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2,780,063 (2024)

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UTC+10

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Port Essentials

Everything you need to know for your visit to Brisbane.

Cruise Terminal

Address 1 Cruise Terminal Dr, Pinkenba, QLD, 4008, Australia
Distance to CBD 21 km (13 miles)
Tender Required No
Walk Off/Shuttle Shuttle Required
Notes The Brisbane International Cruise Terminal is located near the Brisbane Airport and is accessible via Marine Road, which becomes Cruise Terminal Drive. It's a modern, two-story building with both indoor and outdoor areas.

General Information

Current Offset UTC+10
Daylight Saving Brisbane does not observe daylight saving time.
Primary Local Currency

Australian Dollar (AUD $).

Currency Conversions

Below we've listed some conversion rates for the Australian Dollar against popular international currencies. The exchange rates are based on 100 AUD, are refreshed once per day and were last updated on 20 Aug 2025

Currency Equivalent
USD 64.38
EUR 55.16
GBP 47.80
AUD 100.00
CAD 89.26
JPY 9465.13
CNY 461.71

To convert custom amounts, or to see the exchange rate of the Australian Dollar against different currencies, try our currency converter by clicking the button below.

Major credit cards such as Visa, Mastercard, and American Express are widely accepted in Brisbane. While Visa and Mastercard are almost universally accepted, American Express might not be accepted in some smaller locations or can incur an additional processing fee.

Tap-and-pay systems like Apple Pay and Google Pay are widely accepted. Contactless payments are common, including public transport and retail purchases.

Overall expectation Tipping is not customary in Brisbane, as workers receive a fair wage.
Weekdays 9:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Saturdays 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sundays 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Notes

Late Night Shopping:
On Fridays, some shops - particularly in major shopping areas like Queen Street Mall - stay open later, often until 9:00pm.

Supermarkets & Larger Retailers:
Many Coles, Woolworths, and other major retailers are generally open until 9:00pm Monday to Saturday, and until 6:00pm on Sundays.

Public Holidays:

  • Good Friday and Christmas Day: Most stores are closed.
  • Anzac Day (April 25): Limited hours; many open after 1:00pm.

Always check with individual stores or shopping centers for exact hours, especially around public holidays or special events.

Brisbane is well-connected when it comes to free public WiFi, making it easy for visitors to stay online across the city. The Brisbane City Council offers complimentary WiFi in many key areas, particularly within the CBD and nearby neighborhoods. You’ll also find free access at the following locations:

Public WiFi is great for maps, messaging, or finding places to eat - but avoid logging into sensitive accounts or accessing private information. Use a VPN if you need extra security.

PortQuest recommends Nomad eSIM

Whether you're checking maps, messaging friends, or booking last-minute tours, staying connected matters. That’s why we recommend Nomad eSIMs — one of the best travel eSIMs on the market (and we've tried a few!)

Nomad offers reliable, affordable data in over 100 countries, including most cruise ports. No physical SIM swap, no roaming surprises — just install and go.

Get a Nomad eSIM
Outlets Type I
Voltage 230V, 50Hz
Outlet and Plug
Electrical outlet

Transportation

Below is a list of common transport options for cruise ship visitors. We haven't included every possible choice — public transport, for example, is not listed since most visitors won't need it for a short, one-day stay.

Ride-share

Uber

Website: Click here.

E-Scooter

Beam

Website: Click here.

ElectriRide

Website: Click here.

Bike Rental

99 Bikes Brisbane CBD

Website: Click here.

Livelo

Website: Click here.

Epic Cycles

Website: Click here.

Taxi

13cabs

Website: Click here.

Phone: 13 2227

Black & White Cabs

Phone: 133 222

Silver Service Taxis

Website: Click here.

Phone: 133 100

Private Bus

Thompson Bus Services

Website: Click here.

