Travel Guide to Australia – Brisbane and Sydney

Sydney is an exquisite and vibrant city that attracts visitors from across the world, thanks to its picturesque waterfront setting and architectural marvels that make it such an incredible destination.

Families will love exploring Sydney’s kid-friendly beaches, zoos, aquariums and Tangalooma Wrecks on Moreton Island.

Brisbane may not be as popular among families, but there are still several kid-oriented attractions and activities here.

Cost of Living

Australia is well known for its high living standards; however, these luxuries come at a cost. An Australian family of four typically incurs expenses totaling AUD 6000 each month in rent/mortgage payments, food expenses, child care/healthcare fees, transportation and leisure activities expenses.

Brisbane offers more cost-effective lifestyle than Sydney when it comes to daily expenses. Grocery and dining out costs tend to be cheaper, while public transport has lower fares that make traveling less costly; one meal in Sydney might cost AUD 35-60 while one would only cost 14-18 in Brisbane. Utilities costs are also significantly reduced here.

Beaches

Australia is a land of beaches, offering visitors both water sports enthusiasts and beachgoers plenty of sandy shores for relaxation in Brisbane and Sydney.

Raby Ray Foreshore Park in coastal Cleveland is less than 40 minutes’ drive from Brisbane city and merits a day trip from there to explore it thoroughly. It features child-friendly swimming and kayaking opportunities along a sheltered beach, while its clear waters can allow visitors to spot dolphins.

Surfers looking to hone their craft can visit Woorim Ocean Beach, which serves as the nearest patrolled beach to Brisbane city limits. Moreton Island protects this beach, making it suitable for beginners looking to improve their surfing.

Hiking Trails

NSW offers an abundance of natural features, from remote beaches to wildflower meadows and an illustrious Aboriginal cultural history. It is an ideal destination for family visits with sandy trails, rocky outcrops and tranquil creekside camping all available nearby.

The Great North Walk is a multi-day journey that combines scenic walking along the coastline with views of city skylines and country villages, plus small-town charm. Along its trail you’ll encounter diverse scenes and wildlife such as Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park and Brisbane Water National Park, both offering amazing experiences along the way.

Nightlife

Brisbane nightlife is vibrant, dynamic and ever-evolving. While many associate Brisbane with second rate nightlife offerings, its bar and club scene has quietly expanded over time.

Los Angeles is an eclectic city where bustling bars and grungy-chic music halls co-exist with relaxed brunch cafes and cozy Chinatown eateries, hip craft beer bars and rooftop cocktail lounges provide lively nightlife options, while boutique artisan shops and art galleries add cultural appeal.

Rambla serviced apartments located in the heart of Barcelona allow guests to fully embrace its vibrant scene without the worry of pre-planned transportation arrangements. Thanks to a comprehensive public transport system and rideshare services that make navigating between venues simple.

Shopping

Do not miss the sunny Queensland capital’s tropical setting on a shopping spree – indulge in premium international designer brands in gleaming malls, discover Australian talent at heritage arcades and discover charming independent boutiques in laneways!

Nadia recommends Kirribilli Market for unique fashion finds, while Brisbane’s central district features shopping precincts such as Wintergarden and QueensPlaza. Fortitude Valley also features boutiques in fully restored Victorian terrace houses specializing in emerging local designers like Viktoria & Woods and Venroy.

Australia’s capital city offers an impressive variety of department stores, such as the iconic QVB. Discover luxury wares on Queen Street or check out local designers at boutiques such as Green Tangerine.

Public Transport

Brisbane boasts an extensive public transport system, making travel convenient and accessible by bus, train and ferry. Use the Journey Planner to plan your route before purchasing a Go Card to easily switch modes of transport; top it up at retailers or fare machines located across Brisbane city.

Take the City Loop or Spring Hill Loop bus service in the city centre for free, while for sightseeing purposes hop aboard one of several ferries traversing its picturesque river system such as CityCat or other ferry boats.

Digital tools are helping people abandon their cars through innovative customer experiences and multimodal route suggestions, including walking paths, micromobility options such as e-scooters and shared bikes, rideshare pickup locations and ridesharing pickup locations.