Before you arrive

Before you arrive

Thank you for choosing BROWNS. We're ready for you to arrive so now it's time for you to prepare. We've collated a list of facts, shops, events, living costs and even weather and temperature averages to help you plan. Click these links for useful information about Brisbane, Gold Coast & Melbourne.
Connect with us social media: Facebook, Instagram, WeChat (BROWNS_English) , LinkedIn and download the myBROWNS app for iOS or Android.
We look forward to welcoming you to BROWNS soon.

Warm Welcome

Warm welcome

If you've booked our Airport Pick-Up Service, a friendly BROWNS driver will meet you at the airport and transport you directly to your Homestay, or to the BROWNS Student Apartment/House.
If you're staying in Homestay, you will receive a warm and friendly welcome to make you feel right at home. Your homestay will be able to show you the nearest bus/train stop or directions for walking/riding to school.

First week

First week

Orientation commences at 9:00am on your first day. Please bring your passport, a pen and paper. Throughout the day you will complete your English Placement Test, we'll take your photo for your ID card, you'll receive your Student Handbook, we'll show you around the city and BROWNS Campus.
We can also assist you getting an Australian phone number, where to buy a public transport card, and show you where to set up a bank account.
Read more about our Orientation Day.

 

World-class experience

World-Class Experience

We're committed to providing all of our students with World-Class Curriculum, Teachers, Facilities, Accommodation and Student Services. We have a team of experienced and passionate staff that are available to provide you with a supportive and fun educational experience from the moment you arrive in Australia. View our student activities here: https://my.browns.edu.au/guest/student-activities

BROWNS Guarantee

BROWNS Guarantee

At BROWNS, we are so confident in our Cambridge & IELTS Exam Preparation programs! If you do not achieve your target score, BROWNS will guarantee you a FREE Cambridge / IELTS Preparation course (same number of weeks as your original booking).

*Conditions apply. Read more about our Cambridge Guarantee and IELTS Guarantee.

Graduation Day

Graduation Day

Over 35,000 students have graduated from BROWNS English Language School. Graduation Day is an informal, yet personal goodbye organised by the class. You'll receive a BROWNS Graduation Certificate, take photos with your friends and some even sign an Australia flag as a souvenir to take home. Stay in touch on Social Media: Facebook, Instagram, WeChat , LinkedIn.

 

Arrival Guide

Arrival Guide

Congratulations on securing a place at BROWNS. Our Arrival Guide is designed to help make your transition to student life at BROWNS as easy as possible.

Booking Travel

If you have confirmed your place at BROWNS, it’s time to book your travel. Flights fill up quickly, so make sure you arrive with time to arrange your finances, accommodation and with time to explore your new city.

Airport Pick-Up

BROWNS can arrange your airport pick-up and drop-off service to make your time in your new city enjoyable from the very beginning. Simply contact our Admissions Office or your Representative Agent to make these arrangements.

Accommodation

BROWNS can arrange your accommodation through our Student Apartments, Student House or homestay arrangements. Simply contact our Admissions Office or your Representative Agent to make these arrangements.

Packing Essentials

Student life requires a number of essentials which you can’t forget to bring with you or buy when you arrive. These include:

  • Shoes and clothes for all occasions
  • Your passport, Identification Documents, valuables, money and travel tickets
  • Copies of your BROWNS enrolment details
  • An Australian or International Drivers licence
  • Emergency contact details, including your Airport Pick Up contact
  • Sunglasses, sunscreen and a hat

Don’t forget that the Australian government prohibits the transfer of certain items into Australia (Click here).

Join the Community

Find BROWNS on:

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • TikTok
  • Linkedin
  • Queensland has one of the lowest costs of living in comparison to other Australian states.

    Starting off

    You need to make sure you have access to enough funds to support you when you first arrive. Knowing the average living costs in Australia is an important part of your financial preparation. To find out more about living costs in Australia, please visit www.studyaustralia.gov.au.

    Banking

    Being able to access your money while studying is important.

    You can open a bank account before you leave home with any of the major Australian banks, and this will allow you to withdraw funds as soon as you arrive to study at BROWNS. International students will need to provide their passport as identification when accessing their bank account for the first time.

    Alternatively, you can establish a bank account once you arrive at BROWNS, and if you’re an international student who has been here for less than 6 weeks, you will need your passport as proof of identification.

    Australian Money

    Money in Australia is colourful and made from a plastic polymer, which provides security against counterfeiting.
    Notes come in $5, $10, $20, $50, and $100 denominations, and coins are available in silver 5 cent, 10 cent, 20 cent and 50 cent coins, or gold $1 and $2 coins.

    Tax and Refunds

    The Australian Goods and Services Tax is a Value Added Tax of 10% on most goods, services and consumer goods sold in Australia.

    Short term international travellers may be able to access a refund on their GST expenses while in Australia. Find out more at the international airport or visit the Australian Customs and Border Protection Service website.

    Whether travelling domestically or internationally, our Guide to Australian Airports will help you find your feet when you land.