Tic Tac Tours and Charters

Phone: 1300 842 822

Blue Diamond Transfers

Phone: 1300 615 165

Brisbane Bus Lines

Phone: (07) 3354 3633

Hughes

Phone: 1300 615 165

ABC Airport Transfers Brisbane Gold Coast Sunshine Coast Private Taxi

Phone: 0427 659 990

My Private Transfers
Esquire Transfers

Phone: +61 (0)75 609 8400

CoachHire

Phone: +61 (0)75 609 8400

E-Scooter and E-Bike

Lime

Website: Click here.

Motorcycle & Scooter Rentals

Nibble Bikes

Website: Click here.

Phone: 0435 064 450

Private Ferry

Amity Trader

Website: Click here.

Phone: 0414 668 187

Baroness Classic Charters

Phone: 1800 270 946

Brisbane offers a moderately walkable experience, especially in and around the city center. Neighborhoods like the CBD, South Bank, and Fortitude Valley are pedestrian-friendly, with cafes, parks and public transport all within easy reach.

That said, your experience in Brisbane can vary depending on where you are and what you're looking for. Here’s some things to keep in mind:

Terrain

Brisbane’s landscape can be hilly away from the river and inner-city flatlands.

Infrastructure

The city has made strides in pedestrian infrastructure - projects like the Green Bridges Program and the Bicentennial Bikeway are prime examples. But challenges remain. Over 6,000 local streets still lack footpaths, and some areas suffer from poor connectivity.

Urban Layout

Brisbane is geographically spread out, and once you venture beyond the inner suburbs, walking becomes less practical.

Accessibility

The Brisbane City Council provides a range of resources for those with mobility needs, including:

  • Accessibility guidelines for streets and footpaths
  • Disability parking info
  • A mobility map for navigating the city

Public transport is also designed with accessibility in mind, including low-floor buses, accessible train stations, and CityCats.

Climate Considerations

Brisbane's climate can be a challenge for walking, especially during hot and humid summer months. Make sure to have good sun protection (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen), and stay hydrated.

Brisbane offers a moderately walkable experience, especially in and around the city center. Neighborhoods like the CBD, South Bank, and Fortitude Valley are pedestrian-friendly, with cafes, parks and public transport all within easy reach.

That said, your experience in Brisbane can vary depending on where you are and what you're looking for. Here’s some things to keep in mind:

Terrain

Brisbane’s landscape can be hilly away from the river and inner-city flatlands.

Infrastructure

The city has made strides in pedestrian infrastructure - projects like the Green Bridges Program and the Bicentennial Bikeway are prime examples. But challenges remain. Over 6,000 local streets still lack footpaths, and some areas suffer from poor connectivity.

Urban Layout

Brisbane is geographically spread out, and once you venture beyond the inner suburbs, walking becomes less practical.

Accessibility

The Brisbane City Council provides a range of resources for those with mobility needs, including:

  • Accessibility guidelines for streets and footpaths
  • Disability parking info
  • A mobility map for navigating the city

Public transport is also designed with accessibility in mind, including low-floor buses, accessible train stations, and CityCats.

Climate Considerations

Brisbane's climate can be a challenge for walking, especially during hot and humid summer months. Make sure to have good sun protection (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen), and stay hydrated.

Safety & Health

Universal

Call 000

Notes: For all life-threatening emergencies requiring Police, Fire, or Ambulance.

Police (Non-Emergency)

Call 131 444

Notes: To report non-urgent incidents or make general police inquiries.

Ambulance (Non-Emergency)

Call 13 12 33

Notes: For non-emergency patient transport.

Poisons Information Centre

Call 13 11 26

Notes: For advice and information regarding poisonings or suspected poisonings.

Mental Health Access Line

Call 1300 642 255

Notes: Confidential mental health telephone triage service that provides the first point of contact to public mental health services.

State Emergency Service (SES)

Call 132 500

Notes: For assistance with flood, storm damage, and other similar emergencies.

Marine Rescue Queensland

Call 131 677

Notes: For assistance on the water.

Travel Safety Guidance for Australia

No official Smartraveller advisory for Australia.

Australia is a safe and stable country. Still, all travellers should stay alert and informed, especially regarding local conditions like bushfires, wildlife, and health alerts.

  • Use common sense and follow local laws and signage.
  • Check seasonal hazards like fires or flooding.
  • Stay aware of conditions when exploring regional or remote areas.

