Travelling from Perth to Brisbane
Whether you’re in search of the country, the city or the coast, Virgin Australia puts the best of Queensland on your doorstep. And with flights from Perth to Brisbane starting from just 4 hours and 30 minutes, you can start exploring the Sunshine State in no time.
Ready to explore? Book Perth to Brisbane flights with Virgin Australia now or read on for more information about flying to this booming destination.
Arriving at Brisbane Airport
Brisbane CBD and inner-city precincts are approximately 12 kilometres from Brisbane Domestic Airport. The most value friendly and the easiest commute option to Brisbane CBD is via Airtrain, a 20-minute journey. You can either tap on with a Queensland Translink go card (if you have one), or pre-book your Airtrain ticket online.
You will arrive into Brisbane’s Domestic Airport, from there exit the terminal and follow the signs to the various and convenient transport services.
Transfer times and cost guide (to Brisbane City)
- Taxi and rideshare: approx. $45-$55 - 20mins
- Shuttle bus: approx. $15 – 20mins
- Airtrain: 20mins – approx. $15-$19.50 per adult (children 5-14 years inclusive travel free to the CBD with a paying adult)
Read more in our Brisbane Airport Guide.
Departing from Perth Airport
Located 14 kilometres from Perth’s CBD, the easiest and best value commute to Perth Airport is Airport Shuttle Perth, running 7 days a week, 24 hours. You can pre-book the service prior with Airport Shuttle Service.
Alternatively use public transport, Transperth, with its many connections from Perth City; commute to Perth Airport via taxi or rideshare; or self-drive and utilise the airport parking.
In non-peak time the drive is approximately 25-35minutes from Central Perth, however it’s always best to allow extra time in peak hour to travel to Perth Airport.
Virgin Australia generally operates from Terminal 1 at Perth Domestic Airport for the flight from Perth to Brisbane. Check your itinerary for details prior to your departure.
What time do you need to arrive at Perth Airport?
If you’re planning to check in luggage we recommend that you plan to arrive at the airport 60 minutes prior to your flight time, as check-in is 45 minutes prior departure. This should allow you enough spare time to grab a coffee or snack on your way to the departure gate, without feeling too rushed on the day.
Read more in our Perth Airport Guide.
Brisbane Itinerary – What to do in a day?
Only have 24 hours in Brisbane? Here’s a handy guide so you don’t miss out on the key Brisbane attractions and things to do, without feeling like you’re a contender on The Amazing Race.
8.30am – Light Breakfast at Jamie’s Expresso Bar
After a great night’s sleep in your inner-city Fortitude Valley hotel (we love Sage Hotel and Calile Hotel on James Street) you’re ready to explore Brisbane. Pop into the hole-in-the-wall Jamie’s Expresso Bar for an exceptional coffee and danish to go, then enjoy a walk and window-shop at the high-end boutiques on James Street stretch – everything from Brisbane-creation - Sass & Bide, to Saba; Calexico to Camilla.
10.00am – Story Bridge Adventure Climb
Time for an urban adventure and aerial view of Brisbane with Story Bridge Adventure Climb, just a short uber ride away. You’re booked in for the 2-hour climb at 10am, enjoy!
12.30pm – Lunch at Howard Smith Wharves
That climb left you famished – lucky you’re close to Brisbane’s dining and drinks venue hot-spot, Howard Smith Wharves, where lunch is planned. Once a shipyard site, Howard Smith Wharves now showcases warehouses back to life, grassy lawns with river, Story Bridge and Brisbane City views. Today’s picks are either Yoko Dining for fabulous Japanese, or Greek cuisine at Greca Restaurant. Either way you’re in for a treat.
2pm – Visit to QAGOMA
As much as you’d like to Aperol Spritz the afternoon away at Mr Percivals cocktail bar there’s so much more to do today. Grab an uber for the quick trip to South Bank for a visit to the Queensland Art Gallery and Gallery of Modern Art (QAGOMA), featuring over 1,700 works from art from around the world. If visiting over the Summer months look out for the “Up Late” events, featuring musicians and DJ’s as you peruse the feature exhibition.
4.00pm – Southbank stroll & a visit to MOB
Make the short walk to Southbank, taking in The Wheel of Brisbane and Southbank Parklands, then duck across to the City (by foot on Victoria Bridge) to the Museum of Brisbane (MoB). This intriguing museum brings Brisbane’s vibrant art, culture, and history to life through their (quite often quirky) exhibitions and special events. Make sure to book the fun (and free) Clock Tower Tour.
5pm – City Botanic Gardens
Whilst you’re in the City take the time to explore the nearby City Botanic Gardens followed by a stroll along the river via Howard Smith Wharves, to your hotel in Fortitude Valley, for a freshen ‘n frock-up for dinner.