    Brisbane Airport (BNE)

    Brisbane Airport is a major hub with direct connections to many domestic and international destinations. The airport operates 24 hours a day and is located just 13 kilometers, or 20 minutes drive, from Brisbane's Central Business District (CBD).

    Gold Coast Coolangatta Airport (OOL)

    Gold Coast Airport is your gateway to Australia's favourite holiday destination. Gold Coast Airport is located within easy reach of the beaches of Tweed Coast, Surfers Paradise and Byron Bay. With its ever-expanding list of outbound international flights, Gold Coast Airport is fast becoming an international holiday hub for travellers looking for a quick holiday to Japan, New Zealand and Fiji.

    Sydney Airport (SYD)

    Arriving into or out of a major city gateway can be a daunting task. Sydney Airport is Australia's busiest, so be prepared and familiarise yourself with the information you need to find your way around. Sydney Airport is situated approximately 9 kilometres south of the city. Sydney Airport has three passenger terminals: T1 (International Terminal), T2 (Domestic Common User Terminal) and T3 (Qantas Domestic Terminal). The Domestic and International terminals at Sydney Airport are located in separate buildings, with easy transfer services between terminals.

    Melbourne Tullamarine Domestic & International Airport (MEL)

    Melbourne Airport is one of Australia's major international and domestic gateways. It operates 24 hours a day, serving more than 20 international airlines. The airport is approximately 25 kilometres from the Melbourne CBD.

    International Student Guide

    Insider Guides publishes an annual International Student Guide which can be helpful for both international and Australian students. Find out more through Insider Guides.

    Furnishing your new home

    You may find you’ll need to buy some items to make your house a home. Think about the length of time you’re studying with BROWNS, whether you’re planning to stay for further study or work, and how much you need to invest in your home.

    Buying everything can be costly, so refer to websites such as Kmart, Gumtree, eBay and second-hand stores to find items you need.

    Finding Work

    Once you have enrolled at BROWNS, our Jobs Club and Careers Services can help you prepare, find and apply for casual and part-time work. Make sure you know your rights and responsibilities for employment in Australia.

    Buses, trains and trams

    Travel across South East Queensland (Brisbane & Gold Coast) with Translink on bus, ferry, train and tram network.

    Travel across Victoria (Melbourne) with myki on train, tram and bus network.

    Ferries

    CityCats are uniquely Brisbane, and glide along the river to help travellers get around the city easily. Students can take advantage of the free City Hopper, or use the CityCat services with their student-discount public transport GO Card. Visit Translink.

    Hopo on the Gold Coast offers a delightful and eco-friendly way to explore the waterways, providing tourists with a unique and memorable experience through their electric-powered boats.

    Bikes and scooters

    Renting bikes and scooters provides a convenient and eco-friendly way for locals and tourists to explore the cities' attractions, enjoy the scenic routes, and experience the outdoors. Simply download the relevant app. Don't forget that helmets are mandatory.

    Before you leave home make sure you have:

    • Booked and confirmed your accommodation
    • Photocopied all important documents to bring on your travels
    • Booked an airport transfer
    • Applied for and received your visa (if applicable)
    • Obtained a letter from your medical practitioner for any special medications you need to bring through Australian customs (if applicable)

    Ensure you have the necessary documents with you:

    • Letter of Offer
    • Valid driver’s licences or international drivers licence
    • Copies of any travel documents
    • Passport and visa valid for the duration of your studies (if applicable)
    • CoE (if applicable)
    • Specialists report if special requirements for exams are required
    • Receipts of valuable new goods you are bringing into Australia (if applicable)

    Orientation Day

    Course Starting Date:

    BROWNS course starting date is every Monday unless your first day at school falls on a public holiday, you will start on the following day. Please refer to our Academic Calendar

    2024 Public Holiday Your course start date
    Monday, 01 January 2024 Tuesday, 02 January 2024
    Monday, 11 March 2024 (Melbourne only) Tuesday, 12 March 2024
    Monday, 01 April 2024 Tuesday, 02 April 2024
    Monday, 06 May 2024 (Brisbane & Gold Coast only) Tuesday, 07 May 2024
    Monday, 10 June 2024 (Melbourne only) Tuesday, 11 June 2024
    Monday, 07 October 2024 (Brisbane & Gold Coast only) Tuesday, 08 October 2024

    Arrival time:

    School orientation commences at 9am

    Where do I need to go on my first day?

    Brisbane Campus: Level 8, 102 Adelaide Street, Brisbane
    Gold Coast Campus: 5 Hicks Street, Southport
    Melbourne Campus: Level 3, 30 Church Lane, Melbourne

    What to bring?

    Please bring your passport, your packed lunch, a pen, paper and your smile for the student ID photo

    Sample schedule for your first day at BROWNS*

    9:00 - 9:15

    Welcome to BROWNS English Language School

    All students receive an Orientation pack which includes a Student Handbook (adults | juniors), BROWNS Passport, school lanyard and information on the local area and upcoming activities.

