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10-Day Brisbane & Surrounds Itinerary: City Sights, Islands, Hinterland & Gold Coast Day Trips

Viewed by 189 travelers

Day 1: City Orientation

Brisbane, Australia on October 27, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast — The Gunshop Cafe, New Farm

Classic local café with great coffee and brunch plates; opens early so you can fuel up before a full day of exploring New Farm and the CBD.
AUD20, 0h45m

9:00am

City Botanic Gardens walk

A peaceful riverside park in the heart of Brisbane that showcases native and exotic plants; open daily 5:00am–9:00pm and ideal for a gentle stroll to see the city skyline.
AUD0, 1h00m

10:30am

Queensland Museum & Sciencentre

Natural history, culture and interactive exhibits — great for families and curious adults; typically open 9:30am–5:00pm, check for special exhibit hours.
AUD15, 1h30m

12:30pm

Lunch — Gerard's Bistro (Fortitude Valley)

Modern Middle-Eastern influenced menu in a stylish setting, open for lunch from ~11:30am; good introduction to Brisbane's dining scene.
AUD30, 1h00m

2:00pm

South Bank & Streets Beach

South Bank precinct with riverside promenades, cultural institutions and the man-made Streets Beach (open roughly 6:00am–10:00pm); perfect for a post-lunch wander and photos.
AUD0, 1h30m

4:30pm

Mount Coot-tha Lookout

Short drive up to the lookout for panoramic city and river views, open 24/7 and especially lovely at sunset; quick stop for skyline photos.
AUD0, 1h00m

6:30pm

Dinner — Jellyfish, Eagle Street Pier

Seafood-forward dining with great river views at Eagle Street Pier; many restaurants open evenings from ~5:00pm, making this a scenic dinner choice.
AUD50, 1h30m

Day 2: Wildlife & River

Brisbane (Lone Pine & River), Australia on October 28, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast — Pawpaw Café (CBD)

Casual breakfast spot near the river serving hearty breakfasts and coffee to start an active day; opens early around 7:00–7:30am.
AUD18, 0h45m

9:00am

Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary

World's oldest and largest koala sanctuary where you can pat koalas and feed kangaroos; open 9:00am–5:00pm, plan ~2–3 hours for encounters and shows.
AUD45, 2h30m

12:30pm

Lunch — The Boatshed Café (Indooroopilly)

Relaxed riverside café near Lone Pine serving modern Australian lunches; typically opens from 11:00am and offers good river views.
AUD30, 1h00m

2:30pm

Brisbane River cruise (CityCat or guided river cruise)

Take a scenic river trip to see the city from the water; CityCat services run from early morning until late evening and guided cruises operate in the afternoon.
AUD10, 1h00m

4:30pm

Explore West End & Boundary Street

Eclectic neighborhood with shops, cafés and street life — markets operate on select days, so check the schedule (markets commonly on weekends).
AUD0, 1h00m

6:30pm

Dinner — Popolo, West End

Contemporary Italian in a lively West End setting; a relaxed dinner option after a wildlife-filled day, open evenings from ~5:00pm.
AUD40, 1h30m

Day 3: Moreton Island Day

Moreton Island (Tangalooma), Australia on October 29, 2025

6:30am

Breakfast — Grab & Go / The Coffee Club

Quick breakfast and coffee before ferry check-in; ferries to Tangalooma generally depart early (common departures around 8:00am) so arrive early for boarding.
AUD12, 0h30m

8:00am

Ferry to Moreton Island (Tangalooma) — Sealink

High-speed ferry runs to Tangalooma Island Resort; schedule varies seasonally (commonly morning departures) and return ferries arrive late afternoon — book ahead.
AUD150, 1h30m

10:00am

Shipwrecks snorkel & marine activities

Snorkel or glass-bottom-boat to the famous Tangalooma shipwrecks teeming with fish; activities at the resort run daily with equipment and guided options available.
AUD60, 2h00m

1:00pm

Lunch — Tangalooma Resort Café

Casual lunch at the resort before afternoon adventures; resort dining options are open throughout the day, but check seasonal hours.
AUD28, 1h00m

2:30pm

Sand tobogganing & beach time

Iconic sandboarding/tobogganing on Moreton's dunes followed by relaxing on clear beaches; activities typically available in the afternoon until ferry check-in.
AUD0, 2h00m

4:30pm

Return ferry to Brisbane

Departures commonly late afternoon; ferry travel times vary so confirm your booking and arrive at the terminal early.
AUD0, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner — Greca (CBD)

Mediterranean dining in the city to finish the day, usually open from around 5:00pm; good option after island travel.
AUD45, 1h30m

Day 4: North Stradbroke (Minjerribah)

North Stradbroke Island, Australia on October 30, 2025

6:30am

Breakfast — Early café takeaway

Pick up coffee and breakfast early as ferries to Straddie depart in the morning (times vary, commonly around 7:00–8:00am) and you want to maximize island time.
AUD12, 0h30m

