6/7 Dakabin

Zone number

6

Assisted wheelchair access

5/6

4 North Boondall

Lawnton 5

Diagrammatic map - not to scale.

(20.7km)

Shorncliffe 4

Petrie

Wheelchair access

Shorncliffe line

Deagon

Bray Park

3/4

Boondall

5 Strathpine 4/5

Bald Hills 4

3

3

Keperra 3 3

3

3/4

3

Zillmere 3

(16.1km)

3 2

Gaythorne

Alderley

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Enoggera 2 Newmarket

Mitchelton 3

2

2 Wilston

Northgate Nundah

1/2 Windsor 1/2 RBWH RCH Herston QUT Kelvin Grove

1 (2.8km)

1/2

1

14 Toogoolawah 1 1/2

2 Taringa

12 Esk

UQ Lakes

2 2 10 Coominya

1/2

1

South Brisbane South 1 Bank

Cultural Centre 1 South Bank 1 Mater Hill

Park Road^

1/2

Boggo Road

2 Chelmer 2/3 Graceville

2

9 Lowood

3

Darra Wacol 5 Gailes

5

8 Fernvale

5/6

(57.0km)

Richlands

Redbank

Rosewood 9 Lanefield 10 Calvert 10 Grandchester 10/11 Laidley 11/12 HelidonRosewood Forest Hill 12 railbus UQ Gatton campus 13 Gatton 13/14 Grantham 15 Helidon 16

4/5

Wynnum Central 4 Manly 4 Lota 4/5 Thorneside 5

Wellington Pt 6

Langlands Park 2

6

Eastern Busway

Ormiston Cleveland

Cleveland line

(1.05km)

(37.3km)

Greenslopes 2

Yeerongpilly

Holland Park West 3 Griffith University 3

3 Salisbury 3/4

Wynnum 4

3

Birkdale 5

Stones Corner 2

3 Rocklea

Goodna

Brisbane River

Wynnum North Lindum

5/6

3 Moorooka

Riverview 6 Dinmore 6 Ebbw Vale 6 6/7 Bundamba 7 Muirlea Booval 7 East Ipswich 7 Ipswich line Ipswich 7 (38.7km) Thomas Street 7 Wulkuraka 7/8 Karrabin 8 Walloon 8 Thagoona 9 line

8 Borallon

Rosewood

2/3

Oxley

3/4

3/4

3

Hemmant

Coorparoo 2

2 Fairfield 2 Yeronga

Corinda

4/5

2

Dutton Park

3 Sherwood 3

2

Brisbane River

Norman Park 2

Woolloongabba 2 PA Hospital 2 Buranda 2

Indooroopilly

Moreton Bay

Eagle Farm 2

Ascot Doomben

Hendra

Murarrie 3 Fortitude Valley 1 Brisbane Central 1 connect for long Cannon Hill 2/3 Roma Street 1 distance trains King George Sq 1 Morningside 2 Queen Street 1

Auchenflower

Bunour 2/3

(9.9km)

Bowen Hills 1

Milton

Toowong

Doomben line

2

Normanby

Meeandah 3

2

Clayfield

Eagle Junction 2 Wooloowin 2 Albion 1/2

Northern Busway

Myrtletown 4 Pinkenba 3

Toombul

2

Eagle JunctionMyrtletown railbus

Airport# (International)

Virginia

1/2

Toogoolawah railbus

Airport# (Domestic)

3 Bindha

Sunshine 3

Oxford Park

Airport line (15.9km)

Banyo

Geebung

Grovely 2/3

Nudgee

Carseldine

Ferny Grove line

Ferny Grove

Upper Mt Gravatt 3/4

Coopers Plains 4 4

Banoon Sunnybank 4

Eight Mile Plains 4

South East Busway

Springwood 5

Altandi

4

(16.5km)

Runcorn 4/5

Fruitgrove Kuraby

5

5 Trinder Park 5

Woodridge 5/6

Kingston 6 7

Loganlea 6/7 Bethania Edens Landing 7 Holmview 7/8 Beenleigh

Beenleigh line (41.1km)

Gold Coast line (89.1 km)

Ormeau Coomera

9 10

Helensvale 12 13 Nerang Robina

Gold Coast

15

Varsity Lakes

16

Useful Contacts When you’re setting yourself up and settling into a new country, you’re bound to have a few questions. These are some of the places you can go to get those answers. There are also emergency numbers and services to call if you get into trouble.

Police

Study Brisbane

Office of Fair Trading

This is the non-urgent number for police assistance. Their website also has information on how to keep yourself safe.

Provides information on living and studying in Brisbane and can answer some of the questions you may have or provide contacts who can help you. They also host events to help international students feel at home in Brisbane during their stay.

This office has more detailed information about what your obligations and entitlements are when buying products and services. Also has some useful information about what to do if you think you have been cheated out of your money.

www.studybrisbane.com

www.fairtrading.qld.gov.au

Fairwork Ombudsman

Legal Aid Queensland

If you are being discriminated against at work or you think that you are working in bad conditions, and if you can’t sort out the issue with your employer, you can contact the Fairwork Ombudsman for help.

A free legal service that can give you advice if you need to know what your legal rights are.

www.fairwork.gov.au

Tips for international students to be street smart in Australia. A great initiative and one that we support.

131 444

www.police.qld.gov.au

Department of Immigration This is the department that handles visa enquiries and issues. www.immi.gov.au

Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (for Embassies) The DFAT can help you to find your country’s embassy within Australia. www.dfat.gov.au

Australian Tax Office The Tax Office are the people to contact about getting a Tax File Number and find out more about payments made to you while you’re here. www.ato.gov.au

Study in Australia Provides basic information about studying in Australia, including information on the universities and listings of useful contacts.

Study Queensland Provides more detailed information about where you can study in Queensland and some information about living here. www.studyqueensland.qld. edu.au

Australian Consumer Law Make sure you are getting a fair deal when shopping or purchasing services. Find out what your legal rights are.

1300 65 11 88

www.legalaid.qld.gov.au

Think Before

www.thinkbefore.com.au

Healthdirect Australia A free helpline with trained staff who can help you to treat non-urgent illnesses when the doctor’s offices are not open.

1800 022 222

www.consumerlaw.gov.au

www.studyinaustralia.gov.au

12

www.insiderguides.com.au

Beyond Blue A free counselling service that you can ring if you are feeling depressed or anxious.

Their website also has great tips for coping with stress.

1300 224 636

Road Transport Authority

Australian Human Rights Commission

If you plan on driving around Brisbane, find out about the road rules and what you need to get yourself into a car.

Discrimination against people on the basis of their race, descent, colour or ethnic/ national origin is against the law in Australia. If you feel you are being treated unfairly because of your race, you can make a complaint with the Australian Human Rights Commission. If you want to make a complaint, head to:

www.beyondblue.org.au

www.transport.qld.gov.au

Lifeline

Residential Tenancies Authority

If you want to talk to someone about your mental health, this resource is a crisis support hotline.

13 11 14

www.lifeline.org.au

If you have any issues with accommodation, or would like to know what you’re rights are, the RTA are very helpful.

www.humanrights.gov.au /racial_discrimination

www.rta.qld.gov.au/student

Emergency: Ambulance, Police, Fire

000

(112 from mobile phones) If you are in danger and need help, ring this number to get the police, an ambulance or a fire truck to you urgently. Remember to state which service you need and tell them where you are.

Australia Student Guide Smartphone App With a continually updated events calendar for your city and showcasing some of the most exciting and interesting places and experiences, enjoying Australia has never been easier.

Download now for free from the App Store and Google Play.

www.studybrisbane.com

13

Your New City

Introduction Brisbane has recently been ranked as the 16th most liveable city in the world. With its growing music scene, idyllic climate, some of the best universities in the country and close proximity to some of the most beautiful coastlines in the world, it’s easy to understand why.

There’s no denying that Brisbane has one of the best climates of all the Australian capital cities.

With winter temperatures in the low 20s and minimal rainfall, it can be easy to forget that you’re in the middle of winter. But, you definitely know it’s summer when warm, humid days are relieved by a refreshing downpour

14

of afternoon rain. Like many tropical regions, Brisbane often experiences thunderstorms towards the end of the day throughout the summer months.

stunning coastline and tranquil hinterlands) and the Sunshine Coast to the north. After all, Brisbane isn’t called the Sunshine State for nothing!

The city’s skyline is constantly expanding vertically, as new residential buildings and office towers leap up into the sky. Beyond the city, many Brisbanites can be found living in ‘Queenslanders’, which are raised wooden houses on stilts with sweeping balconies, designed with the intention of staying cool during summer.

As with most states in Australia, Brisbane (commonly referred to as ‘Bris Vegas’) initially existed purely as a haven for captured thieves, murderers and rebels. They were kindly donated by the convict settlement in Sydney, and prior to that, were shipped over from the bursting jails in Britain.

Brisbane was fortunate to receive the most dangerous of convicts who were then given the right to become free settlers.

How times have changed!

Brisbane is located about an hour from the attractions of the Gold Coast to the south (large theme parks,

Your New City

www.insiderguides.com.au

Fun Facts Brisbane was named after the NSW Governor Sir Thomas Brisbane in 1824 but is referred to as ‘Mian-Jin’ meaning ‘place shaped as a spike’ by the native Indigenous groups. If you’re slightly confused as to how spikes relate to Brisbane – take a look at the horizon. See mountains and hills? There you go.

Brisbane was once famous for its pineapples, bananas and macadamia nuts; however now it’s becoming more recognised for its cafe culture and emerging live music scene.

In fact, what was once dubbed a seedy and dangerous area of Brisbane (Fortitude Valley) is now home to many of these bands as well as a vibrant coffee scene.

The Average Australian The average Australian male lives to 79 and the average female lives to 84.

www.studybrisbane.com

Your New City

15

Getting Around Whether you’re going to uni, the gym, meeting friends for coffee, the airport or to the Gold Coast, Brisbane’s public transport system can get you there. Regardless of whether you live in the CBD or out of town, there are extensive bus, train and ferry routes servicing all areas. Just be aware that there are some express routes around Brisbane which are paperless (meaning that you can only use your Go Card to get around).

Tickets

Translink

Go Cards are the cheapest and most efficient way to get around Brisbane. You simply purchase a card from newsagencies or ticket kiosks at bus or train stations then top up your card with credit ($20 is a good amount). You can top up either in store, online or at machines at most bus and train stations. Then all you need to do is swipe on (look for the Go Card sign when you get on the public transport) and remember to swipe off when you leave.

Translink is in control of all of Brisbane’s public transport timetables and ticketing. You can plan your journey from one side of Brisbane to the other via their website It’ll list all possible modes of transport available, the amount of time it’ll take and maps for where to hop on and off to get you to your destination.

You can also purchase single tickets when boarding the bus, train or ferry, but it’ll end up costing you more than if you use a Go Card. There are some routes (such as the City Glider), which only accept Go Cards.

www.translink.com.au

How much does it cost?

Timeslots

There are 23 zones that expand in concentric circles from the centre of the city (zone 1 is essentially the inner suburbs). The price of your ticket will depend on how far out of the city you want to travel. Travelling within one zone costs $2.30 for students (be sure to show your student ID card).

Off-peak travel time is 9am-3.30pm, 7pm-2am and all day on weekends and public holidays.

Go Online Find the best way to get from A to B in Brisbane with the Translink online journey planner. jp.translink.com.au

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Your New City

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Trains Buses Buses are probably the most commonly used mode of public transport in and around Brisbane, with regular services running in and out of the city from plenty of different locations. All the buses are air conditioned (trust me; this is a godsend in summer!) and kept immaculately clean.

Where will they take me?

There are hundreds of bus routes around Brisbane, which can take you from the CBD to the border of NSW at Tweed Heads. Buses service the Greater Brisbane region (Brisbane East, North, South, West and Central), Northern region (Bribie Island, Moreton Bay, Caboolture and Redcliffe), Southern region (Beenleigh, Logan, Browns Plains and Springwood), Eastern region (Cleveland, Victoria Point and Carindale), Western region (Ipswich), Sunshine Coast and the Gold Coast.

If you’re in the city, keep an eye out for the red stop signs around the city – they offer a free loop around the city during the day!

Trains are the best way to commute to and from suburbs located a long distance out from the city centre.

Where will they take me?

Similar to bus routes, trains service the outer-city suburbs. Specifically, there are 11 routes (Airport, Beenleigh, Caboolture, Cleveland, Doomben, Ferny Grove, Gold Coast, Ipswich/ Rosewood, Richlands, Shorncliffe and the Sunshine Coast). Along these lines there are many other stops catering for a vast expanse of Brisbane’s suburbs.

How often do they come?

Most train routes run every 20 minutes to half an hour, and depart hourly late at night.

Where will they take me?

The Airtrain stations are located directly outside the terminals at both the Brisbane Domestic and International Airports and will take you right to the centre of the city.

Fast tracks to the City.

Only 20 mins.

How often do they come?

Buses servicing the inner city are very frequent, arriving every 5-15 minutes. On Friday and Saturday nights, Nightlink buses run from the city and the Valley to surrounding suburbs from 1am to 5am.

www.studybrisbane.com

Airtrain is the most economical, reliable and enjoyable way to get to the City from the Brisbane Airport.

The Airtrain stations are located directly outside the terminals at both the Brisbane Domestic and International Airports.

The costs is $16.00 per adult one way or $30.00 return from Brisbane Airport to Brisbane City

Your New City

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Ferries Citycats are easily the most scenic way to get around Brisbane whilst linking up to suburbs that are situated along the Brisbane River.

Where will they take me?

The Citycat catamarans follow the snaking river downstream from the Northshore Hamiltion ferry terminal all the way to the University of Queensland. They stop at key points along the river (North Quay in the city, South Bank, QUT, UQ and Riverside [Eagle Street Pier]). One of the most popular trips is from UQ to North Quay (top of the Queen Street Mall), which takes about 20 minutes.

The Regatta terminal (in Toowong) is an ideal stop if you need to commute to suburbs further out of the city as there’s a train station about 200 metres up the road. In addition to the Citycats, there are the cross-river ferries and the free CityHopper, which only run to the other side of the river (such as from Eagle Street Pier to Holman Street [under the Story Bridge]).

How often do they come?

Citycats depart roughly every 15 minutes, the CityHopper every 30 minutes and it’s every 10-15 minutes for the cross-river ferries.

Bikes Brisbane is blessed to have many cycle paths that allow riders to avoid traffic. The recently established City Cycle scheme enables locals and visitors to hire bright yellow bikes and cycle throughout the city and surrounding suburbs. There are City Cycle stations located every 300 500 metres allowing you to return the bike to any station throughout the city.

To get started, first you have to subscribe online (for an annual, monthly, weekly or daily subscription). Then you just enter the pin or swipe your card (takes 5 days to get via mail) at one of the stations. The best option for students in is the 6-month student subscription for $27.50. You can take unlimited journeys but only the first half an hour is included in this cost.

You can ride all day for free if you like though, you just have to drop off a bike and get on another one every 30 minutes! It’s the law to wear a helmet whilst cycling in QLD. www.citycycle.com.au

Taxis Brisbane is packed full of taxis (run by Black and White Cabs and Yellow Cabs) which can get you to and from any destination. Just be aware that the city has many one-way streets, so taxi fares can increase pretty quickly.

Taxi Numbers Black & White Cabs

You can often hail a cab on the street (look out for the light above the cab - this means that the taxi is free), join a taxi rank (there are many located throughout the city and the Valley) or call a cab from a designated taxi phone, which are also located throughout the city. There are also apps available to download on your smart phone to order a taxi.

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Your New City

133 222

Yellow Cabs 132 227

www.insiderguides.com.au

Fast tracks to the City.

Only 20 mins.

The Australian Flag The Aussie Flag, like every country’s flag, holds a lot of cultural significance. The flag came into being after each of the states joined together to form the Commonwealth of Australia in 1901. The flag’s design was selected as part of a competition in 1901 - five winners (including two teenagers) shared in the £200 prize.

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The Commonwealth Star

Also known as the ‘Star of Federation’. It has seven points to represent the six states and combined territories of Australia. The seventh point was only added in 1990.

2

The Union Jack

This is the symbol of Australia’s ties with Great Britain. As a member of the Commonwealth, it is one of only five other countries with the Union Jack on their flag.

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The Southern Cross

These five stars represent the Southern Cross constellation - a significant navigational star in the southern hemisphere.

Each of the states and territories around Australia have their own flags as well, each containing the union jack, and a badge containing something unique.

The flag of Queensland contains a white badge, with the Blue Maltese Cross with an Imperial Crown.

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Your New City

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Indigenous Australia Before European colonisation in 1788, Australia’s population was made up entirely of the Indigenous people of Australia – Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders.

There were hundreds of communities around the country that spoke several different languages and held different beliefs while upholding various common traditions and practices.

It’s important to appreciate that the European or Western way of life that you now see in Australia is a relatively new concept (only a few hundred years old). The Indigenous population has inhabited Australia for over 60,000 years.

Today, elements of Indigenous culture can be found in many areas of modern Australian life.

Indigenous art, music, people, stories and history are an important part of our national identity.

Land Ownership To the Indigenous people of Australia, the concept of land ownership that Western cultures have (i.e. buying and selling land) is very different from their

own. Their relationship with the land was, and remains, at the core of their spirituality. Land was not viewed as something that a person could “own”.

As this society and land ownership system was not respected by the British, Australia was viewed as ‘terra nullius’ (“land belonging to no one”) and the land was colonised.

Today, some important legal milestones have been reached in the area of Indigenous land rights, which indicate that cultural sensitivity and respect can dictate how Australia moves forward.

Experiencing Indigenous Australian Culture If you’re interested in learning more about this

incredible rich and diverse culture, we highly recommend visiting your local museum to discover how Indigenous Australians used tools, shared stories over generations, created spectacular artwork and lived off the land.

If you’re planning a trip, you might like to consider Uluru in the Northern Territory to learn about this remarkable natural wonder and its importance to the local Indigenous community. A local Anangu guide can give you a rich insight into this part of the world.

You could even head to Alice Springs to check out Aboriginal art galleries, or even the Kimberleys in WA and discover some rock art.

Black : Represents the Aboriginal tribes of Australia.

Red: Represents the red earth and the red ochre, which symbolises a spiritual relationship with the land.

Yellow: Represents the sun, the provider of life and the protector of people.

www.studybrisbane.com

Your New City

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Aussie Cultural Diversity It’s no secret that Australia is one of the most multicultural countries in the world: people from all over the world have migrated here, vibrantly shaping the Australia that we experience today.

Asian

British

Indian

Australia has a large Asian population, which started growing back in the 1850s with the Australian Gold Rush. In 1861, just after the height of the gold rush, Chinese immigrants made up 3.3% of the population.

Since then, the number has continued to rise, with Australia now home to well over 200,000 Chinese residents. The second most commonly spoken language at home in Australia is Mandarin. Other Asian countries have also made a significant impact on the Australian lifestyle, with an increasing number of residents from Vietnam, Philippines, Malaysia and Hong Kong.

Australia was settled by the British, so our association with England and Great Britain goes back a long way.

Captain Cook discovered the country back in 1788 and a variety of English, Irish and Scottish migrants made their way to Australia. Over 1 million residents currently living in Australia were born in the United Kingdom.

British culture can be seen everywhere in Australia - our fondness for cricket, our flag, our language and our love for a quenching ale.

Indian migration to Australia is one of the more recent patterns of immigration. Over 153,000 Australian residents were born in India according to the most recent Census.

However, it’s said some of the first settlers were Indian convicts transported by the British Colonial Government in India back in 1788! A large portion of Indian migrants also arrived in Australia during the Gold Rush. Since then, the Indian culture has been bolstered by a strong student intake each year.

Your New City

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European While there were some European cultures that made their way to Australia in its early years, it wasn’t until after World War II that Europe started changing the face of Australia. With so many displaced people after the War, ethnicities from all over Europe made their way to the country. The influences of Italian and Greek cultures can be found almost everywhere, as well as German, Polish and Eastern European nationalities, and nowhere is this more obvious than in Australian cuisine.

Australians have embraced all manner of European cuisine!

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If you fancy yourself as a chef, we recommend surrounding yourself with inspirational company. Follow these guys on Twitter. They are a few of the nation’s best chefs and will surely give you some ideas..

George Calombaris (European style)

/gcalombaris

Matt Moran (Modern Australian style)

/chefmattmoran

Luke Nguyen (South-east Asian style)

/luke_nguyen

www.studybrisbane.com

Your New City

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For

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Setting-up & First Steps Removalists

Introduction Before you can start exploring and enjoying everything this place has to offer, there are a few necessary things to sort out. These are basic things, like where you’re going to live. Will you be living in private accommodation, or perhaps with an Australian family?

Next on the list is getting connected. It’s pretty hard to study and keep in touch with your family back home if you don’t have any Internet access or a phone contact. There are plenty of different options when it comes to getting connected, so you shouldn’t have too much trouble setting yourself up.

Once you have sorted out your living situation, there’s the all-important furnishing of your home.

Where can you find cheap furniture? What sort of things should you be buying anyway? We’ve got all those questions answered too.

Of course, if you’re going to be living in Australia for a while, you’re going to need a source of income - and nobody likes relying on Mum and Dad forever.

Finding a job is a great way to experience more of the Australian culture and meet more of the locals,

not to mention improve your English and gain some quality experience.

If you have never applied for a job before, look no further than here for all the tips and tricks you’ll need to secure that part time position.

Money is also a crucial part of living in Australia.

Luckily there are plenty of different options for storing and accessing your money - you won’t need to keep your cash stashed under your mattress.

The Average Australian Based on a recent survey, 6/10 British families want to move to Australia.

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Setting-up

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Need to Knows Second-hand One of the best tips for any new student is to try and live cheaply. You want to have enough money to spend exploring your new city, so if you can find bargains on the essentials, you’ll be off to a good start. A lot of second-hand shops are run by charities like the Red Cross or the Salvation Army. There is sure to be some low priced pre-loved furniture you can give a new home to. Otherwise keep an eye on your university pin boards - other international students usually try to sell their bigger items before they head back home.

