Let’s face it: international travel is parked on the tarmac for a while.  But for those missing the Big Apple, there is a way to create a New York-style staycation in beautiful Brisbane.

While our southern cousins are pulling their jumpers out of storage, Brisbane really comes into its own in autumn. The weather is balmy, the people are friendly, and a lively events calendar means there’s never a dull moment.

The Easter holidays are the perfect time to take a short break with the ones you love. After all, those first sunny days of spring lure locals and tourists onto the streets, seasonal flowers sprout and many cities offer an exciting cultural events calendar. Here are our insider tips to hop into an unforgettable Easter weekend.

The wonder of why is the theme of the not-to-be-missed World Science Festival Brisbane, which will be hosted by Queensland Museum from March 25 to 29.

AUSTRALIA: Adelaide is a great city to visit at any time of year but for four magical weeks from mid-February to mid-March it really comes to life. That’s when Adelaide Fringe takes over and the city pulses with creativity as more than 1,200 events are held in the CBD, suburbs and surrounding region.