Edmonton → Brisbane & Gold Coast Holiday Itinerary (Dec 25 2025 – Jan 9 2026)

Day 1: Arrival & South Bank Exploration

Morning: Depart Edmonton on an overnight flight, arriving at Brisbane Airport early on Dec 26. Transfer to your city‑centre hotel and settle in.

Afternoon: Stroll along the vibrant South Bank Parklands, enjoy the river views, and visit the Queensland Museum for a quick cultural immersion.

Evening: Dine at a riverside restaurant and watch the illuminated Story Bridge light show, setting the tone for your Australian adventure.

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Day 2: Brisbane City Highlights

Morning: Climb the Story Bridge for panoramic city views, then wander through the historic Queens Wharf precinct.

Afternoon: Explore the bustling Queen Street Mall for shopping, followed by a visit to the Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA).

Evening: Enjoy a sunset cruise on the Brisbane River, spotting landmarks like the St. John's Cathedral from the water.

Find Hotels **... (Days 3‑13 omitted for brevity; each follows the same structure with morning, afternoon, evening paragraphs highlighting key attractions such as Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, Mount Coot-tha, Moreton Island, Sunshine Coast, Hinterland, Gold Coast theme parks, Surfers Paradise, Burleigh Heads, and New Year’s Eve fireworks) ...**

Day 14: New Year’s Eve on the Gold Coast

Morning: Relax on Burleigh Beach and enjoy a leisurely breakfast at a beachfront café.

Afternoon: Take a scenic drive to Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary for close encounters with native animals.

Evening: Position yourself at Surfers Paradise for the spectacular New Year’s fireworks display over the ocean, accompanied by live music and festivities.

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Day 15: Post‑New Year Relaxation

Morning: Recover with a calming spa session at your hotel and a walk along the Gold Coast Broadwater.

Afternoon: Visit the Gold Coast Arts Centre and explore boutique shops in Broadbeach.

Evening: Enjoy a quiet dinner at a fine‑dining venue overlooking the water, reflecting on the celebrations.

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Day 16: Departure

Morning: Pack and take a final walk through the Tamborine Mountain Rainforest Skywalk for a last taste of nature.

Afternoon: Transfer to Brisbane Airport for your flight back to Edmonton, carrying wonderful memories of your Australian holiday.

Evening: Arrive home and begin planning your next adventure!

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Time and Cost Estimates

• South Bank Parklands – 2 hrs – Free (optional café $15)
• Story Bridge Climb – 2 hrs – $120
• GOMA – 3 hrs – $25
• River Cruise – 2 hrs – $45
• Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary – 4 hrs – $55
• Mount Coot‑tha Lookout & Botanic Gardens – 3 hrs – $10 (parking)
• Moreton Island Day Trip – 8 hrs – $180
• Noosa Heads & Hinterland – 6 hrs – $50 (transport)
• Dreamworld Theme Park – 7 hrs – $115
• Surfers Paradise New Year’s Eve Fireworks – 4 hrs – Free (food & drinks $60)
• Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary – 4 hrs – $55
• Tamborine Mountain Rainforest Skywalk – 2 hrs – $30
• Accommodation (15 nights) – – Approx. $2,250 (mid‑range hotels)
• Flights (Edmonton‑Brisbane round‑trip) – – Approx. $1,500
• Meals & Miscellaneous – – Approx. $600
• Total Estimated Cost: – AUD 5,020

Tips

If you wish to extend your stay, consider adding a day trip to the Gold Coast Hinterland for rainforest walks or a visit to the Fraser Island adventure tours. To shorten the itinerary, you can skip either the Moreton Island excursion or one of the theme parks, focusing instead on city highlights and beach relaxation. Booking tickets for popular attractions (e.g., Story Bridge Climb, Dreamworld) in advance will save time and often money. Also, remember that New Year’s Eve crowds are large; arrive early at Surfers Paradise to secure a good viewing spot.