INSIDER GUIDES
International Student Guide
Brisbane
2014
International Student Guide Brisbane 2014
Free!
www.urbanest.com.au
BRISBANE STUDENT LIVING MADE BETTER
urbanest is student accommodation with a difference where everything is just that little bit better. Every urbanest property has a community feel where students can enjoy a superb lifestyle with the best rooms, study areas and social spaces. • Great central location close to universities, transport and amenities
• Reliable and fast wireless internet in every room
• Superb communal facilities including study rooms, TV and games room and outdoor spaces for BBQs
• Great value all-inclusive rent that includes utilities, at least 10GB per month of wireless internet and contents insurance
• uLife program: Community Networkers organise regular free social events for residents such as Friday night BBQs, movie nights and pool competitions
• Safe and secure with 24/7 onsite team, state-of-the-art security systems, swipe card access and CCTV
To find out more, visit urbanest.com.au or call 1800 260 801 (Int. +61 2 8091 9959)
G’DAY MATE START YOUR ADVENTURE WITH US TODAY! WHY STA TRAVEL? • • • •
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134 782 | STATRAVEL.COM.AU/STORES |
start the adventure STA Travel Pty Ltd trading as STA Travel, VIC 30808, NSW 2TA001112, ACT 216/D/3, QLD TAG468, TAS TAS128, WA 9TA75, NT 005, SA TTA56 *terms and conditions apply. Ask in store for details.
TELL US WHAT YOU THINK! Let us know what you want to see in our guide books. Awesome prizes to be won. www.insiderguides.com.au/tell-us
Brisbane
Welcome We are here to help 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 next 96 pages, you will discover how the locals already enjoy Brisbane, now it’s your turn. The Insider Guides Team
A background on your new city, its history, culture and diversity. Get to know the basics about Brisbane before you explore further.
Getting Around The Social Life Bikes Aussie Cultural Diversity
10 12 14 16
Setting-up Get your Brisbane life organised with all the information you need to get started. Our guide will help you get all the necessities out of the way so you can start having fun.
Introduction 18 Accommodation 20 Getting Connected 22 Finding a Job 26 Banking & Money 28 Staying Healthy 32 When Things Break
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Introduction Your Local Shops Shop Spots Vintage & Markets Books, Music & Movies Clothes & Accessories
36 38 40 42 44 48
Introduction Aussie Cuisine Eat & Drink Spots Cafés & Breakfasts Budget Eats Casual Restaurants Student Hangouts Cocktail Bars Nightclubs Late Night Eats
50 54 56 60 61 62 63 65 66 67
Introduction Live Sports Live Music Online Entertainment Galleries Cinemas Events Calendar
68 70 72 74 76 77 78
Introduction Local Sites Getting Healthy Day Trips Weekend Trips Wildlife Beaches Experience Australia
82 84 86 87 88 89 91 96
Shopping Shop like the locals with all information on great shopping spots around Brisbane. You will know where to get everything you need.
Eat + Drink A selection of our favourite eating and drinking venues around town. Grab some friends and check out great cafés, restaurants and bars.
Entertainment Always know the best place to go for a fun day or night out. Sport, music, cinema and a range of other topics are covered.
Exploring Get out of your house, explore your new city and experience something new. With a range of different ideas and activities you will never be bored again.
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USEFUL CONTACTS When you’re setting yourself up and settling into a new country, there are bound to be a few questions you have. These are the sort of places you can go to get answers. There are also emergency numbers and services to call if you get in trouble.
Police
Study Queensland
Healthdirect Australia
This is the non-urgent number for police assistance. Their website also has information on how to keep yourself safe.
Provides more detailed information about where you can study in Queensland and some information about living here.
A free helpline with trained staff who can help you to treat non-urgent illnesses when the doctor’s offices are not open.
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. www.studyinaustralia.gov.au
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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. www.consumerlaw.gov.au
Office of Fair Trading
1800 022 222
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
www.beyondblue.org.au
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.
Lifeline
www.fairtrading.qld.gov.au
Road Transport Authority
Legal Aid Queensland A free legal service that can give you advice if you need to know what your legal rights are. 1300 65 11 88
www.legalaid.qld.gov.au
Think Before Tips for international students to be street smart in Australia. A great initiative and one that we support.
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 plan on driving around Brisbane, find out about the road rules and what you need to get yourself into a car. www.transport.qld.gov.au
Residential Tenancies Authority If you have any issues with accommodation, or would like to know what your rights are, the RTA are very helpful. www.rta.qld.gov.au/student
www.thinkbefore.com.au
www.insiderguides.com.au
Australian Human Rights Commission 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.humanrights.gov.au /racial_discrimination
IDP Brisbane IDP provide expert counsellors to help you assess your study options. Contact them for advice on courses, application processing and student visa guidance.
Study Brisbane
Emergency: Call 000 Ambulance, Police, Fire
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. www.studybrisbane.com
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.
07 3020 6101
www.australia.idp.com
Fairwork Australia Fairwork Australia help you understand your workplace rights and responsibilities. If you have a problem concerning your workplace they are the people to contact. 13 13 94
www.fairwork.gov.au
There is more to the student experience in Australia than just your books. StudentLife will give you the information you need to start exploring Australia and its unique culture. thestudentlife.com.au
CISA CISA is the national peak student representative body for international students. They advocate for the interests and needs of international students. www.cisa.edu.au
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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 beautiful coastlines, 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 the coldest season. But, you definitely know it’s summer when warm, humid days are relieved by a refreshing downpour of afternoon rain.
Like many tropical regions, Brisbane often experiences thunderstorms towards the end of the day throughout the summer months. 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. Brisbane is located about an hour from the attractions of the Gold Coast to the south (large theme parks, stunning coastline and tranquil hin-
terlands) and the Sunshine Coast to the north. After all, Queensland isn’t called the Sunshine State for nothing! 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!
Head Online An online-only newspaper that provides an alternative to the Courier Mail. www.brisbanetimes.com.au
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Your New City
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FUN FACTS ABOUT BRISBANE 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 the 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 café 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.
Brisbane has more sunny days than Florida and warmer winter days than the Bahamas.
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GETTING AROUND Whether you’re going to uni, the gym, meet 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).
Translink 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 will 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. www.translink.com.au
Time Slots Off-peak travel time is 9am3.30pm, 7pm-3am and all day on weekends and public holidays.
Tickets 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. 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. How much does it cost? 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 $2.40 for students (be sure to show your student ID card).
Taxis Although they might be the way to travel in other countries, taxis are an expensive way of getting around in Brisbane. Most people use them late at night when there aren’t many other transport options or if they have no other choice. There are a few Taxi Ranks located around the city these are specific areas where you can line up and get a taxi, otherwise you can try hailing one from the side of the road. It’s also a good idea to be wary of how much your trip will cost.
Black & White Cabs
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Your New City
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Yellow Cabs 132 227
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 (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! How often do they come?
Trains 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 outercity 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.
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 Hamilton 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?
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.
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Ferries
Citycats depart roughly every 15 minutes, the CityHopper every 30 minutes and it’s every 10-15 minutes for the crossriver ferries.
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THE SOCIAL LIFE Social media has experienced rapid growth around the world over recent years. Students have definitely played a part in this and social media is heavily used by many students. The various platforms have their own unique uses and all allow users to interact in different ways. Here is an overview of the most prominent platforms in Australia.
What is it?
What is it?
What is it?