Garage Sales People often like to get rid of their old belongings by holding a garage sale. People will set up their things in their driveway and sell them. Sometimes you can pick up a real bargain.

Garage sales are usually held on the weekend - most people will create handwritten signs pointing to the address and put them on main roads, so keep your eyes out.

Gumtree & The Trading Post These are great websites where people can sell just about anything - old furniture, tickets to concerts, even pets. The good thing about these websites is that you almost always need to meet the person selling you the goods – meaning you can check it out before you buy it and you don’t have to pay for delivery! It’s always a good idea to take a friend with you when you’re collecting your newly purchased item, just to be safe. www.gumtree.com.au www.tradingpost.com.au

Storage If you come to Australia and find you have a lot more stuff than you can store, you might need to look into storing it.

There are plenty of places around that will store your stuff in a small garage for a period of time. It can get pretty pricey though, so make sure you do your research. Your institution will be able to help you here.

www.studybrisbane.com

Setting-up

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The Right Accommodation For You One of the first things you’ll need to think about after you have decided what you’re going to be studying in Australia is where you’ll live. There are a few options that you can choose from but make sure you do your research - check with your institution about their recommended accommodation, and take into account your needs and budget before you lock anything in.

Homestay

Student Apartments Most universities offer student apartments where you might share with a few other students or have your own room.

What will I get?

You’ll get fully furnished rooms, which can range from 1 to 5 bedrooms, a shared kitchen and bathroom.

How much will it cost?

It depends on the apartment, but you’ll be paying between $200 and $500 a week.

What are some of the advantages?

There’s a real emphasis on community - some house over 400 students! Plus you don’t have to worry about furnishing your place.

What are some of the disadvantages?

It can be quite expensive and you have to pay for your Internet use separately.

Who should I talk to? www.unilodge.com.au www.urbanest.com.au

A homestay is where you live with an Australian family in their home for the duration of your study. You may live with a family, a couple or another person.

What will I get?

Depending on the family you stay with, you may get different facilities, but you’ll certainly get your own furnished bedroom.

How much will it cost?

Living with a family will probably cost you between $250 and $300 a week.

What are some of the advantages?

You’ll get most of your meals provided, as well as Internet and you won’t have to worry about setting up utilities or phone lines.

What are some of the disadvantages?

Sharing with a family might be frustrating, you may live quite far from your institution and you won’t get a sense of living independently.

Who should I talk to?

Check out the Australian Homestay Network. They can help you link up with a family, as well as answering important questions like how much it costs. www.homestaynetwork.org.au

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Setting-up

www.insiderguides.com.au

Renting & Share Houses Residential Colleges Colleges are a great accommodation option for international students as a lot of the basics are taken care of, and most colleges are only a short distance from the big universities.

What will I get?

At a residential college you’ll receive all your meals, as well as a weekly room clean. You’ll get yourself a fully furnished bedroom, plus access to Wi-Fi, library facilities and tutors.

How much will it cost?

It depends on the college you choose, but most colleges cost between $285 and $410 a week.

What are some of the advantages?

It’s a great way to meet lots of different people while utilities and Internet are often included in the price.

What are some of the disadvantages?

Sharing bathrooms can be frustrating, you’re often locked into a yearly contract and there’s such a strong social aspect you might find it hard to concentrate.

Who should I talk to?

Check your institution’s website first - they’ll point you in the direction of the right colleges. You can then check out their websites and find out all the important information.

www.studybrisbane.com

This is true independent living renting an apartment or a house either alone or with housemates.

What will I get?

Renting a place means you call the shots. You have to pay for everything though, including furniture, food, utilities as well as rent.

How much will it cost? $100 - $400 a week - depending on how many you share with and where you live. That usually doesn’t include bills, and it definitely doesn’t cover any food costs.

What are some of the advantages?

Independent living is great and you can meet a whole bunch of new people, plus you have a lot more control of your living arrangement.

What are some of the disadvantages?

Paying for everything, including furniture and all utilities can be tough and it can get lonely if you’re living by yourself.

Who should I talk to?

Since renting is a private matter, your institution won’t have much to do with this. But it’s a good idea to check out the Future Unlimited website - they can give you all the information you’ll need about renting and how to find a place. www.studyinaustralia.gov.au

Setting-up

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Accommodation Finding a place to live can be a scary process. A rental agreement is a legal contract. Before you sign it make sure you have read the fine print. Some landlords may try to take advantage of you!

Here are a few tips that will help you: Agreements Find out what type of contract you are signing – either a fixed term or a periodic (ongoing) agreement.

Read the contract carefully before you sign it. Get a copy of the rental contract and keep it in a safe place. You may need to refer to it later if there is a problem. Keep a copy of all other documents, like receipts for payments.

Every part of your agreement needs to be in writing. A verbal agreement is not good enough.

Bond payment A bond payment is usually requested by landlords or agents. If you are renting for $700 or less a week, the bond cannot be more than four weeks’ rent. When rent is more than $700 per week, there is no limit to the bond which can be charged.

Check what you can legally be charged at the RTA website.

House inspections Before you agree to rent a place, inspect it. Beware of rental scams: do not agree to pay money to someone for a place you haven’t seen, if you are not allowed to inspect the house in advance, or if the documentation looks wrong. Never send money overseas or to a PO Box. Before you move in, do a very careful inspection to check the condition of the house. Make a note of pre-existing problems (such as carpet stains/marks on walls) on the entry condition report. Take dated photos of any damage. Keep a copy of all this documentation for yourself – this will help if there are any disagreements with your landlord at the end of your stay.

When you move out, make sure you clean and tidy the place – it must be left in the same condition as when you moved in. Make notes and take dated photos of everything. It’s a good idea

Rent money in advance A landlord can ask for 2 weeks rent in advance at the start of your tenancy (if you have signed a periodic/ ongoing agreement), and one month’s rent in advance (fixed term agreement). They cannot ask for more money than that.

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to have witnesses to all these inspections, so grab a trusted friend to help you.

Utility services Before you sign the contract, make sure you ask the landlord exactly which utility costs you are responsible for paying (such as electricity, gas, internet, water usage, telephone etc.) and check if there are any usage limits.

It should be written in your contract.

When you move out Pay attention to the details in your contact about ending your tenancy agreement.

If you leave without giving notice, you can get in real trouble!

If you have a problem which you cannot resolve by talking with your landlord, the RTA offers a free Dispute Resolution service. Find out more about your legal rights and responsibilities as a tenant – call the Residential Tenancies Authority.

1300 366 311

www.rta.qld.gov.au

Accommodation Apps Find your new rental property on your phone with either the Domain or Realestate app.

Download now for free from the App Store and Google Play.

Setting-up

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1300 366 311

rta.qld.gov.au/student

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Decking Out Your New Pad

Study

Bathroom What will I need?

• Towels • Bath mats • Toiletries Can I buy them for cheap?

Absolutely. Get the towels, shower curtains and such from discount department stores like Kmart, Big W and Target. For everything else, you can pick them up from good supermarkets.

What if I want to spend more money?

You can head to other department stores such as David Jones and Myer.

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Setting-up

What will I need?

• Desk & chair • Bookshelf • Computer Can I buy them for cheap?

Yes. Find furniture from www.gumtree. com.au. You may need a trailer or a large car to get it to your place though. Alternatively, head to garage sales in your area on Saturday mornings. You can find out where they are in your local weekend newspaper.

What if I want to spend more money?

If you want to buy new furniture, you can head to IKEA. Or if you’re thinking about spending a bit more, you can go to places like Harvey Norman. They also sell computers and electrical items there. Remember, you can bargain with the staff at Harvey Norman.

www.insiderguides.com.au

Bedroom What will I need?

• Bed • Linen • Storage

Kitchen What will I need?

• Dining table & chairs

Can I buy them for cheap?

• Cutlery, crockery • Appliances

Pick up the bed base, tables and storage from www.gumtree.com.au, but don’t buy second-hand mattresses.

You can get good deals on new mattresses at places like Forty Winks (www.fortywinks.com.au). You can get some nice linen from Target and Big W too.

You can deck out a kitchen for quite cheap these days. Check out Target, Big W and Kmart for small electronic stuff like kettles and toasters. Don’t bother buying it second-hand as you don’t get any warranties that way.

What if I want to spend more money?

If you want to buy high quality bedding, check out Sealy beds (www. sealy.com.au). For bits of furniture, head to The Good Guys and Harvey Norman. Just Google their locations in your city.

www.studybrisbane.com

Can I buy them for cheap?

What if I want to spend more money?

If you want to buy high quality kitchenware, Myer and David Jones are good for this. They have a nice range of pots and pans too. For a good fridge, we recommend getting it new. Check out The Good Guys, as you’ll want their extended warranty for it.

Setting-up

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Getting Connected So you have just landed in Australia and you’re wondering what to do next. You’ll probably want to talk to your family back home as soon as you can to let them know you have arrived safely and to hear a familiar voice. Getting connected is pretty easy in Australia if you know what to do.

Wi-Fi In Australia, there are plenty of places that offer free wireless. You can often find Wi-Fi hotspots in some airports, cafes, public libraries, McDonalds and your campus (although you may have to sign up to use these – check with your campus first). If you’re struggling to find a connection anywhere, there are a few Wi-Fi-Finder apps on smartphones too. Just head over to one of these spots, pull up a chair and connect to the web – too easy!

Mobile Broadband and 3G Obviously there will be times when you can’t use free wireless, so another option is to use a wireless dongle. A dongle is a small USB that you plug into your computer and are usually sold by phone companies like Virgin Mobile or Vodafone. These are prepaid (you can get some for $29 for 30 days all the way up to $79 for 100 days) and are excellent for short-term use. You can also connect your phone to your laptop and use your phone’s 3G connection (don’t use it too much!

– most phone plans have a low data allowance).

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Setting-up

Home Internet A more long-term solution is to sign up to an Internet contract if you’re living in a house. There are a whole range of different plans and contracts out there, so make sure you do your research and choose the right one for you. Try to find one that includes a wireless modem or router, otherwise you’ll have to buy one separately.

Plans usually include a download limit, and the higher the cost per month, the more downloads you receive. You can often sign up for a year or more and the longer you sign up for, the cheaper it gets. We recommend getting Naked ADSL (uses your land line) as, let’s be honest, who uses land line phones these days anyway?

Internet Providers: Internode: www.internode.on.net Optus: www.optus.com.au Telstra: www.telstra.com.au

www.insiderguides.com.au

Skype

Mobile Phones

If you prefer to hear as well as see your loved ones back home, Skype is certainly your best option. Combining video and sound, it’s basically a video call and, best of all it’s free if the person you’re calling has Skype too.

So make sure your family signs up back home to keep things cheap. Just visit the Skype website, download the software and you’re done! Another voice-based option is Skype credit which also allows you to call foreign mobiles at great rates.

Living in Australia, almost everyone has a mobile phone and chances are you had one back home too.

Unfortunately, that one might not work here, as it may be locked to your provider back home. There are ways around this, but most short-term travellers will often purchase a cheap mobile phone on a pre-paid deal, meaning you pay for what you use and aren’t locked into any sort of monthly contract. You can buy these pre-paid SIM cards (and rechargeable credit) from almost anywhere – supermarkets, service stations and mobile phone outlets.

www.skype.com

Alternatively, if you’re here for a while, you can sign up to a plan, which can often provide greater value (and better phones), but comes with a fixed-term contract (usually 24 months).

Viber & Whats App

Phone Cards If your parents aren’t very computer savvy, perhaps a phone call might be easier. To keep your costs down, make sure you buy a phone card – it’s about 80% cheaper than calls from a home phone. www.aussiephonecards.com.au

www.studybrisbane.com

If you have got a smartphone, there are a few apps out there that can help you save your dollars while still communicating with the people you want. Viber is a great app which uses all your existing contacts. It lets you make calls and send messages - all for free. It uses your 3G connection to connect with other Viber users, so it’s a great alternative to other methods.

Best of all, it works with any network and any operating system (Android, Windows and iOS).

Setting-up

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Finding a Job While you’re staying in Australia, chances are you’re going to need to support yourself financially. One of the ways you’ll be able to do that is by getting a job.

We’ve highlighted some of the important steps involved.

Decide Why should I get a job?

Working has a number of benefits apart from just money.

Getting a job in Australia means you’ll get to meet new people, as well as improve your English. You’ll also gain valuable experience.

How much can I work?

International students studying full time in Australia for more than 3 months automatically receive a work visa when you apply for your Australian student visa. This means you can work for up to 40 hours a fortnight during the semester and an unlimited amount during term breaks.

What sort of job should I get?

Most students find work in retail or hospitality industries because of the flexible hours they offer. This includes working at a supermarket or waiting tables at a local restaurant. The good thing is that a lot of these jobs don’t require much experience before you start.

Hunt How do I find a job?

First things first, get your resume polished and start door knocking on businesses you want to work at. Expect to get rejected by 90% of them, but this is a great way to get your name in front of the managers and staff as it shows that you’re keen.

Where can I go to find work?

If you don’t have any luck in person, try these websites. www.seek.com.au www.careerone.com.au www.indeed.com.au

Where else can I go to find work?

If you can’t find anything online, you could always try looking at your institution.

Many universities and colleges also have online job boards that are worth taking a look at.

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Prepare Do I need a Tax File Number?

Yes you do. A Tax File Number means you won’t get taxed at a higher rate. You just have to fill out a form online and have your passport handy. Visit www.ato.gov.au to apply for one.

What else should I know?

Many Australians are very approachable people; so don’t be too nervous about asking lots of questions. Most will be happy to help you out. Just remember to be polite, punctual and willing to learn.

What happens if I get in trouble?

While most businesses in Australia try to keep their employees happy, some might try to underpay or overwork you. If you think something’s not right, you can always call the Fair Work Ombudsman on 13 13 94 or visit the website at www.fairwork.gov.au. They can advise you on what to do next.

Apply How do I apply for a job?

If you have found the job on the Internet, chances are you’ll be able to apply directly through the website.

Do I need to include a resume?

If you have found a job in person, most places will ask you to send them a resume. A resume is basically a record of your previous work experience. Keep your resume short and include a reference - a previous employer or someone who has seen you work or study. Try asking a friendly tutor.

I’ve been offered an interview, now what?

Congratulations! If you have managed to get an interview, you’re almost there. It’s always a good idea to prepare for an interview - get a friend to ask you some questions about your skills and your experience, and practice answering them.

The Average Australian The average weekly income in Australia is $1396.70 for a male and $1150.20 for a female.

www.studybrisbane.com

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Welcome and best of luck this semester from your ANZ Student Banking Specialists.

Whether you call Australia home, or you’ve come here to study, we can help you address your banking needs.

anz.com ® A-Z Review is a registered trademark of Australia and New Zealand Banking Group Limited (ANZ) ABN 11 005 357 522. Australian Credit Licence Number 234527. ANZ’s colour blue is a trade mark of ANZ. Item No. 85379C 12.2012 W318811

At ANZ, we understand student life because we ask. When you have an A-Z Review® your needs come first.

That’s how our Student Banking Specialists will then be able to recommend a banking solution to suit your lifestyle and goals from a broad range of everyday banking, savings, credit card, investment and insurance products and services.

If you require assistance in a language other than English, we also have multilingual staff conveniently located at the following city branches.

Come in and say hello.

Gipps st

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Albert st

Bo

e St Pauls Tc

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ys

st Wickham

• 146 Queen Street Mall • 204 Wickham Street (Chinatown)

Turbot st Ann st

y Hw Br ad

Albert st

fie

ld

Edward st

George st

Adelaide st Queen st

Other convenient locations with multilingual staff include: • Queensland University, Staff House • 250 McCullough St, SunnyBank

Banking & Money If you’re going to be living in Australia for a period of time, you’re going to need to have somewhere to safely keep your money. This is where having an Australian bank account is a good idea.

Setting Up a Bank Account There are plenty of different banks available in Australia and there’s sure to be one that suits your needs.

What should I bring?

Head into the bank and explain that you’d like to open an account. Make sure you bring enough ID with you. Most banks will need to see your passport, visa, or driver’s license (if you have one) as well as proof of address - you can bring a household bill.

What do I get?

You’ll get a bankcard - this is what you’ll use when you want to pay for something by EFTPOS or withdraw money from your account.

ATMs What are they?

Automatic Teller Machines are a fast, easy and convenient way to take money out of your bank account. All you need to do is insert your bankcard, type in your PIN number and select the amount you’d like to withdraw. Your card will pop out, along with your money and a receipt. Some ATMs also offer different language features, so you can choose your native language to help you out.

What are the fees?

Most banks won’t charge you for using their ATM but if you use another bank’s ATM, you will be charged $2. They call this a ‘disloyalty fee’. It’s also a good idea to avoid the smaller machines found in pubs, clubs and service stations - these will also charge you a fee.

Online banking All of the major Australian banks allow you to transfer funds, pay bills and manage your accounts online. Be sure to ask for your internet banking options at your local branch.

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Money Transfer What do I need to do to receive money from overseas?

What do I need to do to send money overseas?

It’s your birthday and your parents want to send some cash to you in Australia as a gift from back home.

You’re going to need to let them know a few things first.

You want to send a bit of money to your parents back home. There are a few things you’ll need from them before you can do an international money transfer.

Make sure you let them know your: Australian bank account name

Make sure you know their: Bank account name and account number The overseas bank ‘sort’ code

Australian bank account number and BSB

International Bank Account Number (IBAN) (Europe only)

Address of the bank your account is with

SWIFT code of the overseas bank

Australian bank SWIFT Code

Debit Cards An increasingly popular option among Australian locals is Visa or Mastercard debit cards. You can apply for these through your bank. It works just like a credit card and allows you to use credit services (i.e. online services), but it uses the money in your account. Be sure to check the fees and interest on any card before you decide to get one.

Notes and Coins It’s always a good idea to have some cash on you when travelling and a good way to do that is by converting your home currency into Australian Dollars (AUD). If you have some currency from back home and want to change it, head into your local post office.

They’ll exchange it based on the current rates.

Travellers Cheques If you have brought some with you they can be easily exchanged for cash at your bank, or through Amex and Thomas Cook. Just make sure you bring your passport when you want to cash them in.

www.studybrisbane.com

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Your rights in Australia Under Australian law you are protected from discrimination, harassment and bullying in many areas of public life such as employment, education, accommodation, sport and the provision of goods and services.

The Australian Human Rights Commission can investigate and resolve complaints of discrimination, harassment and bullying based on: • race • sex • disability • age • sexual preference, criminal record, trade union activity, political opinion, religion or social origin (in employment only).

For free and confidential information about your rights or to make a complaint about discrimination, call the Commission’s Complaint Information Service on 02 9284 9888, 1300 656 419 (local call) or 1800 620 241 (TTY).

If you require an interpreter, call 13 14 50 and ask for the Australian Human Rights Commission.

For more information, go to: www.humanrights.gov.au

The Principles to promote and protect the human rights of international students is a guide produced by the Australian Human Rights Commission which explains how your human rights can be promoted and protected while you are in Australia. The Principles are available at: www.humanrights.gov.au/racial_discrimination/international_students.html

Staying Healthy Your health can seem unimportant when you’re studying, but it needs to be a priority. Our Editor talked to Dr. Maggie Phillips about some important issues for international students.

Sexual Health Diet Students are more at risk of stomach upsets because of the high-party, high-stress lifestyle. Eating fast food can seem easy, but cooking meals that are low in fat and high in fibre is the best option. The better you eat, the better your body can use the energy for study. Don’t rely on high-caffeine ‘energy’ drinks. Have three solid meals a day and you will have plenty of energy. Take the time to prepare healthy meals at home.

Climate Australia is a dry country so you may need to adjust if you’re used to humidity.

Showering too often will wash away the oils your skin needs for dry conditions. If you’re getting itchy, switch to moisturising soaps or use Sorbolene (moisturiser).

Sunlight Vitamin D deficiency is common and you may easily end up deficient if you are not spending much time in the sun. The easiest way to combat this is to spend more time in the sun - only 15 minutes a day is needed so take your books and sit outside while you study. Otherwise, you may need vitamin supplements.

www.studybrisbane.com

You can get contraceptive medications and devices very easily and cheaply in Australia. Condoms are available from supermarkets and pharmacies. Emergency contraceptives are available from pharmacies if you need them. Take them within 24 hours for the most effective result. Pregnancy terminations are not easy to get in Australia. It can take weeks to organise, and late terminations can be difficult to arrange and expensive. www.stdservices.on.net

Mental Health Remember to take time out for yourself. If things seem too hard, talk to friends and family. Universities and colleges often have counselling services or you can use free services such as Beyond Blue and Lifeline. Make sure you talk to someone as soon as you feel like things are getting too hard to handle.

Clinic Hours Very few medical clinics are open seven days or have 24-hour services (and those that do can be expensive).

If you need a medical certificate or you have a minor illness like a cold, wait until the doctor’s offices are open.

You can also ring Healthdirect Australia to get advice on treating non-life-threatening illnesses:

Setting-up

So you have your OSHC cover.

It doesn’t cover you for everything. Some of the problems that students are often unaware of are:

Ambulance Cover

Some OSHC policies have gaps or limitations in ambulance cover. This means you may not be covered if you require an ambulance but you may not need to go to hospital. These bills can be hundreds of dollars, so be sure to check these ‘nonemergency’ situations with your provider!

Hospitals

If you need to go to a public hospital in a non-emergency situation or for an elective procedure, then call your OSHC provider and check that you will be covered. Remember to ask your OSHC provider where their nearest agreement hospital is. You should then give that hospital a call to confirm that you will be accepted as a patient with OSHC. There is nothing worse than getting some nasty administrative surprises when all you want is medical treatment!

Remember, your OSHC may not cover you for private hospitals.

Complaints

If you face a situation where you feel like you’re being ripped off or unfairly treated in regards to your OSHC, you can call the Private Health Insurance Ombudsman (PHIO). It’s a free service designed to help you out of trouble!