    9:20 - 11:30 First day placement testing
    • All students sit a placement test on their first day. This will test your listening, reading, grammar, vocabulary, speaking and writing skills. We use this test to help us place you in the correct class for your English level.
    • The test will take approximately 1.5 to 2 hours.
    • During your test you will have a speaking test and interview with one of our Academic Management Team. This is a great time to let BROWNS know what your reasons for enrolling in English classes are and set some goals.
    11:30 - 11:50 ID Photos and Introduction to BROWNS website and Facebook page (keep updated with what is happening at school and in Brisbane/on the Gold Coast.
    10:50 - 11:50

    School & Surrounding Area Tour

    • Tour of the school classrooms and facilities
    • Introduction to Student Services team and how to contact them
    • Overview of emergency evacuation procedure, exits and assembly area
    • Tour of the surrounding area including:
      • transport options (bus and train)
      • banks (nearest bank and how to open an account)
      • mobile/phone providers
      • doctors
      • chemist
      • library
      • closest shopping and eating options
      • phone/mobile providers, doctors, chemist and places to eat/shop
    12:50 - 1:50 Break for Lunch

    1:50 - 2:15

    Student Services Overview

    • Accommodation information - homestay, student apartments and student houses
    • Hand out student ID cards
    • Public transport information
    • Activities calendar
    • Jobs club
    • Travel advice and information
    • Beach safety
    2:15 - 3:00

    Academic Management Team (AMT) Overview

    • Explanation of School Rules
    • Overview of BROWNS class breakdown (CORE class and Active8) and how to get the most out of the Accelerate program using the BROWNS passport.
    • Student visa requirements including progress and attendance monitoring
    • Academic counselling services
    • Study pathway information
    3:00 Orientation finishes

    *Sample orientation schedule should be used as a guide. May be subject to change without notice.

    BROWNS Student Handbook

    Read our Student Handbook (adults | juniors) to ensure you are fully prepared for your arrival at BROWNS and life as an international student in Australia.

    @brownsaustralia Welcome to BROWNS English Language School on the Gold Coast, where every Monday marks the start of something extraordinary. Immerse yourself in our vibrant community and get ready for Orientation Day. Take the BROWNS Online Placement Test (BOPT), explore our beautiful campus, discover the city’s hidden gems, meet our passionate team, and capture a picture-perfect moment on our iconic front stairs! ?? Join us for an unforgettable experience!  #brownsaustralia #StudyGoldCoast #StudyQueensland #StudyAustralia ? original sound - BROWNS Australia

    Living in Brisbane

    Brisbane (Australia’s New World City) is the capital city of Queensland – Australia’s second largest state by area.

    Brisbane offers world-class education along with a high-quality, accessible lifestyle – especially if you compare living expenses and tuition costs with other developed countries. The city also strives to make international students feel at home right from Study Brisbane’s special Airport Welcome, to a range of international student events including the City Welcome Festival

    The perfect weather and proximity to some of the world's most beautiful natural wonders are just some of the reasons you'll love studying in Brisbane. Here are some other top reasons why you should study in Brisbane:

    Read more about practical travel information on visas, customs and more: www.australia.com

         Brisbane is the capital city of Queensland

         Brisbane Airport services 26 airlines flying to 32 domestic and 23 international destinations

         Home to three QS World University ranking universities: University of Queensland (UQ), Queensland University of Technology (QUT) and Griffith University

         Brisbane is a safe and welcoming city with excellent transport links including bus, train and ferry services

         Host to Brisbane City Welcome Festival which is Australia's largest city orientation day for international students

         Brisbane City Council offers free wifi at 22 of its most popular parks

         Brisbane is one of Australia’s most affordable places to study. You'll find that tuition fees provide students with value for money, and cost of living expenses are more affordable compared to other developed countries

         Brisbane has more sunny days per year than any other Australian capital city. An average of 261 annually

         See the best Brisbane has to offer with Translink by Bus, Train, Ferry and CityCat

    Brisbane is Australia's most inclusive study destination. Explore everything Brisbane and the surrounding areas have to offer. These are some key events to note throughout the year:

      January:
    • Australia Day
    • New Year's Day
    • Magic Millions
    • Brisbane International (tennis)

    • February:
    • City Welcome Festival
    • Valentine's Day
    • Brisbane Comedy Festival

    • March:
    • Brisbane Comedy Festival
    • World Science Festival Brisbane
    • NRL (Rugby League) season starts
    • Clean up Australia Day
    • World's Greatest Shave

    • April:
    • Byron Bay Bluesfest (Byron Bay)
    • ANZAC Day

    • May:
    • Blues on Broadbeach (Gold Coast)

    • June:
    • Whale Watching season commences
    • State of Origin
    • End of financial year sales
    • Brisbane Marathon

    • July:
    • Splendour in the Grass (Byron Bay)
    • Le Festival - Brisbane French Festival
    • University Open Days

    • August:
    • Royal Queensland Show - Ekka (Brisbane)
    • MEKKA (Ekka Races)
    • Annual Strawberry Festival
    • Bridge to Brisbane (marathon)
    • University Open Days

      September:
    • Brisbane Festival
    • River Fire
    • Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers (Toowoomba)

