7-Day Itinerary: Gold Coast, Brisbane, Sydney

Monday, October 2: Arrival in Gold Coast

Start your trip by arriving in the beautiful Gold Coast. In the morning, visit Surfers Paradise Beach and soak up the sun while enjoying the stunning coastline. In the afternoon, explore the vibrant Cavill Avenue, known for its shops, cafes, and street performers. As the evening sets in, head to Burleigh Hill to witness a breathtaking sunset over the ocean.

• Surfers Paradise Beach: Free, 2-3 hours
• Cavill Avenue: Free, 2-3 hours
• Burleigh Hill: Free, 1-2 hours

Restaurants

• A great breakfast spot in the Surfers Paradise area is The Vintage Café. They offer a delicious selection of freshly baked pastries and hearty breakfast dishes. The average cost for a meal is about $15 per person.
• If you're looking for a tasty lunch option, head to Longboards Laidback Eatery & Bar in Cavill Avenue. They serve up delicious burgers, salads, and wraps in a relaxed atmosphere. The average cost for a meal is about $20 per person.
• For a memorable dinner experience with ocean views, make a reservation at Oskars on Burleigh. Known for their excellent seafood and fine dining options, the average cost for a meal is about $60 per person.

Tuesday, October 3: Gold Coast Theme Parks

Start your day by visiting the iconic Warner Bros. Movie World, where you can experience thrilling rides and meet your favorite movie characters. In the afternoon, head to Wet'n'Wild Gold Coast for exciting water slides and pools. As the evening approaches, enjoy a relaxing walk along the Broadwater Parklands.

• Warner Bros. Movie World: $80-100, 6-8 hours
• Wet'n'Wild Gold Coast: $60-80, 4-6 hours
• Broadwater Parklands: Free, 1-2 hours

Wednesday, October 4: Explore Brisbane

Take a scenic drive to Brisbane, the capital city of Queensland. Start your morning by visiting the South Bank Parklands, where you can enjoy riverside walks, lush gardens, and the Streets Beach. In the afternoon, explore the vibrant Queen Street Mall, known for its shopping and dining options. As the evening sets in, climb the iconic Story Bridge for panoramic views of the city.

• South Bank Parklands: Free, 2-3 hours
• Queen Street Mall: Free, 2-3 hours
• Story Bridge Climb: $120-150, 2-3 hours

Thursday, October 5: Discover More of Brisbane

Start your day by visiting the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, where you can cuddle a koala and interact with various native Australian animals. In the afternoon, explore the cultural precinct of Brisbane, including the Queensland Museum and the Gallery of Modern Art. As the evening approaches, take a relaxing cruise along the Brisbane River.

• Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary: $35-50, 3-4 hours
• Queensland Museum: Free, 2-3 hours
• Gallery of Modern Art: Free, 2-3 hours

Friday, October 6: Sydney City Highlights

Take a morning flight to Sydney and start your exploration at the iconic Sydney Opera House. In the afternoon, visit the Sydney Harbour Bridge and take a thrilling BridgeClimb for panoramic views of the city. As the evening sets in, explore the historic Rocks district, known for its charming streets and lively pubs.

• Sydney Opera House: Free (guided tours available), 2-3 hours
• Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb: $200-300, 2-3 hours
• The Rocks: Free, 2-3 hours

Saturday, October 7: Coastal Splendor in Sydney

Head to the scenic coastal suburb of Bondi Beach in the morning and enjoy a refreshing swim or a leisurely walk along the famous Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk. In the afternoon, explore the vibrant neighborhoods of Darlinghurst and Paddington, known for their trendy shops and cafes. As the evening approaches, take a sunset cruise around Sydney Harbour.

• Bondi Beach: Free, 2-3 hours
• Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk: Free, 2-3 hours
• Darlinghurst and Paddington: Free, 2-3 hours

Sunday, October 8: Hidden Gems and Local Favorites

While exploring Gold Coast, don't miss Burleigh Heads National Park, a hidden gem known for its picturesque walking trails and stunning ocean views. In Brisbane, head to the City Botanic Gardens, a serene oasis in the heart of the city. In Sydney, venture to Barangaroo Reserve, a waterfront park offering breathtaking views of Sydney Harbour.

For hotel and flight bookings, check prices here.