Facebook was created as a way for students at a particular college or university to find and connect with each other. In fact, when Facebook launched, only those people with a verified college e-mail address were permitted to sign up. After a few months of being “that site for college kids,” Facebook knocked down its walls and invited everyone to sign up. Since March 2013, Facebook Nation is 1.11 billion strong and growing every day the world over.
Twitter is an online social networking service and micro blogging service that enables its users to send and read text-based messages of up to 140 characters, known as “tweets”. There are over 500 million registered users as of 2012, generating over 340 million tweets daily and handling over 1.6 billion search queries per day.
LinkedIn is a business-focused social networking site that launched in 2003. Its main purpose is to help people network professionally. The basic service is free.
How do you register? Users must register before using the site. You can sign up for Facebook on the below link and just follow the prompts to set up your profile. www.facebook.com
What is the purpose of Facebook? After you have created a personal profile, you can add other users as friends, exchange messages, and receive notifications. Additionally, users may join common-interest user groups, and categorise their friends into lists such as “People From Work” or “Close Friends”.
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How do you register? Users must register before using the site. Before registering, you must come up with a Twitter username, preferably less than 10 characters long. You may need to try a few usernames as they could already be in use. You can sign up for Twitter on the below link and just follow the prompts to set up your profile. www.twitter.com
What is the purpose of Twitter? Tweets are text-based posts of up to 140 characters, displayed on the author’s profile page and delivered to other users known as followers - who have subscribed to them.
Your New City City
How do you register? Users must register before using the site. You can sign up for LinkedIn on the below link and just follow the prompts to set up your profile. When setting up your profile, it’s handy to have a copy of your CV or Résumé so that you can fill in the appropriate fields. Once registered, LinkedIn will help you find people to connect with. www.linkedin.com
What is the purpose of LinkedIn? The site lets you find other business associates, clients, and colleagues whom you already know. You “connect” with them through the site, and they then become part of your network. This can be an excellent tool for professional networking.
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Pinterest What is Pinterest?
What is Instagram?
Pinterest is a pinboard-style photo-sharing website that allows users to create and manage theme-based image collections such as events, interests and hobbies. Unlike other social bookmarking sites, such as Digg and StumbleUpon, content shared on Pinterest is driven entirely by visuals. In fact, you can’t share something on Pinterest unless an image is involved.
Instagram is an online photosharing, video-sharing and social networking service that enables its users to take pictures and videos, apply digital filters to them, and share them on a variety of social networking services, such as Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr and Flickr. A distinctive feature is that it confines photos to a square shape, similar to Kodak Instamatic and Polaroid images, in contrast to the 16:9 aspect ratio now typically used by mobile device cameras.
How do you register? Users must register before using the site. You can sign up for Pinterest on the below link and just follow the prompts to set up your profile. www.pinterest.com
What is the purpose of Pinterest? You can share images you find online, or you can directly upload images onto Pinterest. Using the Pin It button, you can share directly in your browser from any web page. You can also share your pins on Twitter and Facebook. • When you share something on Pinterest, each bookmark is called a pin. • When you share someone else’s pin on Pinterest, it’s called a repin. You group pins together by topic onto various boards or pinboards in your profile. Each board mimics a real-life pinboard.
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How do you register? Right now, you can only create an Instagram account using the app on your iOS (ex: iPhone) or Android device. To sign up for an Instagram account: Download the Instagram app in the App Store for your iPhone/ iPad, or in Google Play for an Android device. The main purpose of Instagram is to capture moments of your life, in which you share your beautiful photos and videos with your followers and friends.
Who to follow! On Campus
Many universities and various groups/associations on campus are active on social media. This means you can stay on top of news and events that affect your life on campus.
Music
Social media is great for discovering new music and interacting with your favourite artists. It is also useful for keeping on top of which bands will be playing in your city.
Friends
Adding friends on social media allows you to interact with them in various ways. Social media is great for chatting, organising events and making new friends.
Politics
Local councils and governments use social media to share information relevant to their residents. This can include events, news and policy changes that may be of interest in your local area.
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BIKES Keen to save money on bus fares while getting fit? Buy a bike, and ride everyday! Read through our guide to buying a bike to find out the best way to get your wheels in motion. There are three main options: Road, Mountain and Hybrid. What you will need depends on what terrain you will be riding on.
What type of bike do I need?
Mountain These bikes are more heavy duty and designed for a variety of terrains. They are more comfortable than road bikes but don’t go as fast. If you plan to go off-road at any point then a mountain bike might be required.
Hybrid These bikes are the middle ground between the other two; more durable than a road bike but lighter than a mountain bike. They make a great choice for city riding but aren’t capable for most off-road stuff.
Road As the name suggests, this type of bike is designed for riding on roads. They are lightweight, have skinny tyres and are designed for speed. If you will only ever ride on road then these bikes are for you.
Bicycle laws in Australia You will need to buy a helmet; they must be worn while riding a bike in Australia. Normal road rules apply to cyclists and where possible try to stick to the bike lanes available.
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Your New City
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Where do I buy a bike from?
Bike Shops Gear 3a Browning Street, West End The hippest bike shop in Brisbane and the best place for everything bike related. More for the fixed gear crowd than the lycra crowd, this shop sells bikes, parts, helmets, accessories and bike magazines. Check out their blog for the latest bike news and bike events around Brisbane. 3846 7900
www.gearbrisbane.com
Bicycle Revolution 294 Montague Rd, West End If you want something truly unique then join the revolution! They custom build bikes from recycled and refurbished parts to make you something special. So not only are the bikes cool they are environmentally friendly. 3342 7829
Second-hand
Bike Rental (City Cycle)
Gumtree.com.au
City Cycle provides bikes across Brisbane’s city centre. There are 150 bike stations, each with at least 10 bike racks.
A fantastic website for all your second-hand needs. Gumtree lists a variety of products and services people are trying to sell. Search for bikes in your location to try and find a bargain! Garage sales When people want to clear a lot of their household goods they will host a garage sale. These events are at their houses (generally in the front yard) and you can barter with them for their unwanted goods. Garage sales are often listed in local newspapers. Bikeexchange.com.au The website Bikeexchange is a great resource for buying new and used bikes and accessories. Select your desired bike type, size, price range and location, and a list of available options will appear.
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 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
www.bicyclerevolution.org.au
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Bike Shop BikS h
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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 shored the country back in 1788 and a variety of English, Irish and Scottish migrants began to make 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 thirst-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.
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European The Dutchman, Willem Janszoon was the first European to discover Australia in 1606, Even before Captain Cook. 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.
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SETTING-UP + FIRST STEPS 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? 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.
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 phone contact. There are plenty of options when it comes to getting connected, so you shouldn’t have too much trouble setting yourself up. 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.
Getting Social Your accommodation may be full of students also looking to make new friends. The shared spaces of your building are a great place to meet new people. Use this guide to find cool places to go hang out and get to know them better.
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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 Hosted out the front of residential homes, garage sales are a great opportunity to pick up a bargain. Just because someone else is selling something doesn’t mean it won’t be ideal for you. Garage sales are a great place to pick up household items like couches, bed frames (not mattresses!), crockery and small items for around your home.
Go Online
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 checking out your desired 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.ustoreit.com.au
Social Networks On the Garage Sales Facebook page, use the event tab to keep track of where you can pick up a bargain! www.facebook.com/ggesale
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Setting-up
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THE RIGHT ACCOMMODATION 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.
Student Apartments
Homestay
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? here’s a real emphasis on community T 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 may have to pay for your Internet use separately. Who should I talk to? 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 answer important questions. www.homestaynetwork.org
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Setting-up
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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.
