MITCHELL MCCLUNG
Brisbane is making a compelling case for travellers to use the city as the starting point for their Aussie adventure. Currently, visitors spend an average of fewer than two nights in the city when using it as a gateway, but the capital of Queensland aims to increase that to three or four nights, an effort made easier with the new nonstop flight from Vancouver via Air Canada.
After the 14 hours nonstop from Vancouver, the winners of the Brisbane Bucks familiarization discovered this for themselves as the usual first-day jet lag seemed to fade, and Brisbane immediately felt manageable. Within hours, the group was strolling along the river, climbing the Story Bridge, and enjoying lunch on the riverbanks as locals stayed active in the city’s thoughtfully developed outdoor spaces. Brisbane has designed these areas with activity, wellness, and social connection in mind, creating a vibrant environment for both residents and visitors.
The Brisbane Bucks familiarization originated from the 2025 incentive program, which allowed advisors to earn additional rewards for bookings on Air Canada’s YVR–Brisbane flight. Brisbane and Air Canada are confident that Canada represents a strong market for a new entry point into Australia beyond the traditional Sydney or Melbourne gateways. Six Canadian advisors joined an Air Canada–hosted fam trip from Feb. 1–8, and it quickly became clear that Brisbane has a lot to offer Canadian travellers.
“Nonstop flights take a big barrier out of the journey for Canadians and make Brisbane a really easy sell as a starting point for any Australian trip,” said Callum Wood, GM Destination, Marketing & Brand at the Brisbane Economic Development Agency. “It’s a smoother, more comfortable journey for travellers, and it opens up opportunities for longer, more immersive trips. Advisors can start clients in Brisbane with a great multi-day city stay — soaking up food, culture, riverfront experiences and day trips — then layer in secondary Queensland destinations like the Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast or the Great Barrier Reef, before connecting onward to Sydney, Melbourne or beyond. It creates a really natural, logical way to build an Australian itinerary around Brisbane as the anchor.”
Brisbane’s identity is inseparable from its river. Revitalized precincts like Howard Smith Wharves and South Bank show how the city has invested in public spaces, walkability, and lifestyle-focused development. Heritage buildings have been transformed into bars, restaurants, and cultural spaces that encourage lingering rather than rushing.
The city is also arriving at a moment. Infrastructure improvements, new hotels, and cultural investments are paired with the upcoming 2032 Summer Olympics. Brisbane is evolving confidently while keeping its approachable character intact, making it uniquely accessible for first-time visitors from Canada.
The city, its attractions and the overall visitor experience have been thoughtfully designed to be accessible to travellers of all abilities.
“Due to a recent injury, I was travelling with a walker, which gave me the opportunity to experience the destination from the perspective of someone using a mobility device,” said Krista Hermann, an independent contractor with Nexion Canada and owner of Tovell Travel. “From climbing bridges and exploring rainforest canopy walks to ferry rides, beaches, eco safaris with snorkelling and guided walking tours, I was pleasantly surprised by not only how easy it was to get around, but also how readily people stepped in to offer assistance. The experience truly highlighted both the destination’s accessibility and the genuine willingness of locals to ensure visitors feel supported and included.”
Hermann added that one standout moment came during the Story Bridge Adventure Climb.
“My most memorable experience was the Story Bridge climb. As someone with mobility challenges, I initially anticipated it might be difficult; however, I was pleasantly surprised by how accommodating and supportive the team was throughout the experience. They immediately put me at ease, encouraged me to climb at a comfortable pace, and provided thoughtful check-ins along the way. I am grateful I did not pass up the opportunity. The views of the city were truly spectacular. The dusk climb was especially memorable, offering the unique experience of ascending in daylight, enjoying a sunset champagne moment at the summit and descending in the soft light of twilight. It was an unforgettable experience and one I would highly recommend.”
Brisbane’s compact urban footprint allows visitors to experience iconic Australian wildlife alongside urban culture in a single day. The Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary river cruise lets travellers see some of the city’s prime real estate from the winding river before reaching the sanctuary. There, koalas, kangaroos, birdlife and other native species are on display. From a Canadian perspective, the ability to interact with the animals on their terms is a standout. Kangaroos and wallabies will approach visitors holding their favourite snacks — though they may just as easily choose to ignore you and continue basking in the sun. More often than not, they will participate in a selfie for some of the handheld persuasions the park provides.
An hour outside Brisbane, the Scenic Rim offers a striking contrast to the urban core. Beechmont Estate perches above rainforest and rolling hills, giving clients a chance to slow down. Mornings begin with quiet views. Wild kangaroos can be spotted steps away from your cabin as they graze while the morning heat is manageable; by afternoon, they can be found catching shade under the trees.
