There is something about Brisbane for me that always feels like coming home. And when I say ‘coming home‘, I mean it. I lived here for 13 years! I always look forward to seeing my friends of course. But there is also something about Brisbane that makes the city very special. Maybe it’s the golden sunlight reflecting off the Brisbane River, the warm breeze on a summer evening, or the friendly faces that make the city feel like home. No matter how far I travel, Brisbane always welcomes me back with open arms. Not to mention my amazing friends!
But what makes Brisbane the best city to live? Let me take you on a little tour of why I (and so many others) ‘supposedly’ love this city. G’day mate!
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Sunshine and Easy Living
Brisbane is known for its relaxed, outdoor lifestyle. With more than 280 sunny days a year, it’s the perfect place to enjoy the outdoors, whether you’re grabbing coffee at a riverside café, taking a stroll along South Bank, or having a picnic at New Farm Park. The warm climate means you can spend more time outside. It is certainly an active city.
Whether it is in Brisbane, Phuket or anywhere else in the world. Sunshine is very important to me.
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A Skyline That Never Gets Old
Every time I come back to Brisbane, I am amazed by the skyline. The mix of modern glass towers, historic buildings, and the various bridges, give the city a unique character. Whether you’re admiring it from Kangaroo Point Cliffs, watching the sunset at Howard Smith Wharves, while enjoying a cool beer, or sitting at a rooftop bar in Fortitude Valley, the views never disappoint. Day and night.
Unlike Sydney or Melbourne, Brisbane also doesn’t feel rushed. It has all the perks of a big city, great restaurants, nightlife, and cultural events (sometimes), but without the overwhelming crowds. You can also get from one side of the city to the other in no time, and the public transport system has recently become one of the most affordable in the world, with tickets as low as 50 cents! Wow!
Not that I really use public transport here to be honest.
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Best City to Live – is it?
One of the best things about Brisbane? You don’t have to travel far to escape into nature. You can be hiking in the lush mountains of the Scenic Rim within an hour, exploring the beaches of the Gold Coast or Sunshine Coast, or taking a ferry to Stradbroke Island for some of the clearest waters in Australia. Even within the city, the Brisbane Riverwalk and countless parks make it easy to stay connected with nature. Everyone is out and about in Brisbane. I love it!
Brisbane City
Brisbane has evolved so much over the years. From small independent cafés to world-class restaurants, music festivals, and a thriving arts scene, the city has a lot to offer. James Street is my all time favourite. It seems to be the spot where fine dining and the best Australian Fashion Designers meet.
So, is it the people that make Brisbane special? It’s often described as a city where smiles are genuine, strangers still say ‘G’day’, and you can build a great life without the pressures of larger cities. However, with increasing global stress and a shift in social dynamics, I’m not sure that still holds true. That said, Brisbane remains a welcoming place. Especially to me.
People in affluent suburbs often appear to live in a bubble, while many others feel the strain of rising expenses, soaring bills, and the high cost of living. In my view, living in Brisbane, or anywhere in Australia, for that matter, is undeniably expensive.
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Why I Keep Coming Back
I’ve lived in different parts of the world, but there’s something about Brisbane that keeps drawing me back. Maybe it’s the mix of city life and nature, the easy-going vibe, or simply the fact that Brisbane, to me, just feels like home. But more than anything else… I love catching up with my friends, having girls’ lunches and dinners and just walking the Brisbane river. It is a very vibrant and sunny city.
So whether you’re thinking of moving here or just visiting, one thing is for sure. Brisbane certainly could be one of the best places and best city to live in Australia. And it might also be the best city to lives for in the world. But you better come and check it out yourself.
As for me, it is time to leave Brisbane and my friends behind and head back to Phuket. And for more travel adventures in 2025.
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