1800 640 695

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When Things Break Living away from home can be a lot of fun, but what happens when something goes wrong?

1 The Taps are Leaking If your taps are leaking, you can try tightening or replacing the seal or washer. The team at the hardware store can give you some good advice.

If it’s more serious, your agent or landlord needs to know first as they should be paying for this. They will either organise a plumber to come over, or they may tell you to organise a plumber and they will pay you back.

1 7

2

2 Your TV Stopped Working Assuming you bought the TV new and it’s under warranty, you’ll need to call the manufacturers or take it back to the store where you bought it. They might send out a technician.

If it’s not under warranty, you can either pay a repair man to fix it (which can cost a lot), or throw it out. If you want to throw it out, don’t dump it on the street!! Call your council and ask where you can dispose of it.

3

3 You have Spilled Some Red Wine…

1. Pour salt/Bi-Carb Soda on it, wait until the powder turns red then remove it. Repeat until it stops going red.

2. Grab some paper towel and pat it around the edges to stop it spreading. Don’t rub or wipe.

3. Call a professional carpet cleaner if you need to (about $80).

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7

Oven’s Not Working 1. Check the gas supply. If you have gas bottles, are they empty?

2. Call your agent or landlord and ask for a repairman to check it out.

6 Broken Windows If you have accidentally broken a window, you need to get it fixed as soon as possible.

Your landlord won’t pay for this, as it was your fault.

6 4

Have a look online for a glazier - these guys can replace windows quickly and easily.

Be ready to spend a bit of money though, they’re not cheap. Make sure you let your landlord know as well - they might be able to organise it with you.

5

5 Your Furniture has Become Unusable Your couch may have been comfortable once upon a time, but now it’s horrible to sit on, and some of the springs are poking through.

Getting rid of a couch can be as easy as making a phone call.

4

Broken Fridge 1. Remove all of the perishables and put them into an Eski or an ice filled sink / tub.

Check your local council’s website for their policy on ‘hard rubbish’ - most will be more than happy to come and collect your old couch for a small fee or for free (some councils do this free once or twice a year). Again, don’t just leave it out on the footpath.

2. Check the power point and electrical box to ensure it’s getting power. Make sure the doors are shutting properly and that the motor is running, if not, it is best to call a professional.

3. If it’s not worth fixing it, call your council to determine the best option to dispose of it. Don’t put it on the street or you’ll get a fine!

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VINYL • CDs • DVDS • MOVIES

Clothing • Accessories

16B S A L E

OPEN

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Introduction Whether you’re addicted to shoes, bags or jeans, you can easily while away entire days (as well as the contents of your wallet) walking down the Queen Street Mall. With over 1000 stores, one end of the mall has designer fashion, whilst the other is more street-chic and budgetconscious.

Fortitude Valley is ideal for picking up the latest fashion trends, as well as suits

and formal dresses, from a number of boutique retailers. Paddington is another great location to pick up boutique clothing, as well as second-hand items and vintage homewares.

then head along to DFO (discount factory outlet) in either Jindalee (south of Brisbane) or at the airport.

It’s easy to find fantastic deals on some of the most expensive brands.

Chermside Shopping Centre is the second largest shopping centre in Australia, and it boasts high street retailers, electronics stores, food courts and a huge cinema complex.

Clothing aside, there are plenty of farmers’ markets dotted around the city and surrounding suburbs. As well as food, local artists and designers take their accessories, homewares and artwork to the city streets on a regular basis.

If you’re after style with a very agreeable price tag,

Australia Student Guide Smartphone App With a continually updated events calendar for your city and showcasing some of the most exciting and interesting places and experiences, enjoying Australia has never been easier.

Download now for free from the App Store and Google Play.

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Need to Knows Opening Times In Australia, most stores open by 9am and close by 5pm.

Major supermarkets are usually open until 9pm during the week. On Sundays, most shops will open later at 11am.

Usually Thursdays or Fridays will see longer trading hours, known as ‘late night shopping’ and most shops have extended hours around Christmas.

Sales Everybody loves to pick up a bargain and Australia has two big sales throughout the year – the end of financial year (July 1) and Boxing Day, after Christmas (December 26). Most shops will also have sales racks or ‘bargain bins’ year-round, where you can pick up a cheap deal.

EFTPOS Electronic Funds Transfer Point of Sale (EFTPOS) is where you can use your bankcard to pay for your purchase. You’ll need to swipe or insert your card and enter your PIN. Most places have a $10 minimum purchase amount and some will also offer ‘cash out’ – an easy way to withdraw money from your bank account whilst shopping.

Online Shopping Sometimes after a long search, you can’t find what you want in a store, or you’re simply looking for a cheaper option. Why not try shopping online? As long as you have a debit or credit card, you can purchase anything and everything, and it can be a way to get a great bargain. Just be careful of shipping and postage – it can be very expensive.

The Average Australian Queensland covers 22% of the total Australian continent, an area of 1,730,648 square kilometres.

www.studybrisbane.com

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Shop Spots Shopping can be a surprisingly stressful activity in an unfamiliar city. Often you’ll end up stumbling around, tired and hungry, wishing someone would just give you a bit of insider knowledge about the best place to find that elusive product.

The City Queen Street Mall is lined with everything from the latest clothing trends, to beauty shops and electronic stores.

Big retailers like David Jones and Myer are found on the mall, as well as some cheap (and fashionable) clothes stores toward the Treasury Casino end of the mall. Every Wednesday, opposite the casino, is the Jan Power’s Farmers’ Markets, where you can pick up delicious freshly picked fruit and veg, baked goods and sweet treats.

Edward Street is home to designer labels (such as Louis Vuitton, Ralph Lauren and Hermes). Elizabeth Street (at the intersection of Edward Street) houses boutique shoes and formal dress shops. The Elizabeth Arcade is packed full of the latest boutique fashions at prices which are a little lighter on the wallet.

Chermside Chermside Shopping Centre is the second largest of its variety in Australia, and of course, is packed with all the shops you’d expect to find in any large shopping centre.

Everything from groceries to homewares, clothes to electronics. It’s located about a 30 minute bus ride north of the city (depending on traffic). There’s a large cinema complex attached to it, and it’s surrounded by lots of restaurants covering almost every cuisine you

46

could possibly imagine. Most of the stores are relatively inexpensive, and it can easily provide an entire day’s worth of entertainment.

Fortitude Valley High-end fashion hunters look no further – Fortitude Valley may be the home of messy late nights (well, early mornings) but it’s also home to the latest chic street wear and formal attire. Everything from skinny-leg jeans to tailored suits can be found on Ann Street (close to the Brunswick Street intersection) – just don’t forget to bring a full wallet. Winn Lane (hidden away behind The Zoo on Ann Street) is home to everything that screams vintage geekery, while James Street is super chic.

Paddington Classic Queenslanders are home to classic-style clothes, antiques and all things vintage in Paddington. Set upon the peak of Given Terrace, shopping here comes with sweeping views of the city (an 8 minute bus ride away). There are second-hand clothes shops such as St Vincent de Paul’s, retro stores and some quirky antique shops. Closer toward the city (near the hub of restaurants) are boutiques selling the latest trends.

Shopping

Sunnybank Renowned for all things Asian, Sunnybank is home to more than just delicious restaurants and tea shops.

Located about 20 minutes drive south of the city, it’s a haven for bargain shoppers. Sunnybank Plaza (on Mains Road) is home to high street fashion, cinemas and grocery stores, as well as some very inexpensive homewares stores and Asian markets. Market Square (also on Mains Road) is the place to head for fresh fruit and veg, Asian groceries and the occasional cheap clothing store.

Indooroopilly/ Toowong Considered university suburbs, Indooroopilly and Toowong have cradled students from University of Queensland’s St Lucia campus for decades. And so it was only natural for the area to develop its shopping habits to cater for students and everything else that is associated with campus life.

There is a Westfield that supplies residents with all their necessities. The great thing though, is apart from all the mainstream stores, this particular Westfield has selected their specialty stores to match the area’s demography.

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Clothing • Accessories

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Your Local Shops

BUTCHER

NEWSAGENT

NEWS

Butcher

Newsagent

What is sold here?

Butchers sell high quality meats, including cold cuts for sandwiches, prepared mini-roasts, cutlets, sausages, steaks, marinades and some condiments.

Why are they awesome?

Butchers often have a better range of meats than the supermarkets and provide better quality cuts. You also get to talk to the actual butcher who cut up your meat and who can tell you about where the meat was sourced and interesting ways to cook it.

Where can they be found?

What is sold here?

Newsagents sell newspapers, stationary, magazines, cards, bus tickets and more.

Why are they awesome?

Newsagents often have a wide array of newspapers, including international publications. They also have a massive range of cards for any celebration. Some also sell tickets to events and lottery (lotto) tickets.

Where can they be found?

Newsagents are always found in small shopping centres. Often they’re near supermarkets.

They can be found in most shopping centres and groups of shops.

They are also common in fresh food markets. If you are looking for Halal or Kosher meats, check with your local butcher and they can point you in the right direction.

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GREENGROCER

BAKERY

Greengrocer

Bakery

What is sold here?

What is sold here?

You can find fresh fruit, vegetables, herbs, nuts, yoghurts and juice here.

Bakeries sell loaves of bread, rolls, cakes, pastries, pies, sausage rolls and more.

Why are they awesome?

Greengrocers may be a bit more expensive than supermarkets, but they’re awesome because the food always tastes that little bit fresher.

Also, the staff know about where the food came from and what’s in season.

In Australia, it is perfectly acceptable to pick up fruit and vegetables to feel and smell them before you buy them.

Just don’t eat it before you pay for it!

Where can they be found?

Greengrocers are often found in small shopping centres near supermarkets.

www.studybrisbane.com

Why are they awesome?

Bakeries have saved many students from lunchtime hunger. The family run bakeries often make their own hot food too! The bread is often fresh and delicious, although some do sell yesterday’s bread.

Where can they be found?

Like greengrocers, butchers and newsagencies, bakeries are often found in small groups of shops. However, Insider Guides thinks the best bakeries are always a little bit out of town in the country. Ask a local where the best bakery is in your city. A good bakery is always worth the trip!

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Books, Music & Movies So you’re in a new country and there’s bound to be a range of different books, films and song titles coming up in conversation you have never heard of. We encourage you to peruse the shelves of some of these outfits to get a taste for what’s trending in Aussie pop culture.

EB Games

Butter Beats

Presents of Mind

Queens Plaza, Queen Street Mall, The City Games, consoles and accessories are all available at EB Games to buy and trade. You can also get your fix of gaming passion with collectible figurines and trading cards. The prices are reasonable and because they only deal in games, the sales assistants are generally well informed and helpful.

709 Ann St, Fortitude Valley Butter Beats has been Brisbane’s answer to rare grooves and urban literature since 1998. From graffiti culture to reggae and funk, Butter Beats is backed by a passion for music and street art. They have their finger on the pulse when it comes to alternative music gigs and releases, so if being ultra hip is your scene, then get well acquainted with the staff of Butter Beats.

285 Given Tce, Paddington So you have a friend who has everything they need? This is where Presents of Mind comes in. Pun-named stores are always a bit quirky and fun, and this store definitely is. Find cool little gifts like a slinky. Or get yourself a puzzle as a distraction from study - they have regular, 3D and 4D puzzles, as well as the old Rubik’s Cube.

3229 3835

www.ebgames.com.au

Rocking Horse Records 245 Albert St, The City As Queensland’s oldest and largest independently owned and operated record store, its over 35 years in business has been sustained by providing the city with the music that drives its scene.

Collaborating with many events, you can pick up most of your concert tickets from here as well. Their staff are always into the latest music to hit the underground too.

3229 5360

www.rockinghorse.net

3257 3257

www.butterbeatsrecordstore. com

Avid Reader 193 Boundary St, West End ‘For Books That Satisfy’ is their motto, and you can rest assured they’ll live up to it! Stocking a large range of titles for all kinds of bookworms, this independently owned shop has a real community feel to it, as locals pack the cafe inside.

Avid Reader also plays host to many events throughout the year.

3367 3711

www.presentsofmind.com.au

Dymocks 177 Albert St, The City Dymocks is a high quality chain book store stocking a wide variety of titles. If what you’re looking for is relatively mainstream, this is probably your best place to start.

Dymocks also has a comprehensive range of guidebooks and manuals for students.

3007 2800

www.dymocks.com.au

3846 3422

www.avidreader.com.au

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Folio Books

JB Hifi

Comics Etc

80 Albert St, The City If you’re the type of bookworm that never leaves their bookstore, then you’d want a bookstore with the expertise and passion that comes with over 25 years of serving their locale. Folio Books is one such store that hovers their focus around subjectspecific titles comprising art, architecture, philosophy, graphic design and much more. Customer orders are their speciality and what gives them their service reputation; Folio Books are able to source almost any book you need.

43 Adelaide St, The City Home to some of the best bargains out there when it comes to CDs and DVDs, it’s easy to walk into JBs looking for a birthday present for your Mum and leave with five CDs and three DVDs for yourself. To add to this, JB can also take care of the majority of your digital needs, as they stock cameras, printer inks, games, consoles, televisions DVD players and much more.

Check out their website for a better overview of what they have to offer and for the location of the closest store to you.

79-81 Elizabeth St, The City For over 20 years, that’s right, 20 years, Comics Etc has supplied southeast Queensland with comics, figures, statues and other items sourced from geekdom. Every week you can expect their shelves to be updated with the latest titles from DC, Marvel and the controversial adult comic brand, Dark Horse. As comic-book paraphernalia is expected from such a store, the clincher here, folks, would be their huge range of Star Wars collectibles; we’re pretty sure there’s a life-size mannequin of Chewbacca.

3221 1368

www.foliobooks.com.au

3003 1333

www.jbhifi.com.au

3229 4446

www.comicsetc.com.au

www.studybrisbane.com

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Clothing & Accessories You’re certainly going to need some new threads during your stay in Brisbane, and there are whole ranges of different fashion avenues, suiting every budget and most of them can be found within the city walls, but be sure to head out to some of the surrounding suburbs as they also have a lot to offer the avid shopper.

Zomp

Paperdoll Boutique

Valleygirl

199 Elizabeth St, The City For any woman suffering from shoe addiction or if you’re just in need of a new pair of heels, then Zomp is definitely worth checking out. The expansive room is dimly lit, with dark polished timber flooring offset by bright stilettos, floral flats and lace-up boots lining the walls. Prices are a little high, but it’s worth checking out their website to see when sales are happening (which is pretty frequently).

168 Adelaide St, The City This is the ideal shop to pick up a dress for a big Friday night out, a Saturday at the races or casual Sunday afternoon drinks. The emphasis is on the latest trends in fashion, particularly for dresses for special occasions as well as casual summer dresses.

There’s also a small collection of jewellery as well as t-shirts and jackets. And the best part is that it’s light on the wallet.

Queen Street Mall, The City This shop offers a wide range of ladies styles at low prices, making it a local favourite.

You can even find that pretty Sunday dress for as little as $30. With modern, eclectic styles brought from the catwalks straight to you, this is the perfect place to find something unique. You can easily find a whole wardrobe here for a very reasonable price. Plus they sell a whole range of accessories as well.

3003 1011

3229 2248

3211 3958

www.zomp.com.au

Bessie Head

www.valleygirl.com.au

Scotch & Soda

Wintergarden, Queen Street Mall, The City If you’re a fan of Australian and New Zealand designers, then Bessie Head is the perfect place to capture the Australian essence in your clothing style. Stocking premier Aussie and NZ labels, they are excellent at motivating their customers to be a bit daring.

Laced

Broadway on the Mall, 133 Adelaide St, The City Right in the centre of the CBD, this clothes store is bursting with bright colours and bold prints. The style is super casual, yet full of character with a certain sense of refinement. For the guys, there’s an emphasis on street style – think plaid shirts, leather jackets and washed denim. For the ladies, there are lace dresses, tight jeans and cool print t-shirts.

3221 0355

www.bessiehead.com.au

3003 1020

3012 7888

www.scotch-soda.com/au

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35 Adelaide St, The City For the sneaker freak, Laced is one of those secret stores known only to those submerged in the culture. Stocking premium underground labels such as Crooks & Castles, Undefeated, Kid Robot and Wesc, Laced is your answer to Brisbane’s fastest growing subculture.

Also be sure to check in regularly as they occasionally host parties. www.laced.com.au

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Dirtbox Wintergarden, Queen Street Mall, The City For women there’s Bessie Head and for men there’s Dirtbox. A centre for the most fashionably dressed man, you’ll find the latest look from designers here before other stores even have the hint that there’s a change in the air. Be metro, be stylish and be funky, and you’ll be dropping past Dirtbox to source the necessities.

3012 8809

www.dirtbox.com.au

General Pants Co. 192 Albert St, The City This store has built quite a reputation. Boasting some of the best Aussie brands, including Sass & Bide and One Teaspoon, students can also find a range of premier international brands.

73210 6638

www.generalpants.com.au

Black Anchor Collective 760 Brunswick St, New Farm When you’re in the sun and surf capital of Australia, you have to at least have a few surf clothes in your wardrobe. This is where you’ll need Black Anchor Collective. Channel the peak of the surf era with psychedelic designs on your t-shirts and board shorts. If that’s all too much for you, you’ll find other classic designs that’ll put you at the height of beach fashion.

3358 5647

www.blackanchor.com.au

www.studybrisbane.com

Women’s Shoe Sizes US

5 5.5 US 6 5 6.5 5.5 7 US 6 7.5 5 6.5 8 5.5 7 8.5 6 7.5 9 6.5 8 9.5 7 8.5 10 7.5 9 10.5 8 9.5 12 8.5 10 13 9 10.5 14 9.5 12 vt 10 13 10.5 14 S 12 vt 2.5 13 3 14 S 3.5 vt 2.5 4

Europe

UK

35 35.5 Europe 36 35 37 35.5 37.5 Europe 36 38 35 37 38.5 35.5 37.5 39 36 38 40 37 38.5 41 37.5 39 42 38 40 43 38.5 41 44 39 42 45 40 43 46.5 41 44 48.5 42 45 43 46.5 Europe 44 48.5 35 45 35.5 46.5 Europe 36 48.5 35 36.5

2.5 3 UK 3.5 2.5 4 3 4.5 UK 3.5 5 2.5 4 5.5 3 4.5 6 3.5 5 6.5 4 5.5 7 4.5 6 7.5 5 6.5 8 5.5 7 9.5 6 7.5 10.5 6.5 8 11.5 7 9.5 13 7.5 10.5 8 11.5 UK 9.5 13 2 10.5 2.3 11.5 UK 3 13 2 3.5

Europe 36 37.5

UK 3 4.5

Men’s Shoe Sizes 3 4.5 S 3.5 5 2.5 4 5 3 4.5 5.5 3.5 5 6 4 5 6.5 4.5 5.5 7.5 5 6 8 5 6.5 8.5 5.5 7.5 9 6 8 9.5 6.5 8.5 10 7.5 9 10.5 8 9.5 11 8.5 10 11.5 9 10.5 12 9.5 11 12.5 10 11.5 13 10.5 12 13.5 11 12.5 14 11.5 13 14.5 12 13.5 15.5 12.5 14 16.5 13 14.5 13.5 15.5 v 14 16.5 2 14.5 4 15.5 v6 16.5 2 8

35.5 37

35 36.5 37.5 35.5 37 38 36 37.5 38.5 36.5 37.5 39 37 38 40 37.5 38.5 41 37.5 39 42 38 40 43 38.5 41 43.5 39 42 44 40 43 44.5 41 43.5 45 42 44 45.5 43 44.5 46 43.5 45 46.5 44 45.5 47 44.5 46 47.5 45 46.5 48.5 45.5 47 49 46 47.5 50 46.5 48.5 51 47 49 47.5 50 US (L) 48.5 51 X-Small 49 Small 50 US (L) Small 51 X-Small Medium

Dress Sizes 4 10 v6 12 2 8 14 4 10 16 6 12 18 8 14 20 10 16 22 12 18 24 14 20 16 22 18 24 20 22 24

Small Medium US (L) Small Large X-Small Medium Large Small Medium X-Large/1X Small Large 1X/2X Medium Large 2X Medium X-Large/1X 3X Large 1X/2X 3X Large 2X X-Large/1X 3X 1X/2X 3X 2X 3X 3X

2.3 4

2 3.5 4.5 2.3 4 5 3 4.5 5.5 3.5 4.5 6 4 5 7 4.5 5.5 7.5 4.5 6 8 5 7 8.5 5.5 7.5 9 6 8 9.5 7 8.5 10 7.5 9 10.5 8 9.5 11 8.5 10 11.5 9 10.5 12 9.5 11 12.5 10 11.5 13 10.5 12 13.5 11 12.5 14 11.5 13 15 12 13.5 16 12.5 14 13 15 UK 13.5 16 4 14 6 15 UK 8 16 4 10 6 12

UK 8 14 4 10 16 6 12 18 8 14 20 10 16 22 12 18 24 14 20 26 16 22 18 24 20 26 22 24 26

Shopping

Australia

3.5 4 Australia 4.5 3.5 5 4 5.5 Australia 4.5 6 3.5 5 6.5 4 5.5 7 4.5 6 7.5 5 6.5 8 5.5 7 8.5 6 7.5 9 6.5 8 10.5 7 8.5 11.5 7.5 9 12.5 8 10.5 14 8.5 11.5 9 12.5 Australia 10.5 14 2 11.5 2.3 12.5 Australia 3 14 2 3.5 2.3 4

Australia 3 4.5 2 3.5 4.5 2.3 4 5 3 4.5 5.5 3.5 4.5 6 4 5 7 4.5 5.5 7.5 4.5 6 8 5 7 8.5 5.5 7.5 9 6 8 9.5 7 8.5 10 7.5 9 10.5 8 9.5 11 8.5 10 11.5 9 10.5 12 9.5 11 12.5 10 11.5 13 10.5 12 13.5 11 12.5 14 11.5 13 15 12 13.5 16 12.5 14 13 15 Europe 13.5 16 32 14 34 15 Europe 36 16 32 38 34 40