Renting & Share Houses 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?
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.
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?
Who should I talk to? Since renting is a private matter, your institution won’t have much to do with this. There is plenty of information available on real estate and sharehouse websites.
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.sharehousing.org www.realestate.com.au www.flatmates.com.au
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GETTING CONNECTED So you have just landed in Australia and you’re probably looking to get on the Internet, contact your new friends and make some long distance calls back home. 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 WiFi hotspots in some airports, cafés, public libraries, McDonalds and your campus (although you may have to sign up to use these – check with your institution 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 There will be times when free wireless will not be available and you need an alternative. Wireless dongles are ideal for this situation. They plug into your computer through your USB port and are available from phone companies like Telstra. They are available in range of options depending on your monthly data usage. Another option is using the data (3g or 4g) connection on your phone through your laptop. Don’t do this too often though as most phone plans have fairly low data allowance.
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Home Internet If you’re living in a house a more cost effective solution may be entering a contract. 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? Telstra: www.telstra.com.au
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Skype If you prefer to see as well as hear 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. www.skype.com
Mobile Phones 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. 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
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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).
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ExplorE AustrAliA with thE nEtwork thAt givEs you morE wElcomE to wondErful brisbAnE When you’re an international student starting a new adventure in a big country, you need a network you can rely on to stay on top of your studies, help you explore the local sights and keep in touch with new friends. Here’s how we can help you settle in to one of the most exciting cities in the world:
A nEtwork without EquAl
tElstrA thAnks®
tElstrA prE-pAid offErs
wE’rE locAl
As Australia’s largest and most reliable mobile network with more 4G coverage than other networks, you’ll be able to enjoy faster speeds in more places.
Choose from a range of great Pre-Paid offers, like Telstra Pre-Paid Cap Encore, which gives you free talk and text to standard Australian numbers every night. You can even use your cap credit to call standard international numbers, making it easy to stay in touch with family back home.
Telstra Thanks can give you access to lots of great things to do in your free time, with pre-sale music tickets, money can’t buy sports experiences and discounted $10 movie tickets. With over 30 stores in Brisbane, no matter where you are, there’s a Telstra store nearby where our friendly staff are ready to get you connected. So pop in and see us today.
thE tElstrA mobilE nEtwork offErs 4g in All cApitAl cbds And AssociAtEd Airports, mAny surrounding suburbAn ArEAs And in ovEr 100 rEgionAl ArEAs. you’ll AutomAticAlly switch to our fAstEst AvAilAblE 3g in othEr covErAgE ArEAs Around AustrAliA. chEck covErAgE At telstra.com/coverage THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW: Telstra 4G: Typical download speeds of between 2Mbps and 50Mbps are available to 4G devices in 4G areas. Outside 4G areas, you will switch to our fastest available 3G speeds. Speeds vary for reasons like location, distance from base stations, terrain, user numbers, hardware/software configuration, download source and upload destination. Telstra Pre-Paid Cap Encore: Cap Credit, Free Talk & Text and Data exclude some use such as: talk/text
tElstrA prE-pAid cAp EncorE®
30
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rEchArgE/crEdit top up
250 400
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$
($30 rEchArgE crEdit & $220 cAp crEdit) for tAlk & tExt to stAndArd AustrAliAn & intErnAtionAl numbErs
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frEE tAlk & tExt 6pm to 6Am EvEry night to stAndArd AustrAliAn numbErs
All for usE in AustrAliA within 30 dAys informAtion currEnt until 18 fEbruAry 2014
for morE informAtion, visit your locAl tElstrA storE or go to telstra.com/studyinaustralia to satellite numbers and premium numbers, operator assisted calls, content charges, MessageBank® retrieval and all use overseas. So you can enjoy the full benefits of the Telstra Mobile Network, be sure to check that your device supports 3G-850MHz. Telstra Thanks: $10 Movie Tickets: Only available online for Event Cinemas, Greater Union, Birch Carroll & Coyle, Village branded cinemas and Moonlight Cinemas in Australia. Ticket price includes booking fee and GST. Surcharge applies for VMAX and 3D. Not valid for Gold Class, movie marathons, special events and alternate content. Not valid in conjunction with any other promotion or discount. Purchase is strictly upon availability and a maximum of 10 tickets available per transaction. Tickets cannot be exchanged or refunded. Visit telstra.com/movies for full details. The spectrum device and ™ are trade marks and ® are registered trade marks of Telstra Corporation Limited ABN 33 051 775 556.
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 résumé 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.oneshift.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 résumé? If you have found a job in person, most places will ask you to send them a résumé. A résumé is basically a record of your previous work experience. Keep your résumé 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.
Being Social Not only are jobs great for making money and improving your English, they are also a fantastic way of meeting new people.
www.insiderguides.com.au
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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.
New Accounts
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 withdraw money from your bank account. ATMs generally offer different language features, so you can choose your native language to help you out. ATMs are found at most local shopping centres, many convenience stores and even a number of bars and clubs. 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:
Make sure you know their:
Australian bank account name
Bank account name and account number
Australian bank account number and BSB
The overseas bank ‘sort’ code
Address of the bank your account is with Australian bank SWIFT Code
International Bank Account Number (IBAN) (Europe only) SWIFT code of the overseas bank
PayWave & PayPass Modern credit and debit cards now come equipped with either PayWave (Visa cards) or PayPass (Mastercard cards). These cards allow contact-less transfer of funds for transactions below $100. All you have to do is tap your card against the sensor and the payment will go through. For payments over $100 you will still need to either insert your PIN or sign.
Notes & Coins
Travellers Cheques
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.
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.
Looking to plan your student budget? Head to the ANZ Cost of Living tool to assess how much you spend. www.movingtoaustralia.anz.com
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Welcome and best of luck this semester from your ANZ Personal Bankers. Whether you call Australia home, or you’ve come here to study, ask us how you could make the most of your money with ANZ Student Advantage.
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. • 146 Queen Street Mall Gipps St
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Albert St
Bo
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St Wickham
St
Turbot St Ann St
Albert St
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Queen St
Br ad
Creek St
Edward St
George St
Queen St Mall
Adelaide St
• 204 Wickham Street (Chinatown) • Cnr Creek & Queen Street Other convenient locations with multilingual staff include: • 250 McCulloch Street Sunnybank • University of Queensland Staffhouse Road St Lucia • Cnr Calam & Compton Rds Sunnybank Hills • Garden City Shopping Centre, Kessels Rd, Mt Gravatt
For more information phone 13 13 14.
The monthly account service fee waiver is available for full time students only and will be waived on one nominated ANZ Access Advantage account. Proof of enrolment with an Australian Educational Institution at any ANZ Branch is required. 2 Eligibility criteria applies to issue of an ANZ Access Visa Debit card. Please contact us for further information. 3 ANZ goMoney was awarded the 2011 IDC Financial Insights Innovation Award. 4 Applicants must be over 18 years old to apply for an ANZ credit facility or credit card. Approval is subject to ANZ’s credit assessment criteria. Terms and Conditions, Fees and Charges apply. Eligibility criteria applies. Any information provided does not take into account your personal needs and financial circumstances and you should consider whether it is appropriate for you. ANZ recommends you read the relevant Terms and Conditions or Product Disclosure Statement and the Financial Services Guide, which are available at anz.com or by calling 13 13 14, before deciding whether to acquire, or continue to hold, any product.All applications for credit are subject to ANZ’s credit assessment criteria. Australian Credit Licence Number 234527. ANZ’s colour blue is a trade mark of ANZ. Item No. 86001B 03.2013 W336105 1
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.
