When travelling to any new destination one thing that is usually questioned is just how safe it is. Are there certain things you need to know before travelling there and what safety precautions may be smart to take.
If you are planning a trip to Brisbane you may be wondering the same thing. Is Brisbane safe? We have done the research and have detailed below everything you need to know about just how safe Brisbane is to visit.
How Safe is Brisbane for Travel
Brisbane is known for its friendly people, incredible wildlife and stunning natural landscapes, but is it safe to travel to?
The best way to get your answer from an international point of view is to check out your destinations current standing on reporting websites such as Smartraveller or Travel Safe – Abroad.
We know in comparison to most places, Brisbane is a very safe spot to visit, but don’t just take our word for it. We looked up the current recommendations on the river city and this is what we found.
Brisbane’s Safety Rating
Currently (as of November 2023), website Travel Safe – Abroad has given Brisbane a safety index of 90, with the overall risk level listed as low. As a whole, it has listed our city as low risk when it comes to transport, pickpockets, mugging, scams, and as a woman traveller.
Compared to other capital cities in Australia, Brisbane has been given the highest safety rating, tying only with Hobart in Tasmania, with the website stating “this is a safe destination for you as a tourist from almost all perspectives.”
Is Brisbane safe to travel to alone?
Queensland’s capital is considered safe for solo travellers, men or women, with Australia ranking as the 24th safest country for women according to Bounce Women Travel Safety Index. Overall, you shouldn’t feel unsafe walking and exploring Brisbane City, whether traveling alone, with friends, or family.
Even so, it is always advisable for any solo traveller in any foreign city to avoid isolated areas where possible and have heightened awareness when out at night.
Is it safe to travel on Brisbane’s public transport network?
Public transport in Brisbane is considered a very effective and safe way to travel. Security and safety measures are everywhere, including security cameras, help phones, and safety officers who patrol the networks 24 hours a day.
Various staff ensure passenger safety across the network, including:
- Busway safety officers who patrol busways 24 hours a day, seven days a week
- Guards patrolling designated train services and train carriages (check your train timetable for guardian train information)
- Accessible staff on all CityCats and ferries
- Customer service staff on some buses, trams and at tram stations during the day and weekend night trams.
Public Safety Help Points
Public safety help points are located at a number of sites across Brisbane and can be used by the public in case of a medical or safety emergency, or when assistance is required. These help points are security monitored 24/7.
You can find a full list of locations and more information here.
Tips for Staying Safe in Brisbane
Although it is clear Brisbane is one of the safer places to visit as a tourist, we still advise you to take caution and be smart when travelling to a new place.
Below are some general safety tips that we would recommend if you are travelling to Brisbane:
- Always have a mobile phone handy that you can use in case of emergency.
- Make sure you have a list of the local emergency phone numbers
- When visiting the nearby beaches (which is a popular day trip) stay up to date with the current weather and surf conditions before entering the water. Where possible, swim at patrolled beaches, between the flags.
- The police in Brisbane are very helpful so don’t be afraid to approach a police officer when out and ask for help if you need it.
- Brisbane experiences extremely hot days in Summer so please take caution and prepare with plenty of cold water, sunscreen, and protective clothing if you are planning to hike or spend a long time outdoors.
- If you need to travel on public transport at night, it’s recommended to plan your journey ahead of time and ensure you are in an area full of people.
- We always recommend travelling with a simple first aid kit and up-to-date travel insurance.
The Brisbane City Council also has some great tips on personal safety.
Important Safety Numbers to Know in Brisbane
As with travel to any foreign city, it is important you equip yourself with a list of the local emergency contacts to save time if you need them.
- Police, fire, and ambulance: 000 (also called Triple Zero)
- Policelink: 131 444 (to report non-urgent crime or incidents to)
- State Emergency Services: 132 500
- Brisbane City Council: 07 3403 8888
You can find a more detailed list of emergency contact numbers for Brisbane here. It’s also good to know your embassy’s number when in Brisbane, in case of passport loss or theft.
Further Resources for Keeping Safe in Brisbane
Being prepared and researching holiday destinations before you travel will always stand you in good stead. Here are some helpful resources, which are particularly useful if you plan to visit Brisbane, Queensland with children.
Sun Safety for Kids in Brisbane
Talking to Kids About Storm Safety
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