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With a short 3 hour flight from Brisbane to New Zealand, there is plenty to do in a long weekend.
POV: you’ve lined up at the post office and waited three months for your passport, bought a new suitcase and are ready to explore the world again after three very long years.
You probably have friends and family to visit, but who said they need to be at the top of your list?
Instead, let us tempt you with our top 23 destinations for 2023. Read on for a serious case of wanderlust.
1. Tokyo, Japan
Linking the Olympic City of 2020 with the host city for 2032 Games, Tokyo and Brisbane have recently been re-connected thanks to Qantas. Get the latest tech and gadgets on a shopping splurge or head out of the neon-lit city streets to enjoy the mountains and lakes in the countryside. If you’re chasing powdery ski slopes, plan your trip from late December to March as Japan’s snow season opens to the world. No need to criss-cross the country in the name of snow, Hakuba Valley and Shiga Kōgen Ski Resort are within a few hours’ drive of the city.
GETTING THERE
2. Taipei, Taiwan
Just in time for Lunar New Year, China Airlines will operate a 306-seat Airbus A350-900 to Brisbane-Taipei, five days a week, an increase from three per week. Blending cultural influences from China, Japan, Southeast Asia and America, Taipei City’s quirky personality shines through its themed restaurants, museums and art installations. Grab a bite to eat at one of the many night markets, or for a change of pace, soak in the Beitou Hot Springs, hike through the Taroko National Park with 250,000 acres of mountains, waterfalls and gorges to explore.
GETTING THERE
3. Port Vila, Vanuatu
Are you in need of a tropical island retreat? It’s time to leave footprints in the glistening white sand of Vanuatu, sipping on a cocktail served in a hollowed-out coconut. Only three hours from Brisbane, Vanuatu could just become your favourite long weekend destination. Sure, there’s plenty of places to relax, but if you’re more the ‘can’t sit still’ type of traveller, adventure seekers will love the combination of natural elements to explore both on the island and at sea. Vanuatu lies directly on top of the Pacific Ring of Fire and has nine active volcanoes, seven on land and two beneath the sea. The most famous and most easily accessible is Mt Yasur on Tanna Island.
GETTING THERE
4. Nadi, Fiji
Bula! Is Fiji on your travel list? We’ve got 333 reasons it should be – with 333 idyllic islands, palm-lined white sand beaches and year-round tropical conditions. From hiking through lush rainforests, swimming in waterfall lagoons, and snorkelling with wild manta rays to sea kayaking and surfing a swell on Tavarua (host island to the former Fiji Pro WSL event) – the three and a half hours from Brisbane, with no exaggeration, feels like a world away. If travelling with kids, remember Fiji has a host of resorts offering one-on-one babysitter services and kids clubs for much needed parent time. For both young and young at heart, get involved with the local customs like Meke performances, firewalking and Kava ceremonies.
GETTING THERE
5. California
If you haven’t travelled to the USA, why not start in the Golden State? United and Qantas will fly you direct in just over 13 hours.
Los Angeles
Much like Brisbane, the City of Angels weather is often described as ‘perfect’ – sunny and warm with an average high of 24° C making it perfect for touring. The metro will take you downtown to Hollywood in less than 15-minutes. For the best views of the 100-year-old Hollywood Sign, make your way to the corner of Hollywood Boulevard and Highland Avenue, where you can also enjoy the glamour and fun of Hollywood at the same time. Looking to shop till you drop? Head to Rodeo Drive with over 100 international brands, including Dior, Dolce & Gabbana and Versace, housed in architecturally designed boutiques. For a more relaxed bohemian vibe, hit Venice Beach to get your compulsory sunset and palm tree #gram photo and enjoy the mimes, jugglers, musicians, and street performers.
San Francisco
This hilly, bayside town with clanging cable cars may be small geographically, but it’s big on visitor experiences. With a trend-setting food scene, dine out at a Michelin-starred restaurant or grab a bite from hundreds of street food trucks offering various cuisines. Join a free walking tour of the Golden Gate Bridge and find out all about the most-photographed suspension bridge.