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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.
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 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-lifethreatening illnesses:
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 ‘non-emergency’ 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
1800 022 222
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Free English Support 24/7
Important Message for International Students Just 4 weeks living with an Australian Homestay Network (AHN) trained Host will help you improve your English language skills as well as show you much more about living in Australia and help build your networks. Take a break from your regular accommodation and enjoy the AHN Homestay experience. You will never regret it! There is only one Australian Homestay Network*
*Australia's Leading Homestay Provider
WHEN THINGS BREAK Living away from home can be a lot of fun, but what happens when something goes wrong?
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. We recommend Jim’s Plumbing www.jimsplumbing.net.au
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.
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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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.
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. 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.
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.
Broken Fridge
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.
1. Remove all of the perishables and put them into an Esky or an ice filled sink / tub. 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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SHOP
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 budget-conscious.
another great location to pick up boutique clothing, as well as second-hand items and vintage homewares.
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
If you’re after style with a very agreeable price tag, then head along to DFO (discount factory outlet) in either Jindalee (south of Brisbane) or at the airport. It’s easy to find
Chermside Shopping Centre is the third largest shopping centre in Australia, and it boasts high street retailers, electronics stores, food courts and a huge cinema complex.
fantastic deals on some of the most expensive brands. 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.
Social Networks Discover the next event where you can delve through suitcases for hidden treasures. www.facebook.com/Suitcase-Rummage
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NEED TO KNOWS Opening Hours 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. Some 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.
Go Online 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.
Did You Know? Queensland covers 22% of the total Australian continent - an area of 1,730,648 square kilometres.
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YOUR LOCAL SHOPS
BUTCHER
NEWSAGENT
NEWS
Butcher
Newsagent
What is sold here?
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? 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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Shopping
Newsagents sell newspapers, stationery, 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.
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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 it. 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.insiderguides.com.au
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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SHOP SPOTS Brisbane has everything for an enthusiastic shopper – cheap bargains for those looking to save their cash or high priced boutiques for those with money to burn. Best of all, since Brisbane is so small you can find almost everything in the city centre, or close to it.
The City
Chermside
Paddington
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 is the Jan Power’s Farmers’ Markets, where you can pick up delicious freshly picked fruit and veg, baked goods and sweet treats.
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 could possibly imagine. Most of the stores are relatively inexpensive, and it can easily provide an entire day’s worth of entertainment.
Classic Queenslander style buildings house 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.
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.
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VINYL • CDs • DVDS • MO
Fortitude Valley High-end fashion hunters look no further – Fortitude Valley may be famous for its bars 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) hosts everything that screams vintage geekery, while James Street is super chic.
Shopping
Sunnybank Renowned for all things Asian, Sunnybank is more than just delicious restaurants and tea shops. Located about 20 minutes drive south of the city, it’s MforUbargain S I shoppers. C a haven 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 SquareL (also E S on S Mains O N SRoad) is the place to head for fresh fruit and veg, Asian groceries and the occasional cheap clothing store.
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OVIES
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.
Clothing • Accessories
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There is a Westfield that OPEN supplies residents with all their necessities. The great thing though is, apart from all the mainstream stores, this particular Westfield has selected PUSH their specialty stores to match the area’s demography.
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S A L E
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VINTAGE & MARKETS 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
Paddington Antique Centre
Top of Queen Street Mall, opposite the Treasury Casino, Brisbane 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.
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.
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 offers style from the ‘80s to Scandinavian inspired winter jumpers, retro bomber jackets and cowboy boots, all sourced by the staff themselves. www.boxvintage.com
3369 8088
Riverside at the Pier Markets Waterfront Place, 1 Eagle St Pier, Brisbane 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 food-related 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.
BrisStyle Indie Twilight Markets King George Square, Brisbane 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. www.brisstyle.com.au
3870 2807
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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’ve 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.
Title
Rocking Horse Records
Avid Reader
1/133 Grey St, South Bank Books, music and film help make life just that little bit more interesting. Title stock all the big names but a range of rarer stuff including a lot of vinyl. If you are keen to pick up something unusual, or just enjoy browsing, then a trip to Title is in order.
245 Albert St, Brisbane 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.
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 café inside. Avid Reader also plays host to many events throughout the year.
3844 4900
www.titlespace.com
Bent Books 205a Boundary St, West End If you dig secondhand books then there is nowhere better to go than Bent Books. They have all sorts of interesting stuff that you won’t find anywhere else. This is a secondhand store where they actually care about their stock and no, none of it is bent! 3846 5004
www.bentbooks.com.au
3229 5360
www.rockinghorse.net
Butter Beats 11/8 Duncan 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.
3846 3422
www.avidreader.com.au
Presents of Mind 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. 3367 3711
www.presentsofmind.com.au
3257 3257
butterbeatsrecordstore.com
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Dymocks
JB Hifi
177 Albert St, Brisbane 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.
43 Adelaide St, Brisbane 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.
3007 2800
www.dymocks.com.au
Folio Books 80 Albert St, Brisbane 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 subject-specific 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. 3221 1368
www.foliobooks.com.au
3003 1333 www.jbhifi.com.au
Comics Etc 79-81 Elizabeth St, Brisbane 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 lifesize mannequin of Chewbacca. 3229 4446
www.comicsetc.com.au
Use Your Rights – Repair, Replace, Refund Under Australia’s consumer laws, if you buy a product and it is faulty you have the right to take it back to where you bought it and ask the business to fix the problem. The same applies if you engage a service and it is not provided to an appropriate standard. These rights are called consumer guarantees and they apply to all goods and services bought or leased new, secondhand, in stores and online. In broad terms, consumer guarantees require that all goods sold in Australia must be of acceptable quality, be fit for any purpose that you made known and match the description given. Services must be delivered with due care and skill, and completed within a reasonable time if no set timeframe is agreed. If the goods or services don’t meet the consumer guarantees, you have a legal right to a remedy. This may involve a repair, replacement or a refund. If you have a problem with a product or service you should first contact the business you bought it from. If they refuse to help, contact your local consumer protection agency or the ACCC. For further information visit: australia.gov.au/consumerrights
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CLOTHES, SHOES & 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.
Pigeonhole 171-209 Queen Street Mall Fairly hipster, for better or worse, Pigeonhole have opened up in Brisbane to bring a range of clothing and homeware. They are keen on independent design so pop in to find some fairly unique gear. If you are looking for a cool present for a friend then Pigeonhole is not a bad place to start. www.pigeonhole.com
Pistols at Dawn 46 James Street, Brisbane Have you ever wanted your own tailored pair of jeans? Pistol at Dawn offer exactly that, using your measurements they craft a pair of jeans that fit perfectly. They sell a range of other menswear as well but the jeans are definitely the coolest. 3257 3300 pistolsatdawn.com.au
Paperdoll Boutique 168 Adelaide St, Brisbane 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.
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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. 3229 2248
Laced 35 Adelaide St, Brisbane 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. 3012 7888
www.laced.com.au
Dirtbox Wintergarden, Queen Street Mall, Brisbane 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
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
Ultra Suite 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, 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. 3257 2866
www.ultrasuite.com.au
www.dirtbox.com.au
Shopping
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Maiocchi
APTMNT
Culture Kings
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?
