10-Day Ultimate Brisbane and Gold Coast Itinerary

Day 1: Discover Brisbane

Brisbane, Australia

8:00AM

Breakfast at Gerard’s Bistro

Start your day with a delightful breakfast featuring Middle Eastern flavors like the shakshuka.
Take a short tram ride to Fortitude Valley.
AUD 25, 1 hour

9:30AM

South Bank Parklands

Stroll along the river, explore networks of gardens, and visit the iconic Wheel of Brisbane for breathtaking views.
Walk from Gerard’s Bistro to South Bank Parklands.
AUD 20 (for Wheel ticket), 2.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at The Plough Inn

Enjoy classic Australian cuisine and a cold beer while overlooking the lush gardens.
Locate The Plough Inn within South Bank Parklands.
AUD 30, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Visit the Queensland Art Gallery

Delve into an impressive array of contemporary and historical Australian art.
Head to the Queensland Art Gallery on the South Bank.
Free, 2 hours

4:00PM

Explore Brisbane City Botanic Gardens

Relax amid subtropical plants and beautiful river views.
Walk from the art gallery to the Botanic Gardens.
Free, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Eat Street Northshore

Savor a mixture of international street food in a vibrant setting with the sunset over the river.
Take a short bus ride to Eat Street Northshore.
AUD 40, 2 hours
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Day 2: Brisbane Adventures

Brisbane, Australia

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Coffee Emporium

Fuel up with specialty coffee and a delicious avocado toast.
Take a ride-share to the café.
AUD 20, 1 hour

9:30AM

Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary

Get up close with koalas and kangaroos in this beautiful wildlife sanctuary.
Drive or take a ferry from Brisbane to the sanctuary.
AUD 40, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at the sanctuary café

Enjoy a casual lunch with views of the bushland.
Available at Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary.
AUD 25, 1 hour

2:00PM

Take a river cruise

Enjoy a scenic journey back to the city along the Brisbane River.
Board the ferry at the Lone Pine jetty.
AUD 20, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Explore Fortitude Valley

Wander around boutique shops, street art, and cafes in this trendy neighborhood.
Walk around Fortitude Valley.
Free, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Cha Cha Char

Treat yourself to fine dining steak with great river views.
Short walk from Fortitude Valley.
AUD 70, 2 hours
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Day 3: Cultural Brisbane

Brisbane, Australia

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Breakfast Creek Hotel

Indulge in a classic pub breakfast with all the trimmings.
Head over via rideshare.
AUD 25, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit the Museum of Brisbane

Learn about Brisbane's history and culture through a variety of exhibitions.
Walk to City Hall where the museum is located.
Free, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Visit Queensland Museum and Sciencentre

Discover interactive science exhibits and cultural collections.
5-minute walk from the Museum of Brisbane.
AUD 15, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at GOMA Restaurant

Enjoy fine dining overlooking the river.
Walk back to GOMA, located next to the museum.
AUD 40, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Discover Story Bridge

Climb the iconic bridge for an adrenaline and panoramic view of the city.
Take a short bus ride to the Story Bridge.
AUD 100, 3 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at The Kettle Black

Savor creative dishes in a chic setting to end your day.
Bus back to South Brisbane.
AUD 60, 2 hours
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Day 4: Brisbane to Gold Coast

Brisbane, Australia to Gold Coast, Australia

8:00AM

Breakfast at Bunk Brisbane

Fuel up with a hearty breakfast before departing.
Short walk to Bunk Brisbane.
AUD 20, 1 hour

9:00AM

Check Out and Travel to Gold Coast

Leave Brisbane and head to the beautiful Gold Coast.
Book a shuttle or drive down via M1.
AUD 50 (shuttle), 1 hour

10:30AM

Check into hotel

Settle in the beachfront hotel of your choice.
At your selected hotel in Gold Coast.
Depends on hotel, 30 mins

11:00AM

Visit Surfers Paradise Beach

Enjoy some sun and sand on one of Australia’s most famous beaches.
Walk to Surfers Paradise beach.
Free, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at The Coffee Emporium

Grab a great lunch with a beach view at this renowned café.
Walk to the café on the beach.
AUD 30, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Explore the beach shops

Shop for local surf attire and souvenirs along the Esplanade.
Stroll along the beachfront shops.
Variable, 2 hours

4:30PM

Visit SkyPoint Observation Deck

Marvel at the views from the highest point on the Gold Coast.
Walk to the Q1 building.
AUD 30, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at SkyPoint Bistro + Bar

Dine with a spectacular view in the building you just visited.
Same building as SkyPoint.
AUD 50, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Gold Coast Theme Park Fun

Gold Coast, Australia

7:00AM

Breakfast at the hotel

Start your day with a buffet breakfast at your hotel.
At your hotel.
Included, 1 hour

8:30AM

Visit Warner Bros. Movie World

Experience thrilling rides and entertaining shows at this famous theme park.
Travel via taxi or shuttle.
AUD 100, 6 hours

2:30PM

Lunch inside Movie World

Refuel with a quick bite from one of the many eateries inside the park.
Available within Warner Bros. Movie World.
AUD 30, 1 hour

3:30PM

Continue enjoying Movie World

Catch your favorite rides and characters before closing.
Explore the park.
Free within the park., 2 hours