    • October:
    • Oktoberfest Brisbane
    • Brisbane Zombie Walk
    • Gold Coast 600 (Gold Coast)

    • November:
    • Melbourne Cup
    • Movember

    • December:
    • Christmas celebrations
    • Boxing Day Sales
    • Woodford Folk Festival (Woodford)
    • New Years Eve events

    • Must try/visit:
    • Visit the Gold Coast
    • Koala Pine Sanctuary
    • Visit a themepark: Dreamworld, Movieworld, SeaWorld, Wet 'n' Wild, Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary (Gold Coast)
    • GOMA
    • Museum
    • Southbank
    • Brisbane City Sounds

    This should be used as a guide only and may change year-to-year. Check http://www.visitbrisbane.com.au/whats-on for more information.
    Brisbane has more sunny days per year than any other Australian capital city. In 2013, Brisbane had 261 days of full sunshine. Boasting Australia’s best climate, Brisbane summers offer sub-tropical humid heat cooled by beautiful afternoon thunderstorms, while winters rarely dip below 20°C. Spring and autumn are favourite seasons for residents, as it’s easy to enjoy the outdoors with temperatures hovering in the mid-to-late 20s.

    Plan ahead with this information on temperature and rainfall in Brisbane.

    Summer (December – February)
    During summer, average temperatures range from 21 - 29.8°C (69.8 - 85.6°F) and the city has its highest rainfall, which can bring afternoon thunderstorms. Average rainfall during this time is 426.6 mm (16.8").

    Autumn (March – May)
    Autumn signals the end of the hot summer when average temperatures drop between 15 - 25°C (59 - 77°F), and the city experiences low humidity and less rain.

    Winter (June – August)
    Brisbane’s weather in winter is generally dry and mild with mean temperatures between 11 - 21°C (51.8 - 69.8°F). Early mornings and nights can be crisp, but overnight lows rarely drop below 9°C (48.2°F).

    Spring (September – November)
    The spring climate is similar to autumn, with average temperatures between 15 - 25°C (59 - 77°F). Warm, sunny days are tempered by cool sea breezes

    (source: www.australia.com )

    Student support in Queensland

    Queensland offers a range of resources including the Queensland student hub network, an international student hotline and student support staff dedicated to supporting and encouraging students.

    1800QSTUDY (1800 778 839) is a hotline for international students across Queensland. The service supports students, agents, chaperones, parents and homestay providers with 24/7 phone support and general enquires regarding studying in Queensland. Please note, 1800QSTUDY is not an emergency service number. In an emergency, please dial Triple Zero (000) and ask for police, fire or ambulance. Services include:
  • Afterhours support
  • Accommodation advice
  • Public transport and travel advice
  • Employment advice
  • Health and wellbeing referrals
  • Legal referrals
  • Complaint referrals
  • A translations service is available
  • Find out more

      Supermarkets:

    • Coles
    • Woolworths
    • Aldi
    • Discount Store Retailers

    • Target
    • Kmart
    • BigW
    • The Reject Shop
    • Choice Discount Variety Stores
    • Stacks
    • Department Stores

    • Myer
    • David Jones
    • Health & Beauty

    • Priceline
    • Chemist Warehouse
    • Terry White Chemist
    • Banking

    • National Australia Bank (NAB)
    • Westpac
    • Commonwealth Bank
    • Australia and New Zealand Banking Group (ANZ)

      Nearby Doctors

    • Wintergarden Doctors
    • Turbot Street Medical Centre
    • Central Station Medical Centre
    • Sakura Family Clinic
    • Cbd 7 Day Medial Centre
    • See more
    • Post Office

    • Australia Post
    • Nearby Attractions

    • Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary
    • Brisbane City Hall
    • Queensland Gallery of Modern Art
    • Museum of Brisbane
    • Wheel of Brisbane
    • Roma Street Parkland
    *Disclaimer: None of these providers are operated or endorsed by BROWNS, nor does BROWNS recommend one over the other. BROWNS will not assume responsibility for these.
    Brisbane is one of Australia’s most affordable places to study. You'll find that tuition fees provide students with value for money, and cost of living expenses are more affordable compared to other developed countries.

    Living costs in Australia, visit www.studyaustralia.gov.au



    When arriving to Brisbane, students can purchase a TransLink GoCard. This is an electronic ticket offering fast, easy and convenient travel at a cheaper price than paper tickets. Your GoCard can be used on all TransLink buses, trains (including Airtrain), ferries and tram services across Brisbane, Ipswich, Sunshine Coast, and the Gold Coast.

    ELICOS (English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students) students are generally eligible for a Adult GoCard (blue)

    Benefits include:
  • cheaper than the cost of a paper ticket
  • convenient to manage
  • easy to top-up and use

  • More information about TransLink online:
    Arabic, Simplified Chinese, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Spanish

    Australia has three major domestic airlines which include Qantas, JetStar, Virgin Australia,

    Compare, combine and book domestic flights with Webjet

    Staying in Brisbane puts you in prime position to explore some of Australia’s best destinations, both within the state of Queensland and beyond.

