What You Need to Know Before Flying from Los Angeles to Brisbane

Why Choose Brisbane as Your Next Destination?

Brisbane is the capital city of Queensland, Australia, and a vibrant hub of culture, nature, and adventure.
Brisbane offers a subtropical climate, with warm summers and mild winters, making it a year-round destination for outdoor activities and events.
Brisbane is home to world-class attractions, such as the South Bank Parklands, the Queensland Art Gallery and Gallery of Modern Art, the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, and the Story Bridge Adventure Climb.
Brisbane is also a gateway to some of Australia’s most stunning natural wonders, such as the Gold Coast, the Sunshine Coast, Moreton Island, and the Great Barrier Reef.

The average flight from Los Angeles to Brisbane is about 14 hours, and the distance is about 7,200 miles.
The best time to book your flight is about two to three months in advance, as prices tend to rise closer to the departure date.
The cheapest months to fly are February, March, and November, while the most expensive months are December, January, and July.
The cheapest days to fly are usually Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, while the most expensive days are Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.
You can compare prices and find the best deals on various websites, such as FaresMatch, FindURoute, Expedia, and Google Flights.

You will need a valid passport and a visa or an Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) to enter Australia. You can apply for an ETA online at https://www.eta.homeaffairs.gov.au/ETAS3/etas
You will also need to fill out a passenger card and a COVID-19 declaration form before you arrive in Australia. You can find more information at https://covid19.homeaffairs.gov.au/coming-australia
You will likely experience some jet lag, as there is a 17-hour time difference between Los Angeles and Brisbane. You can minimize the effects by adjusting your sleep schedule before you travel, staying hydrated, and avoiding alcohol and caffeine.
You will enjoy a range of in-flight entertainment options, such as movies, music, games, and magazines, as well as complimentary meals and drinks, depending on your airline and class of service.
You will land at the Brisbane Airport, which is about 12 miles from the city center. You can get to your destination by taxi, bus, train, or rental car.

You will need to exchange your US dollars for Australian dollars, as the currency is different. You can do this at the airport, at a bank, or at a currency exchange bureau. The exchange rate is about 1 USD = 1.3 AUD.
You will need to adapt to the driving rules, as Australians drive on the left side of the road. You can rent a car with your US driver’s license, but you will need to pay attention to the traffic signs and signals, and the speed limits, which are in kilometers per hour.
You will need to pack appropriately for the weather, as Brisbane has a subtropical climate. The average temperature is about 77°F in summer and 61°F in winter. You will need light clothing, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat for the summer, and a jacket, sweater, and umbrella for the winter.
You will need to be aware of the customs and etiquette, as Australians have their own culture and slang. You will find Australians to be friendly, laid-back, and humorous, but also respectful and polite. You will need to greet people with a smile and a handshake, and use terms like “mate”, “g’day”, and “no worries”.

You will have plenty of options to explore and enjoy Brisbane, as it is a diverse and dynamic city. Here are some of the top things to do and see:

Visit the South Bank Parklands, a cultural and recreational precinct that features a man-made beach, a Ferris wheel, a rainforest walk, and a variety of restaurants and cafes.
Explore the Queensland Art Gallery and Gallery of Modern Art, a dual-site museum that showcases Australian and international art, from ancient to contemporary, in various mediums and genres.
Meet the native wildlife at the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, the world’s first and largest koala sanctuary, where you can cuddle a koala, feed a kangaroo, and see other animals, such as crocodiles, platypuses, and wombats.
Experience the thrill of the Story Bridge Adventure Climb, a guided tour that takes you to the top of the iconic bridge, where you can enjoy panoramic views of the city and the river.
Discover the natural beauty of the Gold Coast, the Sunshine Coast, Moreton Island, and the Great Barrier Reef, which are all within easy reach of Brisbane. You can enjoy activities such as surfing, swimming, snorkeling, diving, hiking, and camping.