Brisbane looks forward to its first direct flight to China's capital
Air China Limited (hereinafter "Air China") has officially announced that it will launch a direct Beijing–Brisbane route in December 2017, with four flights per week, expected to bring more than A$191 million in revenue to the Queensland economy.
Queensland Minister for Tourism and Major Events, the Honourable Kate Jones, said with delight: "This is the first air corridor connecting China's capital, Beijing, with Queensland's capital, Brisbane, and it is a truly landmark, historic milestone for Queensland. The route is expected to bring nearly 170,000 new visitors to Queensland over the next four years. It will also make it far more convenient for Chinese travellers to reach Brisbane, and to easily continue on to the Gold Coast, the Whitsundays and other famous Queensland destinations, to enjoy the sunshine of the southern hemisphere, glorious beaches, the breathtaking Great Barrier Reef and other world-class attractions."
"The successful launch of this direct route would not have been possible without the close cooperation of numerous partners, including Tourism and Events Queensland, Brisbane Airport Corporation, Gold Coast Tourism, Brisbane Marketing, Tourism Whitsundays and Tourism Australia," Minister Jones said.
Australia's Federal Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment, the Honourable Steven Ciobo, said he was delighted to see the new route launched during the "China–Australia Year of Tourism": "China is Australia's most valuable international source market. Chinese travellers spend up to A$10 billion in Australia each year, a figure expected to rise to A$13 billion by 2020. Strengthening the ties between Australia and China, and fully unlocking the enormous potential of the Chinese source market, is work of vital importance to us."
Air China Vice President Mr Wang Mingyuan said: "The direct Beijing–Brisbane route is Air China's first scheduled service to Queensland, and also the first route to Queensland from all of northern China. Once this route is launched, Air China will offer domestic travellers a more diverse range of options for travelling to Australia. In addition, drawing on the powerful route network of the Star Alliance, travellers will be able to reach even more destinations via other Star Alliance member airlines. Air China currently operates direct routes to several Australian cities from Beijing, Shanghai and Chengdu, offering more than thirty flights a week between China and Australia."
China is Queensland's largest international source market. Over the past year, Chinese travellers spent a total of A$1 billion in Queensland, contributing nearly 20% of the state's international tourism revenue. The launch of this new route will provide a more convenient air travel option for business, tourism and cultural exchanges between China and Queensland.
Situated in the north-east of Australia, Brisbane is the capital of Queensland and one of Australia's "emerging international cities". It is vibrant and full of energy, with a diverse, modern metropolitan flair combined with the relaxed, sunny and elegant slow pace of Queensland life. In recent years, Brisbane's rapid development across tourism, business, culture, technology and education has allowed it to shine on the international stage in many dimensions. In Brisbane, visitors can enjoy the perfect blend of city living, arts and culture, outdoor activities, natural islands and wildlife. At the same time, they can easily reach the Gold Coast for a perfect, fun-filled beach holiday, or fly conveniently to the heart of the Great Barrier Reef — the Whitsundays region — to seek out world-famous sights such as the Great Barrier Reef's Heart Reef and Whitehaven Beach.
A stroll through South Bank ParklandsSouth Bank Parklands is the former site of World Expo 88 and one of Australia's finest inner-city parks. Set out in the morning, cycle through the woods, pass through the plaza to catch some street performances, or take a short cruise by yacht or canoe. We highly recommend setting aside an evening for the Brisbane Wheel — Brisbane by night is especially enchanting, with the shimmering stars and the city lights echoing one another.
Website http://www.visitbrisbane.com.au/South-Bank
Let loose on the beachYou don't even have to leave Brisbane to experience Australia's rich seaside culture. With the clean, soft white sands of Brisbane's South Bank beach and a lagoon surrounded by subtropical gardens, if you've brought your camera you simply won't be able to put it down. Bask in Queensland's brilliant sunshine and soak up this joy that doesn't cost a cent!
Tick off Australia's top restaurant, EsquireEsquire is located on Eagle Street, with 180-degree views taking in the Story Bridge, the Brisbane River and Kangaroo Point! Esquire is renowned for its authentic Western cuisine, and even more appealing is its ever-changing menu, with new dishes introduced daily. Choose your favourite dishes or opt for the tasting menu recommended by head chef Ryan Squires, pair it with fine Australian and international wines, and the perfect meal is complete.
Get up close with Australian contemporary artAustralia's modern art is especially distinctive because it blends in Indigenous art. Brisbane happens to be home to the largest gallery of modern and contemporary art in Australia — the Gallery of Modern Art (GoMA) — and the iconic Queensland Art Gallery. These two galleries are architectural masterpieces in their own right, housing a wide variety of artworks from Australia and abroad, as well as contemporary Indigenous art.
A watery journey on the Brisbane RiverWe're the type who wants to get soaked at the sight of water, so of course the Brisbane River can't be missed. The best way to get close to the water is to hire a kayak on a weekend evening and paddle along the Brisbane River. On this relaxed 90-minute paddle, take in the dazzling, warm and bright lights of the city at night. Then enjoy a hearty Australian-style feast right on the riverbank for a truly blissful experience.
Address Naval Stores Lower River Terrace | Kangaroo Point, Brisbane, Queensland 4169, Australia
Website http://riverlife.com.au/adventures/paddle-prawn/
Phone +61 7 8915766Gaze at the brightest stars in the night skyThere's no more exclusive way to admire the stars than this. Drive 90 minutes south of Brisbane and spend a romantic night beneath a sky full of stars. Nightfall is an intimate camping experience set amid the pristine rainforest of Lamington National Park, hosting just six guests at a time. Your campsite sits beside a clear, babbling river, where you can explore tranquil nature and drift off into sweet dreams to the sound of the murmuring water.
Sweets in one hand, beer in the other
Either indulge in chocolate or head out for a beer. Two of Brisbane's most popular tours are the Chocolate Tour and the Craft Beer Tour. The two-hour Chocolate Tour is a sweet journey that introduces you to all kinds of cocoa treats and visits eight stores of contrasting styles. Along the way there are plenty of free tastings! The Craft Beer Tour takes you to four venues to sample more than twenty craft beers.
Hunt for treasures at The Collective Market
The goods on display at Brisbane's The Collective Market are a refreshing breath of fresh air among markets. Wander between the stalls and pick out styles you love from the unique, novel and eclectic clothing designed by emerging craftspeople. This delightful market is held every Friday evening and on weekends at the lively, bustling Stanley Street Plaza. Most of the designers are creative young people, and even if you don't buy anything, chatting with them is great fun.
Hours Friday 5pm–9pm
Saturday 10am–9pm
Sunday 9am–4pm
Website http://www.collectivemarkets.com.au/southbank
Customise your own private island getawayTake a ferry from Brisbane across Moreton Bay and, in no time at all, you'll arrive at North Stradbroke Island. Here you can choose from activities including eco-tours, 4WD adventures, paddling, fishing and sandboarding. Or watch dolphins surf, capture snapshots of birds and wildflowers, and enjoy what we think is the cheapest yet most leisurely option of all — a walk along the beach.
Website http://www.straddiekingfishertours.com.au/
Phone +61 7 3409 9502
Flight information:
The Beijing–Brisbane flight numbers are CA795/796, operating four times a week on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays. The outbound flight departs Beijing at 02:30 Beijing time and arrives in Brisbane at 15:10 local time; the return flight departs Brisbane at 19:30 local time and arrives in Beijing at 04:45 the next day. The route is operated by an Airbus A330-200.