7-Day Adventure in Brisbane, Queensland - Explore the Gold Coast, Rainforests & Culture

Day 1: Discover Brisbane

Brisbane, Australia on December 28, 2024

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Coffee Emporium

Start your day with a delicious breakfast of avocado toast and freshly brewed coffee at The Coffee Emporium, a popular local spot.
Walk from your accommodation to The Coffee Emporium.
AUD 20, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit South Bank Parklands

Take a stroll through the lush South Bank Parklands, enjoying the beautiful gardens, public art, and the iconic Brisbane River.
Take the CityCat ferry from the City to South Bank.
Free, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at The Plough Inn

Savor a hearty meal at The Plough Inn, an iconic pub known for its great atmosphere and classic Australian cuisine.
Walk to The Plough Inn, located within the South Bank area.
AUD 30, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Explore Queensland Art Gallery

Immerse yourself in the fascinating collections at the Queensland Art Gallery, featuring both Indigenous and contemporary art.
Walk to the Queensland Art Gallery, which is located nearby.
Free, 2 hours

4:00PM

Ride the Wheel of Brisbane

Enjoy stunning panoramas of the cityscape and river from the top of the Wheel of Brisbane.
Head back to the South Bank Parklands to find the Wheel.
AUD 20, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at GOMA Restaurant

Wrap up your first day with a delightful dining experience at the award-winning GOMA Restaurant, offering modern Australian dishes.
Walk to GOMA Restaurant, adjacent to the Art Gallery.
AUD 70, 2 hours
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Day 2: Explore More of Brisbane

Brisbane, Australia on December 29, 2024

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Pancake Manor

Indulge in a classic breakfast of fluffy pancakes at The Pancake Manor, a cozy and unique venue in a converted church.
Take a short walk to The Pancake Manor.
AUD 25, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary

Spend the morning at Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, where you can cuddle a koala and hand-feed kangaroos.
Take a bus from the city to Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary.
AUD 49.50, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at The Edge

Enjoy a relaxing lunch with river views at The Edge, located in the State Library of Queensland, offering tasty sandwiches and salads.
Take a bus back to the city center.
AUD 35, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

River Cruise

Relax on a scenic river cruise along the Brisbane River, taking in the sights of the city from the water.
Board the river cruise at South Bank.
AUD 30, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Explore the Botanic Gardens

Wander through Brisbane’s Botanic Gardens at the foot of Mt. Coot-tha, enjoying its lush landscapes and tranquil atmosphere.
Take a short bus ride or taxi to the gardens.
Free, 2 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at The Forest

Delectable dinner amid the tropical rainforest ambiance at The Forest, with a diverse menu of Asian-influenced dishes.
Return to your accommodation, then head out to The Forest.
AUD 65, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 3: Gold Coast Excursion

Gold Coast, Australia on December 30, 2024

7:30AM

Breakfast at a Local Café

Fuel up for your day with a hearty breakfast sandwich and coffee at a local café before heading to the Gold Coast.
Quick breakfast near your accommodation.
AUD 20, 1 hour

9:00AM

Drive to Gold Coast

Hit the road for a scenic drive to the Gold Coast, known for its stunning beaches and vibrant atmosphere.
Drive from Brisbane to Gold Coast, which takes about 1 hour.
AUD 10 (for fuel), 1 hour

10:30AM

Visit Surfers Paradise Beach

Relax on the famous Surfers Paradise beach, where you can sunbathe, swim, or try surfing.
Park at a nearby lot and walk to the beach.
Free, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Elk Espresso

Refuel with a trendy lunch at Elk Espresso featuring gourmet breakfast options, perfect for a midday meal.
Walk to Elk Espresso from the beach.
AUD 30, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Visit Gold Coast Theme Parks

Experience the thrill at one of the Gold Coast's renowned theme parks, like Warner Bros. Movie World or Dreamworld.
Drive to the chosen theme park.
AUD 89 (entrance fee), 4 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at a Beachfront Restaurant

End your day with a delightful dinner at a beachfront restaurant, savoring fresh seafood while listening to the waves.
Walk to the restaurant after the theme park.
AUD 70, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 4: Beach Day on Gold Coast

Gold Coast, Australia on December 31, 2024

8:00AM

Breakfast at Café an Vers

Start your New Year’s Eve at Café an Vers with fresh baked goods and coffee, a great way to energize for the day.
Walk to Café an Vers, located a short distance from your hotel.
AUD 25, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Burleigh Heads National Park

Explore Burleigh Heads National Park, where you can walk along scenic trails and enjoy breathtaking coastal views.
Drive to Burleigh Heads from your accommodation.
Free, 2.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Rick Shores

Indulge in a delicious Asian-influenced meal at Rick Shores, located right at Burleigh Beach.
Drive to Rick Shores after your hike.
AUD 50, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Afternoon at Coolangatta Beach

