Once upon a time, Brisbane had a reputation as the sleepy, countrified cousin of big, brash Sydney and Melbourne. Now, it’s estimated that over a thousand people each week are moving to the city in search of the good life. Why the turnaround in fortunes? Perhaps because Brisbane has kept its friendly vibe while developing all the attractions of a big city. Our partner language schools in Brisbane offer the perfect springboard into this superb city.

Brissie, Brisvegas, Brisneyland ... whatever you want to call it, Queensland’s capital is the most welcoming large city in Australia and a great place to study English. Around a fifth of the increasingly-cosmopolitan community was born overseas, which makes for an interesting cultural mix and an astonishing variety of cuisine available in the many restaurants. You will quickly be drawn into the live music, bar and cafe culture in the city, driven by a mix of students from the local universities and the locals, who - even by high Aussie standards - are exceptionally welcoming.

The summers are hot and relatively humid, while the winters are dry and mild: perfect for day trips to Surfers Paradise, Fraser Island and Byron Bay, which are all within easy reach. You have to travel a little out of town to find the beaches (the Gold Coast is a bus ride away), but there’s plenty to explore in town too, including the Kangaroo Point cliffs, where you can climb to a panoramic view of the urban sprawl and river. Alternatively, just enjoy the rich cultural calendar that includes the Ekka (the Royal Queensland Show), held each August, and the annual Brisbane Festival. For a real taste of local culture, grab a beer and a meat pie and catch an Aussie Rules football match with 50,000 locals in the Suncorp Stadium. Learn English in Brisbane and enjoy a laid-back metropolis under the sun.