Venue & Destination

Welcome to Brisbane

Wunya (welcome, greetings) is from the Yuggera language of Brisbane and the Gubbi Gubbi language of the Sunshine Coast. Sew ngapa (welcome) is from the Kala Lagaw Ya and Kala Kawaw Ya languages of the Western Torres Straits.

Brisbane

Brisbane is one of the world’s most welcoming cities, always evolving with new offerings, vibrant entertainment, dining, cultural and recreation precincts are within close walking distance of hotels and venues. Home to four universities, leading medical research and a thriving industry hub, Brisbane is Australia’s powerhouse city and capital of Queensland with a worldwide reputation as a leader in science and technology.

Queensland

Home to some of the world’s unique and iconic heritage listed natural treasures including the Great Barrier Reef, Gondwana and Daintree rainforests, Fraser Island and Riversleigh Fossil Mammal in the outback, Queensland is all about natural beauty. Our garden's a one-million-year-old rainforest. Out the back is a red desert of dinosaur bones. Our swimming pool? The world's largest reef.

Glenelg St, South Brisbane QLD 4101

  • Both Brisbane domestic and international airports are 30min drive from the Centre.

    The AirTrain connects South Brisbane station to Brisbane’s international and domestic airports with stops in the Brisbane CBD and Fortitude Valley. Tickets and a timetable for this service can be found at the Information Desk or you can pre-book on the AirTrain Website →

  • There are three car parks available at BCEC, accessible 24/7. For full details of rates, access and payment information please click here.

  • Getting to BCEC via public transport is easy and efficient with bus, ferry and train options available. More information about planning your journey via public transport can be found on the TransLink website.

    TRAIN

    South Brisbane Railway Station adjacent to the Convention Centre on Grey Street or South Bank Railway Station are the most convenient stations to the Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre.

    BUS SERVICES

    The Cultural Centre Station on Melbourne Street and the South Bank Busway Station cnr of Colchester and Tribune Streets are closest to BCEC.

    CITYCAT & FERRIES

    The public transport ferries CityCats operate everyday and stop at the South Bank River Terminal on the Clem Jones Promenade. The inner-city ferry travels between the CBD, North Quay and Kangaroo Point, stopping at South Bank Terminal 1 and 2 on the Clem Jones Promenade.

  • Taxi ranks are located outside the main entrance to the Centre on Merivale Street and a taxi drop off located at the Convention Centre Grey Street entrance.

  • BCEC is a short stroll across from the Brisbane CBD connected by Victoria Bridge. Hotels, restaurants & bars, South Bank beach and its parklands are all within walking distance from BCEC.

Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre

Getting to Brisbane

Direct international flights in and out of Brisbane include from;

  • Los Angeles

  • Vancouver

  • San Francisco

  • Auckland

  • Christchurch

  • Wellington

Brisbane’s award-winning International Airport is located just 13 kilometres or 20 minutes from the city centre and from the Convention Centre. With superior airport infrastructure and operating 24 hours a day, Brisbane Airport directly services 31 international destinations each week and 52 domestic destinations. The airport accommodates some 22 million travellers each year, including 5.6 million international passengers.

The airport is serviced by Brisbane’s airport rail link, Airtrain, which provides a cost-effective and efficient service to travellers transferring to the city and the Convention Centre.

  • Taxis

    Taxi Services operate across Queensland and can be contacted via 131 008 or 131 924. For a list of taxi service areas, visit the Department of Transport and Main Roads.

    Bus/Coach

    You’ll find bus and coach travel across Queensland easy and economical. Most boast air conditioning, reading lights, adjustable seats and videos, and are available for quick transfers, long-haul journeys or door-to-door services. For a range of service options visit here.

    Planes

    Air travel is easy in these parts - International airports reside in Brisbane, Cairns and the Gold Coast, with domestic airports scattered across regional areas and islands. Qantas, Virgin Australia, Jetstar and Tigerair operate across Queensland.

    Trains

    Not to boast, but Queensland Rail is second to none; in fact, it’s the largest and most comprehensive network of long distance and tourist trains in the nation. Ever-reliable, the train network stretches from the top tip of the Tropical North to the red desert of the Outback.

