Considering going on exchange here (for 2022)

I'm a Canadian university student (21M) deciding between several schools in Australia (UQ, UNSW, USyd, UniMelb), and I have a few questions relating to exchange here:

  1. How is the location like for someone who cannot drive? How does the proximity to places such as the city and beach compare to other unis?
  2. If I were to go here as an exchange student, where would be a good place to live? I want a good party life, and I want to meet other fellow exchange students; however, I am also willing to save money.
  3. Are there any courses specifically intended for exchange students? I know UNSW has a course, SCIF 3900, which involves an excursion to Lady Elliot Island and has many exchange students take it.
  4. Overall, how would you compare Brisbane to other cities such as Melbourne and Sydney? I want good weather and would like to go to the beach (especially given my hometown and where I am now are not known for those).