Welcome to Brisbane – a City Where Sustainability Meets Subtropical Charm!
Named Australia's Most Sustainable City in 2014 and 2016, Brisbane became the first Australian city in 2023 to be awarded a gold certification in the United Nations Habitat’s Sustainable Development Goals Cities program. The city continues to lead by example.
Both Brisbane City Council and the Brisbane Economic Development Agency (BEDA) are certified carbon neutral with Climate Active, actively driving initiatives to reduce emissions, support biodiversity, and create a greener urban environment.
Whether you walk along the river, explore native ecosystems, or enjoy local food, you will find that Brisbane offers countless opportunities to connect with the city’s commitment to environmental responsibility, perfectly aligned with the values of the Society for Conservation Biology community.
Here is information to help you get around Brisbane, practical tips for navigating the city, and ways to enjoy the food, activities, natural beauty, and diversity that Brisbane offers during your stay.
Arriving in Brisbane
Visa
To visit Australia you will need a visa. For citizens of some countries, this is a very easy undertaking, but for others, it's a little more involved and will cost money. Make sure you check early which visa you require to attend the conference here.
We have arranged for visa assistance here.
International Arrivals
Welcome to Australia! Before you get to enjoy the sunshine, please take note of Australia's strict quarantine and customs laws:
Declare everything: Food, plant material, wooden items, soil, animal products, and more. If in doubt, declare it.
Incomplete or incorrect customs forms can result in fines or detention.
For details, visit the Australian Border Force
SIM Cards
Alternatively, obtain an eSIM card. More information here.
Make sure your phone is unlocked to successfully use a local SIM card.
Money
Prices
Australia is a relatively expensive country. Some things might be cheaper than in your home country, but more often than not, food and drinks may be more expensive. Plan for this to make sure you have sufficient funds while you are here.
Currency Exchange
In Australia, you will need to pay with Australian Dollars (AUD). While there are exchange booths at Brisbane International Airport, you might want to choose a different option since the airport can be around 10% higher than outlets in the city centre.
Your other options are ordering cash from your bank at home or using your credit/debit card at bank machines in Australia. Bank machines in Australia are called ATMs (Automatic Teller Machines) and you can find them everywhere. They take major cards.
You can use debit/credit cards to pay for almost everything—most places accept contactless payments, even for small items like coffee or snacks. Some places may not accept cash. Hence, you may not need to get cash at all.
Typically Australians do not tip, for anything, unless you get exceptional service at a fancy restaurant. Furthermore, taxes are not added to your bill after the fact – so the price you see is the price you pay.
Transportation
Airtrain Reservations
You can travel seamlessly between Brisbane Airport and the city centre using the Airtrain. To book your tickets or for any inquiries, visit their official website. Airtrains operate daily, with services running every 15 minutes during peak times and every 30 minutes during off-peak periods. Or you can simply use your credit card to tap in and off the train when you arrive without booking.
As a delegate you are entitled to 25% discount on return fares with Airtrain. We will send you the discount code over email before the start of the conference.
The train into the city is expensive (unlike all other routes). If there are two or more of you, consider an Uber or Taxi.
Public Transport: 50-Cent Fares and Payment Methods
Brisbane offers a flat rate of 50 cents for public transport across all zones and modes on the Translink network, including buses, trains, ferries, and trams.
This fare applies to payments made via GoCard, which you can purchase at the airport, news agencies, and convenience stores. You can also use contactless debit/credit cards and paper tickets.
To pay using your contactless card or device (e.g., Apple Pay), simply tap on the station pink pay points at train stations and ferries or the readers inside buses and trams at the start, and tap off at the end of your journey.
Make sure you remember to tap off. Missing this crucial step will result in a $10 fee. Ensure you use the same card or device for both actions to be charged correctly.
For more details, visit Translink's 50-cent fares page and their FAQ page.
Bus and Train Schedules
Translink provides comprehensive bus and train schedules to help plan your journeys. Utilise their journey planner for real-time information and to map out your routes. You can use “Maps” or “Google Maps” to plan your journey and find out when the next public transport arrives.
Travel to UQ and the Convention Centre
The University of Queensland (UQ) and the Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre are accessible via public transport:
Catch a bus from a nearby stop directly to UQ's St Lucia campus. Use Translink's journey planner for specific routes and times or find more information here.
The Convention Centre is easily accessible by bus and train. Exit at South Brisbane Train Station.
Taxis, Uber, and Ola
Taxis can be found everywhere in the city. Call 13Cabs on 13 2227 or Black and White Cabs on 13 3222
For Uber and Ola download or use the apps you have already installed.
Electric Scooters and Bicycles
Lime provides electric bikes and scooters for rent all around Brisbane. Find out more here, and download the app.
Activities
Running Track: South Bank to Kangaroo Point
For running enthusiasts, there are numerous scenic running routes available. One of these tracks runs from the Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre at South Bank, along the Brisbane River, and across to Kangaroo Point. This route offers stunning city views and passes iconic landmarks. Find more information here.
