Living in Brisbane, Australia

What is life in Brisbane like?

In this interview, Lanie, who calls Brisbane home now, shares her story, practical tips and the pros and cons of living in Brisbane.

This interview is part of the Ask an Expat series. In this series, I interview people living all over the world but outside of their home country. I try to help paint an honest picture of the ups and downs of life abroad, share tips about moving to the place the expat now calls home, and information about what to see and do here.

Name: Lanie van der Horst
Age: 41
Hometown: Clearwater, Florida, USA

Her Story:

”I met my husband in 2008 while traveling through Europe. I was a teacher in New York and spent my summers traveling. He is Australian.

We spent the next few years traveling together off and on before getting married, having kids, and moving back to my hometown.

When the pandemic started, we were living in Florida where my husband was an essential worker. The kids were participating in an online school, which neither of them enjoyed. My husband suggested a move to Australia, at least temporarily. We hadn’t seen his family in 3 years.”

Why Did You Move to Brisbane?

”My husband is from Victoria, but his family lives in Queensland. We originally moved to Cooroy, where his parents are, but the town is much too small for me.

Brisbane is 1.5 hours away from Cooroy so it is still close enough for the kids to see their grandparents often. And my husband’s siblings live in Brisbane.”

What Do You Like About Living in Brisbane?

”My favorite thing about Brisbane is how easy it is to get to both the beach and the mountains. We can do a day trip easily.

I am also happy to live in a city again. I lived in Brooklyn, NY for 11 years and missed being able to easily walk and take public transportation to shops and restaurants.”

What Do You Dislike About Living in Brisbane?

”While it is a city, and the 3rd largest city in Australia, Brisbane is small.

I know it isn’t fair to compare it to New York City, but I always do.

The weather is another thing I dislike about living in Brisbane, though that is just during the summer season. It is hot and humid in Brisbane during the summer, plus most of the autumn and spring.

I do love Brisbane in winter.”

Also Read: Things to Consider Before Moving to Another Country

Is Brisbane Safe as a Place to Live?

”I feel safe living in Brisbane.

The area we live in is actually not considered one of the safest neighborhoods in Brisbane, but I have never felt unsafe here.

I generally feel safer here where guns aren’t common.”

Is Brisbane Expensive as a Place to Live?

”I guess it depends on what you compare it to.

Life in Brisbane is definitely cheaper than in New York City. And it’s also a bit cheaper than living in Sydney or Melbourne.

In general though, Australia isn’t a cheap country to live in.

Housing is expensive, especially if you want to live in a more central area.

Numbeo’s cost of living index gives some useful information about the costs of different things in Brisbane.”

What Is Your Favorite Thing to Do in Brisbane?

I enjoy discovering new neighborhoods and walking along the river.

Brisbane has beautiful parks to wander through as well, and there are ebikes and escooters available to ride.

I started a blog when we moved here, and I enjoy finding new adventures to write about.”

What Is Your Favorite Place to Hang Out in Brisbane?

”We don’t eat out much in Brisbane, especially as much as I would like!

Moving is expensive, as is going through the process of permanent residency/citizenship.

I do enjoy going for breakfast at Halo Ground, getting to-go bakery items from Agnes Bakery and Sprout, bubble tea from Machi Machi Brisbane, and meals at LUCHA Kitchen and Bar.”

What Is the Expat / International Community Like in Brisbane?

”My kids’ school is filled with international students. There are families there from all over the world, as well as local Australian families.

It has been a great experience for my kids to not only make friends and interact with kids from so many countries and cultures, but also for them to see that lots of families move.

I am a part of a few Facebook groups for Americans living in Brisbane, Queensland, and Australia, though I have yet to attend any meet-ups. I do get advice there on where to find items that I miss from the States, the best American restaurants, and any changing news about returning to the US.”

Any Tips for Moving To / Living in Brisbane?

”While Brisbane City is small, the suburbs spread out, so visit before you decide where to move. We did not do very much research but are happy with where we live knowing that it is temporary.

I suggest bringing anything you think you may miss from home as it is a lot harder to order things online here.

Amazon works in Australia, but the prices are usually higher, especially for shipping.”

Also Read: 10 Things You Need to Know Before Moving to Australia

Any Resources You Found Useful During the Process of Moving to and Building a New Life in Brisbane?

”Due to my husband being Australian, it was a lot easier for me and the kids to move here.

We signed the kids up for citizenship immediately and I became a permanent resident. This link provides official information about citizenship, and this one about permanent residency.

Living with my in-laws made it easier to search for housing. Housing is currently hard to find in Brisbane and the surrounding areas.

To use public transportation, you need a Go Card. That card can be used on buses, trains, and ferries. Don’t forget to tap off! You need to tap both on and off or the cost is higher. Kids travel free on weekends.”

Thinking about living in Brisbane vs Sydney? Then also read this interview about life in Sydney. And to compare living in Brisbane vs Melbourne, check out this interview about life in Melbourne.

Is There Something You Just Have to See or Do When You Are in Brisbane?

”Southbank is the most touristy place in Brisbane and a fun place to hang out. They have just about every kind of restaurant you could want.

Plus there are 3 public swimming pools with a gorgeous city view along the river.”

Also Read: The Best Beaches in Queensland

About Lanie

Lanie grew up in Florida and moved to NYC after college where she taught special education.

She loved living in the city, but her favorite thing was being able to travel each summer.

During her first summer as a teacher, she and her sister went to Australia and New Zealand. She had no idea that her husband would be Australian, and no plans to ever live outside of the USA.

Fast forward to meeting, marrying, having kids, moving back to Florida, and the pandemic which changed everything. They had to spend two weeks in hotel quarantine and that is when Lanie started the blog Make More Adventures to document their time in hotel quarantine and their time in Australia.

It has since turned into a family travel blog. Check it out to read more about her life in Brisbane and her many travel adventures!

About Brisbane, Australia

Brisbane is the capital of Queensland and the third-largest city in Australia.

The city is known for its subtropical climate, vibrant, laid-back vibe, outdoor lifestyle, and friendly people.

Brisbane is one of the fastest-growing capital cities in Australia in terms of population and employment.

One of the things that makes Brisbane a popular place to live is the different areas and suburbs to live in. All with their own unique features and style, offering different cafés, restaurants, historical sites, or artistic ventures.

Within an hour of Brisbane you can find world-class, and often heritage-listed, national forest and marine parks, plus some of the best beaches in Queensland.

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Living in Brisbane, Australia – Interview With an Expat