123 Charlotte St, Brisbane 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.
115 Queen Street Mall, Brisbane 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.
3852 3353
www.maiocchi.com.au
3107 6046
www.store.aptmnt.com
3211 4838
www.culturekings.com.au
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EAT + DRINK
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 and modern
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Australian, all complete with the backdrop of the shimmering Brisbane River winding beneath the Story Bridge. 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. 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 also host an array of cocktail bars, lounges and
Eat & Drink
pubs, ensuring that even the fussiest of drinkers will be happily satisfied. 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 hordes 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.
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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 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 Everyone likes a cheap meal, and most restaurants and cafés 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 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).
Did you know? Brisbane Arcade is supposedly haunted! Various witnesses claim to have seen and heard the female ghost.
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BYO 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 pubcrawl. 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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StudentLife is designed to help you stretch your student budget further, with helpful information on special offers, free events and cost effective ways to explore your new city. thestudentlife.com.au
Eat & Drink
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THE STUDENT KITCHEN (TIPS)
At Home
At The Store
Freezing bread
Buy Home/Store Brand
If you won’t use a whole loaf then freeze some. Your toaster has a defrost function so you can always grab some out for toast.
They are often made in the same places as the more expensive brands and represent a significant saving.
Buy frozen veggies Vegetables are essential for your diet but can lead to a lot of wastage. There is nothing wrong with having frozen vegetables and only using what you need. Freeze meat If you have a freezer then you can buy meat when it is on sale and bring it out when you need it. Leftovers Whether for the next day’s lunch or dinner, leftovers are a great way of stretching food further, reducing wastage and saving money.
Buy non-perishable items in bulk If you have the space then buying foods that won’t perish in bulk will save you money. End of day specials At the end of the day stores are looking to clear stock, so it is a great time to grab a bargain. Use coupons Several stores still distribute coupons; take them with you to save money off their products. Check the unit prices The product on sale, or even the biggest item, may not be the cheapest. Make sure you check the unit price for the best value.
The Staples Top Ten Foods That Should be in Every Student Kitchen These foods are cost effective, healthy and versatile. Brown Rice = $3.50/kg Tinned Tomatoes = 65c for 400g tin Canned Tuna = $2.50 for 400g can Pasta = 70c for 500g Potatoes = $3/kg Eggs = $4.50/dozen Beans = $1.50 for 400g Onions = $2/kg Oats = $1.50 for 700g bag Soup = $2 for 500g
Food Safety On food packaging you will often see the words ‘Use by’ and ‘Best Before’ – ‘Use by’ means exactly that; don’t use the product past that date. Once best before dates pass, the product may not taste quite as good and is reaching the end of its shelf life. Leftovers – As mentioned, leftovers are a great way of saving money but make sure they have been refrigerated. Let them cool down but make sure you put them in the fridge within 2 hours after cooking.
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AUSSIE CUISINE
Aussie BBQ
The Bakery
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’)
What will I eat? Typical bakeries will serve a few basics and vary the ingredients: • Pastie – vegetable and meat filled pastry.
• Chops • Steaks You can also find 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.
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Australians love a good lunchtime pastry, especially after a long road trip. The best can be found at bakeries outside the city.
Eat & Drink
• 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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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’.
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Take-out 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.
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EAT & DRINK SPOTS Brisbane has an impressive variety of restaurants, cafés and late night eateries to fill your rumbling stomach. Most of the best areas for eating are also pretty close to the best clubs, pubs and karaoke bars. So you can head out for a tasty meal then party til the early hours without having to travel too far.
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 cafés. 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 Café, 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.
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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 cafés, 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.
$7.99
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.
Café • Piz
COFFEE! $2.99
PUSH
StudentLife is designed to help you stretch your student budget further, with helpful information on special offers, free events and cost effective ways to explore your new city. thestudentlife.com.au
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Eat & Drink
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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 café culture reflects this well. Almost every restaurant, petrol station, pub and lunch bar will serve coffee. Little cafés 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 café 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 cafés 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)
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Eat & Drink
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CAFÉS & 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 cafés and coffee spots 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.
Au Cirque
Scout Café
The Odyssey Project
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 café, 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.
190 Petrie Terrace, Brisbane An ideal place for breakfast or a coffee. It is full of woodwork and greenery in a really cool old building. It’s great for coffee and/or breakfast, with the bagels being particularly great.
55 Douglas St , Milton This one is just for coffee lovers. The layout is very minimalist and there is no food on sale. Their menu is purely different specialties of coffee and makes for a great experience for those who know their coffee.
3254 0479
Banana Lounge 1/170 Boundary St, West End Vegan establishments are becoming easier to find and Banana Lounge is one of the best. The owner has been vego for 30 years and is also a dietician, so you know you are in for some tasty treats. It’s good, healthy food and it won’t cost you much either. 3255 0015 bananaloungewestend.com.au
3367 2171 www.scoutcafe.com.au
www.odysseycoffee.com.au
Baker’s Arms 29 Logan Road, Wooloongabba One of the best coffee spots in Brisbane and as you can guess by the name they are pretty good at baked goods as well. From full cheesecakes to little pastries there is something for everyone including vegan and gluten free options. 3391 6599 www.thebakersarms.com.au
Bass Espresso 245 Boundary St, West End Do you like coffee and music? If so, Bass Espresso may be just what you have been looking for. The owner is a muso so they regularly have talented acts playing in the café. Down the quieter, western end of Boundary Street this place is great for unwinding with friends.
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.
0498 119 245 facebook.com/bassespresso
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BUDGET EATS Looking for a cheap place to eat? These are the sorts of places you should check out. 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. 3162 4823 www.tuckeria.com.au
A Salt & Battery 1/224 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
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 means 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, Brisbane 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
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, Brisbane 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.jackpotdining.com.au
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CASUAL RESTAURANTS Sometimes you might feel like 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.
Chinese Superbowl 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
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! 3252 4112
Olé 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
Himalayan Café 640 Brunswick St, New Farm New Farm is known for its eclectic array of dining options and the Himalayan Café 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. 3358 4015
www.olerestaurant.com.au
How would you like your steak? Shortly after you order your delicious steak, generally the waiter will ask how you would like it cooked. Responding with rare, medium-rare, well-done, or somewhere in between are all acceptable requests and will determine the degree to which your meat has been cooked.
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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 the CBD. 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. Many pubs can also serve as a live music venue and even host trivia nights.
Gertie’s Bar & Restaurant
Alibi Room
Yardbird Ale House
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.
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?
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.
3358 6669 www.thealibiroom.com.au
3358 5088
3852 6413
www.gerties.com.au
Alfred & Constance 130 Constance St, Fortitude Valley This is one of the strangest bars in Brisbane! Two buildings have been uniquely linked with different sections serving different purposes. They run with the theory of ‘found objects’ for the décor and walking through you lose track of everything that is going on. 3251 6500
alfredandconstance.com.au
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The Royal Exchange Hotel
UniBar – Griffith University
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!
Corner West Creek & Science Rd, Nathan Campus
3371 2555
rehotel.com.au
Archive 100 Boundary Street, West End All day Wednesday at Archive you can get 2 meals for the price of one. Other nights feature trivia, pool competitions, cheap pizzas and cheap burgers. They also have a massive range of beers so you can keep coming back and taste a different beer every time. All in all it is a fun boutique beer bar with cheap meals and plenty of entertainment. 3844 3419
archivebeerboutique.com.au
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
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. www.73vulture.com
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Beetle Bar 350 Upper Roma St, Brisbane 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. www.beetlebar.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.
