Brisbane: the Florida of Australia

I spent years living in Florida traveling across the state and seeing the cities but also swamps and farm land.

It is my first time visiting Brisbane. If no one told me I was there, I would have guessed Florida.

Flat, wet land
Blue skies followed by minor rain
Glorious sunshine, but extreme heat
Beautiful sandy beaches with families
Mix of commercial use and residential including town homes, hotel-sponsored residences, and luxury hotels
Men with 80’s mustaches and mullets, although Australia seems to embrace that compared to the States
Many people have tattoos
Construction everywhere

Main difference is there is affordable, public transport in Brisbane. We took ferrys for $1 AUS (there and back). Trains are under $10. Also, we took a 1-2 hour train to the Gold Coast which cost under $5. The trains and ferrys use tap with credit card. They are rolling it out to all the buses. There is investment worth hundreds of millions in refurbishment, new commercial buildings, and brand new business district subway. Two great spots are south bank with museums and open beach-like pool and riverside near Fellons Brewery on the way to Fortitude Valley which has a lot of nightlife.

I fully recommend visiting due to ease and it being a smaller market but still lots to do.