Europe 36 42 32 38 44 34 40 46 36 42 48 38 44 50 40 46 52 42 48 54 44 50 46 52 48 54 50 52 54

Mexico

Mexico --Mexico 4.5 5--5.5 4.5 65 6.5 5.5 74.5 6 7.5 5 6.5 9 5.5 7 10 6 7.5 11 6.5 9 12.5 7 10 7.5 11 Mexico 912.5 10 11 Mexico 12.5 ---

Mexico --

Japan 21 21.5

21 22.5 24 21.5 23 24.5 22 23.5 25 22.5 24 25.5 23 24.5 26 23.5 25 27 24 25.5 28 24.5 26 29 25 27 30 25.5 28 31 26 29 27 30 Japan 28 31 20 29 21 30 Japan 22 31 20 22.5

35.5 36 37 35.5 37.5 36 38 37 39 35.5 37.5 39.5 36 38 40 37 39 41 37.5 39.5 41.5 38 40 42 39 41 43 39.5 41.5 44.5 40 42 46 41 43 47 41.5 44.5 49 42 46 43 47 China 44.5 49 33 46 34 47 China 35 49 33 36

Japan 22 23.5

China 35 38

Japan 22 21 22.5 21.5 23

Japan 22 23.5

21 23

31 32.5 30 31.5 33 30.5 32 34 31 32.5 35 31.5 33 32 34 Australia 32.5 35 6 33 8 34 Australia 10 35 6 12

33 36 38 34 37 39 35 38 39.5 36 38 41 37 39 38 39.5 42 38 41 43 39 43.5 39.5 42 44 41 43 44.5 43.5 45 42 44 46 43 44.5 43.5 45 47 44 46 47.5 44.5 48 45 47 46 47.5 48 -47 -47.5 -48 -Japan 5-7Japan 9511

Italy 40 46

Australia 10 16

Japan 9 15

38 44

36 42 48 38 44 50 40 46 52 42 48 54 44 50 56 46 52 58 48 54 50 56 52 58 54 56 58

20 22.5 23.5 21 23 24 22 23.5 24.5 22.5 23.5 25.5 23 24 26 23.5 24.5 26.5 23.5 25.5 27 24 26 27.5 24.5 26.5 28 25.5 27 28.5 26 27.5 29 26.5 28 27 28.5 30 27.5 29 30.5 28 31 28.5 30 31.5 29 30.5 32

34 37

---4.5 5-6-4.5 6.5 57 67.5 4.5 6.5 8 5 7 8.5 6 7.5 9 6.5 8 9.5 7 8.5 10 7.5 9 10.5 8 9.5 11 8.5 10 11.5 9 10.5 12 9.5 11 12.5 10 11.5 13 10.5 12 13.5 11 12.5 14.5 11.5 13 15.5 12 13.5 12.5 14.5 Italy 13 15.5 36 13.5 38 14.5 Italy 40 15.5 36 42

8 14

6 12 18 8 14 20 10 16 22 12 18 22 14 20 24 16 22 26 18 22 20 24 22 26 22 24 26

7 13

5 11 17 7 13 19 9 15 21 11 17 23 13 19 25 15 21 27 17 23 19 25 21 27 23 25 27

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Maiocchi

Skate Biz

715 Ann St, Fortitude Valley Maiocchi is a wonderland of classically styled, often Asian-inspired, clothing.

You’ll find plenty of dresses and skirts, jackets, pants and tops. But really, it’s all the little trinkets that’ll have you unable to leave the store without buying something - a button, a purse, a wooden doll, who knows?

101 Albert St, The City Queensland is the recreational state of Australia, which is why Skate Biz in the city covers everything that involves all things footwork, from rollerblading to hockey.

They stock all the most reputable brands so safety and quality isn’t compromised, with well-known gear from Oakley, USD, Bauer and DC. They happen to also own Australia’s largest online skate shop at skatebiz.com. au, so it’s worth checking them out there too.

3852 3353

www.maiocchi.com.au

The Outpost 5a Winn Street, Fortitude Valley Tucked away in an alley off the main road, this place can be hard to find. This is a store that stocks some of the most interesting clothing, books and CDs from a range of designers from around the world. You can tell the collection is carefully selected by a group of passionate people who absolutely love what they do, so it is worth checking this place out.

3666 0306 www.theoutpoststore.com.au

APTMNT Charlotte St, The City Welcome to Brisbane’s premier high-end purveyors of uber cool. Owned and operated by two brothers who have spent their whole lives travelling the world sourcing quality threads and wares, they’ve built the APTMNT store to bring their world to you. Because this place houses some pretty unique pieces, expect to pay for the style and the service.

3220 0167

www.skatebiz.com.au/

Hype Shoes Corner of Albert and Queen St, The City Shoe fan? If you are, this is a place worth walking into.

Stocking the latest in trendy street and casual footwear, this shop has one of the largest selections of the latest hip street brands under one roof. To list a few favourites, they stock Nike, Onitsuka, Adidas, Lacoste, Converse, Vans and Creative Recreation. These are available in the most up-to-date styles and sold for competitive prices.

3211 0666

www.hypedc.com

Ultra Suite

www.store.aptmnt.com

709 Ann St, Fortitude Valley Ultra Suite, apart from being one of Brisbane’s most favoured boutiques, is also in the tailoring business, providing made-to-measure services by appointment.

Their collections comprise formal, bridal and cocktail pieces, and quite frankly,

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Shopping

3210 0073

dominate this market. You’ll have a hard time looking for a better alternative to make you look the best you can be for that special occasion. Save the time, and go directly to Ultra Suite.

3267 2866

www.ultrasuite.com.au

Culture Kings Queen Street Mall, The City To really gauge the local style of where Brisbane’s street wear stands, all you have to do is check out the Culture Kings and you’ll be greeted with elements of skate, hip hop and sport, as the three combine into what is known as Australia’s street wear flavour. Fitted caps are their speciality and they have them for almost all teams across all major sports, and of course, jerseys are plentiful.

3211 4838

www.culturekings.com.au

Ellia Lifestyle Shop 1, 46 James St, Fortitude Valley The Ellia brand orbits around all things beautiful and functional as they display a wide range of fashion, gift and homewares with the intent to decorate. In addition to sourcing rare collectables and ornaments, they also stock well-known labels such as Zimmerman, Talylah, Lisa Ho and Fleur Wood just to name a few. www.ellia-lifestyle.blogspot.com

www.insiderguides.com.au

Student Supplies

Stationery Pens, pencils and highlighters - just a few of things you’ll need before you study.

For the really cool stationery, head to these three stores in your city: Smiggle: www.smiggle.com.au Kikki K: www.kikkik.com.au Typo: www.typo.com.au

For the cheaper standard stuff, head to these places in your city: Kmart: www.kmart.com.au Target: www.target.com.au

Calculators & Laptops

Textbooks

Dick Smith Electronics: www.dicksmith.com.au

Book Depository: www.bookdepository.co.uk (free shipping!!)

Officeworks: www.officeworks.com.au

Amazon: www.amazon.com

For laptops, Macs have awesome warranties and are very reliable, but PCs can be better for programs like Excel and Word. Whatever you want to get, we recommend you buy these from a place that has excellent warranties and good customer service:

Backpacks

Try and find your textbook online:

There are two places the locals go to get a decent calculator in this city:

Myer: www.myer.com.au David Jones: www.davidjones.com.au Harvery Norman: www.harverynorman.com.au

Our advice; buy them online and you’ll get an awesome backpack for a good price: ASOS: www.asos.com.au The Iconic: www.theiconic.com.au

Caffeine

Perhaps the most important companion for a student; a constant supply of caffeine!

If you’re an energy drink fan we recommend heading to the discount stores and discounted department stores to buy in bulk:

www.studybrisbane.com

Shopping

The Reject Shop: www.rejectshop.com.au Big W: www.bigw.com.au Target: www.target.com.au

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Markets & Vintage Stores Vintage stores are a fantastic way to find that unique item to finish your look and usually on the cheap.

Markets are also a great way to find the freshest produce at the best prices, and everyone knows it’s important to eat those fruit and veg.

Jan Power’s Farmers’ Markets

BrisStyle Indie Twilight Markets

Top of Queen Street Mall, opposite the Treasury Casino, The City With five separate locations around Brisbane held on a number of different days, more often than not there’ll be a gourmets’ galore somewhere around town.

The weekly Wednesday markets held in the city are a mainstay for picking up a gourmet hotdog or punnet of strawberries for a quick lunchbreak, or collecting fresh cuts of meat, vegetables and a bouquet of flowers for a dinner party.

Have a chat to the stallholders and you’ll find out exactly where and how your produce has been grown and the best ways to use it in dishes you wish to conjure up.

King George Square, The City The founders of BrisStyle emerged from the love of all things handmade, and found each other in the online store, Etsy.com. From here they developed their own online site, where members of Etsy can sell their wares at any time of the day. The intangible becomes tangible every couple of months when the members take to the streets to showcase their items at the BrisStyle Indie Twilight Markets. Here you can find an array of funky, animal inspired jewellery, handmade bags, cotton beanies, boutique dresses and abstract homewares.

0417 720 943

www.janpowersfarmersmarkets. com.au

Box Vintage 73 Vulture St, West End Known the city over for having the best unique collection of vintage finds, a loyal group of regulars and the most charismatic shopkeeper in Brisbane, Box Vintage offer style from the ‘80s to Scandinavian inspired winter jumpers, retro bomber jackets and cowboy boots, all sourced by the staff themselves. www.boxvintage.com/

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www.brisstyle.com.au

Paddington Antique Centre 167 Latrobe Tce, Paddington Paddington’s Antique Centre has to be one of the best places to pick up those old items you didn’t realise you needed until you see them, e.g. old china cups, cute teapots, a figurine of a no longer popular cartoon character, etc. There is some vintage clothing to be found here, as well as old records and books. Definitely one for hunting through to find those gems.

Riverside at the Pier Markets Waterfront Place, 1 Eagle St Pier, The City Nestled in between the vibrant fine dining precinct of Eagle St Pier and the Story Bridge, the winding Brisbane River provides ample backdrop for a relaxing Sunday shop. These markets specialise in homewares and arts and crafts, as opposed to fresh produce and foodrelated items. Here you can pick up decorations for your home; ranging from Persian rugs to mosaic mirrors, and beaded jewellery to sterling silver ornaments. If it all becomes a bit too much, then relax into a masseuse’s chair and unwind with a back and neck massage.

3870 2807

3369 8088

Shopping

www.insiderguides.com.au

Experience resort living... ...in a student accommodation complex like no other!

Why do students choose to live at UniResort? It’s for the lifestyle. lifestyle • • • • • • •

Outdoor gym Resort style pool & spa Tennis court BBQ area Spacious rooms with ensuite Fully furnished modern apartments Public transport at our doorstep for convenience and safe travel to and from your place of studies • Regular onsite events • 5 min walk to Garden City Shopping Centre for groceries, doctor surgery, pharmacy, restaurants & cafes and 300 speciality retailers At UniResort security is a high priority we have many features offering a safe student environment. Security coded gates, doors at the entrance and to each apartment and each bedroom. CCTV throughout the complex and Nitel after hours phone service and onsite security.

With a convenient location, getting around Brisbane is easy from UniResort. Great environment to relax, unwind and meet new friends. You’ll love living at UniResort.

For more information & to make a booking visit www.uniresort.com.au

6 month and 12 month leases are available.

• 5 min by car or bus to Grifth University • 15 min by bus to UQ St Lucia Campus • 18 min by bus to QUT Gardens Point Campus

Rooms start from $149 per week

Ph. 07 3457 5588 www. uniresort .com.au uniresort@uniresort.com.au

$7.99

Café • Pizza •P

COFFEE! $2.99

Eat & Drink

PUSH

Introduction Whether you’re dining on a budget or wanting to impress someone special – there’s a huge selection of restaurants to choose from (and they seem to increase on a daily basis!). From haute cuisine with spectacular views of the river to the kebab store on the corner, there’s plenty to experience.

The city provides speedy lunches and strong coffees for city workers, as well as plenty of sushi stores and bubble tea shops. The outer limits of the city see Eagle Street Pier play home to some of Brisbane’s most highly acclaimed restaurants.

There are steakhouses, Japanese cuisine, seafood

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and modern Australian, all complete with the backdrop of the shimmering Brisbane River winding beneath the Story Bridge.

also host an array of cocktail bars, lounges and pubs, ensuring that even the fussiest of drinkers will be happily satisfied.

The city’s Elizabeth and Charlotte Streets and Fortitude Valley’s Chinatown and Brunswick Street are packed with tasty and affordable Asian eats.

If you’re after an even larger selection of Asian restaurants and markets, then check out Sunnybank, just 15 minutes south of the city.

Planning on making your night a little more memorable? Then head to Fortitude Valley (‘the Valley’) for a night of dancing and meeting new friends.

Thursdays are student nights in the city, so keep an eye out for drinks specials (usually $3 basic spirits) and hoards of young people lining up outside the clubs. Toowong is home to the Wednesday student night with the RE and the Regatta keeping the students of UQ well and truly entertained.

New Farm and West End are the eclectic hubs of Brisbane, serving up locally roasted coffees and delicious all day breakfasts (A.K.A. hangover cures).

Speaking of which, they

Eat & Drink

www.insiderguides.com.au

Need to Knows Cover Charge Most clubs will charge you a fee to get in after 10pm – expect to pay anywhere between $5 and $20, depending on where you go. If you contact a bar via Facebook you can often get on the door list allowing for an express entry and avoiding the fee.

Dress Code When going out in Australia, there are a few rules guys in particular should pay attention to. Make sure you wear neat casual clothing – clubs won’t let you in with thongs, singlets or ripped jeans. Some clubs also have a policy about tattoos, so you may need to cover them. Ladies are often treated a bit more leniently, but try and look classy if you know this could be a problem.

Happy Hours and Ladies’ Nights One thing Australian clubs do well is happy hours, ladies nights and drink specials.

Happy hours are usually a couple of hours early in the evening where drinks are cheaper (think two for one vodkas). Ladies nights refer to girls getting discounted drinks.

Specials Board Everyone likes a cheap meal, and most restaurants and cafes have a specials board where they can show off their bargains of the day. These dishes will usually be one offs, and won’t appear on the menu. It’s a good idea to check these, as you might find your new favourite. If you have any questions simply ask the staff.

Over-18 Only In Australia, the legal age for drinking and going out is 18. That means you’ll be asked for ID whenever you buy alcohol or go to a venue that serves alcohol. Even if you’re not planning on drinking, you’ll still need to take your Proof of Age card, passport or drivers licence to a club. Sometimes foreign ID isn’t accepted so be safe and bring your passport (a photocopy won’t cut it).

www.studybrisbane.com

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BYO (Bring Your Own) While most restaurants serve a selection of wines and alcoholic beverages, you may like to bring your own (BYO). Expect to pay a small fee for this, known as ‘corkage’, which will vary depending on where you go. Do not attempt to do this with beer or hard liquor, stick to wine.

Reservations On weekends and particularly in popular restaurants, it’s always a good idea to make a reservation. Call the restaurant the day before, let them know how many people will be eating on your table and what time you’d like to arrive. That way, you’ll know there’s a table waiting for you when you get there.

Themed Nights Some Australian clubs hold themed nights, where dressing up is encouraged. Popular themes include school uniform nights, retro nights and heroes and villains. The best way to keep up with these nights is to like the venue on Facebook.

Tipping Tipping isn’t automatically expected in any Australian stores or restaurants. Some places will have ‘tip jars’ on the counter where you can give a few dollars if you experience particularly helpful service.

Pub Crawls A university experience isn’t complete without a pub crawl. Each faculty will have at least one during the year, so keep your eyes out for posters. Buy a t-shirt from your uni (it acts as your ticket) and follow your peers to five different pubs and clubs. The t-shirt will usually get you a cheap drink deal at the venues. It’s a great way to get to know the people in your course too.

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Eat & Drink

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With five campuses in South East Queensland, Griffith is the perfect place to combine study with a great lifestyle.

Why choose Griffith?

Ranked in the top 400 universities worldwide (2012 Academic Ranking of World Universities)

Rated in the top 50 institutions under the age of 50 (2012 Asian QS Rankings)

MBA ranked No.1 in Australia and 26 in the world (Aspen Institute’s Beyond Grey Pinstripes 2011-2012)

Ranked in the top 10 research universities in Australia (Based on fields of research at the 4-digit level in the Excellence in Research for Australia 2010 National Report)

A range of FREE student support services »

Student Linx (social, cultural and sports events)

»

EnglishHELP (English language tuition and support)

»

GI Mates (student mentors)

»

International Student Advisors

»

Academic, library and computer workshops

»

Careers advice and support

www.griffith.edu.au/international

CRICOS Provider Number: 00233E

Eat & Drink Spots Brisbane is rapidly becoming a delicious foodie-haven for a huge assortment of culinary delights, as well as emerging night time hotspots for everything from after work beverages to late night (early morning) hangouts. The following five locations constitute their own unique style, and all will appeal to those who are keen to try new flavours whilst immersing themselves in varied social environments.

The City

Fortitude Valley

New Farm/Teneriffe

Food

Food

Food

Queen Street Mall is the home of comfort food in simple al fresco style. Eagle Street Pier boasts Brisbane’s fine dining scene, featuring the likes of Aria, Sake and Jellyfish. You’ll find some of the best steaks in Brisbane, beautifully plated sashimi and exquisite modern Australian cuisine all overlooking the bright lights of the Story Bridge or try Elizabeth and Charlotte Streets for slighty cheaper but super tasty fare.

Chinatown Mall is the home to all of the best (and cheapest) Asian cuisines. There’s Malaysian, Thai, Vietnamese, Cambodian, Korean and Chinese restaurants. Away from the hustle and bustle of Chinatown is The Emporium complex which houses more upmarket restaurants – think French, Middle Eastern and Italian.

This area represents the quintessential hub of Brisbane’s best breakfast cafes.

A wander down Brunswick Street (away from Fortitude Valley) will have you walking past Au Cirque, Ponycat and Pablo. Teneriffe houses Commercial Road, which is the home of serious coffee – try Symposium Cafe, Sourced Grocer (also a fabulous deli), Larder2 and Blue Sky Coffee.

Nightlife A wander down Burnett Lane (a hidden laneway running parallel to Queen Street Mall) will see you venture into one of two specialty cocktail and beer bars. For a cheap night out, check out the backpackers’ pub, Downunder Bar at the top of Edward Street. Thursday night is student night at most of the city’s clubs, so cheap drinks abound at the Victory Hotel and the Stock Exchange (both on Charlotte Street). For a more sophisticated evening, check out Eagle Street Pier for cocktail lounges and after-uni drinks venues.

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Nightlife “The Valley”, as it’s affectionately called, is home to Brisbane’s biggest nightlife, offering up something for all music tastes. There are R&B and hip hop clubs on Brunswick and Warner Streets, dance clubs on Wickham and Mclachlan Streets and indie music lining Brunswick Street Mall. For intimate cocktails, Ann Street boasts a number of lounges and bars, whilst Wickham and Ann Streets are home to Brisbane’s gay community.

Eat & Drink

Nightlife New Farm represents the somewhat classier end of Brunswick Street (away from the Valley), with cocktail bars (such as Gertie’s), wine and tapas bars (Anise) and casual pubs (The Alibi Room). Teneriffe kicks it up a notch with the more specialised hangouts – there’s a wine bar (Claret House Wine Bar) where the staff seem to know absolutely everything there is to know about every bottle, and the London Club, serving up some decadent cocktails.

www.insiderguides.com.au

$7.99

South Bank

West End

Food

Food

Little Stanley Street not only provides one of the best views of the CBD, but also enables you to become a culinary globe-trotter. Spanish cuisine is nestled in next to the sizzling of a Teppanyaki grill and the sweet aromas of waffle cones coming from a gelato store. It offers something for every budget – from a quick sandwich through to a flawless four-course meal.

Boundary Street is the home of bohemia in Brisbane. Vegan cafes, quirkily decorated restaurants and an eclectic mix of patrons embody the soul of West End. There’s everything from Vietnamese, Thai and Malaysian, to Indian, Greek and Australian (as in kangaroo, emu and crocodile dishes).

Nightlife A popular after-work drinks spot in the centre of Little Stanley Street is Greystone, which serves up cocktails, wine and everything in between till the early hours.

It’s worth visiting on a Friday night when salsa classes are held right outside the entrance. A buzz of activity radiates from the CBD Bar and The Bar at the Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC), as theatre goers prepare themselves for the evening ahead.

www.studybrisbane.com

Café • P

COFFEE! $2.99

Nightlife Determining which scene is more prominent in the West End is hard – there’s an assortment of beer boutiques, specialising in craft brews and everything that’ll add a hop to your step.

There’s also an array of cocktail lounges that tantalise the tastebuds whilst bartenders shake up beautifully constructed tipples, which look (almost) too good to drink.

Eat & Drink

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Aussie Cuisine Aussie BBQ Everybody knows Aussies love cooking outdoors – that’s because it’s easy, social and the best tasting.

What will I eat?

• Sausages (also known as ‘snags’) • Burgers (‘patties’) • Chops • Steaks You might also take salads, bread and plenty of tomato sauce (ketchup).

How much will it cost?

Head to your local shops and pick up everything you need for under $20.

• Pack of 8 beef sausages $5.00 • Loaf of bread $2.50 • Bottle of tomato sauce $3.00 • 250g coleslaw $4.50 Where can I go?

You’ll be able to find a hot plate at most parks and popular beaches – and some people will have a barbecue at home.

When would I eat this?

You can fry some bacon and eggs for breakfast, throw a few sausages on for lunch, or put together a gourmet dinner of barbecued vegetables and marinated steaks.

Pies, Pasties and Sausage Rolls Australians love a good lunchtime pastry, especially after a long road trip. The best can be found at bakeries outside the city.

What will I eat?

Typical bakeries will serve a few basics and vary the ingredients: • Pastie – vegetable and meat filled pastry.