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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 nitrogen-charged martinis and slowly dilute top-shelf liqueurs with coconut ice spheres. 3891 2111
www.canvasclub.com.au
Next Door Shop B11 Little Stanley St, South Brisbane Prohibition style is in vogue and some do it better than others. Next Door is firmly in the first camp with excellent décor and amazing cocktails. Even the menu takes inspiration from the 1920s and makes for a very special evening.
The Villager
Bitter Suite
185 George St, Brisbane 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.
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.
3211 1300 www.thevillager.com.au
Sling 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. 3255 3522
www.slinglounge.com
3254 4426
www.bittersuite.com.au
The Walrus Club 543 Coronation Dr, Toowong Hidden away behind The Regatta is the amazing Walrus Club. This prohibition style speakeasy is the coolest little place to have a rum and get away from the world. They even have their own house spiced rum which is well worth a try. 3871 9595
www.thewalrusclub.com.au
3846 6678
nextdoorkitchenbar.com.au
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NIGHTCLUBS For those who love to party and dance the night away, the Brisbane 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
Hot Gossip
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.
299 Brunswick St, Brisbane In 2013 the massive Mystique nightclub closed down, but many of the people have moved on to Hot Gossip. Open on Friday and Saturday nights, this 3 level club focuses on providing the best club atmosphere in Brisbane. They have LED dance floors, podium dancers and regularly host some of the world’s best DJs.
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.
www.hotgossipnightclub. com
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. 3252 1322
www.themet.com.au
Cover Charge / Entry Fee Most nightclubs will charge a cover, but often if you arrive before 9pm you will avoid having to pay it. Otherwise, messaging the venue on Facebook can sometimes get you on the door.
3257 3644
www.birdees.com.au
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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 cafés 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, Brisbane 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!
New York Slice Pizzeria and Salads 4/136 Queen St, Brisbane 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 café is an iconic part of West End - Brisbanites travel far and wide to immerse themselves in the jungle-like garden at the back of the café, 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 Crépe Café 26AB Arbour View Cafés, The Parklands, South Bank Nestled amongst the trees on the boardwalk of South Bank, The Crépe Café 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
3221 6433
www.pancakemanor.com.au
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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.
Did You Know? 42% of people aged 18-34 check Facebook as the last thing they do before going to bed.
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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 festival’s website. www.ticketek.com.au www.ticketmaster.com.au www.moshtix.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 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 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
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LIVE SPORTS
Football
Rugby
What’s the name of the league? The Australian Football League (AFL) Who are the teams?
National Rugby League (NRL) Who are the teams? The Brisbane Broncos
The Brisbane Lions
Where do they play?
Where do they play? The Lions’ home ground is at the Gabba in Woolloongabba. How much does it cost? General admission tickets are $25.50 for adults and $17.50 for a concession (full-time students). Who are the captains of the team? Jonathan Brown and Jed Adcock Who are some star players? Pearce Hanley and Joel Patfull Interesting facts The Lions mascot is called Bernie ‘Gabba’ Vegas, and wears flared pants and slicked-back hair – Elvis style.
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What’s the name of the league?
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Suncorp Stadium in Milton. How much does it cost? $34 for adults and $26 for students. Who’s the captain of the team? Sam Thaiday Who are some star players? Matt Gillett and Justin Hodges Interesting facts 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).
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Cricket
Soccer (Football)
What’s the name of the league?
What’s the name of the league?
The Sheffield Shield and the Twenty20 Big Bash League
The A-League Who are the teams?
Who are the teams?
Brisbane Roar
Queensland Bulls (Sheffield Shield) and Brisbane Heat (Twenty20)
Where do they play?
Where do they play?
Suncorp Stadium in Milton.
They play at the Gabba in Woolloongabba.
How much does it cost? General admission is $20 for adults and $16 for students.
How much does it cost?
Who’s the captain of the team?
It’s $25 for adults and $15 for students (Sheffield Shield matches are free entry)
Matt Smith Who are some star players?
Who’s the captain of the team?
Australian International Matt McKay and Besart Berisha, who is arguably the best striker in the A-League.
James Hopes is the captain of both teams. Who are some star players?
Interesting facts
James Hope and Daniel Vettori
Brisbane Roar were the Champions of the A-League in both the 2010-11 and 2011-12 seasons.
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.
Getting Social Joining a sports team at your university or a local club is a great way of making new friends. Not only are you staying fit, but you are also meeting people with at least one common interest!
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LIVE MUSIC Punk & Metal If you like your music fast, heavy and loud then Brisbane has a diverse scene for you to discover. Where? Underground bar Crowbar showcases a wide range of punk and hardcore. It is on Brunswick St and a must visit for heavy music fans. Bigger acts in these genres often play to larger crowds at The HiFi.
Who? The Disables are one of the best punk bands in Brisbane while Nuclear Summer represent some of the best in Brisbane’s metal scene. How Much? Prices will vary based on the popularity of the band but are generally between $8 and $30.
Folk From one man bands to bands with more instruments than you can name, folk music is a diverse and enjoyable genre.
popular acts often play at the Tivoli and The Zoo. Irish Murphy’s in the city is also a great place for to hear some guitar music.
Where?
Who?
Laid-back folk music suits the climate of Brisbane and
Relaxed Aussie acts like Matt Corby, Xavier Rudd
and Josh Pyke have all been seen taking to stages and bars around Brisbane. How Much? Irish Murphy’s never charge for entry while tickets at The Zoo and The Tivoli can vary between $15 and $45.
Pop
As Brisbane is expanding so quickly it is getting more and more large international acts playing here. Where? Big name acts will generally play at larger venues like
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the Brisbane Entertainment Centre, the Riverstage in the Botanic Gardens or at Suncorp Stadium. Smaller acts often play at The Tivoli or The Zoo. Who? International acts like
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Rihanna, Beyonce and Bruce Springsteen have graced the stages of Brisbane. How Much? Depending on the artist, big acts will cost at least $80 while smaller acts may start at $30.
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DJs Electro, dubstep, trance; whatever you are into Brisbane can satisfy all of your musical needs. With local, national and international DJs there’s always something cool on. Where? Like much of Brisbane’s music scene, Fortitude Valley is the place for dance music. Particular highlights include the Family Nightclub and The Met.
Who? Australian DJ Nick Skitz is a regular at both The Family and The Met while international acts like Armin van Buuren, Calvin Harris, Tiesto and Avicii have also made appearances. How Much? Club entry costs can vary between $20 and $40, based on the headliner for that night.
Indie & Rock From rocking riffs to mellow guitar melodies, indie can supply the soundtrack to life in Brisbane. Where? Fortitude Valley has a number of venues including The Tivoli, The Zoo, The Tempo and The Troubadour, that cater to the indie crowd. Larger rock acts may play at the Brisbane Entertainment Centre.
Who? Brisbane has a history of producing great indie bands and recent examples include Hungry Kids of Hungary, Dead Letter Circus and Violent Soho. How Much? Some indie acts will play for around $20 while the bigger rock acts may cost up to $100.
Top Five - Best Local Beers 1) Blue Sky FNQ Lager 2) Burleigh HEF 3) Green Beacon Brown Ale 4) Fortitude Golden Ale 5) Noisy Minor RSVP
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ONLINE ENTERTAINMENT If you don’t care about owning the content and just want to access it, then the Internet provides a world of opportunities.
Streaming Music Spotify
Guvera
A huge database of music that is highly sociable. Often used for sharing music with friends and creating personalisedplaylists.
An Australian company that gives you free access if you interact with brands on their platform. Downloads are also available on this platform and they have a range of independent artists.
