Founded on the lands of the ancient Jagera and Turrbal tribes, Brisbane is today a shining example of a world city. Nestled along the Brisbane River, Australia's third-largest city and the capital of Queensland is as laidback as it gets, with tons of cultural pursuits and outdoor activities to choose from.
In Brisbane, you'll encounter historic buildings with glass skyscrapers, a stunning nightlife and culinary scene, and fantastic weekend attractions. Consider a flight to and a hotel in Brisbane for your next holiday.
The city's primary international airport is Brisbane Airport (BNE), which connects to several international destinations. British nationals will likely need a visa to travel to Australia. Flights from London and Manchester to Brisbane are easy to find.
The official currency is the Australian dollar (AUD). Currency exchange booths and ATMs are spread throughout the city. Brisbane is ten hours ahead of the United Kingdom, and English is the official language.
The best time to visit is autumn (April and May), when the weather is comfortably sunny with little chance of rainfall. Winter (June to August) features Ekka – Brisbane's largest festival – and the Regional Flavours food and wine festival. Winters are the high season, with package holidays in Brisbane being snapped up quickly. Spring (September to November) is also a good time to visit, thanks to the mild weather. A flight to and hotel in Brisbane are always cheaper during the shoulder seasons.
The month-long Brisbane Festival in September attracts thousands of visitors with its dazzling fireworks display, Sunsuper Riverfire, over the river. Package holidays in Brisbane are best booked in advance during the festival.
Kick off your city breaks in Brisbane with a visit to Brisbane City Hall and King George Square, a historical landmark. A top-rated family attraction is Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, which houses Australia's legendary marsupials. Meet the cheery kangaroos, wallabies, wombats and dingoes, and take a 'cuddle a koala' photo, a terrific keepsake of your weekend in Brisbane.
Panoramic city views can be enjoyed from the Mount Coot-tha Botanic Gardens, home to the world's largest collection of Australian rainforest trees. Check out the bonsai and fragrant plants. Alternatively, plan a day trip to Moreton Island to explore its sandy beaches and azure waters.
If you also have time to explore the surrounding area, you can also rent a car in Brisbane.
Gastronomy in Brisbane is as international as it gets, letting visitors dip into German sauerbraten, Spanish tapas, Chinese dumplings and rice and spicy American buffalo wings, among other cuisines. For Somalian, Eritrean, Ethiopian and Sudanese fare, head to the suburb of Moorooka (Little Africa).
Jan Powers Farmers Markets are perfect for those wishing to eat cheap, hearty and local. Brisbane's fish and chips and sushi preparations are highly recommended, while ice cream, cookies, cupcakes and brownies are popular desserts. Close your weekend in Brisbane with a meal on one of its ambient riverside terraces.
Queensland's largest collection of flagship stores lies in 'the City', the gleaming central business district. For designer fashion clothing, vintage items, home decor and books, head to the picturesque suburb of Paddington. A boutique crawl through Given and Latrobe Terraces gets you everything from jewels to antiques and haute couture.
The Collective Markets on South Bank are stocked with art, design and photography items, furniture, food and fashion. All kinds of funky accessories and souvenirs can be bought at the QAGOMA gift shop. Top takeaways from Brisbane include inflatable kangaroos, wombat and koala bear toys, boomerangs, laughing kookaburra toys and furry hand puppets – all cute reminders of city breaks in Brisbane.
Planning on flying to Australia? If a city break in Brisbane doesn't quite convince you, why not explore other exciting cities in Australia ? Check out our amazing flight and hotel packages for your next holiday adventure!