• Pie – usually filled with Chicken or Beef with sauces and spices.

• Sausage roll – long meat filled pastry. Great with tomato sauce!

Bakeries also sell cold drinks, sandwiches, rolls and cakes.

How much will it cost?

Bakeries are a relatively cheap way to eat, with most pastries costing anywhere between $3 and $5.

Where can I go?

There are a few commercial chains of bakeries, but for the best quality we recommend you look for your local independent bakery. If you head out of town on a road trip, keep your eyes out for a country bakery.

When would I eat this?

Bakeries make for the perfect quick lunch. You can buy a tasty savoury snack, a sweet cake for afterwards and a drink. Most bakeries will close by about 4pm, so make sure you get in early.

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Eat & Drink

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Pub Food A pub is like a casual restaurant and a bar combined – it’s a place to eat and drink. Often the servings are generous and the types of meals are similar from pub to pub.

What will I eat?

• Chicken & beef schnitzels • Fish and chips • Burgers • Roast dinners • Steaks At some pubs there’ll also be a salad bar where you can serve yourself various salads and vegetables.

How much will it cost?

Prices will vary at each pub, but you should be able to get a decent meal for around $15-$20.

Where can I go?

There will be one very close to you.

The best thing about pubs is that there are so many scattered around the country. In almost every outback town there’s a pub (even if the population barely reaches a hundred).

When would I eat this?

Pubs are excellent for a casual lunch (with many having cheaper lunch specials) or a nice dinner. A lot of the pubs in Australia now have modern outdoor eating areas known as ‘beer gardens’.

Take Away Like the rest of the world, Australia has its fair share of commercial take away outlets. But there are plenty of other ‘fast food’ alternatives you should try.

What will I eat?

• Fish and chips • Yiros (Kebab) & Burgers • Curries • Pasta How much will it cost?

Depending on what you choose, the price will vary. But for the most part you should be able to get something pretty substantial for under $15.

Where can I go?

Take away joints are located everywhere. The best place to have some traditional fish and chips is down by the beach. Grab some (it’ll be wrapped up in paper to keep the heat in), find a nice spot on the beach and enjoy the view.

When would I eat this?

Take away makes for a great cheap, quick dinner – plus it means you don’t have to make it yourself.

www.studybrisbane.com

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Coffee Culture Thanks to European immigration after World War II, Australians now have a taste for coffee.

It’s almost a necessity for existence here and the cafe culture reflects this well. Almost every restaurant, petrol station, pub and lunch bar will serve coffee. Little cafes with outdoor seating are found everywhere in the city centre and wherever there are shops or lots of people to be found, there’ll be a cafe hidden somewhere.

Coffee is taken seriously here and no visit to the city is complete without tasting some of the finest brews.

How much will it cost?

Depending on where you go, you should be able to find a decent coffee for around $3-$4. Most cafes also sell some sort of cake, pastry or savoury snack which can cost anywhere from $3 to $10.

When would I drink this?

Coffee in Australia is recommended to be drunk any time! Start with a quick one for breakfast, meet a friend in the afternoon for an iced coffee, then have a hot chocolate after a long day studying.

Cafe Latte

Flat White

Cappuccino

Coffee Shot Milk Foam Steamed Milk

Espresso

Macchiato

Long Black

Chocolate Syrup or Powder Hot Water

Hot Chocolate

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Black Tea

White Tea (cold milk)

Eat & Drink

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Eat & Drink

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Cafes & Breakfasts Waking up early and heading out to meet your friends for breakfast is the perfect way to start your weekend.

Luckily, there are plenty of cafes that serve up some delicious early morning dishes. Typically, breakfast is served until 11am, but some places around Brisbane serve ‘all day’ breakfasts. This works well for those who like to sleep in.

Newsroom Cafe 1 High St, Toowong A popular spot for students to catch up over Merlo coffees, get a bit of study done or simply indulge in freshly baked muffins. They serve up an affordable, filling and, most importantly, sumptuous array of breakfast goodies (from bircher muesli through to a salmon, homemade basil pesto and poached eggs on sourdough). Staying true to its name, there’s a large selection of reading materials (newspapers) as well as tables decorated in a collage of newspaper clippings collected over the years.

3871 1577

Moray Cafe 1/158 Moray St, New Farm Keeping the gluten and lactose intolerant in mind, they have designed a very approachable and delicious menu. The bircher muesli with lactose-free coconut yoghurt is a definite favourite, as are the corn cakes with avocado salsa, eggs, smoked salmon and hollandaise. There’s ample gluten-free bread to go with any dish, and the coffees are divine.

3254 1342

www.moraycafe.com.au

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Pawpaw Cafe

Au Cirque

Cnr Potts and Stanley St, Woolloongabba Tucked behind its older sister, the Green Papaya Restaurant, Pawpaw Cafe carries through the Balinese theme (well, on the bamboo wallpaper at least). The menu is far from Balinese though – featuring the likes of Californian Breakfast Burritos, packed with black beans and scrambled eggs.

Also keep an eye on the specials board – in winter there’s a warming porridge topped with steamed pears and almonds.

618 Brunswick St, New Farm Au Cirque never fails to produce great coffee and tasty breakfasts. Seating spills out onto the footpath and the kitchen occupies most of the ground level, but the hardwood furniture upstairs creates a more relaxing atmosphere. As is the consequence of a celebrated cafe, waiting for a table can be expected on the weekend.

However the courteous staff delivering your first coffee of the morning will help you pass the time. We recommend the corn cakes.

3891 5000

/PawpawCafe

Ruby Cafe 233 Given Tce, Paddington Paddington is renowned for its plethora of breakfast cafes, and Ruby Cafe has definitely solidified its position. A very popular cafe for those seeking out a late breakfast (brunch), it serves up everything from strawberry bircher muesli through to bubble‘n’squeak hash cakes with poached eggs. Sensational food aside, the cafe is perched at the crest of Given Terrace, and has sweeping views across the surrounding suburbs.

3367 2274

Eat & Drink

3254 0479

How would you like your eggs?

There are several ways to have your eggs served,.

If you have a preference be sure to let the waiter know.

Fried Pan fried, often with oil.

Poached Boiled in water, with no oil or salt.

Scrambled Beaten and cooked in a pan, usually mixed with some herbs and cheese.

www.insiderguides.com.au

Budget Eats If you’re feeling a little hungry at lunchtime, or you’re just looking for a cheap place to eat, these are the sorts of places you should look into. Most of the meals are under $10 and all are close to the city universities perfect for a mid-study break!

Tuckeria Shop 13 Central Brunswick, 421 Brunswick St, Fortitude Valley Burritos, nachos and quesadillas. Mexican food is the perfect hearty and quick meal during your lunch break or before a big night out.

The food is delicious and generously proportioned, and those who can handle their heat will particularly enjoy it – jalapenos abound. Alongside the regular items you’d see on most Mexican menus are ‘dirty nachos’ (these contain rice) and burrito bowls (effectively a burrito salad; no tortilla wrap). Oh, and of course there’s the staple frozen margaritas and Mexican beers.

0406 377 278 www.tuckeria.com.au

A Salt & Battery 1/226 Hawken Dr, St Lucia A Salt & Battery is one of the best fish and chips joints within St Lucia. This is your one stop shop (literally, it’s on the 411 bus route!) for hot chips, appetising grilled fish & chips, salad and even chilled raw fish, crab, prawns and oysters. Filled to the gills with yummy food, this take away place can manage to fill itself with approximately 120 people.

3871 3114 www.asaltandbattery.com.au

www.studybrisbane.com

Jong Ga Korean Restaurant 316 St Pauls Tce, Fortitude Valley It’s times like these that you wish you had a bottomless pit for a stomach – as Jong Ga serves up a huge and oh-so-delicious all you can eat buffet. This restaurant fuses Japanese and Korean cuisines, which mean you’ll find the likes of sushi, rice paper rolls, and sashimi seafood alongside marinated octopus, ox tongue and tripe.

Each table is fitted with a heating element so you can fry up your own meal or even have hot pot. It’s a fantastic place to bring a large group of friends.

3252 3559

Taro’s Ramen & Cafe 363 Adelaide St, The City The meals here are huge and priced between $10 and $14.

Menu items are created for those craving a bit of heat – check out the Fire Tonkotsu Ramen with chilli noodles – it contains four different types of chilli. For those looking on the milder side, the Tonkotsu Ramen should not be overlooked – the homemade pork stock is delicious and with the addition of pickled ginger and Takana pickle, it’s the perfect way to fill that empty stomach.

3832 6358 www.taros.com.au

Eat & Drink

Grill’d 421 Brunswick St, Fortitude Valley Every now and then that craving for an absolutely huge and delicious hamburger hits some of us.

When this time comes, one word should come to mind – GRILL’D! Grill’d is a gourmet hamburger chain which serves up a creative variety of burgers such as the Tuscan Delight, a chicken burger with roasted peppers, basil pesto, tasty cheese, salad and herbed mayo.

3252 5822 www.grilld.com.au

Jackpot Noodles 96 Albert St, The City Easy on the wallet, tasty Chinese-style noodle and rice dishes are a staple at this must-visit chain of restaurants. Photographs on the wall show the menu items (arranged by price [the highest of which is $11.80]) and feature the likes of Mongolian beef, BBQ pork with rice and duck breast with egg noodles. The portions are substantial, and you can opt to add more spice or soy sauce to your dish. Keep an eye out for the weekday $6.80 lunch specials 11am-3pm.

3210 0388

www.jackpotnoodles.com.au

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Casual Restaurants Sometimes you might feel like heading for a more restaurant style experience, but you don’t want to part with your precious cash. There are heaps of cheap restaurants around Brisbane that serve quality food and have a good atmosphere - not to mention a diverse range of cuisine to choose from.

Himalayan Cafe

Chinese Superbowl

640 Brunswick St, New Farm New Farm is known for its eclectic array of dining options and the Himalayan Cafe is definitely keeping with this theme. It’s hard to miss as its bright red walls are perched upon the peak of Brunswick Street, with the sounds of prayer bells and flags fluttering in the breeze. Inside, the dimly lit room is filled with trinkets collected from Nepal and Tibet, and diners sit around large tables, some sitting on soft cushions. The food is representative of the area – warming curries featuring the likes of goat, beef and chicken, as well as a large variety of vegetarian options.

It’s definitely worth calling ahead and booking a table, as this place is very popular.

185 Wickham St, Fortitude Valley The Insider Guides team can’t remember ever walking past this place any night of the week without seeing it packed with customers. It’s the ideal place to take a large group of friends and order (nearly) everything off the menu. The san choy bow is definitely not to be passed up, and nor is the sizzling Mongolian lamb. If you’re celebrating a birthday soon, let the staff know and at the end of your meal, they’ll dim the lights and serenade you, complete with deep fried ice cream and a sparkler. Oh, and it’s BYO. 3257 2188

Ole B12 Little Stanley St, South Brisbane Sharing plates, tapas boards and desserts (that’ll leave you wanting to come back for more) are not the only things that make this Spanish restaurant in South Bank so popular. It’s also the bubbly waiting staff, huge selection of Spanish wine, beer and spirits, and the fried manchego with tomato jam (fried Spanish cheese).

But the real clincher is the Pedro Ximenez ice cream with pistachio toffee and figs.

Flavour is definitely one thing that this beautiful restaurant does not lack.

3846 1201

www.olerestaurant.com.au

3358 4015

Budget Tips 1. Whip it up The surest way of sticking to your weekly budget is by preparing meals yourself. Why not cook in bulk and freeze any leftovers for those nights when you need a quick microwave fix?

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2. Supermarket games Plan your meals before heading out to make sure you stick to buying only what you need.

Try to shop late in the evening to get the biggest price cuts on meat and bread. For cheap fruit and vegetables, buy at the end of the week when shops are ready to restock.

Eat & Drink

3. Cheap Tuesday Tucker Tuesday is the day to find a fast food bargain! From cheap drinks to cheap pizza, every week more and more businesses are jumping on board the Cheap Tuesday bandwagon and extending the savings to you.

www.insiderguides.com.au

The Vietnamese 194 Wickham St, Fortitude Valley Stuck on ideas for lunch or dinner? Then look no further.

What this place lacks in originality in its business name, it more than makes up for in flavour. This is a favourite Vietnamese restaurant for many locals due to its fresh, speedy and simple servings.

Meals here are ridiculously cheap – a large serving of BBQ pork Pho packed with egg noodles, bean sprouts and chilli will set you back a mere $10. The main dishes are ideal for sharing, and it’s a great place to bring a group of friends. Just be sure to reserve a table – it fills up quickly!

Fundies Organic Wholefoods Cafe 219 Given Tce, Paddington This top little organic cafe/ fair trade market creates the perfect destination for those wanting to get out of the house, do some grocery shopping and have a tasty breakfast/lunch all at the same time! This store has all kinds of vegan, vegetarian, gluten free, organic, free range and fair trade products. The whole area oozes health and wellbeing.

It’s a very popular little area but once you have been inside you will see exactly why.

The Smoke 9/85 Merthyr Rd, New Farm With complimentary cornbread and a side of Southern sass, The Smoke is the closest thing to wholesome American cuisine here in the ‘New America’. Try the strawberry and spinach salad and the slow-cooked pulled pork plate - ask for a bun, add coleslaw and make a sandwich as it’s truly meant to be eaten! The Kansas City and Memphis-style ribs are decent. However, the $16 cocktails are worth the price. We recommend trying the Jack Daniels Lynchburg Lemonade.

3358 1922

3367 0293

Bombay Dhaba

3252 4112

220 Melbourne St, West End Bombay Dhaba is the perfect place to start your 3-course lavish meal with a meat lover’s mixed platter and refreshing sugarcane juice.

We highly recommend the Chef’s special, Butter Chicken and Bihari Paneer Masala with Cheese Spinach Naan and Chicken Biryani. You can sweeten the tastebuds with Kulfi and Gulab Jamun.

Winner of the Brisbane’s Best Themed Restaurant of the year in 2009 and with 7 branches across the city, this restaurant offers the perfect way to spend your evening amidst antique ambience inspired by Dhaba’s Indian heritage. Also, don’t forget to carry your student card to grab the Dhaba’s student loyalty cards and to access the range of daily student discounts.

3846 6662

www.studybrisbane.com

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Pubs & Student Hangouts Pubs are a central part of Australian culture and they used to be known as ‘public houses’. In Brisbane, you’ll find a pub on most streets. In recent years, most of the pubs around Brisbane have upgraded their looks and their kitchens, now serving some fantastic food as well as offering a wider range of beverages.

Pubs aren’t just a place to have a drink and a feed either. Most pubs can also serve as a live music venue, pool hall and even host trivia nights.

Fox Hotel Corner Hope and Melbourne St, South Brisbane First things first, $5 steaks on Sundays have been their main promotion for years and it doesn’t seem like it’s going anywhere. Their signature rooftop bar displays spectacular views of Brisbane’s skyline with the ability to book your own exclusive section. With a capacity of 360 people, the rooftop bar definitely hits that number when Sunday arrives.

3844 2883

www.thefox.com.au

Alibi Room 720 Brunswick St, New Farm There’s $2 tacos and $2 burritos all night every Tuesday, in the heart of Brunswick Street in New Farm. That sounds like a pretty good deal indeed. The Alibi Room is a quirky, artsy, eclectic bar complete with alternative bartenders and a real mix of clientele. They serve up a selection of cheap drinks (mainly beers and spirits, with the odd cocktail thrown into the mix) and ridiculously cheap eats every Tuesday night. Why go anywhere else for your Mexican fiesta?

3358 6669 www.thealibiroom.com.au

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The Royal Exchange Hotel

The Red Room Bar & Grill

10 High St, Toowong The Royal Exchange is most commonly known as the ‘RE’ or even UQ’s off campus bar because of its close location to the St Lucia campus. This is a heritage-listed pub with live music, themed parties and typically good-natured uni shenanigans! Holding up to 1200 people on a Student Night (Wednesday every week), the RE is the place to meet people!

Level 2, Union Complex, University of Queensland, St Lucia Challenge your mates to a game of pool, tuck into a delicious (and seriously addictive) serving of cheesy toast or listen to a live band.

There are events happening every day at the Red Room: Monday pool comps, trivia on Tuesdays, live DJ on Wednesday, Thursdays are the day for $5 burgers and Fridays you can watch the footy (AFL) live on one of the many TVs. Keep an eye on the website (or just pop in) to find out what major events are on (such as toga parties, Beauty and the Geek parties, pyjama parties) or just to find out what meal deals are happening.

3371 2555

royalexchangehotel.com.au

The End 73 Vulture St, West End This site used to belong to an old video shop, but as DVDs took over, so did the alcohol. The awesome bar staff here can whip up some pretty tasty cocktails, as well as offer up a selection of local craft beers. Look out for the specials – one night there was a mocha beer, which was made using the coffee beans from the nearby Blackstar Coffee roasters.

Remnants of the video store are left, with a large poster of videos and a selection of old movies resting on a bookshelf.

3377 2288

www.redroombar.com.au

www.73vulture.com

Eat & Drink

www.insiderguides.com.au

UniBar – Griffith University Corner West Creek & Science Rd, Nathan Campus There’s something happening each night of the week, from $5 pizzas and games on Mondays, to $5 roast dinners on Thursdays. There are pool tables, live sports on TV and plenty of space to relax and catch up with friends – especially if you need a quick lunch. The Cajun chicken burger packed with lime chilli salsa is definitely a winner (with fries, of course) and comes in at an easily digested price of $8.50.

Bar-gain. griffith.edu.au/uni-bar/unibar

Gertie’s Bar & Restaurant 699 Brunswick St, New Farm Rarely can you find a place where you can relax with a few friends over a beer, share a couple of tapas and cocktails before hitting the town and impress a potential lover over a bottle of wine and a sumptuous, candle-lit dinner. This is where Gertie’s combines classy with casual.

Everything from imaginative

cocktails (think peaches, apples and cinnamon) and craft beers, through to braised goat pizza and a bucket of mussels. The staff are super attentive, the bar area the perfect place to mingle and the sunken dining area provides seclusion.

3358 5088

www.gerties.com.au

Yardbird Ale House 6/24 Martin St, Fortitude Valley Attention all fans of beer and American-style food. The Yardbird Ale House, tucked behind Brunswick Street in Fortitude Valley, serves up some fiery chicken wings, large pizzas and chilli cheese fries, all washed down with local craft beers. You can choose to bask on benches in the sun, or pull up a stool around a beer barrel and gain inspiration for your next tattoo (the whole place is decorated with some pretty gory tattoo designs).Tattoos aside, Sundays are a great day to check it out – you can’t go wrong with $5 tap beers and 50-cent chicken wings.

Beetle Bar 350 Upper Roma St, The City If you’re one of those people who needs to know of the next great band before everybody else does, then you should probably get along to the Beetle Bar, just a short stroll from Caxton Street. Wedged in between numerous backpacker hostels, it’s a great little watering hole packed with cheap beverages, an eclectic array of personalities and pumping live music. Live acts are predominately more rock/punk-focussed, but the Beetle has been known to host electronic, acoustic and hip hop acts.

3236 2300

www.beetlebar.com.au

3852 6413

But how much alcohol am I actually drinking?

Below is a rough guide as every drink is different. All bottles and cans that contain alcohol will show how many standard drinks they contain on the back label. The best way to monitor your drinking is to be aware of how many standard drinks you are consuming. For guys, it is usually ok to have no more than two standard drinks within the first hour and then one every hour after that. For girls it’s the same, but only one drink in the first hour. The blood alcohol limit for driving is .05 here in Australia (0.00 if you are on your provisional or learners licence), so you will need to be below this if you plan on driving.

1.4

Stubby

Pot

www.studybrisbane.com

Schooner

Wine (100ml)

Eat & Drink

Sparkling (150ml)

Spirits (30ml)

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Cocktail Bars If you feel like getting a little dressed up and acting sophisticated for a night, heading out to one of Brisbane’s cocktail bars is the way to go. Be prepared to spend some cash - most cocktails cost around $14-$19, so keep your eyes out for happy hours or specials. Buying shared drinks such as Sangria or ordering a bottle of wine can be an effective way of cutting costs.

Canvas 16B Logan St, Woolloongabba What better place to whet your whistle than at a cocktail bar which is continuously winning “Best Bar” awards?

Enter Canvas, where the ceiling is a ship’s hull, the walls are a swirl of mysterious graffiti and the tables are gently illuminated by the flickering of candles. Leave all preconceptions regarding “fruity cocktails” at the door, and be whisked away on a liquid journey as the bartenders concoct liquid nitrogencharged martinis and slowly dilute top-shelf liqueurs with coconut ice spheres.

3891 2111

www.canvasclub.com.au

The Villager 185 George St, The City If you get a late-night hankering for grilled haloumi and duck liver parfait with Cumberland jelly at 2am, then a visit to the Villager is the only way to cure it. The kitchen is closed, but the bartenders become culinary whizzes, frying up delicious dishes served next to some decadently divine cocktails.

3211 1300 www.thevillager.com.au

Sling Lounge

Lychee Lounge

153 Boundary St, West End This is the perfect location to impress that special someone. If they aren’t impressed by the 32-page cocktail menu, then perhaps the intimate setting will delight them. The small candlelit tables light up the Astroturf ceiling and moose heads protruding out of the walls.

Seating is limited and is well suited to couples, not for larger groups.

2/94 Boundary St, West End Strolling down Boundary Street in West End, it would be easy to miss this dimly-lit, intimate cocktail bar if it wasn’t for the bubbles of laughter and chatter which burst out onto the footpath.

This lounge bar stays true to the term ‘lounge’, as cushioned benches provide seating for small groups and couples. The bartenders are well versed in all things beverage related, as they shake cocktails in front of iced shelves holding limitless bottles of spirits. Try the signature cocktail – the Lychee Lounge Martini, served with a frozen lychee, it’s a sweet way to begin your night.