8:00am

Ferry to North Stradbroke Island (vehicle or passenger ferry)

Ferries operate multiple times a day from Cleveland to Stradbroke — check company schedules and book if bringing a vehicle; travel time ~35–50 minutes.
AUD70, 1h00m

9:30am

Point Lookout & Cylinder Beach

Scenic headland with surfing beaches and coastal walks; beaches are open at daylight hours and the lookout is great for dolphin and whale spotting (seasonal).
AUD0, 2h00m

12:30pm

Lunch — Point Lookout Bakery / local café

Casual island-style lunch at a bakery or café in Point Lookout; most cafés open late morning and provide quick, tasty meals for beach days.
AUD20, 0h45m

2:00pm

Explore Blue Lagoon or North Gorge Walk

Freshwater lagoon and walking tracks offer varied scenery and wildlife spotting; walking tracks available daylight hours — plan to spend the afternoon exploring.
AUD0, 2h00m

5:00pm

Return ferry to mainland and transfer to Brisbane

Ferries run through the day with evening options; confirm times and arrive early for boarding, then head back to Brisbane for dinner.
AUD0, 1h30m

7:30pm

Dinner — Felons Brewing Co., Howard Smith Wharves

Riverside brewery with relaxed food and great views of the Story Bridge, open for dinner and drinks from late afternoon/evening.
AUD35, 1h30m

Day 5: Sunshine Coast & Noosa

Noosa & Sunshine Coast, Australia on October 31, 2025

6:30am

Depart Brisbane — drive north to Sunshine Coast

Approximately 1.5–2 hours by car depending on traffic; leave early to maximize time in Noosa and the coast.
AUD0, 1h45m

8:30am

Breakfast — Mooloolaba / Bokarina Coffee Roastery

Stop in Mooloolaba for a seaside breakfast and great coffee; many cafés open from ~6:30–7:00am along the coast.
AUD20, 0h45m

10:00am

Noosa Main Beach & Hastings Street

Iconic beach and boutique shopping precinct; beach is patrolled seasonally and open daylight hours, while Hastings Street shops open from mid-morning.
AUD0, 1h30m

11:30am

Noosa National Park coastal walk

Scenic headland walk with lookout points and native bush; park is open daily (typically 5:00am–8:00pm) and you can spot koalas in the trees.
AUD0, 1h30m

1:30pm

Lunch — Locale Noosa (Hastings Street)

Modern Australian dining on Hastings Street — good for a relaxed mid-day meal; most restaurants open from noon for lunch service.
AUD35, 1h00m

3:00pm

Option: Australia Zoo (Beerwah) on return

If you prefer wildlife over shopping, Australia Zoo (open 9:00am–5:00pm) is on the way back and offers full-day experiences; otherwise enjoy more beach time in Noosa.
AUD75, 2h30m

7:00pm

Dinner — Rickys River Bar & Restaurant (Noosa / alternative in Brisbane)

Upmarket riverside dining in Noosa — great if staying late; otherwise return to Brisbane and dine at a CBD restaurant instead.
AUD60, 1h30m

Day 6: Tamborine Mountain

Tamborine Mountain, Gold Coast Hinterland, Australia on November 1, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast — Local café on way or at Mount Tamborine

Grab a hearty breakfast before the 1-hour drive south; cafés on the mountain typically open from ~8:00am.
AUD18, 0h45m

9:30am

Tamborine Rainforest Skywalk

Elevated boardwalk through subtropical rainforest with interpretive signs; open approximately 9:00am–5:00pm, plan ~1–1.5 hours for the circuit.
AUD18, 1h15m

11:00am

Gallery Walk & local shops

Short stroll along Tamborine's main tourist strip with art galleries, boutique stores and local producers; most shops open from mid-morning.
AUD0, 1h00m

12:30pm

Lunch — Eagle Heights Mountain Cafe / local eatery

Casual lunch with local produce options and scenic outlooks; cafés generally open for lunch from 11:30am–12:00pm.
AUD25, 1h00m

2:00pm

Curtis Falls walk / Cedar Creek (waterfalls & pools)

Short rainforest walks to waterfalls and swimming holes (seasonal); check local access as conditions change after storms, and most tracks are open daylight hours.
AUD0, 1h30m

5:30pm

Return to Brisbane

Drive back to Brisbane in the early evening (about 1–1.5 hours) and relax before dinner; anticipate later arrival depending on stops.
AUD0, 1h30m

7:30pm

Dinner — Donna Chang (Eagle St, Brisbane)

Contemporary Chinese dining with river views in the CBD — a satisfying final meal after a day in the hinterland, open evenings from ~5:00pm.
AUD60, 1h30m

Day 7: Gold Coast Beaches

Gold Coast, Australia on November 2, 2025

7:30am

Depart for Gold Coast / Breakfast — Elk Espresso (Broadbeach)

Drive ~1 hour south to Broadbeach and enjoy a strong coffee and breakfast at a popular local café; opens early to capture the morning crowd.
AUD22, 0h45m