Pandora This is a useful way of discovering new music as it is more like internet radio. Playlists are created around a band or song you like to create a personalised radio station for you.
Rdio Follow the ‘tastemakers’ in different genres to discover the latest in new music. This platform is handy for discovering and reviewing music.
Streaming TV TV Stations Australia’s TV Networks, Seven, Nine, Ten, ABC and SBS all have content available to stream on their websites. All the latest episodes are on there and they last at least until the next episode is aired. Foxtel Play Foxtel is Australia’s pay tv supplier and is now available on computers and games consoles. Their packages aren’t cheap but can be viewed on three devices so you can split the cost with friends/housemates.
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Apple TV Apple TV gives you the ability to watch series and movies you have downloaded from iTunes on your TV. Using your WiFi you can also stream content from your other Apple devices. Telstra T-Box This digital set top box allows you to watch free-to-air TV channels, as well as internet channels, TV shows, BigPond Movies on demand and Foxtel on T-Box (if eligible) when you connect to Telstra broadband.
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NET CAFÉS, GAMING & KARAOKE Everyone likes to let off a little steam after a long day at uni, 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 cafés in Brisbane.
Strike Bowling
Timezone
Wintergarden, Queen Street Mall, Brisbane 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, Brisbane 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, smack-bang 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 Café 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 Café 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
Fat Louie’s 1/124 Albert St, Brisbane 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
Irish Murphy’s 175 George St, Brisbane Welcome to Brisbane’s trademark venue for singing out loud with little to no remorse for 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 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. 3221 4377
www.irishmurphys.com.au
The Victory 127 Edward St, Brisbane 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
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GALLERIES If you feel like stimulating your creative side and strolling the hallways of some galleries, 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, Brisbane 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
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 9000
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 2014, 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
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CINEMAS Brisbane has a number of cinemas to satisfy a range of tastes. There are also drive-in cinemas and moonlight cinemas, which are perfect on the warmer evenings.
Limes Hotel Rooftop Cinema
Gold Class @ Event Cinemas Indooroopilly
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).
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!
3852 9000
www.limeshotel.com.au/rooftopcinema
South Bank Cineplex 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
www.eventcinemas.com.au/ Cinema/Indooroopilly
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
Highest Grossing Aussie Films at The Box Office
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
www.palacecinemas.com.au/ cinemas/barracks
www.insiderguides.com.au
Blueroom Cinebar
Entertainment
Crocodile Dundee (1986)
$47,707,045
Australia (2008)
$37,555,757
Babe (1995)
$36,776,544
Happy Feet (2006)
$31,786,164
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EVENTS CALENDAR JAN
FEB
MAR
Brisbane International
Valley Chinese New Year Festival
Future Music Festival
29 Dec – 5 Jan, Queensland Tennis Centre In a few short years, this tournament has made its mark on the international tennis circuit. In 2014 it will attract some of the world’s most entertaining players, with Roger Federer and Serena Williams confirmed to appear, along with all other top players. Enjoy this summer event in person, or televised live. brisbaneinternational.com.au
Lifeline Bookfest 18 - 27 Jan, Brisbane Convention Centre Bookfest is the largest secondhand book sale you are likely see in your life. 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
1 - 2 Feb, Valley Chinatown Expeience Chinese New Year celebrations right here in Brisbane. Traditional dancing, fireworks, Chinese Food, martial arts perfromances and traditional folk music ill all be on show to help herald in the new year. www.chinesenewyear.com.au/ bris_home
Soundwave Festival 22 Feb, RNA Showgrounds If you like your music heavy then this is a festival worth checking out. Every year some of the biggest punk and metal acts from around the world play at Soundwave. With multiple stages it requires some planning but you are guaranteed to see some great heavy bands. www.soundwavefestival.com
St Jerome’s Laneway Festival 31 Jan, RNA Showgrounds 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.
1 Mar, RNA Showgrounds The Future Music Festival always presents an impressive lineup of artists - with a healthy mixture of dance, DJs and live artists too. www.futuremusicfestival.com.au
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 Mid Mar - Early 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. www.brisbanefrenchfestival. com.au
www.lanewayfestival.com.au
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APR
MAY
JUN
Brisbane Queer Film Festival
Brisbane Racing Carnival
YogaFest
10 May - 21 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.
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!
28 Mar - 6 Apr, 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. www.bqff.com.au
Supanova 4 -6 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
www.brc.com.au
Paniyiri Greek Festival 24 - 25 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. www.paniyiri.com
Italian Week
www.yogafest.com.au
State of Origin Jun- 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
Late May - Early Jun, 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.italianweek.com.au
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JUL
AUG
SEP
Queensland Music Festival
Ekka
Big Sound
Mid - Late 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.
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.
9 - 12 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.
www.qmf.org.au
Splendour in the Grass Late Jul, North Byron Parklands, Byron Bay Easily one of Australia’s biggest and most revered music festivals, Splendour in the Grass combines everything good - live music, friends and camping. Big names who have previously visited the festival include The Strokes, Jack White, Kanye West and Coldplay. It’s a bit of a drive, but it’s worth it!
www.ekka.com.au
Ambiwerra 19 Aug, 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.au
www.bigsound.org.au
Brisbane Festival Early - Late Sep, 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 Early - Late 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.splendourinthegrass.com
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.
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.oktoberfestbrisbane.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.
Listen Out
www.biff.com.au
www.stereosonic.com.au
Good Food & Wine Show
Christmas & Boxing Day
Early Oct, Cultural Forecourt, South Bank The arrival of Listen Out is the start of the summer festival season. With a mixture of dance, pop and some live acts, the best part about this festival is the venue - the park right in the middle of the city! It’s certainly a unique day out. www.listen-out.com.au
Early Nov, Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre The good food and wine show is all about fine produce and you get to try new products, taste wonderful treats and learn something new about cuisine! www.goodfoodshow.com.au
Valley Fiesta Late Nov, 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
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Entertainment
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.
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ADVENTURE 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.
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!
Top Five - Best Viewpoints 1) Mt Coot-Tha Lookout 2) Mount Gravatt Lookout 3) Kangaroo Point Cliffs 4) Wilson’s Lookout 5) Jollys Lookout
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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!
Air Bnb If you are looking for cheap accommodation then definitely check out AirBnB.com.au. This awesome service allows people to hire out their properties for short term stays. For less money than a hotel room you can stay in someone’s cool apartment while they don’t need it. www.airbnb.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 www.yha.com.au
The Seasons 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.
Getting Social When attending Orientation week keep an eye out for all the clubs and associations that try to get you involved. Join groups you are passionate about and you will meet plenty of new people with a mutual interest.
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LOCAL SITES One of the best things about arriving in a new city is exploring and discovering new places. Thankfully, Brisbane has plenty of excellent museums and attractions to experience.
XXXX Ale House and Brewery Tours
Riverlife Adventure Centre
Cnr Black and Paten St, Milton
Naval Stores, Lower River Tce, Kangaroo Point
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 unspeaking 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.
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 traffic build up on the motorway. Just be sure to book your session online or over the phone prior to visiting.
3361 7597
www.xxxxalehouse.com.au
Laser Force
3891 5766
55 Ipswich Rd, Woolloongabba
www.riverlife.com.au/ rock-climbing
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.
