New Qantas Flights Offer a Quicker Connection to Australia

Sydney is a huge part of Australia's identity, from the Opera House to the Harbor Bridge. And it's also where most Americans emerge after the long flight from home.

But Qantas and its new flights from Dallas-Fort Worth will give American travelers a different first look at Australia: The four weekly flights from DFW land in Brisbane, the country's third-largest city. Service to Brisbane (pronounced Brizzbin) just started May 16, with fares as low as $719 each way. Now, Qantas has often had sub-$1,000 fares from Los Angeles International Airport. And LAX is an airport travelers love to hate. DFW is a rather pleasant airport, as long as the weather cooperates. Travelers from the eastern and central portions of the United States may save some time by catching the flights from Dallas, which will be aboard a 747-400.

Flying to Brisbane is smart from a logistical standpoint. Flights from North American typically arrive in Australia early in the morning - and sometimes Sydney can be socked in with clouds or fog. This can force flights to land in Brisbane for fuel before continuing to Sydney. This costs travelers time. Skipping Sydney to land in Brisbane, which is reliably sunny, seems a cost-effective, time-saving proposition for Qantas and its travelers.

As for Brisbane - it's not an iconic city like Sydney. But prepare to be surprised by Brizzy, as locals call it. It's a walkable, energetic and friendly city. The Brisbane River winds through the center of it - which is great for scenery and transportation. Ferries, including the very cool CityCat catamaran , take passengers to destinations along the river. It's full of great museums (including the Queensland Museum and Queensland Maritime Museum), shopping and events like the yearly, 22-day Brisbane Festival in September. Be there for opening night: The Riverfire fireworks event draws huge crowds for good reason.

It's also a very active city - running and bicycling paths seems to be everywhere, and residents get a lot of use out of them.

The food is typical of an Australian city: very intercontinental, with a heavy nod toward the spicy flavors of Asia.

Make Brizzy part of your plans - look for a hotel somewhere near ANZAC Square. You'll have a nice view, plus easy access to transportation, shopping, dining and destinations. There's a rail terminal connecting to the airport right at ANZAC Square.