GETTING THERE
6. Vancouver, Canada
With more daily flights just announced from Air Canada, connecting Brisbane with the Great White North has never been easier. First time to Canada? Take in the city views from the sky with a Sea to Sky Gondala tour or get up close and personal via an illuminated stand-up-paddleboard along the waters of Vancouver’s Granville Island by night. No trip to Vancouver is complete without a visit to the bridge that brought the city into the automobile age – the Lion's Gate Bridge. From November to May, grab the skis and hit the slopes of Grouse Mountain, only a 20 minute drive from Vancouver. In the summer months, you can visit the orphaned Grizzly bears at the mountain’s wildlife refuge
GETTING THERE
7. Singapore
Singapore is an all-year-round destination, with an annual calendar of festivals, major sports, culture and art events to entertain the senses. Sip your favourite cocktail at one of the Marina Bay Sands’ sky-high rooftop bars where the party never stops. If you’re interested in street art, make your way to Koon Seng Road in Katong, Singapore’s most colourful street, full of vibrantly painted houses. Nature and photography lovers should visit Gardens by the Bay, a futuristic 101-hectare attraction featuring enchanting sculptures and light displays, the largest glass greenhouse and a huge display for suspended floral arrangements.
GETTING THERE
8. Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
More than just a stop-over, Kuala Lumpur is a high-energy capital city with a vibrant melting pot of cultures serving up incredible food experiences, shopping and nightlife, making it worthy of its own dedicated escape. An essential landmark to mark your trip is the Petronas Twin Towers – the tallest twin towers in the world. For a break from the bustling city, venture to KL Forest Eco Park, 9.37 hectares of protected jungle, in the centre of the city. Escape the humidity and have some fun riding the water slides at Sunway Lagoon.
GETTING THERE
9. Auckland, New Zealand
What better place to start your New Zealand journey than getting your adrenaline pumping by jumping off Auckland’s Sky Tower - 192m down at a speed of 85kph? If that makes your stomach churn, there are plenty of other ways to take your breath away, like taking a walk up Maungawhau, the highest volcano in Auckland, for views over the city and harbours. Food and wine connoisseurs will delight in wine tasting at vineyards on Waiheke Island, a 40 minute ferry ride. For year-round encounters with whales and dolphins, jump aboard the Auckland Whale & Dolphin Safari.
GETTING THERE
10. London, United Kingdom
The first time you walk down Oxford Street you’re guaranteed to have a ‘pinch me I’m in London’ moment. With a history spanning two millennia, it’s impossible to finish discovering – even for those who call it home. There is nothing quite like eating fish and chips in a charming English pub or riding a red double decker bus. Take a day seeing the sights – London Eye, Buckingham Palace, Big Ben and the Tower Bridge. Spend big or look admiringly in Harrods Knightsbridge, home to over 5,000 brands across seven floors. See the Lion King musical at the Lyceum Theatre in London’s West End before catching the Underground to Notting Hill where international designers and independent retailers occupy Italianate houses.
GETTING THERE
11. Blue Mountains, New South Wales
When was the last time you went wild? Enter the Blue Mountains and its World Heritage-listed landscape defined by sandstone ridges and native bushland – found only 50km west of Sydney. Lace up your hiking boots to explore its walking tracks which wind through verdant valleys and craggy cliffs. Pack your camera for photos of the Three Sisters, the iconic rock formations etched by the landscape for millions of years or dive under the terra firma to discover the Jenolan Caves, which are estimated to be 340 million years old.
GETTING THERE
12. Airlie Beach, Queensland
If you’re feeling the burnout of the last three years, find your remedy in The Whitsundays. Home to 74 island wonders, the Great Barrier Reef, Whitehaven Beach and an action-packed mainland, Airlie Beach is the ideal base to stage your tropical escape. With balmy weather on its side, there’s no bad time to visit Airlie Beach – the palm-fringed esplanade, waterfront, marina and alfresco restaurants will have you unwinding in no time.
GETTING THERE
13. Launceston, Tasmania
Hold onto your taste buds foodies – did you hear the news Launceston was named a UNESCO City of Gastronomy? Pack your stretchy pants, farmers market basket and take the two and a half hour flight from Brisbane to see why. Time your visit for the Harvest Market Launceston, which is held each Saturday in the city-centre to sample the brewers, bakers and cheesemakers from the northern reaches of the Apple Isle. When you’re not exploring the city’s food scene, one restaurant at a time, discover the architecture which ranges widely from Georgian to mid-20th century.
GETTING THERE
14. Uluru, Northern Territory
If you’re yet to explore the Red Centre of Australia, Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, don’t let the earth do another lap of the sun without ticking it off the list. One of the world's great natural wonders in the heart of the desert, Uluru is more than just a photo opportunity. On arrival, gaze upon over 50,000 illuminated glass spheres in the Field of Light as you indulge in canapes and a glass of sparkling wine. The next day – choose your own adventure – with numerous options to explore Uluru itself. Take a helicopter ride, take a steady camel back trek, join a motorcycle tour or simply circumnavigate the 9.4km base by foot, taking in the waterholes and caves.
