Leave work early Friday, be poolside in Brisbane by 4pm

Leave work early Friday, be poolside in Brisbane by 4pm

Ah, Brisvegas: shiny cosmopolitan city infused with fresh river breeze. Where the warm air inspires mojitos after work, long lazy lunches and outdoor activities that renew the soul. The average temperature in July and August is 22 degrees - so we’ve done all the research you need to plan an incredible weekend in Brisbane mid-winter.

How to get there

Depart Friday afternoon

  • Depart Canberra Airport via Jetstar at 1.50pm
  • Taxi or Uber from the airport into Brisbane, or catch a door to door shuttle bus with Con-x-ion
  • Arrive Brisbane Airport 3.30pm

Return Sunday evening

  • Taxi, Uber or book the Con-x-ion shuttle bus directly to the airport
  • Depart Brisbane Airport via Qantas 5.15pm
  • Arrive Canberra Airport 7.05pm

Where to stay:

The W Brisbane

This hotel is the Instagram backdrop of your dreams, with wild colours and architecture in every corner and on every surface. The W is located in the heart of the capital, minutes from Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre, Queen Street Mall and James Street. As we said in our headline: leave Canberra Friday lunchtime and you could be sitting at the edge of the hotel’s zebra pool with a cocktail in hand, pre-dinner.

    Where to stay:

    Emporium Hotel

    A hotel that comes with matching pajama sets for you and your wingperson/BFF/partner - say what? The Emporium is located on the banks of the Brisbane River and is boutique luxury hotel at its best. Take in the breathtaking views from the rooftop terrace and walk out to lunch wearing the hotel’s own signature scent. The Poolside Cabana Suite looks like a phenomenal way to treat yo-self.

      What to do:

      Get stuck into the Char Siu Pork at Southside

      We heard someone raving about this dish at a barbecue in Scullin recently. Brisbane restaurant Southside is a three-storey East-Asian eating house, nestled underneath the monolithic train bridges of South Brisbane. The Char Sui Pork is drizzled in rose wine honey and, according to the website, staff love “pouring wines that share our appreciation of classic expressions from the great regions of the world alongside our favourite Australian producers”.

        What to do:

        Sandboard like a Queen or King

        Moreton Island is a real-life Adventure Island. Take the luxurious Micat ferry to Moreton Island, departing five times a day from the Port of Brisbane. Once on the island, it becomes a literal ‘choose your own extreme adventure’: sandboarding, snorkeling and four-wheel driving are all on offer. Or, send your friends for an adrenaline fix while you relax by the outrageously beautiful Blue Lagoon.

          What to do:

          Experience the twinkle of the city at twilight

          The climb up Brisbane’s Story Book bridge will give you stunning 360 degree panoramic views of Brisbane and its surrounds. Climb during the day and you’ll see the Glass House Mountains in the north and the Scenic Rim in the south. Climb at twilight and you’ll experience one of the most incredible sunsets of your life before being immersed in the beautiful lights of the city, glittering on the waters of the Brisbane River.

            Book flights direct from Canberra to Brisbane with Jetstar, Qantas or Virgin

            Book Jetstar | Book Qantas | Book Virgin