First Week Checklist Brisbane 2026

I'm Hannah Lee, a 29-year-old relocating from Melbourne to Brisbane for a new role in marketing. I’m excited to start this new chapter and make Brisbane my home. Here’s a snapshot of my journey:

One of the first tasks I tackled upon arriving in Brisbane was setting up a local bank account. I found that having an Australian bank account made managing my finances much easier. I visited a few banks to compare their offerings and settled on one that had a branch close to my new apartment.

To open an account, I needed to provide proof of identity and my address. I brought my passport, a utility bill, and my rental agreement. The bank staff were friendly and guided me through the process, which took about an hour. I also made sure to ask about any fees associated with the account, as some banks offer fee-free options for new arrivals.

Having access to local banking services helped me settle in quickly, allowing me to pay rent and set up other services without hassle.

In my first week, I also focused on getting utilities set up in my new apartment. I contacted the electricity, water, and gas companies to establish service. Each provider had its own requirements, but I found that most were quite straightforward.

For electricity, I compared rates from different companies online and chose one that offered a competitive plan. I scheduled the connection for the day I moved in, which worked perfectly.

Internet was another priority. I researched various providers and settled on one that promised fast speeds and reliable service. I booked an installation appointment for the following week.

Overall, I recommend making a list of all the utilities you need to set up and contacting them as soon as possible to avoid delays.

Once I had my essentials sorted, I dedicated some time to exploring my new neighborhood. Brisbane has a vibrant community, and I wanted to familiarize myself with local shops, parks, and cafes. I took walks around my area and discovered a lovely park nearby, perfect for weekend picnics.

I also visited local grocery stores to get a feel for prices and product availability. I was pleasantly surprised to find a great selection of international foods, which made me feel more at home.

Public transport is another aspect to consider. I purchased a Go Card for easy access to buses and trains, which made getting around the city much more convenient. I recommend downloading the local transport app to stay updated on schedules and routes.

In my first week, I made sure to register for essential local services. This included enrolling in Medicare, which is Australia’s public health care system. I visited the nearest Medicare office with my identification and proof of residency. The process was straightforward, and I received my Medicare card within a few weeks.

I also looked into local community services and groups that align with my interests, such as fitness classes and book clubs. Joining these groups helped me meet new people and integrate into the community more quickly.

Navigating Brisbane’s transport system was a priority for me. I downloaded the TransLink app, which provides real-time information on buses, trains, and ferries. I found it incredibly useful for planning my daily commute to work.

Brisbane has an extensive public transport network, and I quickly learned that using the Go Card for travel is the most economical option. I also explored bike rental services, as Brisbane is a bike-friendly city with many dedicated paths. This gave me an opportunity to enjoy the beautiful weather while staying active.

Connecting with locals was important to me, so I attended a few community events during my first week. I found a local market that happens every Saturday, which was a great way to meet people and discover local produce.

I also joined a few Facebook groups for newcomers and expats in Brisbane. These groups provided valuable information about local events and activities, and I even made a few friends who shared similar interests.

I encourage anyone moving to Brisbane to seek out community events and social groups; it’s a fantastic way to feel more at home.

One common mistake many movers make is underestimating the time it takes to settle in. I thought I could complete everything in a few days, but I quickly realized that tasks like setting up utilities and exploring the area require more time than expected.

Another mistake is not budgeting enough for the first month. I had to account for initial expenses like deposits for utilities and groceries, which added up quickly. I recommend creating a detailed budget before your move to avoid financial surprises.

Lastly, many newcomers overlook the importance of connecting with local communities right away. Building a support network can make a huge difference in how quickly you adjust to your new environment.

Budgeting for my first month in Brisbane was crucial. I estimated my expenses based on the cost of living in the city, which I found to be around AUD 2,900 on average. This included rent, utilities, groceries, and transportation.

I created a spreadsheet to track my expected costs versus actual spending. For example, I budgeted AUD 1,500 for rent, AUD 200 for utilities, and AUD 300 for groceries. I found that my grocery expenses were slightly higher than anticipated, as I was still figuring out where to shop for the best deals.

Overall, having a clear budget helped me manage my finances and avoid overspending during my first month.

Living in Brisbane during my first month has been an exciting adventure. I’ve enjoyed exploring the city’s beautiful parks, vibrant arts scene, and diverse dining options.

Work has also been a positive experience. My new role in marketing has allowed me to meet many talented professionals, and I’ve already started collaborating on exciting projects. I’ve made it a point to attend networking events to further expand my professional circle.

In summary, my first month has been filled with opportunities to learn and grow, both personally and professionally. I look forward to continuing my journey in this wonderful city.