3255 3522

www.slinglounge.com

Bitter Suite 75 Welsby St, New Farm Craft beers are fast becoming an integral part of Brisbane’s drinking culture, Bitter Suite is a great bar in which to sample small, boutique brews from local breweries (the Sunshine Coast, Burleigh Heads and even Ipswich are found on tap). Tucked away on a quiet street in the leafy suburb of New Farm, you can kick back with a quality pint and tuck into some tasty share plates as the sun goes down. This bar is also open for breakfast and lunch if beer doesn’t tickle your fancy.

3846 0544

www.lycheelounge.com.au

3254 4426

www.bittersuite.com.au

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Eat & Drink

www.insiderguides.com.au

Nightclubs For those who love to party and dance the night away, Brisbane’s nightclub scene is definitely for you. With a range of different clubs, there’s sure to be at least one that tickles your fancy and keeps you out past your bedtime.

Cloudland 641 Ann St, Fortitude Valley Cloudland is Brisbane’s most elaborate venue, taking design cues that leave you feeling like you have just come back from an intergalactic adventure from the planet Pandora. Look up and you’ll stand in awe at the retractable glass ceiling.

There are 5000 climbing plants sprawled over a 14 metre interior wall that surrounds its patrons and the main solid marble bar is held up by 17,000 glass balls.

There’s an array of themed lounges that make Cloudland the perfect venue to host your next party and they have taken the same amount of care creating their cocktail list as they have with the interior design.

3872 6600

Birdee Num Num 608 Ann St, Fortitude Valley Often referred to as the ‘new 18’s club’, this is where a lot of people start their night of partying. Conveniently located right next door to a backpacker’s hostel, there are always lots of cool travellers popping in for a pint. No cover charge, a nice spacious area and sweet tunes make this a great starting club.

Mystique 27 Warner St, Fortitude Valley The biggest R&B-only night club in Australia. Every weekend, Mystique guarantees the latest R&B hits from the U.S. and regular stage performers that do a great job in hyping the crowd. The term dance music has been thrown around as of late without real meaning; you could say that Mystique is Brisbane’s only real ‘dance’ club where everybody likes to bust a move.

3852 5556

The Beat 677 Ann St, Fortitude Valley The Beat Mega Club is the biggest and best gay and lesbian nightclub in Brisbane, with six bars to satisfy your thirst, three courtyards to chill-out and meet new people and of course five rooms to see you through the evening! From hard trance, house and hardcore to retro and commercial gay anthems, it’s a favourite among the gay and lesbian community.

3852 2661

www.thebeatmegaclub.com.au

Met 256 Wickham St, Fortitude Valley Boasting three major floors, DJ and function areas, five bars including the VIP Sky Bar, a large mezzanine balcony and plenty of seating booths, the Met is one of the biggest and most popular clubs in the valley. Music varies on each level and there are good cocktails to match.

3257 2557

www.themet.com.au

It’s Your Round!

The term ’round’ in this context refers to the process of one person buying a number of drinks at a time for a group of people in a licensed venue. The idea is that each person of the group takes turns purchasing a beverage for all of the members. Each member of the group does this at least once. If all goes to plan, each member of the group has purchased the same number of beverages as he or she has consumed.

3257 3644

www.birdees.com.au

www.studybrisbane.com

Eat & Drink

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Late Night Eats Sometimes you just want to get a decent feed, but it’s after 10pm. Most places stop serving dinner at 9pm, and a lot of restaurants and cafes are shut. Luckily, there are still a few good places serving delicious food after most people have headed off to bed.

Harajuku Gyoza 394 Brunswick St, Fortitude Valley If you were feeling tired before walking into this restaurant, you’ll definitely be wide awake after being greeted by the entire team at Harajuku Gyoza. Squeeze your way to a table, or be close to the action on stools around the bar, and indulge in a late night feast of crispy dumplings and Japanese beer. The menu features the likes of freshly made poached chicken gyoza, edamame beans and grilled prawn gyoza. Perfect to share late at night.

3852 4624 www.harajukugyoza.com

Pancake Manor 18 Charlotte St, The City Most famously known for their amazing buttermilk pancakes, Pancake Manor also features a full menu of steak, burgers, salads and lots more! This particular Pancake Manor also has a separate bar and seating area downstairs available for functions. Moreover, they’re open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week!

3221 6433

New York Slice Pizzeria and Salads 4/136 Queen St, The City When it’s late and you’re craving something hot to chow down, there’s nothing better than sinking your teeth into a slice of pizza. With 12 different types there’s always something for everybody! It’s pretty cheap too, so you’ll definitely be able to afford it after a big night.

3012 7353

www.newyorkslice.com.au

The Three Monkeys Coffee & Tea House 58 Mollison St, West End This cafe is an iconic part of West End - Brisbanites travel far and wide to immerse themselves in the junglelike garden at the back of the cafe, and hide in the bohemian enclaves with a giant bowl of chai latte. This place caters for those after a late-night sugar fix, with a huge variety of cakes, slices and biscuits to be consumed whilst embarking on a game of chess.

3844 6045

Laruche 680 Ann St, Fortitude Valley Though it’s mainly known for its sumptuous cocktails, Laruche also serves up some delicious late night meals.

A new item for them is their sliders, featuring pulled pork and BBQ sauce, and Thai chicken with grilled pineapple and sweet chilli. And of course, their menu would not be complete without a tipple-infused meal; barramundi and baby octopus in a champagne broth. So don your finest attire and indulge your senses at this elegant cocktail bar for a late night feast.

3666 0880

www.laruche.com.au

The Crepe Cafe 26AB Arbour View Cafes, The Parklands, South Bank Nestled amongst the trees on the boardwalk of South Bank, The Crepe Cafe creates delicious savoury and sweet crepes, pancakes and omelettes. Sit out on the deck with a coffee and watch the world pass by.

3846 1008

www.thecrepecafe.com.au

www.pancakemanor.com.au

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Eat & Drink

www.insiderguides.com.au

Recycling Unnecessary household waste is a major problem as it increases landfill and is bad for the environment. Australia has a good household recycling system.

You probably have a recycling bin where you now live.

1 Cans This includes aluminium and steel cans.

2 Glass 1

If you have an empty glass bottle, you can recycle it.

Remember to take the tops off!

3

3 Paper & Card This includes newspapers, junk mail, milk cartons, printer paper etc.

Remember to remove any plastic wrapping!

2 3 4

4

4 Plastics This includes milk bottles, soft drink bottles, juice bottles etc. Remember to take the tops off!

1

Don’t put these items in the recycling:

» Car Parts

» Old appliances

» CDs and DVDs

» Clothing

» Plastic bags and wrapping

» Food

» Drinking glasses

» Bottle tops

» Liquid

» Polystyrene foam

www.studybrisbane.com

Eat & Drink

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GALLERY

Entertainment

Introduction Brisbane is bursting with live music, theatre and sports; so there’s always something exciting happening on the weekend (well, any day of the week actually!). If you want to get a taste of Australian talent, then keep an eye out for what shows are coming up at the Tivoli in the Valley.

The Zoo, also in the Valley, hosts lots of local Brisbane acts playing a variety of indie rock, metal, hip hop and pop.

A large number of well-known international

acts also regularly grace the stages of the Brisbane Entertainment Centre, the Riverstage and Suncorp Stadium.

If you want to make your own entertainment, then drag your friends along to one of the many karaoke places around Brisbane.

You can either check out karaoke nights in a number of pubs around town (we’re warning you now; there tends to be a lot of unnecessary yelling as opposed to actual singing), or hire a room for an hour and just sing in front of your mates.

The Cultural Centre in South Bank is quite literally the cultural hub of Brisbane, and is home to the State Library of Queensland, Queensland Art Gallery/Gallery of Modern Art, Queensland Museum & Sciencentre and the Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC).

If sport is more your thing, then Suncorp Stadium (rugby and soccer) and the Gabba (cricket and AFL) will be sure to get your heart racing.

Australia Student Guide Smartphone App With a continually updated events calendar for your city and showcasing some of the most exciting and interesting places and experiences, enjoying Australia has never been easier.

Download now for free from the App Store and Google Play.

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Entertainment

www.insiderguides.com.au

Need to Knows Ticket Sales If you’re planning on going to a concert or sporting match while you’re in Australia, you’ll need to buy tickets. Most ticket buying takes place on the Internet through a couple of national websites. If you’re buying for a festival, those tickets are usually available through the festivals website. www.ticketek.com.au www.ticketmaster.com.au www.qtix.com.au www.showbiz.com.au

Student Discounts Being a student certainly has its advantages; especially where live entertainment is concerned. If you enjoy a bit of live theatre, but don’t like the price, you can easily get a discount if you’re under 30.

Orientation Week Also called ‘O-Week’, this introductory week to uni is time to get settled in while having some fun. University campuses become a hive of activity as clubs are showcased, tours are run and introductory lectures are given. Some universities also have concerts, dances, fairs, and more to help everyone meet in a relaxed environment. It’s highly recommended that you don’t forget the academic stuff because this is the best time to get a library tour. Some very important information is given out in these first lectures.

Cultural Celebrations and Events There are many celebrations from around the world that Aussies embrace with a passion and commit to making them a great day out. Brisbane is a multicultural hub of excitement too! Many of the nationalities that make it a culture capital have their own events throughout the year.

Gay and Lesbian Events The gay and lesbian scene is large in Australia, and as such there are hundreds of events around the country that have developed a massive following. Whether it is at the hundreds of gay venues scattered around the country, or at big outdoor festivals and parades, there are many ways to engage with this community. Check out this website: www.samesame.com.au

www.studybrisbane.com

Entertainment

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Live Sports

Football (Aussie Rules) What’s the name of the league?

The Australian Football League (AFL) Who are the teams?

What’s the name of the league?

The A-League Who are the teams?

The Brisbane Lions

Brisbane Roar

Where do they play?

The Lions’ home ground is at the Gabba in Woolloongabba.

Where do they play?

How much does it cost?

How much does it cost?

General admission tickets are $25.50 for adults and $17.50 for a concession (full-time students).

Who’s the captain of the team?

Jonathan Brown Who are some star players?

Daniel Merrett (currently the Lions’ vice-captain) plays the fullback position, and is arguably the best in the AFL. Interesting facts The Lions mascot is called Bernie ‘Gabba’ Vegas, and wears flared pants and slicked-back hair – Elvis style.

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Suncorp Stadium in Milton General admission is $20 for adults and $16 for students.

Who’s the captain of the team?

Matt Smith Who are some star players?

Thomas Broich (who actually originates from Germany) and Besart Berisha, who is arguably the best striker in the A-League.

Interesting facts The 2011-2012 season saw the Roar win the Premiership with a cool 36 consecutive wins, which equals the record previously held by Perth Glory.

www.insiderguides.com.au

Rugby League or ‘League’ What’s the name of the league?

National Rugby League (NRL)

Cricket What’s the name of the league?

Who are the teams?

The Sheffield Shield and the Twenty20 Big Bash League

The Brisbane Broncos

Who are the teams?

Where do they play?

Brisbane Heat

Suncorp Stadium in Milton

Where do they play?

How much does it cost?

They play at the Gabba in Woolloongabba.

$34 for adults and $26 for students Who’s the captain of the team?

How much does it cost?

Who are some star players?

It’s $25 for adults and $15 for students (Sheffield Shield matches are free entry)

Matt Gillett and Ben Hannant

Who’s the captain of the team?

Interesting facts

James Hopes

There are more Broncos supporters than for any other team in the NRL, and they receive more fans at their matches than any other rugby team in the world (as a result, they’re also the wealthiest club).

Who are some star players?

Sam Thaiday

Matthew Hayden, Daniel Vettori Interesting facts The Heat was banned from adopting the traditional maroon playing-strip, and instead wear light blue, so as not to clash with the Queensland Bulls’ playing-strip.

Australia Student Guide Smartphone App To keep up to date with the sporting events around you, be sure to check the events calendar in the Australia Student Guide App.

www.studybrisbane.com

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Live Music Where?

Punk & Metal Like your music loud, fast and heavy? Brisbane has a thumping underground of live metal music waiting to be unearthed.

Folk Let the harmonious melodies and gentle acoustic guitar solos wash over you when you explore what Brisbane has to offer in chilled out folk music.

Two key venues come to mind which devote hours of their weekends to punk and metal music; Club Phoenix on Edward Street in the city and the Step Inn on the fringe of Brunswick Street. Both venues attract international and local bands.

Where?

The Tivoli and The Zoo are iconic for hosting a stream of laid-back folk tunes, whilst Irish Murphy’s in the city can often be heard from neighbouring streets blasting out live guitar riffs.

Who? Local Aussie acts such as Xavier Rudd, Josh Pyke,

DJs From electro to hardstyle, dubstep to trance, Brisbane has all your dance music needs covered, playing host to many local, national and international DJs.

Where?

Fortitude Valley is the home of dance music in Brisbane, and you’re likely to find some hardstyle and electro at The Family Nightclub, as well as just down the road at The Met. Who? Nick Skitz makes regular appearances at both The Family and The Met, as

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Who? Both Brisbane locals, Nuclear Summer are a popular metal band, and Sick People are best described as a punk/hardcore band.

How much?

Most gigs at both Club Phoenix and the Step Inn are anywhere between $6 and $30, depending on who’s playing that night.

Boy and Bear, Matt Corby and The Black Keys have graced both the stages and local pubs around Brisbane.

How much?

Irish Murphy’s always has free entry, and both the Tivoli and The Zoo have varying prices – anywhere between $15 and $45 generally.

well as international acts such as Armin van Buuren, Avicii, Calvin Harris and Tiesto.

How much?

Entry to these clubs can be anywhere between $20 and $40, depending on who’s headlining the shows.

www.insiderguides.com.au

Where?

Hip hop Whether you’re into the fast, raw lyrics of rap, heavier hip hop beats or soulful RnB, Brisbane has several venues which are sure to set the scene for a good night out.

Pop Luckily Brisbane is expanding rapidly enough to draw big-name international acts that used to only perform in Sydney and Melbourne. And Brisbane definitely has the venues to pull off a phenomenal pop show.

Indie From rock to mellow guitar tunes, there are plenty of indie delights that can be heard drifting throughout the Brisbane night air.

www.studybrisbane.com

Brisbane Entertainment Centre plays host to the bigger international acts, while the Arena and Magic City are favourites for RnB, rap and hip hop on a smaller scale.

Who? The Arena is often host to big name acts such as Pitbull and Aussie favourites

the Hilltop Hoods, whilst a local one to check out is Resin Dogs.

How much?

The Arena and Magic City have entry prices between $15 and $35, whilst you’re looking at paying between $45 and $100 for live performances at the Brisbane Entertainment Centre.

Who?

Where?

Most of the big name artists will play shows at Brisbane’s larger venues, such as the Brisbane Entertainment Centre, the Riverstage in the Botanic Gardens, or the sporting ground, Suncorp Stadium.

Less well-known artists often play at smaller venues around town, such as The Tivoli and The Zoo.

International acts such as Lady Gaga, Katy Perry, George Michael, Kelly Clarkson and The Fray have graced the stages of Brisbane.

Where?

including one of Australia’s most famous bands, Powderfinger. A new one to watch out for is The Jungle Giants.

Some big acts rock the stage of the Brisbane Entertainment centre, whilst smaller acts fill The Tivoli, The Zoo, the Tempo Hotel and The Troubadour - all of which are tightly packed into Fortitude Valley.

Who?

How much?

For these larger venues and more popular acts, prices are generally upwards of $70, whilst the smaller venues may be free entry or up to $30.

How much?

Depending on the popularity of the artist, you can be looking to fork out anything from $20 and upward towards $100.

Brisbane has produced some incredible indie acts,

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Net Cafes, Gaming Arcades & Karaoke Everyone likes to let off a little steam after a long day at uni or college, so if gaming is your thing, or you just want to check in with your family back home, there are plenty of arcades and net cafes in Brisbane.

Strike Bowling

Timezone

Wintergarden, Queen Street Mall, The City Not only can you challenge your friends to a game of bowling, but you can also dazzle them with your vocal repertoire in the private karaoke room, as well as enter an abandoned airplane and shoot them down in laser skirmish. The area is fully licensed, serving up cocktails and other beverages, so you can build up the courage to sing, or shout rounds in an attempt to make your friends lose their aim. There’s also a food menu featuring pizzas and snacks to keep you sustained. There are a number of Blast and Bowl combos where you pay $20 for a game of laser skirmish and bowling.

142 Albert St, The City It’s so easy to lose yourself in hours of fun trying to make the new high score on Dance Dance Revolution, kicking the bad guys in Street Fighter and taking on your friends in an air hockey showdown.

Timezone on Albert Street, bang-smack in the centre of the city, is the one place you can find all your favourite arcade games. There are special offers such as $15 for two hours unlimited play from 9am, and half price games an hour before the arcade closes.

1300 787 453

www.strikebowling.com.au

Elysium Internet Cafe First Floor, 279-281 Brunswick Street Mall, Fortitude Valley If you spend a fair portion of your day gaming, you’ll want to find somewhere that supports your habit. The Elysium Cafe is a great place for gaming with a huge range available. It’s $4 an hour and members get cheaper rates, so sign up!

3162 3135

3221 3733

www.timezone.com.au

Irish Murphys 175 George St, The City Welcome to Brisbane’s trademark venue for singing out loud with little to no remorse of passers by, but this is what Irish Murphy’s is known for. The bands here play great sing-a-long covers in the heart of the city, adjacent to the Casino. It’s a nice casual atmosphere here that also happens to serve great food. It’s probably the only place where you can catch regular music during the day and night, and it’s not all just bands they have DJ sets on the weekends as well. Drinks are reasonably priced and staff are amongst the friendliest.

Fat Louie’s 1/124 Albert St, The City Another famous establishment that has stood the test of time, Fat Louie’s has seen more students walk through its doors than most of Queensland’s major universities. Located in the heart of the city, Fat Louie’s boasts a fully licensed pool hall and private karaoke rooms. Prepare to sing your heart out with your closest mates.

3229 7031

www.fatlouies.com.au

The Victory 127 Edward St, The City The Victory is a city bar with live bands, DJs and of course karaoke. Karaoke nights are Thursday from 10pm, Friday from 9pm and Saturday from 9.30pm, but get there early - these nights are absolutely packed. It’s also a great spot to grab a beer and a steak with your mates after uni or college.

3221 0444

www.thevictory.com.au

3221 4377

www.irishmurphys.com.au

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Theatre & Live Arts Brisbane has a thriving live arts scene, especially during the warmer months.

There’s never a shortage of theatre shows and dance companies touring Brisbane, and students can usually get themselves a pretty cheap deal.

Brisbane Powerhouse 119 Lamington St, New Farm The Powerhouse is well known around the state as a hub of creativity. Its industrial rawness of bricks, mortar and graffiti are the backdrop to a vast program of visual arts and contemporary performances. With theatre, comedy, music, photo exhibitions and other creative surprises, this is a happening place.

3358 8622 www.brisbanepowerhouse.org

Metro Arts Level 2, 109 Edward St, The City Once home to a billiard salon and an oyster shop this heritage-listed building is nowadays an artist-run hub showcasing edgy theatre, contemporary art and performances from up-and-coming artists. Located in the city centre, it’s easy to pop in and check what’s on. The gallery is up two flights of stairs so don’t be deterred by the unmarked entrance.

3002 7100

www.metroarts.com.au

Dance School Dance schools often offer both private and group classes, so it’s not a problem if you don’t have a partner. Latin dances such as Salsa, Cha Cha and Samba are popular South American styles and all are welcome. If you are looking to get involved in some Swing and Rock ‘n’ Roll or Ballroom, many clubs specialise in these styles also. www.dancefinder.com.au

Cinemas The wide selection of cinemas in Brisbane will satisfy even the pickiest movie buff in town! What’s more, if you’re a student, you’ll even get a student discount on the latest movies. Remember to always check out nearby cinemas and their latest deals for some irresistible offers.

Palace Barracks 61 Petrie Tce, Spring Hill If you’re keen for award winning foreign films, art-house movies and film festivals, then the Palace Barracks is the place to see them all. The cinema is fully licensed, selling wine by the glass, beers, spirits and even an intriguing cocktail menu. Ticket prices for students are $14, but try and go on a Tuesday as tickets are $11.

3367 1954

Limes Hotel Rooftop Cinema 142 Constance St, Fortitude Valley Not often do you get a view to accompany your movie.

Especially not when that view is a sweeping vista of the city’s skyline. Cue the Limes Hotel Rooftop Cinema – the most luxurious way to watch an old (or not so old) classic film. Tickets are $12 (plus an online booking fee).

3852 9000

www.palacecinemas.com.au/ cinemas/barracks

www.limeshotel.com.au/rooftopcinema

Blueroom Cinebar

South Bank Cineplex

151 Baroona Rd, Paddington A licensed cinema with a bar?! This is the sort of cinema for moviegoers who enjoy a glass of wine or beer with their movie. Check out their website for offers and discounts on movie packages and remember to flash that student ID for concession rates!

3876 4566

www.blueroomcinebar.com

167 Grey St, South Bank South Bank is home to easily the cheapest movie tickets in town, which is clearly why it’s one of the most popular cinemas for students. You can catch the latest Hollywood blockbusters on a 25-metre screen with 474 other cinema lovers (it’s the biggest screen in Brisbane!). It takes cheap Tuesdays to a whole new level - $5.50 for students. If you’re driving, remember to validate your parking ticket

at the cinemas for super cheap parking.

3846 5188

www.cineplex.com.au

Gold Class @ Event Cinemas Indooroopilly Indooroopilly Shopping Centre, Moggill Rd, Indooroopilly If you’re yet to experience the ultimate indulgence of film viewing that is Gold Class, then you definitely have to head along to the Event Cinemas at Indooroopilly. You purchase your tickets and then pre-purchase your gourmet food and drink (think duck pancakes and cocktails). They will bring it all out to you during the movie!! Just a word of warning – it’s very easy to fall asleep before the end of the movie, as the seats are so comfortable! www.eventcinemas.com.au/ Cinema/Indooroopilly

Highest Grossing Aussie Films at The Box Office Crocodile Dundee

Australia

(1986)

(2008)

$47,707,045

$37,555,757

www.studybrisbane.com

Babe (1995)

$36,776,544

Entertainment

Happy Feet (2006) $31,786,164

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Galleries If you feel like expanding your mind and enjoying some culture, an art gallery is your best bet and there are plenty around Brisbane to keep you busy.

