Australia's home air carrier, Qantas, has debuted a direct flight from Los Angeles to Brisbane onboard the 787 Dreamliner, an airplane known for both passenger comfort and fuel efficiency.
At a media dinner in Los Angeles last week, Qantas and Brisbane representatives celebrated the connection and highlighted how it will aid the destination in growing its tourism numbers. The flight is offered three days per week until October, from which point it will fly daily out of Los Angeles International Airport. Qantas reports that the flights are in response to increased interest in the destination. While it may be lesser known than cities such as Sydney and Melbourne, Brisbane's under-the-radar charm seems to be drawing in more travelers.
Set on Australia's east coast and boasting 300 days of sun a year, Brisbane is an ideal stop for West Coast travelers on an Aussie adventure. And, like Los Angeles, Brisbane is looking forward to hosting the Olympics (in 2032) and is readying for the events with new hotels and more.
What’s New in Brisbane
One notable development that travel advisors will want to watch is Queen's Street Wharf, a world-class riverside entertainment district with myriad entertainment options and luxury hotels. The Star Grand hotel is already open, offering 340 rooms, pools overlooking the Brisbane River and access to world-class restaurants, bars and entertainment. Future phases will bring a Dorsett hotel and a six-star Rosewood hotel.
As for activities, Brisbane has much to offer, from the new Bluey World theme park (based on the hit children's television show, which is set in Brisbane) to Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, the only facility of its kind in the world. Whale watching is among other popular excursions easily booked from Brisbane, too.
Slightly further afield, popular vacation spots in greater Queensland include The Sundays, a new island resort with just 59 rooms at the Great Barrier Reef, and the new Mondrian Gold Coast, set on surfing hot spot Burleigh Beach. Andaz Gold Coast is set to debut this year. Noctourism, or tourism that focuses on night-time activities, is also big in the region, as are Indigenous tours and stops at bathhouses and hot springs. For the latter, advisors might consider sites such as Lan Bathhouse, Sol Elements and Native State.
