Sitting on the banks of the Brisbane River, the buzzing city of Brisbane once had a reputation for being just that little bit dull. But not anymore. Despite being smaller in stature in both size and population than its better-known neighbours Sydney and Melbourne, this vibrant city boasts some incredible attractions. The weather never drops below 10 degrees, even in winter, and the cool riverside breezes provide respite from the summer heat. Alongside its balmy climate, Brisbane is also blessed with excellent transport links making this small but perfectly formed city a breeze to get around. With a plethora of cultural pursuits and excellent entertainment and nightlife, it’s not surprising Brisbane has become an expat hotspot, with over 200 different nationalities making up the diverse population of the city.
Emigrating to Brisbane: A summary of the culture, entertainment, buying property, the economy, and education
Culture in Brisbane
Brisbane has successfully thrown off its formerly dull reputation and is now renowned for its’ eclectic cultural richness. There is something here for everyone and the city prides itself on its culture and arts scene. The National Rugby League is huge here, with everyone having an opinion on the latest match and players. The beautiful people descend for Brisbane Fashion Week every October, with glamorous parties and events lighting up the night. Festivals are big here too and Ekka, a ten-day event filled with rides and food stalls, even has its own public holiday. Cricket aficionados are spoilt for choice at The Gabba where numerous international fixtures take place regularly, and the city’s rugby following means a showing of the latest NRL match shouldn’t be too hard to find. The city isn’t short on free activities too, whether it’s hitting up the Street Beach to checking out one of the fascinating museums in Moreton Bay. For something a little slower, relaxing in one of the city’s numerous parks could be just the ticket.
Food & Drink in Brisbane
There are so many bars and restaurants to choose from you may spend most of the evening trying to decide where to head. Fortitude Valley is Brisbane’s premier entertainment centre, filled with everything from cocktail lounges to jazz clubs. There are also plenty of food choices, from a light lunch at one of Eagle Street Pier’s precinct cafés, to a quick bite from a local food truck, or an indulgent evening meal at one of the city’s numerous top restaurants.
Property in Brisbane
Brisbane has many desirable homes to both to buy and rent, and the diverse mix of properties here is a big draw. House prices come in at almost half that of Sydney, and although rental prices within the CBD can be pricey, Brisbane is still a lot cheaper than Sydney. You can take your pick from the diverse Brisbane lifestyles on offer with each area having its own distinct vibe; from the family-friendly quiet of Bardon or historic Ascot to the trendy, hipster vibe of Paddington.
Economy in Brisbane
Brisbane boasts a thriving economy, with excellent growth observed across various industries, and the unemployment rate hovering at just below 6%. Clean energy and manufacturing are currently experiencing the biggest growth and the average weekly household income is around 1,400 AUD. Living in Brisbane is very much a bargain compared to the sky-high prices of Sydney and Melbourne.
Education in Brisbane
The city has more than 500 schools, with two-thirds of those being public schools. Residents from a non-English speaking background are easily able to find support through the Education Queensland International programmes. Brisbane is also home to world-class higher education establishments, such as the University of Queensland and the Queensland University of Technology.
Brisbane is a beautiful city with a vibrant, eclectic, culture and a top quality of life. This most diverse city, with its thriving community spirit and booming economy, is a top choice when searching for your new home.
Find out about emigrating to Australia and skilled migration to Australia by speaking with one of our registered Australian Migration Agents today.