7.30pm – Dinner at Gerard’s Bistro
Dinner has been booked at one of Brisbane’s chic restaurant, Gerard’s Bistro located steps from your hotel on James Street, dishing up mouth-watering modern middle eastern cuisine. With a menu designed to share, the hardest part will be choosing.
9.30pm – Nightcap at Junk Bar
The last stop for your Brisbane adventure is a nightcap at vintage inspired, vinyl-only Junk Bar, lined in rainforest wallpaper – found in the unexpected suburb of Ashgrove, a 7km taxi or uber ride away. We highly recommend the chocolate chili martini.
Where to stay in Brisbane?
Brisbane offers a diverse range of accommodation to suit all budgets and styles, throughout the City Centre, and the inner-city precincts – each with their own character.
Brisbane CBD
Brisbane CBD is a great area to stay in with key Brisbane attractions all close by, such as City Botanical Gardens and Museum of Brisbane (MoB) - plus boutiques and streetwear shops in the midst. Our top pick of the CBD hotels is W Hotel, part of the Marriott hotel chain.
Fortitude Valley
For an inner-city vibe offering an outstanding café, dining, bar, clubs, and designer boutique scene we recommend a stay in chic Fortitude Valley (which is bordered by neighbouring suburbs – Newstead, Teneriffe, and New Farm). Offering everything from hole-in-the-wall coffee joints to mega clubs, gin bars to breweries, artsy Palace Cinema to Brisbane Powerhouse – plus plenty of accommodation options too. Our top hotel picks are the central Sage Hotel and luxurious The Calile Hotel, both on James Street.
Southbank
If you want to stay in cultural heart of Brisbane opt for Southbank. Queensland Art Gallery and Gallery of Modern Art (QAGOMA), Queensland Museum, and Queensland Performing Arts Complex (QPAC) are all at your doorstep, plus other icons such as The Wheel of Brisbane and Southbank Parklands, this area offers great cafes, dining, a cinema - and premier accommodation such as Emporium Hotel South Bank.
West End
For a more local feel ‘hippy’ vibe, you can’t go past staying in West End, just over 1.5 kilometres from the City, with its artsy neighbourhood feel and a great café and dining scene (particularly organic and vegan). Spend Saturday morning at the fresh farmers markets at Davies Park and later on head to ‘gin school’ at Brisbane Distillery. Be sure to book in advance if you wish to stay in this eclectic area, as it’s fairly low on the accommodation options. Explore more with our Brisbane Travel Guide.
When to visit Brisbane?
Brisbane offers a mild sub-tropical climate all year with over 260 sunny days a year, making it the ultimate year-round destination to visit from Perth.
Brisbane offers a mild ‘sub-tropical’ climate boasting 260 sunny days a year, making it the ultimate year-round destination, and a casual feel similar to Perth.
Travelling to Brisbane from Perth during March to May (Autumn) is the most ideal as the season brings comfortable, sunny weather, and there is little rainfall.
We might be boasting here but winter is spectacular in Brisbane. Enjoy blue-sky days, pleasant 22 degree temperatures.
The summer months (December to February) can be humid, however most venues are air conditioned. It’s perfect weather if you’re travelling to Brisbane for a beach holiday at nearby Gold Coast or Sunshine Coast.
What to pack for your trip to Brisbane?
Brisbane enjoys a warm sub-tropical temperature year-round, so pack light, breathable clothes. Similar to Perth, Brisbane is casual - so a mix of shorts, long pants, dresses and a light jacket should suffice for most of the year.
Bring comfortable shoes for your urban adventures, swimwear if planning on time at the beach, and of course, sunscreen.
Naturally if you’re a fashionista be sure to pack your hip outfits too, Brisbane has stepped up the ante in the fashion stakes. Must Pack
- Summer: lightweight clothes, sunscreen, comfortable dresses for women, short- sleeved shirts for the men
- Autumn: a light jacket
- Winter: jeans, boots, short and long-sleeved tops, medium weight jackets
- Spring: a light jacket for cooler evenings
Frequently asked questions
The average time for your flight from Perth to Brisbane is 4 hours and 30 minutes direct.
*Note: flight times should be used as a guide only. Carefully consider your requirements before travelling and always allow extra time to arrive at your destination.
You will travel over 3,610 kilometres on your flight from Perth to Brisbane.
During peak periods, Virgin Australia flies up to 3 direct flights a day from Perth to Brisbane, and up to 16 flights including a stopover, operating regularly scheduled flights from 6.40am to 11.55pm.
Virgin Australia flies our Boeing 737-700 and 737-800 on the Perth to Brisbane route. Find more information on our fleet here.