    As the closest Australian state capital to Asia with an integrated public transport system, you’ll be able to get anywhere easily so that exploring Australia and beyond couldn't be easier.

    Destination Approximate Travel Times
    Gold Coast 1 hour by train
    Sunshine Coast 1 hour by car
    Sydney 1 hour by plane
    Melbourne 2 hours by plane
    Great Barrier Reef 2 hours by plane
    Auckland 3 hours by plane
    Singapore 8 hours by plane
    Guangzhou; 9 hours by plane
    Seoul 10 hours by plane
    Dubai 14 hours by plane

    Living on the Gold Coast

    Australia's Gold Coast is a very unique city, and one of the world's best holiday and study destinations. Experience the Gold Coast's spectacular beaches, World Heritage listed rainforest, theme parks, shopping, events, and internationally renowned educational programs and courses.

    Above all, the Gold Coast presents a safe and secure destination where travellers can freely explore and experience the very best that Australia has to offer.

    Read more about practical travel information on visas, customs and more: www.australia.com

         The Gold Coast encompasses 5,000sq km with 70km of pristine coastline, 270km of navigable waterways and 100,000ha of world-heritage listed rainforests.

         The Gold Coast shares the title with Brisbane as one of the most desirable places in the world to live when ranked on political, social, economic and environmental factors, personal safety and health. Source.

         Home to the largest concentration of themed attractions in the southern hemisphere.

         Gold Coast is a safe and welcoming city with excellent transport links including bus, train and tram services

         Host to the annual Quiksilver and Roxy Pro Championship which sees the world's top 34 male and top 18 female surfers on Gold Coast waves

      -->    With 52 kilometres of golden beaches, The City of Gold Coast employs the largest professional lifeguard service in Australia who are recognised as world leaders in ocean safety, rescue and education

         Explore the largest subtropical rainforest remnant in the world and more than 100,000ha of nature reserves and world heritage sites

         Host of the 2018 Commonwealth Games

    Explore everything Gold Coast and surrounding areas have to offer. These are some key events to note throughout the year:

      January:
    • Australia Day
    • New Year's Day
    • Magic Millions
    • Brisbane International - tennis (Brisbane)

    • February:
    • Valentine's Day
    • Sand Safari

    • March:
    • NRL (Rugby League) season starts
    • Clean up Australia Day
    • World's Greatest Shave

    • April:
    • Seafire
    • SIPFEST
    • Byron Bay Bluesfest (Byron Bay)
    • ANZAC Day

    • May:
    • Surfers Paradise Live
    • Blues on Broadbeach

    • June:
    • Cooly Rocks on
    • Whale Watching season commences
    • State of Origin
    • End of financial year sales
    • Brisbane Marathon (Brisbane)

    • July:
    • Gold Coast Airport Marathon
    • Splendour in the Grass (Byron Bay)
    • University Open Days

    • August:
    • Bridge to Brisbane - marathon (Brisbane)
    • University Open Days

      September:
    • Brisbane Festival (Brisbane)
    • River Fire (Brisbane)
    • Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers (Toowoomba)
    • Byron Bay Bluesfest (Byron Bay)

    • October:
    • Gold Coast 600

    • November:
    • Melbourne Cup
    • Movember

    • December:
    • Christmas celebrations
    • Carols on the Beach
    • Boxing Day Sales
    • New Years Eve events

    • Must try/visit:
    • Visit Brisbane
    • Visit a themepark: Dreamworld, Movieworld, SeaWorld, Wet 'n' Wild, Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary (Gold Coast)
    • Tamborine Mountain: Explore the lush rainforest, waterfalls, and boutique wineries in this charming hinterland retreat.
    • Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary: Get up close and personal with native Australian wildlife, including kangaroos, koalas, and lorikeets.
    • SkyPoint Observation Deck: Take in breathtaking views of the Gold Coast skyline from the top of the Q1 building.
    • Gold Coast Hinterland: Venture into the lush hinterland to explore quaint towns, national parks, and stunning waterfalls.
    • Whale Watching (seasonal): From June to November, embark on a whale watching cruise to witness humpback whales on their migratory journey.
    • Stand-Up Paddleboarding: Try your hand at stand-up paddleboarding in the calm waters of the Gold Coast's creeks.

    This should be used as a guide only and may change year-to-year. Check https://wearegoldcoast.com.au for more information.

    Plan ahead with this information on temperature and rainfall on the Gold Coast. Don't forget to pack your sunscreen!

    Summer (December – February)
    During summer the average temperature is a pleasant 21 - 28.4°C (69.8 - 83.1°F). February is the wettest month (Receiving 184mm/7.2” on average), and short, tropical storms are common in the late afternoon and early evening. During summer humidity is high, roughly 69 - 75%, but this is offset by cool sea breezes.

    Autumn (March – May)
    In Autumn sunny days are followed by cooler nights with average temperatures between 18 - 25.7°C (64.4 - 78.2°F). Water temperatures are still high enough to swim (25.2°C / 77.3°F) and it is generally less rainy than the summer months.

