Is Brisbane Safe [2026]

When you travel to a new place, it is natural to wonder how safe it is. You may also want to understand anything helpful to know before you go, as well as simple ways to stay safe.

If you are planning a trip to Brisbane, you may have similar questions. Is Brisbane safe? We have taken a closer look and outlined what you may like to know about safety when visiting Brisbane.

How Safe Is Brisbane For Travel

Brisbane is known for its friendly people, unique wildlife, and beautiful natural surroundings, but it is still reasonable to wonder how safe it is to visit.

One way to check is by looking at travel advice websites such as Smartraveller or Travel Safe – Abroad, which provide general safety information for travellers.

Overall, Brisbane is considered a relatively safe place to visit, especially when compared with many other destinations.

Brisbane’s Safety Rating

Brisbane currently has a safety score of 35 out of 100, and the overall risk level is considered low. This means the chance of being affected by a violent crime is about 1 in 191.

Overall, the city is seen as low risk for public transport, pickpocketing, mugging, scams, and for women travelling on their own.

When compared with other capital cities in Australia, Brisbane is often rated as one of the safer places to visit.

Top 10 Safest Suburbs In Brisbane

1. Forest Lake
2. Coorparoo
3. Calamvale
4. Bracken Ridge
5. The Gap (Brisbane – Qld)
6. Carindale
7. Eight Mile Plains
8. Runcorn
9. Ashgrove
10. Aspley

Top 10 Suburbs With The Worst Crime Rates

1. Brisbane City
2. Fortitude Valley
3. Chermside
4. Woolloongabba
5. South Brisbane
6. Spring Hill (Qld)
7. Upper Mount Gravatt
8. Acacia Ridge
9. Petrie Terrace
10. Stafford

Is Brisbane Safe To Travel Alone?

Queensland’s capital is generally considered a safe place for people travelling on their own, whether men or women.

Most people feel comfortable walking around and exploring Brisbane City, whether they are alone, with friends, or with family.

However, as with any city, it is sensible to avoid quiet or isolated areas where possible and to be a little more aware of your surroundings at night.

Is It Safe To Travel On Brisbane’s Public Transport Network?

Public transport in Brisbane is generally considered a safe and reliable way to travel. There are a range of safety features in place, such as security cameras, help phones, and safety officers who patrol regularly.

There are also staff across the network to support passenger safety, including busway safety officers, guards on some train services, and staff on CityCats and ferries.

At certain times, you may also see customer service staff on some buses and at stations, particularly during the day and on weekend evenings.

General Safety Advice

Brisbane is generally considered a safe place to visit, however it is still sensible to take care and make thoughtful choices when travelling somewhere new.

Here are some simple safety tips to keep in mind:

• Keep a mobile phone with you in case of an emergency
• Have a list of local emergency phone numbers available
• If visiting nearby beaches, check the weather and surf conditions, and where possible swim between the flags at patrolled beaches
• Police in Brisbane are approachable and can assist if you need help
• Summer days can be very hot, so it is important to bring water, wear sunscreen, and use protective clothing if spending long periods outdoors
• If travelling on public transport at night, it is best to plan ahead and stay in areas where there are other people nearby

Important Safety Numbers To Know In Brisbane

When visiting any new city, it is a good idea to have a list of local emergency contacts ready, so you can get help quickly if needed.

Emergency Numbers

If you need urgent help from Police, Fire, or an Ambulance, you can call Triple Zero (000). You can also dial 112 from a mobile phone.

An emergency may include situations such as a crime happening at the time, someone being in danger, a fire, or when urgent medical help is needed.

If you are unable to explain the situation in English, the emergency service can provide translation support.

For non-urgent police matters, you can contact Policelink. Reports can be made online or by calling 131 444, which is available 24 hours a day. Non-urgent matters may include property damage, theft, break-ins, stolen vehicles, or lost property.

Medical Services In Brisbane

Public hospitals in Brisbane are able to provide medical care to tourists and visitors from overseas. You can usually find a hospital nearby, so support is available if needed during your stay.

If you are an Australian, it is helpful to carry your Medicare card so you can use the public health system as you normally would. If you are visiting from overseas and do not have a Medicare card, you can still receive treatment, however you will need to pay for it.

For this reason, it is sensible to arrange travel insurance before leaving your country. You may need to pay some costs at the time, but you can often claim these back from your insurer later with your receipts.

Speak To A Nurse

If you need medical advice but it is not an emergency, you can call Queensland’s 24-hour health phone service. Simply dial 13 HEALTH (13 43 25 84) to speak with a registered nurse.

The nurse can talk through your symptoms and help you decide what to do next.

Mental Health Services

It is okay to ask for extra support, and people can use a range of free mental health services and counsellors:

• Lifeline: a free 24-hour support line run by trained volunteers. You can call anytime on 13 11 14
• Headspace: offers free mental health support for young people aged 12 to 25
• Beyond Blue: provides support for mental health and wellbeing
• Queensland Transcultural Mental Health Centre: offers support that respects different cultures and backgrounds

Community Safety Tips:

Here are some simple tips to help you stay safe in Brisbane:

• Pay attention to what is happening around you, including traffic and people nearby
• Take off your headphones or put your phone away when walking in busy areas or crossing the road
• Try to plan ahead so you know where you are going
• Trust your feelings. If something does not feel right, move somewhere safer
• Keep your valuables out of sight and close to you, or leave them at home if possible
• Avoid walking alone in quiet or poorly lit areas when you can
• If you think someone is following you, cross the street or change direction. If they keep following, go somewhere public where other people are around

Conclusion

In summary, Brisbane is generally considered a safe city to visit, whether you are travelling within Australia or from overseas. It offers a range of experiences, from relaxing in nature to exploring local attractions and enjoying the city.

If you would like to learn more about Brisbane or other cities in Queensland and their safety, you may wish to explore the crime maps on Red Suburbs.

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