Welcome to Brisbane, or “Brissie” as the locals call it. Queensland’s capital is a relaxed, subtropical city built around the Brisbane River, winding through its heart. Expect warm weather, an outdoor lifestyle, excellent food and friendly locals — and plenty of sunshine, so remember your sunscreen.
Your guide to staying, getting around and exploring the river city during WBC 2028.
Brisbane offers hotels and apartments for World Butchers’ Challenge competitors, team members and supporters. With WBC 2028 at the Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre (BCEC) in South Bank, there are numerous options within easy walking distance.
South Bank & South Brisbane: the closest options, with many properties 5–15 minutes’ walk from BCEC.
Brisbane CBD: just across the river and connected by several bridges; generally 10–25 minutes’ walk, depending on your hotel.
West End: restaurants, cafés and a relaxed atmosphere, approximately 15–25 minutes’ walk.
Other central accommodation is easily accessible by train, bus, ferry or taxi.
Rydges South Bank Brisbane
9 Glenelg St, South Brisbane QLD 4101
Mantra South Bank Brisbane
161 Grey St, South Brisbane QLD 4101
Novotel Brisbane South Bank
38 Cordelia St, South Brisbane QLD 4101
Ivy & Eve Apartments by CLLIX
28 Merivale St, South Brisbane QLD 4101
Morgan Suites Hotel Apartments
14 Merivale St, South Brisbane QLD 4101
Brisbane is a compact and easy city to explore. Walking is often the easiest option around South Bank, South Brisbane and the CBD, with pedestrian bridges providing direct connections across the Brisbane River. Buses, trains and CityCat ferries make it simple to travel further afield.
Taxis and rideshare services such as Uber are convenient for groups. For larger groups travelling with luggage or equipment, pre-booked minibuses or coaches are available.
Translink connects South Bank and the CBD to surrounding suburbs and key attractions. With BCEC in the heart of South Bank, many competitors can walk between their accommodation, the venue, restaurants and entertainment without needing a vehicle.
Australia uses the Australian Dollar (AUD), drives on the left-hand side of the road, and tipping is not generally expected.
March is early autumn in Brisbane, but typically still warm and humid, with average daytime temperatures around 28°C and overnight temperatures around 21°C. Queensland’s UV can be strong even when it does not feel particularly hot, so sunscreen is essential.
March can bring tropical showers and thunderstorms. Pack light clothing, a hat, sunscreen and a light rain jacket or compact umbrella.
Brisbane is built around its river, with more than a dozen bridges connecting its north and south sides. South Bank’s Streets Beach is Australia’s only inner-city, man-made beach. Subtropical parks, gardens and vibrant neighbourhoods surround the city.
Queensland is famous for its beef, seafood, tropical produce and agriculture — there is plenty for visiting butchers to discover beyond the competition.
Australians are generally friendly and informal. A smile, a “G’day” and a “no worries” will get you a long way. Here are a few local words to practise:
Brissie — Brisbane
Arvo — Afternoon
Brekkie — Breakfast
Barbie — Barbecue
Esky — Cooler / ice box
Togs — Swimwear
Thongs — Flip-flops — not underwear!
Servo — Petrol station
Bottle-o — Liquor store
Mozzie — Mosquito
G’day — Hello
No worries — No problem / you’re welcome
Mate — Friend / friendly way of addressing someone
You beauty! — That’s great!
Fair dinkum — Genuine / seriously?
Travelling with kids? Bluey’s World is in Hamilton, around 10–15 minutes’ drive from the CBD. The Gold Coast’s theme parks are also within reach by car or train.
Right next to BCEC, with parklands, restaurants, the river and Brisbane’s famous inner-city beach.
See Brisbane from the water and travel between some of the city’s best precincts.
Meet some of Australia’s most iconic wildlife, including koalas and kangaroos.
The Gallery of Modern Art is part of Brisbane’s vibrant cultural precinct in South Bank.
Walk beneath it, admire it from the river or take the Story Bridge Adventure Climb for panoramic views.
One of the best places to take in the Brisbane skyline.
Great river and city views, particularly around sunset.
A riverside precinct beneath Story Bridge with restaurants, bars and spectacular city views.
A beautiful place to experience Queensland’s subtropical plant life in the CBD.
Two lively neighbourhoods packed with cafés, restaurants, bars and local character.