    Winter (June – August)
    Winter on the Gold Coast is generally sunny and dry with average temperatures between 12.5 - 21.5°C (54.5 - 70.7°F). The Hinterland is slightly cooler with maximum winter temperatures around 16°C (60.8°F). Clear skies and dry air average cool nights.

    Spring (September – November)
    Sunny days are followed by mild tropical evenings and average temperatures range from 16.9 - 25.4°C (62.4 - 77.7°F). Days are dry but can be windy, especially during September.

    (source: www.australia.com )

    International Student Water Safety Videos (English, Mandarin, Portuguese, Spanish, Vietnamese, Korean & Japanese.)

    Beach Safety

    Learn more about water safety at https://lifesaving.com.au/

    Student support in Queensland

    Queensland offers a range of resources including the Queensland student hub network, an international student hotline and student support staff dedicated to supporting and encouraging students.

    1800QSTUDY (1800 778 839) is a hotline for international students across Queensland. The service supports students, agents, chaperones, parents and homestay providers with 24/7 phone support and general enquires regarding studying in Queensland. Please note, 1800QSTUDY is not an emergency service number. In an emergency, please dial Triple Zero (000) and ask for police, fire or ambulance. Services include:
  • Afterhours support
  • Accommodation advice
  • Public transport and travel advice
  • Employment advice
  • Health and wellbeing referrals
  • Legal referrals
  • Complaint referrals
  • A translations service is available

  • Find out more

    GOLD COAST STUDENT HUB

    Located at 43 Nerang Street Southport, the heart of Gold Coast's latest co-working spaces, the Gold Coast Student Hub is designed by students for students and aims to provide a unique networking, collaboration and study space for students to connect, learn, explore and seek support in a friendly and welcoming environment.

    Find out more

      Major Shopping Centres:

    • Harbour Town Outlet
    • Pacific Fair Shopping Centre
    • Robina Town Centre
    • Australia Fair Shopping Centre
    • Westfield Helensvale
    • Marina Mirage
    • Supermarkets:

    • Coles
    • Woolworths
    • Aldi
    • Discount Store Retailers

    • Target
    • Kmart
    • BigW
    • The Reject Shop
    • Choice Discount Variety Stores
    • Stacks
    • Department Stores

    • Myer
    • David Jones
    • Health & Beauty

    • Priceline
    • Chemist Warehouse
    • Terry White Chemist
    • Banking

    • National Australia Bank (NAB)
    • Westpac
    • Commonwealth Bank
    • Australia and New Zealand Banking Group (ANZ)

      Nearby Doctors

    • Australia Fair Medical Centre
    • Surfers Paradise Day & Night Medical Centre
    • Paradise City Medical Centre
    • Myhealth Ashmore Plaza
    • See more
    • Post Office

    • Australia Post
    • Nearby Attractions

    • Dreamworld
    • Warner Bros. Movie World
    • Sea World
    • Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary
    • Wet'n'Wild
    • Lamington National Park
    • WhiteWater World
    • Springbrook National Park
    • Glow-Worm Caves Tamborine Mountain
    • Infinity Attraction
    • Treetop Challenge
    *Disclaimer: None of these providers are operated or endorsed by BROWNS, nor does BROWNS recommend one over the other. BROWNS will not assume responsibility for these.

    Living costs in Australia, visit www.studyaustralia.gov.au

    BROWNS Student Discounts

    Gold Coast Student Discounts

    Gold Coast


    When arriving to the Gold Coast, students can purchase a TransLink GoCard. This is an electronic ticket offering fast, easy and convenient travel at a cheaper price than paper tickets. Your GoCard can be used on all TransLink buses, trains (including Airtrain), ferries and tram services across Brisbane, Ipswich, Sunshine Coast, and the Gold Coast.

    ELICOS (English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students) students are generally eligible for a Adult GoCard (blue)

    Benefits include:
  • cheaper than the cost of a paper ticket
  • convenient to manage
  • easy to top-up and use

  • More information about TransLink online:
    Arabic, Simplified Chinese, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Spanish

    Australia has three major domestic airlines which include Qantas, JetStar, Virgin Australia,

    Compare, combine and book domestic flights with Webjet

    Staying in Gold Coast puts you in prime position to explore some of Australia’s best destinations, both within the state of Queensland and beyond.

    Destination Approximate Travel Times
    Brisbane Approximately 1 hour by train
    Sunshine Coast 2 hours by car
    Sydney Just over 1 hour by plane
    Melbourne Just over 2 hours by plane
    Great Barrier Reef 5 hours by plane (1 or more stops)
    Auckland 3 hours by plane
    Singapore 8 hours by plane
    Guangzhou 13 hours by plane
    Seoul 16 hours by plane
    Dubai 17 hours by plane

    Living in Melbourne

    Discover Melbourne: World-class education, diverse culture, thriving arts and sports scene. Safe, liveable and filled with culinary delights. Your dream destination awaits!