Spend your afternoon soaking up the sun and swimming at Coolangatta Beach, a family-friendly spot.
Drive to Coolangatta Beach.
Free, 3 hours

4:30PM

New Year's Eve Dinner at Seascape Restaurant + Bar

Enjoy a special New Year's Eve dinner with a view at Seascape Restaurant + Bar, complete with celebratory drinks.
Drive to Seascape Restaurant.
AUD 120, 3 hours

8:30PM

Fireworks at Surfers Paradise

After dinner, head to Surfers Paradise to witness the spectacular New Year's Eve fireworks display.
Drive back to Surfers Paradise.
Free, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Relax at Sunshine Coast

Sunshine Coast, Australia on January 1, 2025

9:00AM

Brunch at Café on the Wharf

Recover from the festivities with a lovely brunch at Café on the Wharf, overlooking the peaceful waters.
Drive to Mooloolaba on the Sunshine Coast.
AUD 30, 1.5 hours

10:30AM

Visit Mooloolaba Beach

Spend a leisurely morning at Mooloolaba Beach, where you can relax or join in on some beach games.
Walk to the beach from the café.
Free, 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at The Spit Roast

Enjoy a casual lunch featuring some delicious BBQ dishes at The Spit Roast, a local staple.
Drive to The Spit Roast from Mooloolaba Beach.
AUD 40, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Explore Noosa National Park

Head to Noosa National Park for an afternoon hike, enjoying stunning coastal scenery and wildlife.
Drive to Noosa National Park.
Free, 3 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at Noosa Beach House

Finish your day with dinner at the Noosa Beach House, offering delicious dishes made from local ingredients.
Head to Noosa Beach House after your hike.
AUD 70, 2 hours

8:00PM

Evening Stroll at Noosa Beach

Take a serene evening stroll along Noosa Beach as the sun sets, reflecting on your wonderful trip.
Walk to the beach from your dinner spot.
Free, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 6: Art and Culture in Sunshine Coast

Sunshine Coast, Australia on January 2, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Breakfast Bar

Savor a filling breakfast at The Breakfast Bar, known for their delicious acai bowls and smoothies.
Take a short drive from your accommodation.
AUD 20, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit the Eumundi Markets

Explore the vibrant Eumundi Markets, filled with unique crafts, local foods, and artisan products.
Drive to Eumundi from your accommodation.
Free, 3 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at The Sandwich King

Grab a fresh gourmet sandwich and coffee at The Sandwich King, a lovely spot in the markets.
Enjoy lunch at The Sandwich King while visiting Eumundi Markets.
AUD 25, 1 hour

1:00PM

Visit the Sunshine Coast Art Gallery

Discover the creativity of local artists at the Sunshine Coast Art Gallery, with frequently changing exhibits.
Drive to the art gallery from Eumundi.
Free, 2 hours

3:00PM

Explore Maleny Botanic Gardens

Take a scenic drive to Maleny to enjoy the beauty of its botanic gardens, filled with native plants and flowers.
Drive to Maleny Botanic Gardens.
AUD 25, 2 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at The Tamarind

Enjoy a fine dining experience at The Tamarind, renowned for its Asian-inspired gourmet dishes.
Drive to The Tamarind from the gardens.
AUD 100, 2 hours
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Day 7: Last Day in Brisbane

Brisbane, Australia on January 3, 2025

9:00AM

Breakfast at The Cowch Dessert Cocktail Bar

Indulge in a unique breakfast experience with dessert-themed dishes, a fitting way to end your journey.
Return to Brisbane from Sunshine Coast.
AUD 30, 1.5 hours

10:30AM

Visit Brisbane City Botanic Gardens

Immerse yourself in nature one last time at the City Botanic Gardens, a true gem in the heart of Brisbane.
Walk or take a bus to the City Botanic Gardens.
Free, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Mr. Percival's

Enjoy a waterfront lunch at Mr. Percival's, featuring an array of share plates and refreshing cocktails.
Walk to Mr. Percival's from the botanic gardens.
AUD 50, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Shop at Queen Street Mall

Spend your afternoon shopping and exploring the many boutiques and shops at Queen Street Mall, the heart of Brisbane’s shopping scene.
Take a short walk to the mall.
Free (shopping costs vary), 3 hours

5:30PM

Farewell Dinner at Customs House

Conclude your adventure with a lovely dinner featuring modern Australian cuisine at Customs House, set in a historic building.
Walk to Customs House from the mall.
AUD 80, 2 hours

8:00PM

Evening Walk along the Brisbane River

Take a peaceful evening walk along the Brisbane River, reflecting on your memorable week in this beautiful city.
Stroll along the river near Customs House.
Free, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability