Bright, beautiful Brisbane
Book flights to Brisbane to explore a haven of art and adventure where man-made beaches and botanical gardens sit alongside creative galleries and indigenous landmarks.
Drenched in year-round sunshine, Brisbane is a city of peaceful parks, bustling markets and the shimmering Brisbane River.
Whether it’s cycling the city’s green spaces or soaking up the culture of an international arts festival, there’s plenty to see and do.
Take time to wander its iconic South Bank, where a packed calendar of events will keep you entertained.
Relax by the glittering lagoon of Streets Beach or head to nearby Stanley Street Plaza where vibrant markets are held each weekend – perfect for picking up souvenirs.
Book your Brisbane flights with Etihad Airways and experience the delights of this great Australian city.
Reasons to visit Brisbane
Cruise the Brisbane River
At 214 miles long, the winding Brisbane River is one of Australia’s most impressive waterways. Starting in the mountains of the Great Dividing Range, this river flows through Brisbane’s heart and out to Moreton Bay. As the city’s standout natural feature, it’s the perfect place to enjoy a scenic cruise.
Catch sight of the Central Business District (CBD) as you sail along the river’s length. Enjoy dinner and live music on one of the vintage paddle wheel boats, or board after sunset to see the city’s lights glitter on the water.
Meet a koala
Travel 15 minutes from the city and you’ll find Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary. As the world’s largest koala refuge, this is the best place to meet some of Australia’s cutest residents. A day ticket gains you entry to the sanctuary, along with the chance to stand beside a koala and learn all about these iconic creatures from sanctuary staff.
A series of interactive shows offer insight into other native species, while alongside the koalas you can spot as many as 70 different varieties of Australian wildlife. Kangaroos, wombats, emus, kookaburras and crocodiles can all be found here.
Discover indigenous traditions
Indigenous culture is an important part of Australia’s heritage. In Brisbane, there are plenty of opportunities to learn about Aboriginal traditions, with various experiences on offer across the city. The State Library of Queensland features ‘kuril dhagun’ and the Talking Circle – indigenous spaces where visitors can grow their knowledge of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.
At Boondall Wetlands – a 20-minute drive west of the city – an Aboriginal art trail demonstrates how indigenous people traditionally used art to document events, pass on information, and map the land.
Flying to Brisbane: FAQs
How much time do I need to visit Brisbane?
Brisbane is packed with attractions and activities that could keep you occupied for at least a couple of weeks. A day trip to Moreton Island is a great addition to your holiday itinerary, while exploring wider Queensland is well worth it too.
Where should I stay in Brisbane?
Many of the main attractions are in or close to the centre, so it’s worth staying centrally for easy access. For a more relaxed location, base yourself in New Farm where tree-lined avenues and independent cafes await.
What’s the food like in Brisbane?
Brisbane’s food scene is both thriving and diverse. Brunch is big here and you’ll find many welcoming cafes offering Australian classics such as smashed avocado on toast. Restaurants feature flavours from around the world – offering everything from Japanese sushi to hearty American-style burgers.