For more info, visit Australia’s official tourism safety guide.

Safe to drink? Yes
Precautions Brisbane tap water is generally considered safe to drink as it adheres to the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines. If you have any health concerns, contact Queensland Health Helpline on 13 HEALTH.


Weather

Monthly weather in Brisbane
°C °F
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Maximum Temp 29.1 28.7 27.5 25.4 22.7 20.5 20.4 22.2 24.4 25.9 27.7 28.6
Minimum Temp 21 20.8 19.9 16.8 13.6 11.3 10.3 10.8 13.3 15.8 18.2 19.8
Avg Rainfall (mm) 167 149 146 52 60 49 35 38 45 97 87 129
Avg Rainy Days 14 12 14 8 7 6 6 5 6 9 10 13
Daylight Hours 13.7 13 12.2 11.4 10.8 10.4 10.6 11.2 11.9 12.7 13.5 13.8
Avg UV Index 9.8 9.6 8.8 7.3 5.8 4.8 5.2 6.7 8.1 9 9.5 9.7

Best Time to Visit

Cruise ships usually just spend one precious day in port — and we want to help you make the most of it.

To give you the best chance of an enjoyable visit, we’ve created a custom “Best Time to Visit” score for each month, unique to each destination. The score is calculated using factors that are likely to matter the most:

  • Comfortable temperatures
  • Lower rainfall and fewer rainy days
  • More daylight hours
  • Moderate UV levels

Each score is based on historical monthly averages and adjusted for each port’s climate. We weight the above factors — for example, long daylight hours and fewer wet days matter more when you're only ashore for part of the day. That's also why no month gets a 10/10, as there's always a trade-off. For example, warmer weather and clear skies comes with higher UV (and more sweat!).

This chart isn't meant to suggest that a port is bad to visit outside the highest rated months — each season provides something memorable for each location. But if you’re deciding when to cruise, this will hopefully give you the best chance of having perfect weather on your visit.

Best Time To Visit

Temperature Chart

Monthly Max/Min Temperature Chart

Rainfall Chart

Monthly Rainfall & Rainy Days Chart

UV Index Chart

Monthly UV Index Chart

1–2: Low

3–5: Moderate

6–7: High

8–10: Very High

>10: Extreme



Tours & Experiences

Each tour you see below has been selected for cruise ship visitors. For example, each tour has Free Cancellation, as most of us have experiened the stress of trying to refund a tour when a port visit is cancelled or an itinerary changed on short notice. They're also no more than 6 hours in length, leaving you plenty of time to make dinner on the ship, or explore the port further on foot.

By booking through our links, you help support PortQuest and allow us to continue providing valuable content to enhance your port visits (at no extra cost to you).

Top Attractions

Discover the top attractions in Brisbane, selected for cruise passengers!

Streets Beach
4.9 (1075)
View Details
North Stradbroke Island (Straddie)
4.8 (663)
View Details
Story Bridge
4.8 (2456)
View Details
Kangaroo Point Cliffs Park
4.8 (2021)
View Details
City Botanic Gardens
4.8 (650)
View Details
Eagle Street Pier
4.8 (567)
View Details

PortQuest Picks

Our team has hand-selected these tours to showcase the best and most unforgettable experiences each port has to offer — ones we've either personally enjoyed or have at the top of our bucket list.

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Browse Tours

Brisbane Brewery Full Day Tour with Lunch
Brisbane Brewery Full Day Tour with Lunch

Book direct with Hop On Brewery Tours for the BEST price! Your educated, passionate guide will show you around four local craft beer breweries in Brisbane, and...

$139 USD (≈ 215 AUD)
6h 0m
5.0 (62)
Find out more
Ultimate Brisbane Walking Tour (Small-Group, Drink Included)
Ultimate Brisbane Walking Tour (Small-Group, Drink Included)

Discover the story of Brisbane on this expert-led small-group walking tour, while hitting all of the city’s main attractions. Perfect for those who have just ...

