Located in the southeastern corner of Queensland, Brisbane features many hills along the river. It is prone to floods because of its position on a low-lying floodplain, as well as the various rivers and creeks that cross through the city. Brisbane's climate is considered humid subtropical, which means residents experience hot summers and moderate winters with little to no precipitation during the winter months. Known for its sunshine, the city enjoys about 124 completely clear days per year, on average. That number more-than-doubles when you consider any day with sunshine.
Though cyclones are rare, the city does lie within the Tropical Cyclone risk area. Its distance from the coast makes it less of a risk, but it was affected by a cyclone in 2009, experiencing minimal indirect damage.
Employment in Brisbane
There are plenty of opportunities for work in Brisbane and its suburbs. Depending on your experience and passions, you can seek employment with the Tasmanian Government, in the events and entertainment industry or at the various universities in the region. The possibilities are endless, as the city's economy continues to grow, especially in areas such as technology, financial services, petroleum refining, paper milling and tourism.
A major business hub in Australia, many major companies call Brisbane home. Some big names in national companies include Suncorp-Metway Limited, Flight Centre, Credit Union Australia and Donut King. International businesses include Asia Pacific's Aerospace headquarters and DHL Global's Oceanic distribution warehouse. The Port of Brisbane is a large reason why these companies choose this location for their headquarters and distribution centres. It is widely considered the third most important port in Australia when it comes to value of goods.
FUN FACT: Brisbane experienced 283 days of full sunshine in 2013.
Cost of Living in Brisbane
The cost of living in Brisbane is much lower than that of Sydney. It is also less expensive than living in Melbourne and Perth. Like any other metropolitan area, the precise cost of living depends on which part of the city you want to reside. In simple terms, Brisbane is a very affordable city to live in, but residents must plan their budgets carefully. Luckily, rent or housing doesn't cost nearly as much as it would in large global cities like New York City.
Education in Brisbane
Popular universities located in Brisbane include the University of Queensland, Griffith University and Queensland University of Technology. There are several other multi-campus Queensland universities and colleges that have campuses located in Brisbane. The city is also home to several major technical and further education (TAFE) institutions, as well as the National Aboriginal Centre for the Performing Arts.
When it comes to primary and secondary schools, many of Brisbane's institutions operate under Education Queensland's jurisdiction. There are also various preschools and a large number of private schools that operate independently, including Lutheran, Roman Catholic and other Christian-based schools.
Culture and Activities in Brisbane
Even though Brisbane has a population of over two million, it is a relatively quiet city when compared to larger cities like Melbourne and Sydney. In fact, many people who move to Australia find Brisbane as a more welcoming environment. It's easier to settle in when a city's residents are friendly and warm, which is a quality Sydney and Melbourne sometimes lack. Many people in those areas keep to themselves and tend to have less time for each other.
In Brisbane, there is no shortage of activities to keep you busy. Looking for an outdoor adventure? Go check out the Brisbane River or take a bike ride through the City Botanic Gardens. You can also take a drive to the Sunshine Coast or the Gold Coast. If you like live music, Brisbane has a booming music scene. Grab dinner at a bistro or cafe and catch a show at a local club. Regardless of your preference, Brisbane will always give you something to do. The city and its surrounding area is full of beautiful landscapes, wildlife, music, food, wine and culture. Immerse yourself!