Since you're arriving today and it's early afternoon in Brisbane, ease into the day with a relaxed riverside stroll from Eagle Street Pier toward South Bank Parklands, where you can grab a late brunch at a café overlooking the river and sample local coffee. Afterward, explore the lush walkway to City Botanic Gardens for a shaded wander among fig trees and river views, then hop on a city ferry from North Quay for a short scenic ride that orients you to Brisbane's layout and sets up the Gold Coast drive tomorrow.
Wander through the lively laneways of the CBD to discover street art and specialty shops before stopping for a late-afternoon craft beer or cocktail at The Gresham Bar or the rooftop Eagle Street Pier's alternate-then continue to Brisbane Powerhouse on the riverside for a relaxed cultural fix, where you can browse galleries, catch an early evening performance, or enjoy riverside seating as the sun lowers. Finish the afternoon with a short walk across to Howard Smith Wharves for riverside dining, lively bars, and panoramic views of the Story Bridge at golden hour, setting you up for an easy drive to the Gold Coast tomorrow.
As twilight falls, head to Mt Coot-tha Lookout for sweeping city and river panoramas-grab a sunset drink at the café and watch the city light up. Later, dine at Howard Smith Wharves' neighbor by choosing a table at Greaser, a relaxed modern bistro on the riverfront, or sample contemporary Australian fare at Gerard's Bistro in Fortitude Valley, then finish with live music at The Tivoli or a laid-back cocktail at Lefty's Old Time Music Hall for a lively start to your road trip.
Drive down the M1 after breakfast and stretch your legs with a sunrise stroll along Burleigh Heads Beach, then take the coastal walking track through Burleigh Head National Park for ocean views and a chance to spot whales (seasonal) from the headland. Stop at James Street, Burleigh for a specialty coffee and boutique browsing, then continue south to grab a surf lesson or board hire at Currumbin Alley to ride gentle point breaks before checking into your Gold Coast accommodation.
After checking in, head to Surfers Paradise Beachfront Markets for local crafts and snacks, then take the lift up to the Q1 SkyPoint Observation Deck for sweeping coastal views and a photo-perfect vantage of the coastline. Follow this with a relaxed coastal cruise from Main Beach Marina to admire beachfront mansions and catch golden-hour light before strolling the lively Cavill Avenue precinct for dinner and people-watching.
As night falls, soak up a relaxed beachfront atmosphere with dinner at Rick Shores on Burleigh headland for Asian-influenced dishes and ocean views, then wander across to Miami Marketta (check the event night) for live music, street-food stalls, and eclectic local vibes. Finish the evening with a moonlit walk along Kurrawa Beach or a cocktail at the laid-back rooftop bar Vue Beach Club, feeling the coastal breeze and gearing up for tomorrow's coastal adventures.
Begin with a sunrise surf or paddleboard session at Snapper Rocks, then stroll the seaside promenade to the colorful timber huts and coffee carts at Kirra Beach for a hearty breakfast. After fueling up, take the scenic coastal drive south to explore the coastal wetlands and birdlife at Tallebudgera Creek, where you can rent a kayak or join a guided eco-cruise before heading back north to continue your Gold Coast exploration.
After a morning on the water, take a relaxed drive north along the coast and stop at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary to hand-feed lorikeets and catch an interactive wildlife presentation, then continue to Hinterland Drive for a scenic detour into the Gold Coast hinterland. Wind down the afternoon with a coffee and cake on the terrace at O'Reilly's Canungra Valley Vineyards (or a similar local cellar door) overlooking rolling valleys before returning toward the coast for sunset along the beachfront.
As the sun dips, head to HOTA - Home of the Arts for an early evening exhibition or outdoor performance on the plaza followed by dinner at the venue's riverside HOTA Cafe & Bar where seasonal produce and cocktails pair with skyline views. Afterward, take a short drive to The Serpentine precinct in Burleigh for dessert and craft beers at a cozy brewery, then finish with a stargazing stroll along Tallebudgera Creek Boardwalk-a peaceful spot to hear night birds and enjoy the tidal glow before turning in for the night.
Leave the Gold Coast after an early breakfast and drive south, stopping at Byron Bay Lighthouse for a coastal walk and panoramic ocean views that offer a last look back toward the hinterland; keep an eye out for dolphins from the headland. Continue via the scenic Pacific Highway to Nambucca Heads, where you can stretch your legs on the Nambucca River Boardwalk, grab fish-and-chip takeaway from a riverside shop, then detour to Muttonbird Island Nature Reserve near Coffs Harbour to enjoy seabird colonies and a short interpretive trail before checking into Coffs for the afternoon.
After checking into your Coffs base, unwind with a stroll and picnic beneath the fig trees at Botanic Garden Coffs Harbour, then rent a bike to cycle the estuary-side paths toward Park Beach Plaza for a relaxed coffee and local seafood snack. Later, head to the waterfront precinct at Marina and Jetty to join a short dolphin-spotting cruise or try stand-up paddleboarding in the calm harbor waters as the late afternoon light softens over the marina.
As dusk falls, head to Dugongs on the Jetty for a relaxed seafood dinner overlooking the water (ask for a table on the deck), then wander the nearby Coffs Harbour Foreshore to enjoy public art installations and the evening breeze. Finish with a nightcap at The Pacific Hotel or a craft-beer tasting at Little Lick Brewing Co., then take a short moonlit stroll to the illuminated Solitary Islands Marine Park viewpoint for a calm end to a day of coastal driving.
Begin your day with an early drive south and stop for a restorative breakfast and ocean views at Sawtell Village Café, then stretch your legs on the headland walk to Sawtell Headland Reserve where coastal cliffs and rocky pools make for great morning photos. Continue south and, after arriving in Sydney, take a relaxed harbor-side wander through Barangaroo Reserve to enjoy native plantings and waterfront sculptures before checking into your Sydney accommodation and preparing for an evening exploration.
After arriving in Sydney and dropping bags at your hotel, head to The Rocks for an easy self-guided history walk among sandstone laneways and weekend markets, then pause for an alfresco late lunch at Harts Pub with its heritage atmosphere and hearty local fare. Continue with a scenic stroll along the nearby Circular Quay promenade toward Royal Botanic Garden Sydney, where you can relax on the grass near the Conservatory Lawn and soak up sweeping views of the harbour and Sydney Opera House as the afternoon light softens.
After checking in and freshening up, head to Barangaroo Reserve South to follow the twilight foreshore path toward the waterfront bars - stop for tapas and a cocktail at Smoke Bar & Kitchen with harbour glimpses. Finish with a leisurely night stroll across the nearby Dawes Point Park to take in illuminated views of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Opera House skyline from a quieter vantage, then grab a late gelato at The Rocks Gelato Kiosk before turning in.