$50 USD (≈ 77 AUD)
3h 0m
5.0 (66)
Find out more
Gold Coast Full Day Brewery Tour
Gold Coast Full Day Brewery Tour

Book direct with us for the BEST price! Please note this tour takes place on the GOLD COAST (not Brisbane) and is a one-hour (approximately) train ride from B...

$139 USD (≈ 215 AUD)
6h 0m
5.0 (59)
Find out more
Best of Brisbane Walking Tour: local guide, snack, small group
Best of Brisbane Walking Tour: local guide, snack, small group

Experience the best of Brisbane while giving back to the local community. A portion of every ticket supports local causes through donations and our litter reduc...

$59 USD (≈ 92 AUD)
3h 0m
5.0 (50)
Find out more
Afternoon Brisbane Half-Day Brewery Tour
Afternoon Brisbane Half-Day Brewery Tour

Book direct for the BEST price and flexible options! Explore the local craft beer scene in and around Brisbane by getting behind the scenes at three microbrew...

$105 USD (≈ 164 AUD)
3h 30m
5.0 (36)
Find out more
Half Day Gold Coast Brewery Tour
Half Day Gold Coast Brewery Tour

Book direct on our website for the BEST deal!! Please note this tour takes place on the GOLD COAST (not Brisbane) and is a one-hour (approximately) train ride...

$105 USD (≈ 164 AUD)
3h 0m
5.0 (20)
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Kangaroos, mangroves and the ocean
Kangaroos, mangroves and the ocean

The Coastal Tour takes you to several different natural habitats with the chance to observe land and sea birds, mangroves, and kangaroos. We will visit Osprey ...

$133 USD (≈ 206 AUD)
6h 0m
5.0 (17)
Find out more
Brisbane City Walking Tour: local guide, small group, 100 mins
Brisbane City Walking Tour: local guide, small group, 100 mins

Experience Brisbane like never before on a small-group walking tour with a maximum of 8 people. Led by a passionate local guide, you'll explore iconic landmarks...

$36 USD (≈ 57 AUD)
1h 40m
5.0 (17)
Find out more
Brisbane Small Bars and Street Art Tour
Brisbane Small Bars and Street Art Tour

Visit some of Brisbane’s best small bars while discovering amazing street art with an expert. Perfect for solo travellers, couples, friends, non-drinkers, local...

$43 USD (≈ 67 AUD)
3h 0m
5.0 (17)
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Helicopter Tour - Sirromet Winery & Scenic Flight
Helicopter Tour - Sirromet Winery & Scenic Flight

Experience luxury with a private helicopter flight over Brisbane before landing in true VIP style at Sirromet. Located at the picturesque Mount Cotton, upon lan...

$325 USD (≈ 505 AUD)
3h 0m
5.0 (9)
Find out more
4 Hour Jetski Adventure from Brisbane to Moreton Bay
4 Hour Jetski Adventure from Brisbane to Moreton Bay

Join us for an amazing tour of the entire Brisbane River on the epic 4-hour adventure! Start in the lush jungle near the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary and make your...

$157 USD (≈ 244 AUD)
4h 0m
5.0 (9)
Find out more
Brisbane City Art and Design Walking Tour
Brisbane City Art and Design Walking Tour

We LOVE art. And Brisbane's ever changing art scene has something for everyone.  Take our private three-hour Art + Design Tour and get an up close introduction ...

$186 USD (≈ 289 AUD)
3h 0m
5.0 (7)
Find out more
Brisbane And Gold Coast Helicopter Pub Crawl 3 Stops
Brisbane And Gold Coast Helicopter Pub Crawl 3 Stops

Experience the best hand-picked pubs in the region while touring around the regions of Brisbane, Gold Coast, Moreton & Straddie Islands and the Scenic Rim The ...

$793 USD (≈ 1231 AUD)
4h 0m
5.0 (6)
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Brisbane Food Tour: A Taste of Queensland
Brisbane Food Tour: A Taste of Queensland

With everything from coffee to a seasonal lunch, as well as some delicious beers or wines, cocktails, and delectable nibbles along the way, this food tour will ...