    • World-class education: Melbourne is renowned for its prestigious universities and educational institutions, attracting students from all over the globe.
    • Cultural diversity: The city's rich cultural tapestry offers a blend of cuisines, festivals, and traditions from various backgrounds, creating a vibrant and inclusive environment.
    • Thriving arts and entertainment scene: Melbourne is a hub for art, music, theater, and events, ensuring there's always something exciting happening in the city.
    • Culinary delights: Food lovers rejoice in Melbourne's diverse dining options, from street food markets to award-winning restaurants, catering to all tastes.
    • Sports capital: With a passion for sports, Melbourne hosts major events like the Australian Open, Formula 1 Grand Prix, and more, providing a thrilling experience for sports enthusiasts.
    • Beautiful parks and gardens: The city is adorned with stunning green spaces, such as the Royal Botanic Gardens and Yarra Park, providing serene escapes within the urban landscape.
    • Safe and welcoming: Melbourne consistently ranks as one of the world's safest cities, making it an ideal place for international students and travellers.
    • Efficient public transport: An extensive public transportation network makes it easy to explore the city and its surrounding attractions.
    • Employment opportunities: Melbourne offers a strong job market, making it an attractive destination for both students and professionals looking to start or advance their careers.
    • Livability: Regularly recognized as one of the world's most livable cities, Melbourne provides a high quality of life, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable stay for residents and visitors alike.
    Explore everything Melbourne and surrounding areas have to offer. These are some key events to note throughout the year:

      January:
    • Australia Day
    • New Year's Day
    • Australian Open
    • Midsumma Festival

    • February:
    • Valentine's Day
    • St Kilda Festival

    • March:
    • AFL (Australian Football League) season starts
    • Clean up Australia Day
    • World's Greatest Shave
    • Melbourne Food and Wine Festival
    • Moomba Festival

    • April:
    • Melbourne International Comedy Festival
    • Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show
    • ANZAC Day

    • May:
    • White Night Melbourne
    • Melbourne International Jazz Festival

    • June:
    • Melbourne International Animation Festival
    • Melbourne International Film Festival (MIFF)
    • End of financial year sales

    • July:
    • Open House Melbourne

    • August:
    • Melbourne Writers Festival

      September:
    • Melbourne Fringe Festival)
    • Royal Melbourne Show

    • October:
    • Melbourne Festival
    • Melbourne Fashion Festival

    • November:
    • Melbourne Cup Carnival
    • Melbourne Music Week
    • Movember

    • December:
    • Christmas celebrations
    • Carols by Candlelight
    • Boxing Day Sales
    • New Years Eve events

    • Must try/visit:
    • Great Ocean Road: Embark on a road trip to witness the stunning coastal views, rock formations, and the iconic Twelve Apostles.
    • Federation Square: Melbourne's cultural hub, featuring galleries, restaurants, and event spaces. It's a great starting point to explore the city.
    • Queen Victoria Market: A historic open-air market offering fresh produce, gourmet foods, clothing, and souvenirs.
    • Royal Botanic Gardens: A serene oasis in the heart of the city, perfect for relaxing strolls, picnics, and enjoying the lush greenery.
    • Melbourne Museum: Discover Australia's cultural and natural history, including fascinating exhibits on indigenous culture, wildlife, and more.
    • National Gallery of Victoria (NGV): Australia's oldest and most visited art museum, showcasing an impressive collection of artworks from various periods.
    • Eureka Skydeck: Enjoy panoramic views of Melbourne from the Southern Hemisphere's highest viewing platform
    • Street Art Laneways: Wander through Hosier Lane and other laneways to experience Melbourne's renowned street art scene.
    • St Kilda: A vibrant beachside suburb known for its beach, amusement park Luna Park, and lively Acland Street with its cafes and cake shops.
    • Phillip Island: Experience the famous Penguin Parade, where you can watch penguins return to their nests at sunset.
    • Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG): For sports enthusiasts, catch a cricket or Australian Rules Football match at this iconic stadium.

    This should be used as a guide only and may change year-to-year. Check https://whatson.melbourne.vic.gov.au/ for more information.

    Plan ahead with this information on temperature and rainfall in Melbourne. Don't forget to pack your sunscreen!

    Summer (December – February)
    Melbourne warms up in summer with mean temperatures between 14 - 25.3°C (57.2 - 77.5°F). These months are dry, with occasional hot spells that can last more than three days. Melbourne’s top temperatures are usually in January and February, when temperatures can occasionally soar past 30°C (86°F).

    Autumn (March – May)
    Autumn sees cooler weather with average temperatures ranging from 10.9 – 20.3°C (51.6 - 68.5°F). Morning fog usually clears to welcome fine, sunny days, however toward the end of the season there can be extended periods of light winds.

    Winter (June – August)
    In winter, average temperatures range from 6.5 - 14.2°C (43.7 - 57.6°F), and snow falls in the north-east of Victoria, known as High Country. The weather is frequently cold and cloudy, and nights can be accompanied by frosts. Heavy rain is rare at this time of year.

    Spring (September – November)
    During spring average temperatures range from 9.6 - 19.6°C (49.3 - 67.3°F). The season is known as the most variable of the year, when weather can quickly change from calm and sunny to cold and windy. Pack your umbrella – October is the wettest month with roughly 10 days of rainfall.