This property illustrates why Brisbane works as a gateway. Urban experiences followed by nature immersion give travellers a sense of balance. Couples, wellness travellers or arrivals from long-haul flights can decompress while remaining close enough to continue exploring the region.
Callum Wood notes the destination’s broad appeal across traveller types.
“We’re seeing really strong interest from a few key traveller segments,” he said. “Active couples and small groups love that they can do a great city break and then easily add on islands, beaches and rainforest. Families are a big one too, especially with Brisbane being Bluey’s hometown — that’s genuinely driving travel consideration. And we’re also seeing strong demand from premium leisure travellers who want a more relaxed, lifestyle-led Australian experience — award-winning restaurants, some of Australia’s best hotels, nature right on the city’s doorstep. For advisors, Brisbane works nicely both as a first stop in Australia and as a hub to build out a broader Queensland itinerary.”
Located a short drive from Brisbane, Moreton Bay offers travel advisors an easy-to-sell extension or standalone stay that fits neatly into a broader Queensland itinerary. The region combines beaches, national parks, coastal towns and marine experiences in a compact area, making it well suited for short stays, pre- or post-city add-ons, or clients looking to balance urban and outdoor experiences without long transfer times.
Time in Redcliffe highlighted the destination’s walkable waterfront and relaxed coastal setting, along with a visit to Bee Gees Way, a popular site that adds a cultural and nostalgic element to itineraries. As the hometown of the Bee Gees, the area offers a clear point of differentiation that resonates with multi-generational travellers and works well as a light sightseeing inclusion.
A full day with Dolphin Wild Island Cruises demonstrated Moreton Bay’s strength as a marine-based destination. The experience combined dolphin spotting with time spent snorkelling the Tangalooma shipwrecks, followed by unstructured beach time, giving advisors a strong example of how easily active and relaxed elements can be packaged together. The variety within a single day underscores the destination’s flexibility, appealing to families, couples and small groups alike.
Overall, Moreton Bay stands out as a practical, close-to-Brisbane option that allows advisors to add meaningful value to their clients’ itineraries.
Meanwhile, North Stradbroke Island, or Minjerribah, delivered one of the most impactful experiences of the trip. The Yura Aboriginal Tour transformed a walk along the coastline into a lesson in culture, history and environmental stewardship.
The tour exemplifies how Indigenous-led experiences can be integrated naturally into itineraries, giving advisors confidence in recommending meaningful cultural engagement to clients.
Brisbane’s dining scene has matured, blending casual cafés with refined, design-led restaurants. Precincts like Howard Smith Wharves and South Bank feature riverside options, while Fortitude Valley and West End showcase vibrant local flavours. For advisors, the message is clear: Brisbane offers clients a food experience on par with larger Australian cities but with a relaxed, accessible vibe.
Top dining options include Felons Overwater Brewery, Howard Smith Wharves; Idle Bakery, city café scene and Marlowe, South Bank.
Brisbane’s advantage is its manageability. Compact, approachable and well connected, it supports a wide range of travel styles. Families can enjoy multi-generational trips moving from city stays to Scenic Rim retreats, coastal escapes in Moreton Bay or culturally rich experiences on Minjerribah. Solo women travellers will find safe, vibrant neighbourhoods and easy access to tours and experiences tailored for independent exploration. Brisbane is also extremely accessible, with transport, accommodations and attractions designed to welcome travellers of all mobility needs.
As the city evolves ahead of the 2032 Summer Olympics and Paralympics, it maintains the qualities that make it approachable, offering an ideal mix of lifestyle, culture and accessibility for Canadian travellers.
“We’re genuinely excited about the opportunity the Games present,” Wood added. “They’re helping put Brisbane on the map, but what we’re inviting people to experience is Brisbane right now. The city already offers a really compelling Australian experience — world-class events, great hospitality, food and culture, all wrapped in that relaxed, sub-tropical lifestyle Brisbane is known for. There’s also significant investment happening in experiences and infrastructure in the lead-up, which means visitors are seeing new reasons to come year-on-year, well before the Olympics arrive. So get in quick!”
Air Canada operates nonstop service between Vancouver (YVR) and Brisbane (BNE) daily, giving travellers direct access to Queensland and simplifying itinerary planning. For advisors, the benefit is clear: Brisbane is a compact but fully realized destination capable of anchoring Queensland itineraries or serving as a gateway connecting multiple regions without complex travel logistics.
