A sophisticated city with a reputation for culture, Brisbane is home to one of Australia’s finest culinary scenes. With its annual festival, roof top bars and city beaches, there’s always something to do in and around the city.

When to book flights to Brisbane

One of the best times to visit Brisbane is between March and May. This is autumn in the southern hemisphere and temperatures are milder than the scorching summer months, and with little rainfall. But always remember to wear plenty of sunscreen at any time of year.

June to August, which is winter in Brisbane, is also a good time, as is the spring. But bear in mind that if you travel in September, the city hosts a month-long arts festival so flights and accommodation can get booked up early.

From December to March it’s usually easier to find cheap flights and hotels, but it is the rainy season so it’s worth being aware that things can get a little wet.

How to find the best flight deals to Brisbane

If you’re planning on visiting in September, during the festival, then the advice is to book early to get any kind of affordable flights to Brisbane.

However, during the rest of the year, it might be possible to find cheap deals. You simply have to know how to use the Expedia flight search to your advantage.

Use the ‘Show Flexible Dates’ option to see what other deals are available on the days surrounding your preferred flight options. Very often, by making little adjustments, you can make big savings.

Main airports in Brisbane

Brisbane Airport is the main airport serving the city and southeast Queensland, with flights to more than 50 domestic and 30 international destinations. More than 22 million passengers fly in and out of here each year.

The airport has two railway stations, as well as bus links to the city and parking for more than 9,000 cars. There is also an inter-terminal bus connecting the terminals and Skygate shopping precinct.

Which airlines fly to Brisbane?

Flights to Brisbane are available from a number of different carriers.

These include:

• Quantas
• Singapore
• Cathay Pacific
• Etihad
• Emirates

How to get to and around Brisbane

The main ways of getting from the airport to the city is by train, with departures running every 15 minutes during peak hours. Travel time is about 30 minutes.

There are several private shuttle firms offering services too, but wait times can be up to an hour. Public bus services connect the airport and the city and are the cheapest way of travelling.

Once in the city, getting around in Brisbane is very simple. It’s an excellent city for walking, especially around the CBD and, if you’re travelling further, you’re never too far from a bus, train or ferry station.

With a network of bike paths, especially along the river, cycling is another popular option. Although some areas of the city are very hilly. The one way system in the city can be a little confusing at first but you’ll soon get used to it, and with plenty of rental car options, self-driving holidays are popular.

What are the must-sees in Brisbane?

Stroll along the South Bank where you’ll find the site of the Expo 88, featuring an artificial beach and parklands. The botanic gardens are just a short 10-minute walk from the city centre, with free guided tours available. If you love animals then the Queensland Zoo is about an hour north of the city, and there’s the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary where you can make some furry friends.

If you’re feeling really energetic, then Mt Coot-tha is Brisbane’s tallest mountain. There’s a great view from the top out of the city and a restaurant if you need to refresh. And if you don’t feel like walking, you can take a scenic drive to the summit.

Tips for travelling in Brisbane

British citizens will need a visa to travel to Australia. You can either get an eVisitor direct from the Department of Immigration or you can get an Electronic Travel Authority via your airline. In some circumstances you may be asked to undergo a medical test before visas are issued.

Perhaps best known for bureaucracy, scratch the surface of Brussels and you’ll discover a hip, multicultural city, bursting with ideas. Spreading out from its medieval core and majestic Grand Place, Brussels gradually morphs from Art Nouveau to the sharp facades of modern administration centres.