    (source: www.australia.com )

    International Student Water Safety Videos

    Beach Safety

    Learn more about water safety at https://beachsafe.org.au/surf-safety

    Student support in Melbourne

    STUDY MELBOURNE HUB

    The Study Melbourne Hub is a study space in the centre of Melbourne for international students living in Victoria. The Hub is a welcoming place to network, attend events, meet other students and access support and advice.

    Find out more

      Major Shopping Centres:

    • Chadstone Shopping Centre
    • Melbourne Central
    • Bourke Street Mall
    • Westfield Fountain Gate
    • Highpoint Shopping Centre
    • Westfield Knox Shopping Centre
    • Supermarkets:

    • Coles
    • Woolworths
    • Aldi
    • Discount Store Retailers

    • Target
    • Kmart
    • BigW
    • The Reject Shop
    • Daiso
    • Department Stores

    • Myer
    • David Jones
    • Health & Beauty

    • Priceline
    • Chemist Warehouse
    • Terry White Chemist
    • Banking

    • National Australia Bank (NAB)
    • Westpac
    • Commonwealth Bank
    • Australia and New Zealand Banking Group (ANZ)

      Post Office

    • Australia Post
    • Nearby Attractions

    • Yarra Valley: Known for its wineries and breathtaking scenery, the Yarra Valley offers wine tasting tours, hot air balloon rides, and gourmet dining experiences.
    • Mornington Peninsula: A beautiful coastal region with beaches, natural hot springs, vineyards, and charming seaside towns.
    • Dandenong Ranges: Explore lush rainforests, enjoy scenic walks, and take a ride on the historic Puffing Billy steam train.
    • Great Ocean Road: Famous for its stunning coastal landscapes, the Twelve Apostles, and picturesque towns like Lorne and Apollo Bay.
    • Phillip Island: Visit for the Penguin Parade, koala conservation centers, seal watching, and beautiful coastal views.
    • Wilsons Promontory National Park: A wilderness haven with pristine beaches, hiking trails, and diverse wildlife.
    • Healesville Sanctuary: A wildlife sanctuary where you can see native Australian animals in their natural habitat.
    • Werribee Open Range Zoo: An African safari-style experience featuring animals like lions, giraffes, and rhinos.
    • Ballarat: Explore the gold rush history at Sovereign Hill, an interactive outdoor museum, and visit the Art Gallery of Ballarat.
    • Geelong: A coastal city with waterfront attractions, cultural precincts, and the Geelong Botanic Gardens.
    • The Grampians National Park: Offers hiking trails, Aboriginal rock art sites, and stunning viewpoints.
    • Daylesford and Hepburn Springs: Renowned for their mineral springs, spa treatments, and arts scene.
    • Mount Buller: A popular ski resort in winter and a scenic alpine destination in summer.
    *Disclaimer: None of these providers are operated or endorsed by BROWNS, nor does BROWNS recommend one over the other. BROWNS will not assume responsibility for these.

    Living costs in Australia, visit www.studyaustralia.gov.au

    When arriving to Melbourne, students can purchase a myki card. This is an electronic ticket offering fast, easy and convenient travel. Your myki can be used on all TransLink buses, trains (including Airtrain), ferries and tram services across Brisbane, Ipswich, Sunshine Coast, and the Gold Coast.


    More information about myki online:
    English, Arabic, Cantonese, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Traditional Chinese, Spanish Vietnamese,

    Australia has three major domestic airlines which include Qantas, JetStar, Virgin Australia,

    Compare, combine and book domestic flights with Webjet

    Staying in Melbourne puts you in prime position to explore some of Australia’s best destinations, both within the state of Victoria and beyond.

    Destination Approximate Travel Times
    Sydney Approximately an hour and a half by plane
    Adelaide Approximately 1 hour by plane
    Tasmania Approximately 1 hour by plane or approximately 10 hours by ship (Spirit of Tasmania)
    Auckland, New Zealand Approximately 3 and a half hours by plane
    Bali Approximately 6 hours by plane
    Thailand Approximately 9 hours by plane
    Singapore Approximately 8 hours by plane
    Guangzhou, China Approximately Approximately 10 hours by plane
    Seoul, Korea Approximately 12 hours by plane
    Dubai Approximately 14 hours by plane

    Facts about Australia

    Beach Safety - International Student Water Safety Videos

    Living costs in Australia

    Safety (Insider Guides)

    Money and Banking (Insider Guides)

    Employment (Insider Guides)

    Phone and Internet (Insider Guides)

    Australian Culture (Insider Guides)

    Pre-Departure (Insider Guides)

    We want every international student to have a positive experience while studying and working in Australia.

    These resources have been designed to help understand workplace rights and where to go to find support when needed.

    Resources provided by www.studyaustralia.gov.au

    Pre-departure

    Pre-Departure animation

    Pre-Departure flyer

    Orientation

    “Work Ready” factsheet and checklist

    The warning signs of workplace exploitation: Video | Flyer | The role of the Fair Work Ombudsman

    Working while studying

    How to get help (QLD flyer)

    Conversation starters with your boss: Flyer | Video