Brisbanes central areas are very hard on cars. As if the high insurance and petrol costs were not enough, parking is super expensive - A$25 and more for a single day. For this reason, it is adviseable to take advantage of the widely available public transport infrastructure.

Public Transport

Brisbanes public transport is operated by translink. Since public transport is also quite expensive, a gocard, which reduces fares to a still high, but acceptable level is adviseable. It can be bought on any CityCat or CityFerry. Buses operate fairly reliable (albeit not often on time), and end quite early. Relying on buses to get home after the party has proven to be quite a journey.

CityCat, CityFerry and CityHopper

On Brisbane River, ferries travel up and down the river every 20 minutes. The CityCat is the fastest one with the biggest range, until the University Of Queensland St. Lucia campus. CityFerries and CityHoppers service a similar area around the CBD.

All services are mostly on time, with the CityCat being the most expensive way to get around, a single journey may cost up to A$5.60. CityFerries operate at lower cost, but are still hefty with A$3 for trip from one station to the other.

For this reason, the CityHopper is very popular, since it operates for free, servicing similar areas as the CityFerry. But it also operates less often than the CityFerry. During peak hours, CityHoppers often reach their capacity and will not take on any more passengers.

CityCycles

In the inner parts of Brisbane, i.e. CBD, South Bank, Westend and Kangaroo Points you can hire bikes for short trips at stations. After paying an initial subscription fee, the system allows you to use the bikes for free for 30 minutes - any minute more will cost you!. If you happen to work and live around the areas of operation, you should definitely check it out.

Buses

They are a fast way to get around - if they are on time. For Lukas..? :D

Trains

Are a good way to travel medium distances, since they operate reliable and are reasonably priced. A trip from Brisbane central to Gold Coast, which is about 100km, takes around two hours and costs between A$11 and A$14 (with gocard).