Victoria Park Golf Complex
3891 1031
www.laserforce.com.au
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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 offers an 18 hole golf course, late night
Adventure
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 0666
www.victoriaparkgolfcomplex. com
Queensland Maritime Museum South Brisbane Dry Dock, Stanly St, South Brisbane 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
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GETTING HEALTHY The key to a healthy life is the balance of a good diet and regular exercise. Increased fitness will improve your mood, give you energy and make it easier for you to focus on your study.
Finding a Gym Gyms can be a large expense so make sure you are committed before you sign a contract. More flexible 24/7 options are starting to open up and present better value if you can live without classes and swimming pools etc. Most universities also have gyms and offer their students reasonable rates.
Health Foods Many universities have health food stores on campus that present students with healthy options. They sell natural, organic products that are generally gluten free. Farmer’s markets are a great way of sourcing fresh fruit and vegetables. The farmers sell directly to you so you pay less than at the supermarket and get fresher produce.
Social Sport Available at sports and community centres across your city, you can start a team with your friends and play against other teams. The level of competition will vary depending on which league you play in. The lower leagues will be purely social while higher leagues may be more competitive. Common sports include indoor soccer, squash, netball, indoor cricket, tennis and volleyball.
Sports Clubs If you are more serious about your sport then you can join your university (or a local club) team. This will involve attending training and committing to playing games for the entire season. You must be registered at the start of the season and pay for the entire season in advance. They are a great way of meeting new people while keeping fit.
Yoga/Pilates There are various ways to get involved in yoga and pilates. Your local gym may have classes, there are plenty of specialist venues opening, outdoor sessions are often advertised or you could teach yourself from YouTube.
DAY TRIPS So you’ve 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 cafés 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 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 faint-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.
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. 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 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.
World Pass: $110 unlimited entry for 1 year or $90 for one visit www.dreamworld.com.au
Social Networks Brisbane’s free street press is a great way to stay on top of music, art and events around town. www.facebook.com/scene.streetpress
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 some of the outer parts of the state. There are plenty of great places to visit overnight or for a couple of days.
Stanthorpe
Springbrook National Park
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.
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, not the stars, 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.
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 cafés 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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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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North Stradbroke Island 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. The Point (Point Lookout) is home to the lighthouse and North Gorge Headland Walk, as well as tourist accommodation, 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.
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WILDLIFE Aside from its beautiful landscape, 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
Alma Park Zoo
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.
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).
3378 1366
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 Australia than snakes, sharks and salt water crocodiles.
Australia Zoo 1638 Steve Irwin Way, Beerwah Probably the most well-known 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
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Safety Tips 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.
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. Let it pull you out, swim around it and swim back in.
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!
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
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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 a range 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
North Kirra Beach
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!
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 cafés, 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. North Kirra is home to the Surf Life Saving championships and other water-based competitions.
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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
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the sun sets on Wednesdays and Fridays, the foreshore is lit up with markets featuring stalls 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 cafés just across the street.
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BACKYARD CRICKET RULES Many Aussie kids grew up playing this style of the ‘gentleman’s game’ in their backyard. The rules are slightly different to accommodate the lack of players and addition of obstacles. Sometimes new rules are made up on the spot.
One Hand One Bounce if it bounces once and you catch it with one hand, the batter is out!
Here is a list of things you will need:
The Bat
The Ball
The Bin
Bowler
If you want to know all t he rules of cricket go to: w ww.cricketrules.com
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Bowl the ball down the pitch at the stumps and try and hit them. If you do, the batter is out. Every six balls you switch bowler. This is called an ‘over’. You also need to draw a line (a crease) to indicate where you need to bowl from. Try not to step over this line when bowling.
6 and out If you hit it over the fence, you have to get it and you’re out! But you get 6 runs, so not all bad.
Automatic Keeper If you don’t have enough players for a wicket keeper, then you can play with an “auto wicky”- Any ball that is hit directly behind the stumps in the air is out!
Tippy Go If you hit it, you have to run!!
Batsman Protect your stumps! Hit the ball and run back and forth between the opposite stump. Every time you make it to the opposite stump, you get one run! Make sure you’re near a stump when the ball is collected and thrown back or else you could be run out.
Fielder When the batsman hits the ball you can either attempt to catch it (if you do then the batter is out), or fetch it and throw it back at the stump the batsman is running towards. If you hit that stump and the batsman is out of the safe zone (crease), then they have been ‘run out’ and you are awesome.
Wicket Keeper Be ready to catch the balls behind the stumps. Sometimes the batsman will hit it and it will still come towards you. Catch it, and they’re out! If the batter hits the ball and a fielder collects it, make sure you are standing next to the stump ready to catch the ball. If the batter is out of his crease, you can hit the stumps with the ball and get them out!
YOUTH HOSTELS I recently travelled along the east coast of Australia, and stayed in YHA hostels along the way. Below are some of the reasons I would recommend hostels over other accommodation options. By Aainaa Ab. Rahman.
Making Friends. The hostels were all really social places and I found it really easy to make new friends. With great lounge areas and group activities I always felt included. This made the whole experience more enjoyable and I have kept in contact with some of the people I met.
Saving Money Compared to other options I found hostels a cheap way of travelling. This allowed me to travel for longer, enjoy nights out and go for day trips. Not only was the accommodation cheaper but I could cook food in the kitchens so I didn’t have to always eat out. Often these meals became social events, particularly the barbecues, making it even cheaper and way more fun!
Going on Tours It was great to be able to explore by myself but I also enjoyed going on organised tours. I got to try activities I’d never experienced before and really enjoyed them all. These tours were often in places I would have become completely lost trying to find by myself. The tour guides were always super friendly with great knowledge but rubbish jokes!
Safe, Clean Accommodation I didn’t book expecting a 5 star hotel but I was really impressed how clean all the hostels were. Everything is set up so you don’t have to worry about anything, well apart from clean underwear! I always felt safe as well which allowed me to enjoy my travels even more. Everyone there is doing the same thing so there is a relaxed, comfortable atmosphere in the hostels.
Friendly Staff The staff at the hostels made the experience even better and were always willing to help out. They suggested a few activities to try and booked tours that I wanted to go on. One night a group of us wanted to have a night out so they told us all about the local bars and the different specials we could get.
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EXPERIENCE 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 in Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Perth and Brisbane. See our website for more details.
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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 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.
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 breathtaking harbours in the centre, the ability to buy almost anything you want, and some of the best beaches and scenery not far away.
Canberra
Adelaide Lonely Planet declared Adelaide was one of the top ten cities to visit in 2014. It’s a remarkable place, 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.
Hobart 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 cafés, bars and some stunning restaurants. With a population of around 200,000, this city is perfect for a leisurely getaway.
Canberra is the capital of Australia. It is 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 is 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.
Melbourne Known for its restaurant and café 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 cafés that showcase the urban culture.
Darwin
Brisbane The locals are friendly, the beaches are some of Australia’s best, and the weather is great all year round. Brisbane is one of the most relaxed places in Australia, with a real party culture. South of Brisbane is the Gold Coast, a great place to swim and surf. If you head north you’ll find stunning rainforest conditions and the Glasshouse Mountains.
This is the real Aussie outback, well known for it’s wildlife and beautiful natural flora. There are 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. Insider Guides recommends STA Travel for booking your trips around Australia, and YHA for booking hostels. www.statravel.com.au www.yha.com.au
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Thank You Insider Publishing would like to thank our Editors, Marleena Forward, Ellie Williams and Bridie Moran for their efforts. 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 very special thank you to our Head Editor Craig Riddell
INSiDeR
FOunDRy
These guides are a product of Insider Foundry www.insiderfoundry.com
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