Transport and accommodation

Halls of Residence

The UQ Res Halls of Residence at UQ Gatton campus is the oldest and largest residential operation associated with The University of Queensland, being established in 1897 and currently comprising 436 rooms.

Community life in the Halls provides the opportunity for an exciting "Living and Learning" experience at University; it is entirely up to you how much you want to avail yourself of the opportunities.

Rental accommodation

If you intend to live in Gatton, surrounding areas, Toowoomba or Brisbane you can use one of the real estate websites to search for suitable accommodation. You can search for shared accommodation (sharing the same bathroom and kitchen with other people) or for apartments, flats or houses.

• UQ Rentals is a website run by UQ's Accommodation Services featuring vacant rooms and properties that are suitable for students and staff who hold a UQ student/staff number at the time of registering. Owners, landlords, real estate agents and students use the site to advertise their vacancies. 
• Real Estate Agents in the local Gatton area can also be of assistance in seeking rental accommodation:
  • Elders Real Estate
  • Gatton Real Estate
  • Domain Gatton rentals
  • RealEstate.com

When renting accommodation please be aware that some accommodation is furnished and others unfurnished.

Arriving in Brisbane

UQ international airport pickup service

UQ’s Welcome Crew is available before the start of each semester to meet international students at the airport. Bookings are essential during the available dates. Visit my.UQ for details about our international student airport welcome and shuttle service, and ensure you note the specific information for Gatton students.

If you arrive in Brisbane outside of the UQ international airport pickup service operating days or times we strongly recommend you make short-term accommodation arrangements in Brisbane, and plan your trip to Gatton during the day on Monday to Friday using the intercampus bus service.

Making your own way to Gatton

There are private bus companies that provide transport from the Brisbane airport and Brisbane city to Gatton:

• Airport Flyer is a mini-bus transfer service from the airport to the Gatton town centre (5km from campus). You will need to arrange transport from Gatton to your accommodation in town or on campus.
• Greyhound Australia buses run from the Brisbane Transit Centre to UQ's Gatton campus. This service does not enter the campus itself, and travellers depart the bus at the Long Distance Bus Shelter, Cnr Warrego Highway and Outer Ring Road. It is a 20-minute walk to the campus centre from this stop. If you are travelling with luggage, this may not be the best option for you.

Other useful resources:

• Brisbane Airport International Arrival Guide
• Brisbane Airport Transport Options
• Translink (for public transport).

Getting around Brisbane and Gatton

Intercampus bus service

You can catch the free UQ intercampus bus from the St Lucia campus to the Gatton campus (runs 4 times per day Monday to Friday only). You must book a seat at least one (1) business day before your journey, using your UQ Student ID number as reference.

Public transport

The Translink network is a mix of train, bus and ferry travel. You will need to buy a GoCard to travel on Translink buses. GoCard is the easiest and most economical way to pay for public transport. You can purchase a GoCard from the Gatton Student Centre.

A rail-bus service runs between Brisbane and Gatton. Catch the Ipswich line train to Rosewood Station and transfer to Translink bus (route 539) to travel to Gatton campus and Gatton town. Visit Translink journey planner for times.

Taxis/Rideshare

It is advisable to only use taxis or rideshare services such as Uber for travel in and around Brisbane, or between Gatton town and Gatton campus. (Due to the distance, the cost for a rideshare service between campuses is more than $100, while a taxi from the airport to Gatton campus is more than $200.)

Living in the Halls

If you are staying in the Halls, 3 meals per day are provided in the Dining Hall.

The Halls of Residence also offers some self-catered facilities to students with special dietary requirements. These facilities include a modern kitchen equipped with a microwave, refrigerator, stove, oven, kettle, toaster, lockable cupboards and dining room suite; a common lounge area; and internet connection and television cabling in your room. The self-catering option gives you the opportunity to maintain your independence and to cook for yourself in a smaller community, while still having all the conveniences of living on campus. You will need to discuss your requirements with the Halls staff as these facilities are limited.

Next to the Dining Hall are the Walkway Cafe and Coffee Pod, providing takeway meals, snacks and barista-made coffee between 7am and 3pm during semester. This is the only other food outlet on Gatton campus, in addition to a number of vending machines. You may therefore want to travel to the close-by town of Gatton to purchase other food items.

Food options in Gatton (town)

Here are a number of food places in Gatton:

• Domino's Pizza, 35 North Street, 1300 366 466
• Indian Galhey Restaurant, 44 Railway Street
• Hannant's Takeaway, 86 Railway Street
• Gatton Golf Club, Woodlands Road
• International Food Emporium (grocery store), 50 Railway Street

There are also other fast-food outlets nearby, such as KFC, and a McDonald's Cafe is located across the main highway from the campus within walking distance.

Driving in Queensland

Information on driving in Queensland on an overseas licence is provided on the Queensland Goverment website.

Please note that if your licence isn’t in English, you need to carry a recognised English translation of it when you’re driving. Show this translation to police when you have to show your driver licence. The National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters (NAATI) has a list of approved translators (see also overseas and interstate licence).

Renting a car

Drivers with a valid international licence can hire a rental car from most companies (check at the time of booking).

A selection of car hire companies:

• Rentalcars.com
• Hertz Car Rentals