GETTING THERE
15. Newcastle, New South Wales
When you’ve visited Sydney a few times, look a little further north and explore its coastal-city cousin, Newcastle. Fly in over the east coast for a bird’s eye view of its famous golden sand and beaches. At ground level, beach charm meets city life with a foodie scene worth setting your watch to. It’s no surprise the culinary culture is so strong here – right on Newcastle’s doorstep is the Hunter Valley region where you can pick up souvenirs to take home whether it be Chardonnay, Semillon, Verdelho, Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot – or a mix of the lot.
GETTING THERE
16. Adelaide, South Australia
Don’t underestimate the capital city of South Australia, exploding with events, food and wine. Visit in February for the Adelaide Fringe Festival and WOMAdelaide for a full line-up of arts and music. In winter, take a short 45-minute drive up to the Adelaide Hills to enjoy wine tasting in cosy cellar doors with roaring fireplaces. If that isn’t enough to stock up your cellar, The McLaren Vale and Barossa Valley are only a couple of hours further afield to round out a trifecta of wine tasting. Try the abundance of local produce from the Adelaide Central Market, finishing up at Glenelg Beach for a cocktail at Australia’s only beach bar – Moseley.
GETTING THERE
17. Canberra, Australian Capital Territory
If your last trip to Canberra was your year seven school trip, it’s time to get reacquainted with the nation’s capital. The city wears its history and heritage on its sleeve with museums and tours to suit just about every interest group whether it be the Australian War Memorial, Royal Australian Mint, Australian Institute of Sport, the National Gallery and National Library. After exploring the city, take a hire car to explore its natural surrounds which include the Australian Alps, home of the country’s highest mountain which is climbable, Mt Kosciuszko.
GETTING THERE
18. Dubbo, New South Wales
Been there, done that, seen the coastline? Time to head inland to regional New South Wales – Dubbo is calling. This regional city sits at the intersection of the Newell, Mitchell and Golden Highways – but this time – we’d suggest flying to spend more time exploring the town than getting to it. If travelling with little ones, don’t leave without seeing the Taronga Western Plains Zoo, where you can walk, drive or ride around the Zoo's circuit spotting rare and endangered animals including rhinos and big cats.
GETTING THERE
19. Darwin, Northern Territory
Have you done the Northern Territory? If the answer is no, it’s time to put its capital on your radar. Set around a sparkling harbour – it’s more than the sunsets that glitter gold in this capital. With an enviable tropical climate, Darwin is all about outdoor adventures whether it’s exploring its neighbouring national parks (Mary River National Park and Litchfield National Park), heading out on a bespoke fishing charter or joining a croc-spotting tour.
GETTING THERE
20. Longreach, Queensland
Don your RMs and Akubra and head to Queensland’s backyard to reconnect with the country. Longreach is a direct three hour flight from Brisbane but puts you in the ‘heart of the Outback’. Visit the Qantas Founders Museum and Australian Stockmen’s Hall of Fame to learn about Australia’s pioneering history. Take a road-trip to Winton in late June for the Vision Splendid Outback Film Festival, celebrating outback-inspired films and First Nations storytellers. On the way, stop at the Australian Age of Dinosaurs Museum of Natural History, home to the world's largest collection of Australia's largest dinosaur fossils.
GETTING THERE
21. Albury, New South Wales
Want to visit two cities for the price of one? Enter Albury Wodonga, the city that straddles both the New South Wales and Victorian side of the Murray River. Water is a recurring theme here, with the city home to Lake Hume, one of Australia’s great inland lakes – incidentally six times larger than Sydney Harbour. When you’re not exploring from the water, discover the history and heritage visiting Albury’s museums documenting both modern and migrant history.
GETTING THERE
22. Perth, Western Australia
Sitting on the banks of the Swan River, Perth, Western Australia’s capital, might only be five and a half hours from Brisbane, but feels like it could be another country. Wearing the title of Australia’s sunniest capital, for holidaymakers Perth blends equal parts relaxation and adventure. Whether you base yourself in the capital or intend on travelling further afield, be sure to make the most of its proximity to memorable day trips including Margaret River, Rottnest Island and beaches of Freemantle.
GETTING THERE
23. Charleville, Queensland
They say “once a year travel somewhere you haven’t been before” – if you agree you should put Outback Queensland on your 2023 to-visit list. Charleville, aka the bilby capital, is found right in its heart, 750km west of Brisbane at the crossroads of the Warrego and Inland Way. Shave time off your outback trip by flying into Charleville and hiring a car to explore neighbouring towns in the south-west pocket like Augathella, Quilpie and Cunnamulla. Don’t leave without paying a visit to Charleville Cosmos Centre, the Charleville Bilby Experience and WWII Secret Base.
GETTING THERE
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