    Public Transport

    Whether bus, train, ferry, or tram is your preference, Queensland has you catered in terms of public transport. The TransLink network stretches as far north as Gympie, as far south as Coolangatta, and as far west as Helidon. With prepaid services common, it’s best to travel with a GoCard or a SEEQ card.

  • Weather

    The state is subtropical in the south, and tropical up north - it’s the latter that experiences a defined wet season through summer, that’s humid and hot, with a slightly cooler dry season through winter.

    When it comes to what to wear, casual, lightweight clothes are reliable. Temperatures can drop in the southern part of the state, where a jacket or sweatshirt may also be required.

    Average Temperatures

    Summer (December-February): Brisbane: 20°C to 29°C, Cairns: 22°C to 31°C

    Autumn (March-May): Brisbane: 14°C to 28°C, Cairns: 20°C to 30°C

    Winter (June-August): Brisbane: 10C to 22°C, Cairns: 17°C to 26°C

    Spring (September-November): Brisbane: 13°C to 27°C, Cairns: 19°C to 30°C

    The seven-day weather forecast can be found online.

  • Banks

    Generally operating between 9.30am to 4.30pm weekdays, some banks also operate on Saturdays between 9.30am and 12.00pm.

    Post Offices

    Australia Post Offices open from 9.00am to 5.00pm weekdays. Some also operate on Saturdays from 9.00am to 12.30pm.

    Retailers and Supermarkets

    Queensland’s maximum permissible shopping hours sit between 8.00am and 9.00pm weekdays, and 8.00am to 5.00pm on Saturdays. Central business districts, including Brisbane, Cairns, Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast also operate on Sundays.

  • Internet

    Paid or free internet access can be found in Internet cafes, accommodation, and public libraries across Queensland. WiFi access is also available (both paid and free) in a growing number of public spaces, restaurants, and cafes.

    Phone

    Australia’s country code is 61

    The area code for Queensland is 07

    And all mobile phones start with the prefix 04

    When calling overseas, dial the international access code from Australia (0011), then the country code of the country you are calling and then appropriate area code.

  • The electrical current in Australia is 220-240 volts, AC 50Hz. The Australian three-pin power outlet differs from other countries so an adaptor may be required.

  • Hospitals

    For health emergencies call 000 or, if you have a health concern but it is not an emergency phone 13 HEALTH (13 43 25 84) 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Travellers be mindful that charges may apply to patients without a Medicare Card, which is why travel insurance is always recommended.

    In Case of Emergency

    The emergency number for Police, Fire Brigade and Ambulance in Australia is 000. From mobile phones dial 112.

    Insurance

    Travel insurance is always recommended as it may cover medical expenses (including hospitalisation), cancellation charges, luggage, personal effects, travel documents, money, cash in hospital, hijacking, death, disability, loss of income, personal liability and some additional expenses.

    Vaccinations

    Vaccinations are not required unless you have come from, or visited a yellow fever infected country or zone within six days before entering Australia. No other health certificate is needed - the country’s isolation and strict quarantine standards mean it’s free of most tropical diseases.

    Drinking Water

    The tap water throughout Australia is suitable for drinking.

    Sun Sense

    The Ultra Violet (UV) is high year-round in Australia, making sun protection a serious health matter. It’s recommended visitors avoid skin exposure between 10.00am and 3.00pm, when the UV exposure is at its peak.

    Alcohol

    It’s also an offence to drink alcohol in a public place anywhere in Queensland. There are also ID scanners operating in some licensed venues, so remember to bring your ID if you plan on a night out. Learn about more acceptable forms of ID, visit the Queensland Government website.

    Smoking Restrictions

    Smoking (electronic cigarettes included) is banned across outdoor public places including patrolled beaches, playgrounds, bus stops, train stations, ferry terminals, taxi ranks, and national parks. Smoking is also forbidden at all indoor public places such as shopping centres, restaurants and hotels. On-the-spot fines apply.

  • For the latest information on COVID-19 travel restrictions in Queensland, click here.