Family-Friendly Brisbane & Gold Coast Itinerary: Nature, Food & Dolphin Experiences

Day 1: Arrival & City Exploration

Brisbane, Australia

8:00AM

Fly from Melbourne to Brisbane

Catch a morning flight from Melbourne to Brisbane, starting your family adventure.
Direct flights are available and take about 2 hours.
AUD 800 (family), 2 hours

10:00AM

Arrive at Brisbane Airport

Upon arrival, collect your luggage and head to your hotel.
Best to take a taxi or shuttle.
AUD 60, 30 minutes

11:00AM

Brunch at The Gunshop Café

Enjoy locally sourced brunch favorites at this popular spot in West End.
15-minute taxi ride from the airport to West End.
AUD 120, 1.5 hours

12:30PM

Check-in to Accommodation

Settle in and refresh at your hotel before exploring.
Proceed to your selected hotel in Brisbane CBD.
AUD 400, 1 hour

2:00PM

Visit the South Bank Parklands

Explore the lush gardens and man-made beach, perfect for relaxing and family fun.
Walk 15 minutes from your hotel.
Free, 2 hours

4:30PM

Explore Queensland Museum and Sciencentre

Engage with interactive exhibits, promising fun and education for the whole family.
Short walk or ferry ride from South Bank.
AUD 80, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Eat Street Northshore

Indulge in a wide variety of food stalls offering international cuisines in a lively atmosphere.
Taxi ride from the museum to the market.
AUD 150, 2 hours
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Day 2: Gold Coast Adventure

Gold Coast, Australia

8:00AM

Breakfast at your hotel

Enjoy a hearty breakfast at your accommodation, getting ready for a day at the Gold Coast.
Breakfast is included or nearby café.
AUD 0 - 60, 1 hour

9:00AM

Train to Gold Coast

Take the scenic train ride to the Gold Coast; the journey features beautiful coastal views.
Take the train from Brisbane Central Station.
AUD 80 (family), 1 hour

10:00AM

Visit Surfers Paradise Beach

Soak in the sun at one of Australia’s most famous beaches, perfect for swimming and building sandcastles.
Short walk from the train station.
Free, 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Beachfront Markets

Stroll through the markets and enjoy delicious local food options along with beach views.
Just a few steps from the beach.
AUD 80 (family), 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Explore Sea World Gold Coast

Dive into fun with dolphin shows, marine exhibits, and thrilling rides for the entire family.
Catch the tram from Surfers Paradise to Sea World.
AUD 240 (family), 4 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at The Surfers Paradise Hotel

Enjoy a delightful dinner with views of the ocean and family-friendly menus.
Short ride back towards the beach.
AUD 200, 1.5 hours

8:00PM

Return to Brisbane

Take the train back to Brisbane after an exciting day.
Board the same train from Gold Coast.
Included in the earlier ticket, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 3: Gold Coast Theme Park Fun

Gold Coast, Australia

7:30AM

Breakfast at your hotel

Fuel up with breakfast to get energized for another day of fun on the Gold Coast.
Enjoy breakfast at your accommodation.
AUD 0 - 60, 1 hour

8:30AM

Travel to Warner Bros. Movie World

Head to this exciting theme park full of rides, shows, and beloved characters from cinema.
Take a bus or tram from where you're staying.
AUD 300 (family), 1 hour

10:00AM

Enjoy Movie World Attractions

Spend the day filled with thrilling rides and entertaining shows suited for the whole family.
Follows park signage throughout the grounds.
Cost included in admission, 6 hours

4:00PM

Late Lunch at the Park

Grab a casual meal within the park; options range from burgers to pizzas.
Dining within Warner Bros. Movie World.
AUD 120, 1 hour

5:00PM

Return to Brisbane

Take the bus or tram back after a fun-filled day.
Catch the same transport heading back.
Included in the earlier ticket, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at The Norman Hotel

Indulge in fresh Aussie cuisine at this renowned family-friendly pub.
Located in Woolloongabba, a quick ride from Brisbane’s CBD.
AUD 150, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 4: City & Culture Day

Brisbane, Australia

8:00AM

Breakfast at Coffee Mountain

Kickstart your day with tasty coffee and pastries at this local favorite in West End.
Accessible by bus from your hotel.
AUD 30, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit the Queensland Art Gallery

Explore impressive Australian and international art collections at this cultural hub.
A short walk from the café.
Free, 1.5 hours

11:30AM

Explore the Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA)

Indulge in contemporary artworks that captivate kids and adults alike.
GOMA is a short walk from the Queensland Gallery.
Free, 2 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at GOMA Restaurant

Dine on seasonal dishes made with fresh local ingredients, perfect for foodies.
Located inside GOMA.
AUD 120, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Visit Story Bridge

Take a thrilling guided climb for breathtaking views of Brisbane's skyline.
A short drive or ride to the bridge.
AUD 300, 2.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Southbank Beer Garden

Enjoy delicious pub favorites and scenic river views, making it perfect for family dining.
Walk back to Southbank for dinner.
AUD 130, 1.5 hours
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Day 5: Fun Day at Theme Parks

Brisbane, Australia

8:00AM

Breakfast at La Macelleria

Start your day with Italian pastries and coffee, located in West End.
Easily reachable via public transportation.
AUD 50, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary

Experience Australian wildlife up close with kangaroos, koalas, and other native animals.
Take a short bus trip to the sanctuary.
AUD 160 (family), 3 hours

12:30PM

Lunch Picnic

Grab a light lunch at the sanctuary café before heading out on your next adventure.
Dining on-site at the sanctuary.
AUD 60, 1 hour

2:00PM

Adventure at The Wheel of Brisbane

Take in the stunning views from one of Brisbane's highest vantage points.
Travel back to Brisbane CBD via bus.
AUD 120, 1 hour

3:30PM

Explore Kangaroo Point Cliffs

Stroll along the cliffs with a breathtaking perspective overlooking the river and city skyline.
Short Uber ride or walk to the cliffs.
Free, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at the Bavarian Bier Cafe

Wrap up your day with traditional German dishes in a kid-friendly environment.
Closer to the CBD area.
AUD 150, 1.5 hours
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Day 6: Leisurely Farewell Day

Brisbane, Australia

8:30AM

Breakfast at The Coffee Emporium

Enjoy the final breakfast filled with delightful dishes before departure.
Close to your hotel, easy walk.
AUD 60, 1 hour

10:00AM

Morning Stroll at Brisbane City Botanic Gardens

Get your last taste of nature as you walk through picturesque surroundings.
Walk from the café to the gardens.
Free, 1.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at The Coffee Emporium

Enjoy a quick lunch in a familiar venue one last time, relishing in tasty wraps.
Dining within the same café.
AUD 60, 1 hour

1:30PM

Last-minute Shopping at Queen Street Mall

Browse local shops and boutiques to find souvenirs from your Brisbane adventure.
Easy walk to Queen Street from your hotel.
Varies, 1.5 hours

3:30PM

Departure from Brisbane

Conclude your exciting journey in Brisbane and head to the airport for your departing flight.
Take a taxi or shuttle to the airport.
AUD 40, 1 hour
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