Relaxed, sunny and vibrant, Brisbane is the city that most reflects an outsider’s idea of Aussie life. Often compared to Melbourne and Sydney – Australia’s biggest and best-known cities – Brisbane has carved out its own identity, tapping into its perennially sunny and warm weather and a more carefree vibe, but increasingly with great bars, clubs and riverside arts venues in tow. While the Queensland capital was once seen as a stop-over, now you’d be hard-pressed not to stay on, with an abundance of whisky bars, boutique hotels and buzzing riverside arts venues like the Powerhouse , QPAC and QAGOMA , the latter hosting the renowned Asia-Pacific Triennial .
Brisbane’s skyline and river at twilight Credit: iStock Brisbane’s South Bank – unlike the Yarra’s in Melbourne – also boasts outdoor swimming spots, as well as a climate where that is actually viable. And the city’s biggest cultural celebration, the Brisbane Festival, brings everyone together with a series of must-see events. Home to renowned institutions including the University of Queensland (UQ), Queensland University of Technology (QUT) and Griffith University, Brisbane also boasts a range of student-friendly suburbs.
Here’s a guide to the best areas for students to live and what makes them appealing. ST LUCIA Home to the University of Queensland, St Lucia is a prime spot for anyone wanting to be a short walk or bike ride away from lectures, libraries and jacaranda-lined campus strolls. This leaf.