5:30PM

Return to hotel

Relax after a fun-filled day in the park.
Taxi or shuttle back to your hotel.
AUD 50, 30 mins

6:00PM

Dinner at Social Eating House + Bar

Enjoy share plates and cocktails in a relaxed setting.
Short walk from your hotel.
AUD 60, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 6: Water Fun Day

Gold Coast, Australia

7:00AM

Breakfast at the hotel

Enjoy another hearty breakfast before heading out.
At your hotel.
Included, 1 hour

8:30AM

Visit Wet'n'Wild Gold Coast

Experience adrenaline-pumping water slides and pools at this renowned water park.
Drive or shuttle to the park.
AUD 70, 6 hours

2:30PM

Lunch at Wet'n'Wild

Grab lunch at one of the park's many dining options.
Within Wet'n'Wild.
AUD 30, 1 hour

3:30PM

Extra time at the water park

Enjoy the remaining rides and relax at the wave pool.
Explore the park before it closes.
Free within the park., 2 hours

5:30PM

Return to hotel

Rest and freshen up for dinner.
Taxi or shuttle back to your hotel.
AUD 50, 30 mins

6:00PM

Dinner at Fishbone

Savor fresh seafood dishes and enjoy a casual dining atmosphere.
Short walk from your hotel.
AUD 70, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 7: Nature and Culture

Gold Coast, Australia

8:00AM

Breakfast at the hotel

Start your day with a delicious breakfast at your hotel.
At your hotel.
Included, 1 hour

9:00AM

Visit Burleigh Heads National Park

Trek through beautiful scenery, offering coastal views and wildlife spotting.
Drive or taxi to Burleigh Heads.
Free, 3 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Burleigh Pavilion

Dining with stunning ocean views and fresh seasonal dishes.
Located at Burleigh Heads.
AUD 40, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Visit the Gold Coast Arts Centre

Explore local art and cultural exhibitions at this popular venue.
Drive or taxi to the Arts Centre.
AUD 15, 2 hours

3:30PM

Explore local markets

Visit nearby markets for local crafts and produce.
Short drive to a local market.
Free, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Return to the hotel

Freshen up before dinner.
Back to your hotel.
AUD 20 (taxi), 30 mins

6:00PM

Dinner at Bazaar Restaurant

Enjoy an interactive dining experience with a variety of delicious options.
At your hotel.
AUD 70, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 8: Relaxation and Shopping

Gold Coast, Australia

8:00AM

Breakfast at the hotel

Another delicious buffet breakfast awaits you here.
At your hotel.
Included, 1 hour

9:00AM

Relax at the beach

Spend your morning soaking in the sun or surf at the beach.
Walk to the beach.
Free, 3 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at the Sandbar

Enjoy casual bites right against the beach theme.
Easily walkable from the beach.
AUD 30, 1 hour

1:00PM

Shopping at Pacific Fair

Explore plenty of shops from luxury brands to local designers.
Take a taxi to Pacific Fair.
Free (shopping expenses variable), 3 hours

4:00PM

Refresh at the hotel

Head back to the hotel to relax a little.
Taxi back to your hotel.
AUD 20, 30 mins

6:00PM

Dinner at The Island Gold Coast

End your day pampering yourself at the rooftop bar or restaurant.
Walk to The Island.
AUD 60, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 9: Last Gold Coast Day

Gold Coast to Brisbane, Australia

8:00AM

Breakfast at the hotel

Enjoy your final hotel breakfast.
At your hotel.
Included, 1 hour

9:00AM

Visit Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary

Encounter a range of Australian animals and enjoy the beautiful surroundings.
Travel via taxi or shuttle to Currumbin.
AUD 50, 3 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Currumbin Sanctuary Café

Get a taste of Australian café fare with beautiful views at this venue.
At Currumbin Sanctuary.
AUD 30, 1 hour

1:00PM

Check Out and travel back to Brisbane

Prepare for your journey back to Brisbane.
Drive or take a shuttle back to Brisbane.
AUD 50 (shuttle), 1 hour

2:30PM

Check into Brisbane hotel

Settle into your accommodation back in Brisbane.
At your selected hotel.
Depends on hotel, 30 mins

3:00PM

Explore West End

Stroll through one of Brisbane’s most vibrant neighborhoods with local boutiques.
Taxi to West End.
Free, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at The Forge Bakery

Delight in fresh bread and gourmet meals in a cozy atmosphere.
Head back to your hotel area.
AUD 50, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 10: Farewell Brisbane

Brisbane, Australia

8:00AM

Breakfast at Morning After

Enjoy rich coffee and the best brunch menu with a great vibe as you ponder your trip.
Short walk to Morning After.
AUD 25, 1 hour

9:00AM

Shopping at Queen Street Mall

Spend last-minute shopping at Brisbane’s premier shopping district.
Take a bus or walk from your hotel to Queen Street Mall.
Free (shopping expenses variable), 2 hours

11:00AM

Relax at Eagle Street Pier

Unwind by the river with a stunning view of the Story Bridge.
Walk to Eagle Street Pier.
Free, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Final Lunch at The Coffee Academics

Wrap up your adventure with a delicious meal in a trendy spot.
Head over to The Coffee Academics by a short walk.
AUD 40, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Depart from Brisbane

Head to the airport for your departure.
Use taxi or shuttle to Brisbane Airport.
AUD 50, 1 hour
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