Brisbane looks forward to its first direct flights to China's capital
Air China Limited (hereafter "Air China") has officially announced that in December 2017 it will launch a direct Beijing–Brisbane air route with four flights per week, which is 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 pleasure: "This is the first air corridor connecting China's capital, Beijing, with Queensland's capital, Brisbane, and it carries landmark historical significance for Queensland. The route is expected to bring nearly 170,000 new visitors to Queensland over the next four years. It also makes it far more convenient for Chinese travellers to reach Brisbane and to easily continue on to other well-known Queensland destinations such as the Gold Coast and the Whitsundays, where they can enjoy the sunny weather of the Southern Hemisphere, charming beaches, the amazing 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 many partners, including Tourism and Events Queensland, Brisbane Airport Corporation, Gold Coast Tourism, Brisbane Marketing, Tourism Whitsundays and Tourism Australia," Minister Jones said.
The Honourable Steven Ciobo, Australia's federal Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment, said he was delighted to see this new route launch during the "Australia–China Year of Tourism": "China is Australia's most valuable international source market, with Chinese travellers spending as much as A$10 billion in Australia each year, a figure expected to rise to A$13 billion by 2020. Strengthening the links between Australia and China and fully tapping the enormous potential of the Chinese source market is vital work for us."
Air China Vice President Mr Wang Mingyuan said: "The direct Beijing–Brisbane route is Air China's first scheduled service to Queensland, and the first route to Queensland from the whole of northern China. Once the direct Beijing–Brisbane route is launched, Air China will offer domestic travellers even more diverse options for travelling to Australia. In addition, through the Star Alliance's extensive route network, travellers can also reach more destinations via other Star Alliance member airlines. Air China currently operates direct routes from Beijing, Shanghai and Chengdu to several Australian cities, providing more than thirty flights each 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 Queensland's international tourism revenue. The launch of this new route will provide a more convenient air travel option for business, tourism, cultural and other exchanges between China and Queensland.
Situated in north-eastern Australia, Brisbane is the capital of Queensland and one of Australia's "emerging international cities". It is vibrant and energetic, with a diverse, modern metropolitan atmosphere combined with the relaxed, easy-going and bright charm of the Queensland slow-paced lifestyle. In recent years, Brisbane's rapid development in tourism, business, culture, science and technology, and education has allowed it to shine on the international stage with its many facets of appeal. In Brisbane, visitors can enjoy a blend of city living, arts and culture, outdoor sports, natural islands and wildlife. At the same time, they can easily reach the Gold Coast for a fun 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.
Taking a stroll through South Bank ParklandsSouth Bank Parklands is the former site of Australia's World Expo 1988. Set off in the morning, cycle through the trees, pass through the plaza to catch a street performance, or take a short cruise by boat or canoe. We strongly recommend arranging a ride on the Brisbane Wheel in the evening — Brisbane by night is particularly captivating, with the twinkling stars and the city lights answering one another.
Website http://www.visitbrisbane.com.au/South-Bank
Having a splash at the beachWithout leaving Brisbane, you can experience Australia's rich seaside culture. With the clean, soft white sand of Brisbane's South Bank beach and the lagoon surrounded by subtropical gardens, once you bring a camera you simply won't be able to stop. Bask in Queensland's brilliant sunshine and enjoy this free happiness!
Checking in at Australian restaurant EsquireEsquire is located on Eagle Street and offers 180-degree views taking in the Story Bridge, the Brisbane River and Kangaroo Point! Esquire is renowned for authentic Western cuisine, and even more appealing is its ever-changing menu, with new dishes introduced almost every day. Choose your own favourite dishes or opt for the tasting menu recommended by head chef Ryan Squires, paired with fine Australian and international wines, and a meal is born.
Getting up close to contemporary Australian artAustralia's modern art incorporates Aboriginal art, which makes it especially distinctive. Brisbane happens to be home to Australia's largest galleries for modern and contemporary art — the Gallery of Modern Art (GoMA) and the iconic Queensland Art Gallery. The two galleries are themselves architectural masterpieces, housing a wide variety of Australian and international artworks as well as contemporary Aboriginal art.
A waterside adventure on the Brisbane RiverWe're the type who wants to get wet the moment we see water, so of course the Brisbane River is not to 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. Over a relaxed 90-minute paddle you can take in the colourful, warm and bright city night views. Afterwards, a hearty Australian-style feast by the riverside will leave you thoroughly content.
Address Naval Stores Lower River Terrace | Kangaroo Point, Brisbane, Queensland 4169, Australia
Website http://riverlife.com.au/adventures/paddle-prawn/
Phone +61 7 8915766Watching the brightest stars in the night sky as darkness fallsThis is another way to enjoy the stars: drive 90 minutes south of Brisbane and spend a romantic night under a sky full of stars. Nightfall is an intimate camping experience set in the ancient rainforest of Lamington National Park, with only six guests each time. The camp is pitched right beside a clear, babbling stream. You can explore the tranquil wilderness and drift off into sweet dreams to the sound of gurgling water.
Address Binna Burra QLD 4211. Website http://www.nightfall.com.au/
Sweets in one hand, beer in the other
Either eat chocolate or go and drink beer. So pick from two Brisbane tours: the Chocolate Tour and the Craft Beer Tour. The two-hour sweet journey of the Chocolate Tour takes you to discover all kinds of cocoa-based treats and visit eight shops of distinctly different styles. Along the way there are plenty of free tastings too! The Craft Beer Tour takes you to four venues to sample more than 20 craft beers.
Hunting for treasures at The Collective Market
Brisbane's The Collective Market showcases all kinds of handmade goods. Wander among the stalls and pick out the styles you love from the unique, novel and eclectic clothing designed by up-and-coming artisans. This fun market is held on Friday evenings and weekends at the 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 10am–4pm
Website http://www.collectivemarkets.com.au/southbank
Customising your own private island getawayTake the ferry from Brisbane across Moreton Bay and you'll reach North Stradbroke Island in no time. Here you can choose from eco-tours, 4WD adventures, paddling, fishing and sandboarding. Or watch dolphins surf, photograph the birds and wildflowers, and try what we think is the most budget-friendly yet 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 flights are numbered CA795/796, operating four times a week on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays. The outbound flight departs at 02:30 Beijing time and arrives at 15:10 Brisbane local time; the return flight departs at 19:30 Brisbane local time and arrives in Beijing at 04:45 the next day. The route is operated by Airbus A330-200 aircraft.