Yoga and Pilates
Brisbane boasts many yoga and Pilates studios catering to various styles and experience levels. Many offer casual classes suitable for visitors. Check for local listings near your accommodation.
The Core Plus West End is an 8-minute walk from the Convention Centre.
Sports Facilities with Casual Access
Your accommodation may have sports facilities. If it doesn’t, there are lots of options.
The Goodlife Health Club has multiple locations and provides short-term access options. The West End Club is a 9-minute walk from the Convention Centre
Check for other fitness clubs here.
Sightseeing and Excursions
South Brisbane and South Bank
The area around the Convention Centre hosts many of Brisbane's cultural and entertainment opportunities, such as the Queensland Museum, the Museum of Modern Arts, the Queensland Performing Arts Centre, as well as a parkland installation with the Wheel of Brisbane, a Nepal Peace Pagoda (which still remains from the Expo in 1988), and a free pool landscape. The area holds regular arts and crafts markets and free live music events. Check out Visit Brisbane for more information.
You can find a full list of Brisbane's 40+ museums here.
Ferry to North Stradbroke Island
Experience the natural beauty of North Stradbroke Island by taking a ferry from Cleveland, accessible via train from Brisbane's city centre. While not directly departing from the city, the journey is worthwhile for a day trip or overnight stay. For ferry schedules and bookings, visit Stradbroke Ferries and Stradbroke Flyer Water Taxis. Find more information about Stradbroke Island here.
Dining and Entertainment
Affordable Dining Options
Websites like The Urban List provide curated guides to Brisbane's dining scene, highlighting both high-quality and budget-friendly restaurants. Exploring these resources can lead you to some of the city's culinary gems.
LGBTQ+ Friendly Venues
Brisbane is home to a vibrant LGBTQ+ community with numerous bars, clubs, and events catering to diverse interests. Areas like Fortitude Valley and West End are known for their inclusive and welcoming establishments. Find more information here.
Brisbane Botanic Gardens Mount Coot-tha: Features a diverse range of plant life and panoramic city views.
Story Bridge Adventure Climb
Climb the Story Bridge, one of Brisbane’s 16 bridges, and enjoy the view across the city. Rain or shine, the climb is always open, just make sure you book early here.
Events During June 14–22, 2025
Brisbane hosts many events throughout the year. To discover what's happening during your stay, check local event listings and tourism websites closer to the date for the most up-to-date information. You can get started here.
TimeOut has a comprehensive listing of restaurants and cafes, attractions, things to do and places to visit.
Practical Information
Weather
July is winter in the southern hemisphere, and generally one of the coldest months of the year. Luckily, Brisbane is located in the subtropics, so winter is very mild. In fact, it may appear to you like summer.
Generally, days get quite warm with temperatures around the low- to mid-20°C, but nights can be chilly with temperatures down to 5°C. Winter is also the dry season in Queensland, so a warm jacket or sweater may be more prudent than a rain jacket.
Electrical Outlets and Voltage
Australia operates on a 230V supply voltage with Type I power outlets. Visitors from countries with different standards, such as Japan, USA, and Canada (120V), will need a voltage converter and a plug adapter to use their devices safely. Most modern laptops and smartphones are designed for dual voltage. You can find more information here.
You can either bring adapters or buy them at the airport and in some convenience stores.
Reusables
Please bring your own reusable shopping bags, water bottles, metal straws, and coffee cups to reduce waste.
There are water fountains everywhere, tap water is safe to drink.
Please bring your own reusable shopping bags, water bottles, straws, cutlery, and
Groceries
In Australia, the major supermarket chains are Coles or Woolworths, with smaller stores called IGA and Aldi. Convenience stores like 7-Eleven are distributed across Brisbane. The major supermarkets have a large range of groceries, from food to stationary. The smaller ones still have a good range of products, but they may not offer the specific brands you're looking for.
Animals
Australia's fauna has a reputation that it is out to kill you... that is not true! Snakes and spiders are very rare visitors, and dangerous sharks are uncommon in Queensland waters. While you are in Brisbane, the most likely place you will encounter a crocodile is at the Australia Zoo, and although possums make terrible noises, they are harmless. In fact, the most likely animal attack you will encounter in Australia is swooping birds in spring.
In the extremely unlikely event that you encounter a snake or a spider, just leave them alone. Do not try to touch them or remove them. Wheelchair access
Emergency and Safety
Police, Fire and Ambulance: 000
A Few Safety Tips
Australia is a pretty safe country, but as anywhere in the world, please take caution at night. Please don't walk around alone after dark.
While the road rules in Australia are very similar to other western countries, it is important that you always check the road situation before crossing it. Remember to look to the right first!
Plenty of pedestrian crossings and crossing lights help you pass a road, please use them. Only cross after you make sure that the cars are going to stop, and only cross at a green pedestrian light.
If you cycle, use the many bike lanes provided. When no bike lane is available, you can use the left side of the road.
Wear a helmet if you cycle! It is illegal not to in Brisbane and fines apply.
Swimming in the Brisbane River is not advised - there are sharks, dangerous water hazards, and numerous high-speed ferries all along the river. To explore the river by kayak, book here.