UQ Art Museum James and Mary Emelia Mayne Centre, The University of Queensland, St Lucia UQ is home to one of the most contemporary, challenging and influential museums in Brisbane. Every couple of months sees new exhibitions pop up, offering a mix of sculptures, paintings, photography and interactive pieces from around Australia and the world. It also hosts a number of public lectures and debates regarding contemporary Australian art and culture.

3365 3046 www.artmuseum.uq.edu.au

Parliament House Cnr George and Alice St, The City This French Renaissance style building, dating from 1891, is, by day, inhabited by members of the Queensland Legislative Assembly as well as members of the public.

You can join guided tours through the building, purchase souvenirs from the gift shop, take a stroll through the art gallery or feast on scones at a high tea. You also have the opportunity to watch the members in action in the public gallery as they debate local issues around Brisbane.

3406 7111

www.parliament.qld.gov.au

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Judith Wright Centre of Contemporary Art 420 Brunswick St, Fortitude Valley This multi-purpose venue in the heart of Fortitude Valley brings together local, national and international performances incorporating dance, a modern art gallery, artist studios and rehearsal spaces. Every week there are new installations and performances, which are designed to inspire, entertain and question your beliefs.

There are discounted student tickets for most of the performances and installations, so there’s no excuse not to indulge yourself in a bit of culture!

3872 9018

www.jwcoca.qld.gov.au

Institute of Modern Art 420 Brunswick St, Fortitude Valley This was Brisbane’s first gallery of modern art and remains a leading contemporary space for emerging and established artists. Not only does the IMA host exhibitions, it also has a program of events covering moving image, sound art and new music. The window displays at street level are part of the exhibition space and change regularly.

QAGOMA Stanley Place, South Bank This is actually two galleries in one; The Queensland Art Gallery (QAG) and the Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA). These are two of the nation’s most innovative art museums, continually showcasing exclusive exhibitions from around the world.

GOMA also has a cinema attached, and hosts some cheap movies throughout the year as part of their programs. During major exhibitions QAGOMA also hosts Up Late, which allows you to check out exhibitions at night, accompanied by lounge bar performances by local, national and international artists. In 2013, you can expect some stunning exhibitions to roll on into both QAG and the GOMA. Check the website for details.

3840 7303

www.qagoma.qld.gov.au

3252 5750

www.ima.org.au

Entertainment

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Events Calendar Jan

Feb

Mar

Lifeline Bookfest

St Jerome’s Laneway Festival

Future Music Festival

19 - 27 Jan, Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre Bookfest is the largest second-hand book sale you are likely see in your life.

It is so big, you will almost definitely find something that will spark your interest. All the money goes to helping Lifeline, which is a fantastic 24-hour phone service designed to help people in need of counselling. www.uccommunity.org.au/ brisbane-bookfest

Brisbane International 30 Dec – 6 Jan, Queensland Tennis Centre In a few short years, this tournament has made its mark on the international tennis circuit. In 2012 it will attract some of the world’s most entertaining male players, with Andy Murray and Marcos Baghdatis confirmed to appear, along with all 3 of the world’s top 3 female players – not bad! Enjoy this summer event in person, or televised live.

1 Feb, RNA Showgrounds If you prefer your music a little more underground, the St Jerome’s Laneway Festival will probably be for you. Featuring an eclectic selection of acts from around the world, as well as some of Australia’s best indie artists, it’s a unique festival experience - and one of the cheaper festivals touring the country. www.lanewayfestival.com.au

Tropfest 17 Feb, South Bank Heralded as ‘The World’s Largest Short Film Festival’, Tropfest showcases some of Australia’s best short films.

Whether it’s drama, comedy or something a little weird, head down to South Bank to sit and watch some quality cinema in bite-sized chunks. www.tropfest.com.au

2 Mar, Doomben Racecourse The Future Music Festival always presents an impressive lineup of artists - with a healthy mixture of dance, DJs and live artists too. This year you can expect to see The Prodigy and The Stone Roses. www.futureentertainment.com. au/futuremusicfestival

St Patrick’s Day 17 Mar, various locations around Brisbane Australia has a rich Irish heritage and loves any excuse for a good party, so St Patrick’s Day becomes a pretty big deal. Most pubs around the city will be filled with all things green, as well as plenty of very thirsty folk. It’s a day to sink back a Guinness or two!

Brisbane French Festival 14 Mar - 4 Apr, various locations around Brisbane Celebrate Bastille day in Brisbane by immersing yourself in all things French.

There are fashion parades, performances and CanCan dancers too. There will also be plenty of delicious cuisine to try and wines to taste.

brisbaneinternational.com.au

www.brisbanefrenchfestival. com.au

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Apr

May

Jun

Brisbane Queer Film Festival

Brisbane Racing Carnival

Italian Week

5 - 14 Apr, various cinemas around Brisbane This one week festival features international films covering the genres of drama, romance, horror, documentaries, thrillers, comedy and short films, all incorporating gay and lesbian themes. The schedule can be found on their website, with student tickets priced at around $14 per film.

11 May - 8 Jun, Doomben Racecourse Horse racing might not be for everyone, but the best thing about Australian horse races is that few people actually watch any racing. It’s really just an excuse to get dressed up in your best clothes and have a few drinks outside.

Various locations around Brisbane Lovers of pizza, pasta, gelato, espresso, wine and sportscars will be sure to enjoy Italian Week in Brisbane. A true celebration of Italian culture, events include language classes, cooking demonstrations and car exhibitions.

www.brc.com.au

YogaFest

www.bqff.com.au

Supanova 19 - 21 Apr, Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre Have your friends often referred to you as a ‘nerd’?

You might find yourself at home at Supanova.

It’s essentially heaven for anyone interested in sci-fi and pop culture. You can expect to meet actors from your favourite tv shows and authors of your favourite books. www.supanova.com.au

18 - 19 May, Musgrave Park & The Greek Club One of the biggest Greek Festivals in Australia, Paniyiri is easily the best way to spend a weekend. Traditional costumes, dancing, music and of course, food. Don’t worry if you don’t know anything about Greek culture, this is definitely the place to start.

Late Jun, The Old Brisbane Museum, 460 Gregory Terrace, Bowen Hills After a long semester at uni or college, you might be feeling a little stressed and tense. Why not unwind with YogaFest - Brisbane’s biggest celebration of yoga and inner healing. Featuring over 70 instructors, stalls and performances, this is the best way to chill out. You will need tickets, so head to the website!

www.paniyiri.com

www.yogafest.com.au

Paniyiri Greek Festival

State of Origin May - Jul In case you hadn’t already guessed, Aussies are sports mad. The State of Origin is the biggest event in sports for Queenslanders as their rugby team challenges the New South Wales team for victory. www.qrl.com.au

www.studybrisbane.com

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Jul

Aug

Sep

Queensland Music Festival

Ekka

Big Sound

8-17 Aug, RNA Showgrounds If you love a bit of thrill and excitement, this is the best chance to get on some rides.

Plus, they have fairy floss, fireworks and baby animals.

The show is so popular, Queenslanders even get a public holiday to celebrate it.

11-13 Sep, various locations around Brisbane If you like local music and discovering the next big thing, Big Sound will satisfy your hunger. Featuring a huge lineup of local Brissie artists, as well as presentations from industry heavyweights, you can expect a decent smattering of live music.

12 - 28 Jul, various locations around Brisbane and Queensland Local, national and international acts perform at numerous venues across the city and state. All different styles and genres are performed to create a comprehensive musical experience. The best part - it’s mostly free. www.qmf.org.au

Delectable Mid - Late July (to be confirmed), South Bank Parklands and Botanic Gardens A celebration of all things edible, Delectable is set to ignite the senses with live cooking demonstrations from the country’s top chefs. A feasting adventure will occur as the Botanic Gardens are transformed into a jungle of food stalls from Brisbane’s best restaurants. Learn the best tips and tricks for growing your own food and let your eyes and ears feast upon a 3D light extravaganza and live musical performances.

www.ekka.com.au

Ambiwerra Date to be confirmed, Ambiwerra Sports Ground, Corinda Food and fashion come together in this festival to show the best of Brisbane’s classy side. Dress up, sit down and enjoy some food from Brissie’s top chefs. www.ambiwerra.com

www.bigsound.com.au

Brisbane Festival Dates to be confirmed, various locations around Brisbane The Brisbane Festival is a show of fine arts. Installation art, classical music, theatre and other performances run for nearly a month. Don’t miss the Santos GLNG City of Lights laser display, transforming the city skyline into a virtual aurora. www.brisbanefestival.com.au

Pride Festival 1 - 30 Sep, various locations around Brisbane This event has expanded from a march for gay rights to a four-week celebration of gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and queer culture. Catch the Pride Fair Day, a party with great live music.

www.delectableqld.com.au

www.pridefestival.org.au

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Oct

Nov

Dec

Oktoberfest Brisbane

Brisbane International Film Festival

Stereosonic

Oct, RNA Showgrounds Just another way Australia celebrates its multicultural nature is with Oktoberfest - the German festival. It combines everything Aussies love - great food, loud music and good beer. www.oktoberfestbrisbane.com. au

Valley Fiesta Late Oct, Fortitude Valley Known as ‘Brisbane’s biggest street party’, Valley Fiesta is a celebration of huge proportions. The three day long festival sees some of Australia’s leading musicians take to a few different stages around Fortitude Valley and perform for free.

There’s really no excuses for not getting amongst it with your mates! www.valleyfiesta.com.au

Mid - Late Nov, various cinemas around Brisbane This is the place to check out the latest and best in the world’s film industry.

Everyone is catered for as the greatest local and international films and the processes behind making them are shown. www.biff.com.au

Good Food & Wine Show Mid Nov, Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre The good food and wine show is all about food and wine and you get to try new products, taste wonderful food and learn something new about food! www.goodfoodshow.com.au

Early Dec, RNA Showgrounds If you love your electronic dance music, you’ll want to be in attendance at Stereosonic. One of Australia’s biggest dance festivals, you can expect all the big names as well as local DJs. This is the real start of the festival season - and summer! www.stereosonic.com.au

Christmas & Boxing Day 25 & 26 Dec Many Australians celebrate Christmas in some way. Most Aussies celebrate with a traditional Christmas lunch with their families, but the presents are what they are really looking forward to. It’s a time of giving, generosity and charity, so see if you can volunteer and help out those less fortunate than you. It’s the season to be jolly!

New Year’s Eve 31 Dec The big party day of the year is New Year’s Eve. The city is packed and fireworks are set off from various locations (South Bank has a free fireworks event with entertainment beforehand).

New Year’s Day recovery is generally a picnic at the local park or in the backyard.

www.studybrisbane.com

Entertainment

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Public Holidays (Put these in your calendar)

and have some fun, as the weather is generally mild.

Royal Queensland Show

Anzac Day

Australia Day

April 25th

January 26th (Jan 28th Public Holiday)

This day is a remembrance of all the soldiers who’ve fought and died for this country. While it’s a serious occasion and there are marches held all over the country that you could attend, it also a day off work and uni!

A day to enjoy the Ekka (if you don’t mind a crowd).

More details on page 92!

Commemorates the arrival of the first fleet of ships from England and celebrates the nation we’ve become. There’s an awesome celebration of music from the past year on Triple J, called the Hottest 100. Relaxing with friends and listening to music is a must.

Good Friday & Easter March 29th-1st April People take advantage of the long weekend to go on holiday. If you are planning on taking a trip at this time of year, then book accommodation early! It’s also a great time to get together with friends

Queen’s Birthday June 10th This isn’t the Queen’s exact birthday, but it’s a great excuse for a day off and one of the best things about being in the Commonwealth. It’s probably why Australia isn’t a republic yet!

August 14th

Labour Day October 7th This day celebrates Labour Unions and the rights for workers that they have achieved. Of course, most Aussies don’t know that, but they know it’s a great day for a barbeque and to go on holiday.

The other major holidays are Christmas, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day, which are all from December 25th to January 1st. Many businesses are shut for the whole period, and others have different opening hours, so you’ll need to check them as the holidays arrive.

Safety at Night If you find yourself tumbling out of a club at some early hour in the morning, common sense will help keep you safe. Know where you’re going and walk briskly.

Even if you’re not sure, walk with purpose so you don’t draw unwanted attention and try to keep to well-lit areas with lots of people around.

Aim for a cab rank, train station, or bus stop. Have a mobile phone on you and don’t be afraid to call for help; maybe a mate will get out of bed to pick you up. Try to keep your personal belongings close to you at all times and don’t flash around any valuables such as iPods, jewellery and cash.

Remember to dial 000 in an emergency

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Adventure

Adventure

Aus

Introduction Brisbane is lucky enough to have the most beautiful surrounding environment to suit any adventurer. You can explore the botanical gardens at Mt Coot-tha whilst admiring the view of the city 287 metres below, or take a picnic to the City Botanic Gardens.

If you’re after something a little more rugged and adventurous, then you can head to Lamington National Park and explore the wonders of Springbrook (particularly the glow worm caves), which is a 40 minute drive south of the city.

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The Gold Coast is home to the big theme parks – Warner Bros. Movie World, Sea World, Wet ‘n’ Wild, Dreamworld and WhiteWater World. It’s also home to stunning coastlines stretching from the party town of Surfers Paradise, down to the pristine white sands of Coolangatta. If you’re into surfing, then head to Snapper Rocks as it has the best surfing conditions (it hosts a number of surfing tournaments throughout the year).

Two hours north of Brisbane is the Sunshine Coast, which is renowned for its delicious food (particularly the spanner

crab), nightlife and white sandy beaches. It’s also the location of Australia’s most recognisable zoo – Australia Zoo (owned by the Irwins).

If cuddling furry Aussie animals or holding slithering reptiles is your thing, you’ll want to check out Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary just west of the city or Alma Park Zoo, 40 minutes north of the city.

There’s plenty to see and do in Brisbane when you’re a student, and all you need to do now is go out there and start making some unforgettable memories!

Did You Know The distance between Adelaide and Sydney is 1400km, which means driving for 16 hours across 3 States. If you wanted to drive from Brisbane to Cairns (both in Queensland), it would take 20 hours or 1700km!! Australia is a massive country isn’t it?

Adventure

www.insiderguides.com.au

Need to Knows Airfares Travelling around Australia by plane can be a pretty cheap way to get around - you just need to look for a bargain. Keep your eyes on the budget airlines Jetstar, Tiger and Virgin – you can often get deals for under $100 one way!

Couch Surfing To save even more money travelling you can try couch surfing – instead of staying and paying for accommodation, you join this community and stay on couches. Sign up on the website and check out where you can stay. It’s a great way to meet new people and save some money. www.couchsurfing.com.au

Cheap Accommodation Being a student means you probably don’t have a whole lot of money to spend on luxurious accommodation. Luckily Australia has plenty of cheap places to stay – keep your eyes out for hostels, backpackers or motels when you’re travelling. Check out websites like Lastminute and Wotif for regular specials. www.wotif.com www.lastminute.com.au

The Seasons Australian seasons are the opposite of those in the Northern hemisphere. Australian summers start in December and end in March, and winters start in June through to August. Expect plenty of very hot, dry weather in summer and wet, windy days in winter.

www.studybrisbane.com

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Cheap & Free Activities So you need to save your pennies? Don’t worry! There’s still plenty of stuff to do around Brisbane that won’t break your bank account or doesn’t cost a thing! Plus, the best bit is, most of these activities are outside so you can see more of the city.

gates. Filled with gorgeous plants, large grassy lawns and a boardwalk, this is the perfect spot to have a picnic without wandering too far out of the city.

Where do I go?

A Picnic in the City Botanic Gardens Brisbane’s City Botanic Gardens are some of the best in the country. Even though they’re right in the heart of the city, you wouldn’t know it once you step through the iron

The City Botanic Gardens are located off Alice Street, right next to Parliament House. Just keep walking down George Street until you can’t go any further.

Who do I go with?

A picnic isn’t really a picnic by yourself, so get a whole group of mates

Nothing beats an afternoon on some old-school arcade games.

Where should I go?

Play Some Old-School Arcade Games It’s so easy to lose yourself in hours of fun trying to make the new high score on Dance Dance Revolution, kicking the bad guys in Street Fighter and taking on your friends in an air hockey showdown.

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Timezone on Albert Street is right in the centre of the city and is the one place you can find all your favourite arcade games (think Daytona USA, motorbike racing, street basketball and the good old Whack-a-Mole) When should I go?

Timezone on Albert Street is open from 9am to midnight from Sunday to

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together and enjoy the surroundings! Or, just take that someone special for a more intimate, cosy picnic.

When should I go?

The City Botanic Gardens are open 24 hours a day, with all the paths lit up at night. Why not try a romantic sunset picnic in the evening? Make sure you pick a nice sunny day - there’s nothing worse than a washed out picnic.

How much will it cost?

The City Botanic Gardens are free!

Thursday and 9am to 3am Fridays and Saturdays, so it’s a great way to spend an alcohol free evening.

Who should I go with?

Get a couple of friends together and challenge each other to a mini-tournament.

How much will it cost?

There are special offers such as $15 for two hours unlimited play from 9am, and half price games an hour before the arcade closes.

www.insiderguides.com.au

Where should I go?

Bike Riding Brisbane is well set up for bikes, and it’s the best way to see the city and its surrounds. It’s also a great way to spend a day and it costs barely anything!! The CityCycle initiative means you can hire bikes and enjoy the city like never before.

CityCycle bike racks are in key locations throughout Brisbane (including around all the university campuses) making it an ideal way to navigate to your desired destination. There are 150 locations throughout the CBD, Spring Hill, New Farm, West End, St Lucia and Toowong.

When should I go?

CityCycle operates daily from 5am to 10pm - so it’s a great way to experience Brisbane when the sun comes up and when it goes down.

Who should I go with?

Bike riding is an activity best enjoyed with a mate or two. Too many riders

Who do I go with?

Climb Mount Coot-tha If you fancy putting your body to the test, one of the best ways is by climbing (or attempting to climb) Brisbane’s Mount Coot-tha. It’s not technically a mountain, nor do you actually climb it, instead it’s an intense uphill walk that’s not for the fainthearted. Luckily, the view makes it all worthwhile.

www.studybrisbane.com

It’s definitely a good idea to go with a few mates – only one or two though.

It’s difficult to maintain a conversation when you’re puffing up the hill. A lot of the track will also only fit two or three people at a time. It’s also a good idea to go with someone of your skill level so you don’t get left behind.

Where do I go?

Mount Coot-tha is about 7km away from the city and there are plenty of buses that’ll take you there. You start at the bottom in the Planetarium & Botanic Gardens car park and work your way to the

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will make it difficult to stay together. It’s also a good way of exploring the city by yourself.

How much will it cost?

You can test it out by signing up for a one-day subscription ($2) where the first half an hour of riding is free (you can return the bike to the same stand, or any CityCycle stand available). Just don’t forget your helmet!

If you like the experience enough, there are special student rates for an annual subscription ($45 or $27.50 for 6 months) and you can subscribe on the website. www.citycycle.com.au

top. Then you have to walk back down.

When should I go?

Going early in the morning makes for a refreshing way to see the city, as does going in the late afternoon when you can see the sun slowly setting.

How much will it cost?

Climbing Mount Coot-tha won’t cost you anything – but make sure you spend some money on decent walking shoes, comfy clothes, a good hat, water bottle and sunscreen.

There’s also a cafe at the top so you can recover before you head back to the bottom.

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Group Activities So these activities probably aren’t something you are going to do daily as they cost a little bit more. They are also a great set of activities you might consider doing with a group of mates.

Where should I go?

Bowling Ten-pin bowling is a popular pastime in Australia. Basically, the idea is to roll a pretty heavy bowl down a wooden alley and knock over the funny looking white things - the pins. If you knock them down all at once you will get a strike!

Go to the Drive-In Take a step back to the 1960’s and take a group of friends, or that special someone, to the drive in movies. It’s basically where you take your car to an outdoor area and watch the movie from the comfort of your vehicle.

Where should I go?

Located just 20 minutes south of Brisbane (off the M1, at the same turn-off as the infamous Yatala Pie Shop) you’ll find the

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The only place you can do this (without spending the rest of the night in prison) is at Strike Bowling in the newly refurbished Wintergarden in the city. Not only can you challenge your friends to a game of bowling, but you can also dazzle them with your vocal repertoire in the private karaoke room, as well as enter an abandoned airplane and shoot them down in laser skirmish.

When should I go?

Strike Bowling is open every afternoon til about 11pm throughout the week and from 11am to mid-

Yatala Drive-In Movie Theatre. It shows the latest release movies across two large screens. Being the only drive-in cinema in Brisbane, it’s definitely a unique experience.

When should I go?

The Yatala Drive-In Movie Theatre starts screening movies from about 6.30pm every day other than Saturday, when the movies start at 5pm. It’s best to arrive up to an hour before the movie starts to purchase your tickets (cash only), find an ideal spot

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night on weekends. The area is fully licensed, serving up cocktails and other beverages, so it makes for a pretty fun night out. You can build up the courage to sing, or shout rounds in an attempt to make your friends lose their aim.

Who should I go with?

The best thing about Strike Bowling is that you can go with a decent sized group and have a great time.

How much will it cost?

There are a number of Blast and Bowl combos where you pay $20 for a game of laser skirmish and bowling.

and tune your radio to the frequency of the movie you’ll be watching.

Who should I go with?

Grab a carload of mates (a car will only fit five people, so don’t try to fit anymore!).

How much will it cost?

You have the option of watching just the one movie ($13), two ($16) or making an evening of it with three movies ($24).

Plus the all-important candy bar goodies like popcorn.

www.insiderguides.com.au

Where should I go?

Hot Air, 275 George Street, The City, is your one stop shop for hot air ballooning in Brisbane.

