Brisbane, Australia

What do I need to know about living in Brisbane?

When we asked people what advice they would give someone preparing to move to Brisbane, they said:

"Do your research and be clear on what you're looking for. Brisbane can offer you an easy, laid-back lifestyle, with lots of outdoor living. Blue skies are the norm, winters are warm and dry and the worst humidity and storms of summer only last about 4 months. It's very live-able. People are largely friendly and relaxed, and there's a slow pace. You're further away from the sea - and good beaches - than you may expect, though there's plenty along both coasts to explore. There's some beautiful scenery and nature walks, on numerous day drives. That said, if you're looking for high culture and a sophisticated, cosmopolitan centre, it's probably not for you. Attitudes can be very old school, customer service is a rare thing - the downside of the laid-back vibe - and many people have never travelled outside of their state, let alone Australia. It's a developing city and it hasn't quite caught up to itself yet. Whatever you decide, it's what you make of it - expect culture shock and roll with it," added another expat who made the move to Brisbane.

Expat Health Insurance in Australia

William Russell's private medical insurance will cover you and your family wherever you may be. Whether you need primary care or complex surgery, you'll have access to the best hospitals & doctors available. Unlike some insurers, we also include medical evacuation and mental health cover in our plans (except SilverLite). Get a quote from our partner, William Russell.
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How do I meet people in Brisbane?

When we asked people living in Brisbane about club and activities where newcomers can meet others, they responded:

"If you've got kids, you're automatically going to meet people through childcare services; ditto work. Otherwise, join sports clubs - sport are huge here - and make sure you introduce yourself locally to neighbours. We've found ours very welcoming," added another expat who made the move to Brisbane.

William Russell's private medical insurance will cover you and your family wherever you may be. Whether you need primary care or complex surgery, you'll have access to the best hospitals & doctors available. Unlike some insurers, we also include medical evacuation and mental health cover in our plans (except SilverLite). Get a quote from our partner, William Russell.

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William Russell's private medical insurance will cover you and your family wherever you may be. Whether you need primary care or complex surgery, you'll have access to the best hospitals & doctors available. Unlike some insurers, we also include medical evacuation and mental health cover in our plans (except SilverLite). Get a quote from our partner, William Russell.

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Will I be able to find a job in Brisbane?

When we asked people about industries and career opportunities in Brisbane, they reponded:

"I'm not aware of any stand-out industries, but there is masses of development going on - when we arrived in May 08, 1,200 people were arriving every week - so construction is big. There's heaps of ongoing housing development and the State Govt is ploughing serious money into transport infrastructure, to keep the economy turning over during the GFC. Beyond that, it's the usual office / corporate / retail sectors..," added another expat in Brisbane.

What is life like in Brisbane?

When we asked people living in Brisbane what life is like and how people spend their time, they said:

"Brisbane's a pretty laid back, low-stress city. Work doesn't seem to be the number one priority - that's lifestyle and sport, especially sport," remarked another expat living in Brisbane, Australia.

What do expats in Brisbane appreciate most about the local culture?

"Not the culture but the country is beautiful and the wild life, birds, plants, trees, flowers are amazing. The fact we are no more than an hour from a beach," said another expat in Brisbane.

"The nature! Beautiful flowers everywhere, butterflies, birds, exotic wildlife, pools, sunny days, botanical gardens, good coffee. a gorgeous country," added another expat who made the move to Brisbane.

"The sun, blue skies and the outdoor lifestyle. Having a pool. Growing tropical plants and fruits. Having parrots in neighbouring trees. Living in thongs," explained one expat living in Brisbane, Australia.

What do expats find most challenging?

"The people. Not nearly as friendly as their reputation implies. I have found the majority of people in Brisbane to be rude, superficial, and occasionally nasty. Very close minded and prejudiced. There seems to be a general feeling of apathy towards strangers. People don't help each other out and don't seem to care. Lack of manners. Poor sense of community," commented one expat who made the move to Brisbane.

"People's attitudes - very different to what I've been used to, and I still struggle. The majority of people in QLD have never left their state, let alone the country, yet it's regularly and loudly touted as the best country in the world. Immigrants are viewed with suspicion and there's a borderline aggressive nationalism. Image, money and coming first is everything, whatever anyone tells you about Aussie's laidback nature... Yep, I'm definitely still in the rejection of culture stage!," remarked another expat living in Brisbane, Australia.

Is there a lot of diversity? Are people in Brisbane accepting of differences?

"There is diversity here - racial, cultural, religious - but less than the other centres, and I think attitudes are less enlightened. Brisbane's often quoted as a country town that's exploded in size, and we've definitely seen that... I think attitudes here can be quite entrenched," remarked another expat who made the move to Brisbane.

Expat Health Insurance in Australia

William Russell's private medical insurance will cover you and your family wherever you may be. Whether you need primary care or complex surgery, you'll have access to the best hospitals & doctors available. Unlike some insurers, we also include medical evacuation and mental health cover in our plans (except SilverLite). Get a quote from our partner, William Russell.
GET A QUOTE