9:30am

Burleigh Heads National Park coastal walk

Beautiful coastal walk with surf views, whale-season lookout points and rainforest pockets; park accessible from dawn to dusk and ideal for an active morning.
AUD0, 1h00m

11:30am

Surfers Paradise & Q1 Observation Deck

Classic Gold Coast beach strip and option to visit Q1 SkyPoint for panoramic views (Q1 observation deck hours roughly 9:00am–5:00pm); great for photos and beach time.
AUD25, 1h30m

1:30pm

Lunch — Rick Shores (Burleigh Heads)

Modern Asian/seafood dining at Burleigh with beachfront views; opens for lunch on weekends and for dinner on weekdays — check reservation times.
AUD50, 1h15m

3:30pm

Optional theme park visit — Sea World or Warner Bros. Movie World

If you prefer rides and marine life, these parks are open typically from ~10:00am–5:00pm; choose one and plan travel time and queued rides/attractions.
AUD100, 3h00m

7:30pm

Dinner — Back in Brisbane or Gold Coast (Hurricane's Grill)

Finish the day with a relaxed dinner at a popular steak/seafood spot in the Gold Coast or return to Brisbane for a city meal depending on your preference.
AUD45, 1h30m

Day 8: Culture & Nightlife

Brisbane, Australia on November 3, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast — New Farm Deli & Cafe

Local favorite for hearty breakfasts near New Farm Park; open from early morning and handy for an arts-filled day.
AUD18, 0h45m

10:00am

GOMA (Gallery of Modern Art)

Nationally significant contemporary art gallery with rotating exhibits; general entry is free but special exhibitions may have fees — open roughly 10:00am–5:00pm.
AUD0, 1h30m

12:30pm

Lunch — GOMA/Cultural Precinct Café

Stylish café inside the cultural precinct serving seasonal lunches; convenient while visiting the gallery and QAG/Qld Museum next door.
AUD28, 1h00m

2:00pm

Brisbane Powerhouse & Gallery Walk (New Farm)

Arts hub with exhibitions, theatre and river views — check the program for matinee shows or exhibitions; many facilities open from mid-morning through the evening.
AUD10, 2h00m

5:30pm

Explore Fortitude Valley nightlife and Chinatown

Valley is Brisbane's nightlife and dining precinct with many restaurants and bars opening from early evening; a lively spot for dinner and entertainment.
AUD0, 1h00m

7:00pm

Dinner — CHINO by CHIN (Fortitude Valley)

Trendy Pan-Asian plates and cocktails in the Valley; open evenings and a good match for a night out after gallery-hopping.
AUD40, 1h30m

Day 9: Active River Day

Brisbane, Australia on November 4, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast — Kettle & Tin / local café

Hearty breakfast to prepare for an active morning of cycling or paddling; local cafés open early to serve commuters and day-trippers.
AUD18, 0h45m

8:30am

City bike loop rental

Rent a bike and ride the riverside cycling paths through New Farm, South Bank and Kangaroo Point; rental services operate from early morning and hourly rates apply.
AUD15, 1h30m

11:00am

Kayak hire at Riverlife, Kangaroo Point

Guided or self-guided Kayak tours around the river and under the Story Bridge, typically open 8:00am–5:00pm; great to see the city from the water.
AUD60, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch — Stokehouse Q, South Bank

Riverside restaurant at South Bank offering modern Australian cuisine, open for lunch and a comfortable mid-day stop after water activities.
AUD45, 1h15m

3:30pm

Relax at Streets Beach or City Botanic Gardens

Unwind by the man-made beach or return to the Botanic Gardens for a quieter afternoon before an evening cruise.
AUD0, 1h30m

6:30pm

Sunset Brisbane River Dinner Cruise

Evening dinner cruise on the Brisbane River offering skyline views and a set dinner; cruises typically run in the evening (book ahead for available departure times).
AUD80, 2h00m

Day 10: Last-Minute & Departure

Brisbane, Australia on November 5, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast — Felons Brewing Co., Howard Smith Wharves

Casual riverside breakfast with craft beer options if you’re not flying early; Wharves area is open early and great for a last riverside view.
AUD22, 0h45m

9:30am

Queen Street Mall & Brisbane Arcade shopping

Central shopping precinct with boutiques and souvenir shops; most stores open roughly 9:00am–5:30pm for last-minute purchases.
AUD0, 1h30m

12:00pm

Lunch — Eagle Street Pier riverside dining

Choose from multiple riverfront restaurants for a relaxed final meal before departure; eateries open from mid-day and offer great last views of the river.
AUD30, 1h00m

2:00pm

Final stroll at City Botanic Gardens / last photos

Short last-minute walk to soak up the river atmosphere and take final photos; gardens open daily and perfect for a calm wrap-up before travel.
AUD0, 0h45m

4:00pm

Transfer to Brisbane Airport

Allow at least 45–75 minutes for travel to Brisbane Airport (longer at peak times) and check-in times; taxis, rideshares or Skybus operate frequently.
AUD40, 1h00m
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