When should I go?

Hot Air Ballooning Fancy feeling the fresh morning air on your face, 1000ft above the ground? Look down upon the sun rising over the Scenic Rim, south-east Queensland’s most beautiful hinterland, as you gently sail through the air in a hot air balloon.

Most hot air ballooning trips are pretty early in the morning, so if you can force yourself out of bed just before the sun rises, you’ll be rewarded with gorgeous views. You can also opt to end your hourlong flight with a romantic champagne breakfast in the vineyards as well as taking a return shuttle bus to your chosen location in the city.

Where should I go?

Surfing Surfing is what Australians are known for and if you have never surfed before, there’s no better time or place to learn.

Surfing lessons are crucial if you have never entered the water on a board – the instructors will teach you everything you need to know in the water. www.sasurfschools.com.au

A lot of Queensland’s surfing beaches are on the Gold Coast – in fact there’s even a glittering strip of beach called ‘Surfer’s Paradise’. This is about an hour’s drive from Brisbane, but they’re some of the best beaches in the country.

When should I go?

Surfing is more of a summer activity, so it’s best to try and schedule your lessons for the warmer months - any time from November through to March is a good idea.

Who should I go with?

This is one of those activities best enjoyed with a significant other. It’s the perfect idea for a date to remember, and you can add optional extras to make it a little more magical. Otherwise, it’s also a great thing to do when your parents visit – they’ll love the views.

How much will it cost?

A hot air balloon ride is a pretty costly activity - be prepared to spend about $300 per person. But there are often great deals available to reduce that price a bit. Just keep your eyes open!

Who should I go with?

Take your best mate who wants to learn – it’s an expensive experience and not everybody will be able to afford it.

How much will it cost?

Often surf schools will charge either by individual lessons or in a bundle, for example, $40 for one lesson or $100 for three.

Do your research to see what suits you. Most classes will also include wetsuit and surfboard hire.

Did you know?

Over 80% of the Australian population live within 50km of the coast.

www.studybrisbane.com

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Local Sites One of the best things about arriving in a new city is exploring some of its historic sites and special interest activities. Thankfully, Brisbane has plenty of different places to keep you busy.

XXXX Ale House and Brewery Tours Cnr Black and Paten St, Milton Ever wondered why there is a winking man perched on a building in Milton? The building is Queensland’s famous local brewery and the cartoon character is Mr Fourex, said to have first appeared in an ad in 1924.

The unspoken man has seen many changes over the years but you can rely on him late in the afternoon to wink at motorists heading home... for presumably a nice, cold beer.

Still a working brewery, daily tours give an insight into the beer making process.

3361 7597

www.xxxxalehouse.com.au

Riverlife Adventure Centre Naval Stores, Lower River Tce, Kangaroo Point Ever wanted to learn how to rock climb? Or fancy yourself as a bit of a pro abseiler?

Then grab some comfortable clothing and head to the Kangaroo Point cliffs.

Sessions last for 2 hours, and following a safety briefing, you’ll feel safe in the hands of qualified instructors. With sweeping views of the city once you reach the summit, the best time to visit is between 5pm and 7pm, where you can watch the sunset over the river and the

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traffic build up on the motorway. Just be sure to book your session online or over the phone prior to visiting.

3891 5766

www.riverlife.com.au/rockclimbing

Laser Force 55 Ipswich Rd, Woolloongabba Sometimes the only way to relax after a hard week of studying or working is to unleash your stress whilst wielding a laser gun. Stealthily make your way through a dark, smoke-filled maze of obstacles and hidden friends lurking in the shadows waiting to zap you. And it’s not just a game for kids; the older you are, the funnier (or more serious) it becomes.

Membership and three games cost $26.

3891 1031

www.laserforce.com.au

Victoria Park Golf Complex Herston Rd, Herston One of the best ways you could spend a day off is enjoying a round of golf, practising your drive, challenging your friends to a game of putt putt or just sipping on a beer whilst taking in the amazing views.

Victoria Park Golf Course is just outside the city on top of a slight hill (you can see the entire city from there) and

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offers an 18 hole golf course, late night driving range and an 18 hole, late night putt putt course. Oh and the putt putt course is licensed (yes, you can drink and play).

Students can play from a discounted price of $14.

3252 9891

www.victoriaparkgolfcomplex. com

Queensland Maritime Museum Southern end of Goodwill Bridge, South Bank From the 1820s when Brisbane was first settled, the colony was almost entirely dependent on shipping for transport and goods.

One of the last remaining reminders from this period is South Brisbane’s dry dock, now home to the Maritime Museum. Climb aboard the HMAS Diamantina, a decommissioned navy frigate, and chat to one of the fascinating guides. As well as the floating exhibits, there are all sorts of ship artefacts, photographs, early charts and log books.

3844 4361

www.maritimemuseum.com.au

www.insiderguides.com.au

Twitter Fan? /FourThousand Part of the nationwide Thousands brand, stay up to date with awesome reviews, places to check out and events. /SLiQflicks The State Library of Queensland’s free film program. A great way to know what movies are worth checking out! /VisitBrisbane Peruse Brisbane like a tourist, then go and experience it as a local!

www.studybrisbane.com

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Day Trips So you have settled into the everyday grind of studying and you’re looking to get away for a few hours and see the countryside.

There are plenty of great places only an hour or two away from Brisbane that are definitely worth seeing.

Noosa Distance from Brisbane: 140 km north, 2 hours drive Ideal for lazing on the white sands of Main Beach and swimming in the crystal clear water. Noosa is a haven for food lovers, boasting some of Queensland’s most highly awarded restaurants and uber cool cafes right on the beach. Or why not bring a picnic and find a shady spot up in the Noosa Woods, which have plenty of BBQ facilities and are right in between Main Beach and the Noosa River.

You can hire kayaks and canoes and explore the waterways, or learn to surf at one of Noosa’s surf schools.

There’s plenty of walking tracks snaking through the Noosa National Park if you feel like getting adventurous away from the water. Or why not pound the pavements of Hastings Street? It’s the main drag in Noosa, and is lined with shop after shop of boutique clothing, street wear and surf outlets.

Dreamworld & WhiteWater World Distance from Brisbane: 40 minutes drive For a heart-racing, adrenaline-pumping day out, check out some of Queensland’s most fast-paced rides

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partnered up with some of the most slippery. A World Pass will gain you access to Dreamworld and WhiteWater World (they’re right next to one another), so you can cool off on a water slide.

Dreamworld is home to the Giant Drop (if you have ever driven along the Gold Coast Highway, it’s the towering test-tube looking thing shadowing the road. Considering its height (clocking in at 119 metres tall) it’s not for the feint-hearted! There are also tonnes of rollercoasters (the Tower of Terror, the Claw and the Cyclone, to name a few) as well as cute furry animals.

World Pass: $110 (unlimited entry for 1 year) or $90 for one visit www.dreamworld.com.au

Bribie Island Distance from Brisbane: 75km north, 1 hour drive Bribie Island is the perfect day trip for those who enjoy a nice dip in the water without being crushed by waves or dudes on surfboards. The island enjoys calm waters due to the protection of nearby Moreton Island, and so is the ideal location to go swimming.

sheltered from the wind. Getting there’s easy as there’s a bridge connecting the island to Sandstone Point (in the Moreton Bay region, 52 kilometres north of Brisbane).

It’s predominantly a sand island, with its centre filled with rainforests and excellent bushwalking tracks.

Caloundra Distance from Brisbane: 90km north, 1 hour 15 minutes drive Caloundra is the starting point of the Sunshine Coast and is surrounded by some of the most beautiful scenery Queensland has to offer. The crystal clear waters are only interrupted by sand islands on the horizon (Bribie Island), migrating whales and surfers.

There are 6 different beaches to choose from to suit your mood (surfing, fishing, swimming, kayaking) all lined with white sandy shores. Looking away from the ocean, the Glasshouse Mountains rise over the town, and provide an ample day’s worth of adventure and exercise exploring the Sunshine Coast Hinterland. In town, there are plenty of cafes, restaurants and shops to explore.

It’s also a great place to do a spot of fishing. Pumicestone Passage is the best place to catch a fish as it’s completely

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www.insiderguides.com.au

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Weekend Trips If there’s a long weekend coming up or maybe it’s the mid semester break it’s always nice to get away for a few days and explore a bit more of the state. There are plenty of great places to visit overnight or for a couple of days.

Stanthorpe Distance from Brisbane: 217 kilometres south-west, about 2.5 hours drive Foodies and wine lovers descend on Stanthorpe to indulge in fresh produce and the best in Queensland wines. There are 40 cellar doors to keep you amply refreshed, and there are a number of wine tours you can join if it’s too tricky to decide who has to be the designated driver.

Stanthorpe is part of the Granite Belt, named after the granite soil, which produces some of the best apples (and cider!) around, as well as pears, grapes, olives and figs. There’s a large selection of cafes and restaurants where you can feast on this beautifully prepared produce, and why not buy your own at the Markets in the Mountains held every second Sunday in the town centre.

Food aside, there’s plenty of walking trails with spectacular views across the surrounding countryside, cycling tracks, regional art gallery and musicians playing at the wineries. There’s a range of accommodation options, from camping to glamping (glamorous camping) and motels to romantic lodges.

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Springbrook National Park

North Stradbroke Island

Distance from Brisbane: 100km south, about 1.5 hours drive What could possibly be more romantic than gazing up at thousands of twinkling lights as water cascades around you? No, I’m not talking about stargazing, but glowworms! There’s hundreds of walking trails to suit all fitness (and adventure) levels, many of which will have you traipsing by gurgling rivers, or breathing in the fresh air whilst taking in the views of Broadbeach. It’s set in the Gold Coast Hinterland, 100 kilometres south of Brisbane and near the border of NSW.

Distance from Brisbane: 30km south-east of Brisbane, about 45 minutes by vehicle ferry or 20 minutes by water taxi.

North Stradbroke Island, or as it’s affectionately known, Straddie, is just a hop, skip and a jump from Brisbane (well, actually it’s a short drive and a ferry trip).

It’s the second largest sand island in the world, which means that it’s a perfect location for an idyllic beach getaway. There are five different beaches on the island which will suit all varieties of water-babies and landdwellers. Main Beach for the surfers; Cylinder Beach for the swimmers; Deadmans and Frenchmans Beaches for those who like exploring rock pools, and Flinders Beach for calm waters and perfect camping conditions. If you’re a keen fisher, then head to Amity Point to cast your rod.

It’s definitely worth paying a visit at night time to see the Natural Bridge, which is essentially a large hole in the roof of a basalt cave that has eroded over millions of years from the water above – so it looks like an unusual waterfall. Within the Natural Bridge are thousands of tiny glowworms, whose tails light up the cave. You can join a guided tour or just observe it for yourself – just remember to take a torch with you!

You can pitch a tent in the national park at The Settlement camping ground, or stay at one of the little cottages or motels within the town.

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The Point (Point Lookout) is home to the lighthouse and North Gorge Headland Walk, as well as tourist accommodation (from camping through to apartments) as well as restaurants and cafes. To get to the island, you just need to get yourself to Cleveland and hop on a ferry or water taxi which departs every 2 hours from 6am to 7pm.

www.insiderguides.com.au

Review of Tangalooma Island Resort Just imagine it’s a Wednesday afternoon, and you’re going a little insane with all your course work. You start dreaming about a beach paradise with dolphins, lazy walks and cocktails! Well, I can safely say that here in Brisbane, you’re unbelievably lucky to have this kind of experience right on your doorstep.

I had the pleasure of recently checking out Tangalooma Island Resort, just off the coast of Brisbane on Moreton Island, and IT WAS AWESOME! The enjoyable cruise over the bay passes quickly, and by the time the vessel docks at the remarkably beautiful beach, the stress of city life has melted away at sea.

At the resort, they have a ridiculously large number of activities to try out, from whale watching and sailing to Segway scooter beach tours and snorkelling.

I highly recommend sand tobogganing, where you lie down on a wooden board and speed down a massive sand dune at 50-60km per hour. I’ve never seen a happier bunch of people than at the bottom of that sand dune. Just don’t make the mistake I made and open your mouth when you’re going down the hill. Sand doesn’t taste nice!

The quad biking tour was also great fun. Thrill seekers can jump on a quad bike and cruise through forests and speed over sand dunes. The guides cater for beginners and experienced riders.

However, the highlight for me was undoubtedly feeding a wild dolphin. Just after sunset every night, visitors can come down to the beach and actually get up and close with these stunning, and sometimes cheeky creatures. This is an experience I’ll remember for a long time.

Tangalooma Island Resort has a range of options to suit all budgets for a sneaky getaway.

You and your friends can split the cost and stay in the hilltop house (sleeps up to 16) or beachfront villas (sleeps up to 8). It’s truly an accessible paradise and Insider Guides highly recommends making the trip during your stay.

James Martin, Insider Guides www.tangalooma.com.au 1300 652 250

Wildlife Aside from its beautiful landscape the state of Queensland plays host to a number of unique animals. Everyone knows the koala and kangaroo, but what about the wombat or the bilby? There are plenty of native animals housed in a number of wildlife parks in the city and a little further out of town.

Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary 708 Jesmond Road, Fig Tree Pocket For any visitor to Australia (and any Aussie for that matter), hugging a koala is almost a rite of passage; something that everyone should get an opportunity to do. And where else to do this but at the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, just 15 minutes from the CBD. There are over 130 koalas here, as well as kookaburras, emus, cockatoos, birds of prey, kangaroos, echidnas and platypus.

Every half an hour there is a different show featuring the likes of snakes, birds of prey, barn animals and sheep shearing. Plus, it’s only $24 for a daily student pass or $50 for a yearly student pass.

3378 1366

Alma Park Zoo 18 Alma Road, Dakabin Ever fancied holding a snake? Or feeding a crocodile? Then Alma Park Zoo, 30 minutes north of the CBD, is well worth a visit and at only $29 for a student, you can’t really go wrong. Roaming the lush rainforest environment are bears, antelope, baboons (yes, they are the monkeys with the colourful backsides!), camels, deer, buffalo and an array of creepy crawlies (otherwise known as spiders). There is the option of spending the afternoon feeding lemurs, red pandas, marmosets and quolls – and this comes at an added expense (between $40 and $75 a ticket).

3204 6566

www.almaparkzoo.com.au

www.koala.net

Heading Out to The Bush?

Remember Your: • Torch • Fully charged phone • Plenty of water • Regional maps • Matches • Basic first aid kit • Cooking utensils

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?

Did You Know?

The Box Jellyfish is responsible for more deaths annually in Australian than Snakes, Sharks and Salt Water Crocodiles.

Australia Zoo 1638 Steve Irwin Way, Beerwah Probably the most wellknown zoo in Australia, Australia Zoo is home of the Irwins, made famous by the late Steve Irwin (A.K.A. the Crocodile Hunter). As expected, every day there’s a saltwater crocodile show in the ‘Crocoseum’, also featuring snakes, elephants and birds of prey. Visit tigers, cheetahs, lions and giraffes, or get cuddly with koalas.

The whole day is packed full of exciting shows, and is about 1 hour’s drive north of the CBD. Expect to pay $47 at student prices.

5436 2000

www.australiazoo.com.au

www.insiderguides.com.au

www.studybrisbane.com

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Beaches No trip to Australia would be complete without a dip in the ocean and feeling the sand between your toes. We have some of the best beaches in the world – long stretches of golden sand, blue water and plenty of perfect waves for surfing.

Brisbane has plenty of quiet, gentle beaches for those who prefer sunbathing, but a little further up the coast there are beaches with some intense waves for those with a passion for surfing.

Burleigh Heads Beach Goodwin Terrace, Burleigh Heads Distance from Brisbane CBD: 90 km – approximately 1 hour If you’re after a beach that’s a little more relaxed than the hustle and bustle of Surfers, but still provides some decent waves, then check out Burleigh Heads.

It’s located smack bang in between Surfers Paradise and Coolangatta, and is a perfect location to take photos of the sprawling coastline of the surrounding Gold Coast beaches. There are plenty of BBQ facilities and grassy areas to relax in, as well as restaurants and takeaway shops. You can take a walk through the Burleigh Head National Park (right next to the beach) and try to spot some whales, or just admire the view from the lookout. And if the name sounds familiar, it’s probably because you have drunk a beer produced by the Burleigh Brewing Company, which is located just up the road - and offers brewery tours!

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North Kirra Beach Distance from Brisbane CBD: 100 km – approximately 1 hour North Kirra beach is somewhat reminiscent of California’s beaches - from the vast amount of white sand to the nearby footpaths which always seem to be filled with skateboarders, cyclists and rollerbladers. There’s an incredibly laid-back atmosphere, with people often floating from the beach, to the surrounding cafes, then back to the beach. The best time to visit is at sunset, as you can see the skyscrapers of Surfers Paradise illuminated with the setting sun.

As of 2013, North Kirra will be home to the Surf Life Saving championships and other water-based competitions.

Surfers Paradise Beach Distance from Brisbane CBD: 80 km – approximately 50 minutes Surfers Paradise is easily one of Australia’s most iconic beaches with what appears to be endless golden sand and huge towering skyscrapers lining the shore. True to its name, it is a haven for surfers, as well as tourists and locals keen to soak up some sun. As the sun sets on Wednesdays and Fridays, the foreshore is lit up with markets featuring stalls

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and entertainers. If you’re heading down the coast for longer than just a day trip, it’s very easy to spend all day at the beach, and then spend the evening partying at the nearby clubs and bars.

Surfers, as it’s affectionately known, is renowned for some of the wildest clubs in the state, as well as being filled with some of the most sunburnt partiers. So definitely remember to slip, slop, slap before hitting the beach!

Suttons Beach Distance from Brisbane CBD: 40 km – approximately 35 minutes This is the closest beach to Brisbane’s CBD, perched on the edge of Redcliffe, with views out to Moreton Island. Pine trees line the golden sand, and the surrounding park stretches for a picturesque kilometre. It’s a very popular beach with the locals, who can often be seen jogging and cycling along the nearby footpath.

There are BBQ facilities and picnic areas, as well as restaurants and cafes just across the street.

www.insiderguides.com.au

Safety tips

1

Swim between the flags

At most popular beaches you will see surf lifesavers who have worked out the safest part of the beach to swim. They communicate this by putting up big flags on the beach.

2

Don’t fight the rip or current

Rips are narrow powerful currents running out into the ocean. If you get pulled out to sea by the rip, do not try and fight it.

3

Swim with friends

Make sure you swim while your friends watch you. If you struggle, they can help you out or find someone nearby that can help you!

4

Don’t eat immediately before you swim

Wait at least half an hour before you go for a swim if you have just had a meal. You could get cramps and this could make swimming very difficult.

Also, many popular beaches have surf life saving offices present, with life savers patrolling the beaches at busy times.

If you want more information on beach safety, check out www.lifesaving.com.au

www.studybrisbane.com

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Discover Australia While you’re over here, it would be a waste not to see what the rest of Australia has to offer. Remember to look out for editions of Insider Guides that exist on Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide and Perth. See our website for more details.

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Great Aussie Rail Experiences www.greatsouthernrail.com.au

6 The Overland Indian PaciďŹ c

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The Ghan

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www.insiderguides.com.au

1 Perth

The most isolated city in the world, Perth is a busy metropolis with a strong sense of natural beauty. Located 20km inland from the Indian Ocean, Perth’s nightlife is bustling, its beaches are pristine and clean, shopping is relaxed but incredibly diverse and the ability to experience the real ‘great outdoors’ is made easy for locals and visitors.

2 Adelaide This city is always described as more of a country town, but that’s what makes it great! Of course, it’s anything but sleepy, particularly in the summer months as all the best festivals in Australia (and the world) come here to give the whole place a party atmosphere. There are beautiful wine regions and some of the best restaurants in Australia waiting to be discovered.

3 Hobart

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5 Canberra

Canberra is the capital of Australia. It’s a cosy little city and hosts some of the sites that many tourists add to their list of ‘must sees’ when they visit.

These include the world famous National Gallery of Australia and the Australian War Memorial. It’s also where our Federal Parliament sits, and if you visit you can tour Parliament House and gain a deeper understanding of how our democracy works.

6 Melbourne Known for its restaurant and cafe culture, Melbourne is the centre of classy urban Australian life.

The shopping is second to none and the streets are lined with artwork. You can’t go without exploring some of the hidden laneway bars and cafes that showcase their proud culture of hospitality.

7 Darwin

Locals proudly proclaim that a traffic jam here would rarely last more than a couple of minutes.

For fans of the wilderness, Hobart is just a few hours from some of the world’s most beautiful bush walks. There are plenty of waterfront cafes, bars and some stunning restaurants. With a population of around 200,000, this city is perfect for a leisurely getaway.

This is the real Aussie outback, well known for its wildlife and beautiful natural flora. There’s a stack of national parks in the Northern Territory and the sights are incredible, including the famous rock Uluru, right in the middle of the territory. Darwin is a very modern looking city as it was rebuilt after being almost wiped out by Cyclone Tracy in 1974.

4 Sydney Sydney has two of the icons that everyone associates with life ‘down under’: the Opera House and the Harbour Bridge. It’s jam-packed full of everything to do in one city, with breath-taking harbours in the centre, the ability to buy almost anything you want, and some of the best beaches and scenery not too far away.

www.studybrisbane.com

Adventure

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Thank You Insider Publishing would like to thank our Editors, Marleena Forward, Ellie Williams, Bridie Moran and Christie Legedza for their efforts this year. They researched their cities from the inside out. They listened to current students, experienced what makes their city great and then luckily wrote it down for us at Insider Guides.

A special thank you to Mateus Nolasco For all business enquiries: James Martin - james@insiderguides.com.au For all production enquiries: Samuel Trezise: sam@insiderguides.com.au www.insiderguides.com.au

Never be Bored Again.

Australia Student Guide

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Local students know how to enjoy Australian cities.

Now it’s your turn.

Locals maintain the free Australia Student Guide app so you can discover the best nightlife, student specials, events, adventures, shops, experiences and more.

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