$570 USD (≈ 886 AUD)
4h 30m
4.9 (10)
Find out more
6 Hours Brisbane Private Tour – Popular Sights in One Day
6 Hours Brisbane Private Tour – Popular Sights in One Day

Looking for what to do in Brisbane for a half day? Well, we have a fantastic tour for you! With a range of comfortable vehicles, your group will experience some...

$660 USD (≈ 1025 AUD)
5h 0m
5.0 (4)
Find out more
4 Hour Jetski Adventure to the Top of South Stradbroke Island
4 Hour Jetski Adventure to the Top of South Stradbroke Island

See more than ever before with this premium Jetski experience through the beautiful Gold Coast on our brand new Sea-Doo (Jetskis) equipped for long-range advent...

$157 USD (≈ 244 AUD)
4h 0m
5.0 (4)
Find out more
Brisbane City Highlights Sightseeing Tour
Brisbane City Highlights Sightseeing Tour

This is a great snap shot of our gorgeous city, with historical and factual information given by our friendly driver/guides. We will show the sunshine, our cit...

$116 USD (≈ 180 AUD)
5h 0m
5.0 (3)
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Helicopter Tour - Spicers Peak Lodge
Helicopter Tour - Spicers Peak Lodge

Experience luxury with a private helicopter flight from Brisbane to Spicer's Peak Lodge. Elevated over 1km of the picturesque Maryvale, you will have up to two ...

$494 USD (≈ 768 AUD)
3h 0m
5.0 (3)
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Pumicestone Chase
Pumicestone Chase

Ride the entire length of the Pumicestone Passage Marine Park from Bribie Island to Caloundra. It's a four hour extravaganza - discovering the magic of Pumicest...

$279 USD (≈ 433 AUD)
4h 0m
5.0 (2)
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Brisbane Insights 4 Hour Tour
Brisbane Insights 4 Hour Tour

Experience Brisbane's vibrant mix of history, nature, and city life on this comprehensive 4-hour driving tour. We'll journey across iconic landmarks like the St...

$75 USD (≈ 116 AUD)
4h 0m
5.0 (1)
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Brisbane Local Icons Tour
Brisbane Local Icons Tour

Enjoy a lunch full of Brisbane’s local icons, from iconic buildings, restaurants, and bars to local iconic ingredients. This tour will take you on a historic jo...

$237 USD (≈ 368 AUD)
3h 45m
4.8 (4)
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Springbrook, Natural Arch & Numinbah Valley + Hot Air Balloon with Breakfast
Springbrook, Natural Arch & Numinbah Valley + Hot Air Balloon with Breakfast

We are the only Hot Air Balloon Company with a 5 Star Champagne Buffet Breakfast, that can combine this unique package with a Full Day Springbrook Tour. Come ...

$302 USD (≈ 469 AUD)
6h 0m
4.0 (1)
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Brisbane River Cruise with entry to Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary
Brisbane River Cruise with entry to Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary

See Australia’s amazing animals on a day trip to Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary from Brisbane. Your river cruise takes you from the bustling waterfront of Southbank ...

$76 USD (≈ 118 AUD)
5h 30m
4.7 (1336)
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South Bank Combo Pass
South Bank Combo Pass

Three of Brisbane's most notable operator have joined forces to create the SOUTH BANK COMBO PASS.  • River City Cruises • The Wheel of Brisbane • The Ploug...

$71 USD (≈ 110 AUD)
3h 10m
4.6 (38)
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Brisbane Cruise To Lunch Package
Brisbane Cruise To Lunch Package

Aboard the boat, the sights will be accompanied by informative commentary about the region as well as a morning tea to satisfy your on board cravings. The morni...

$63 USD (≈ 98 AUD)
3h 30m
4.7 (412)
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Brisbane Travel Map

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Legend

  • Terminal icon Cruise Terminal
  • Restaurant icon Restaurants
  • Bar/Pub icon Bars & Pubs
  • Hospital icon Hospitals (Emergency)
  • Pharmacy icon Pharmacies
  • Attraction icon General Attractions
  • Museum/Gallery icon Museums & Galleries
  • Zoo icon Zoos