15 days in Brisbane & Airlie Beach Itinerary

Queensland’s biggest town and state capital, Brisbane has an attractive, manicured image based around its riverside aesthetic as well as the contrast between its high-rise center and extensive urban greenery.

You'll explore the less-touristy side of things at Kings Beach and Distillery Tours. You'll enjoy a bit of beach vacationing at Kirra Beach and Currumbin Beach. You'll find plenty of places to visit near Brisbane: Caloundra Coastal Walk (in Kings Beach), Chris Cunningham Park (in Tweed Heads) and Moffat Beach (in Caloundra). There's still lots to do: tour the pleasant surroundings at Greenmount Beach, see majestic marine mammals with a dolphin and whale watching tour, take in the views from Story Bridge, and view the masterpieces at State Library Of Queensland.

To find where to stay, ratings, photos, and more tourist information, use the Brisbane trip maker tool.

Sydney to Brisbane is an approximately 4-hour flight. You can also drive; or take a bus. Expect a daytime high around 32°C in December, and nighttime lows around 23°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 30th (Wed) to allow enough time to travel to Airlie Beach.

Very much a town with an emphasis on the tropical lifestyle, Airlie Beach offers exotic surroundings with palm trees and charming, sandy beaches.

Discover out-of-the-way places like Catseye Beach and Spas. Visit Horseshoe Bay and Boathaven Beach for some beach relaxation. Change things up with these side-trips from Airlie Beach: Mackay (Town Beach, Mackay Aqua Park, &more), Bowen (Horseshoe Bay Rotary Lookout & Grays Bay) and Jetryder (in Hamilton Island). And it doesn't end there: take in the waterfront activity at Coral Sea Marina, view the masterpieces at Art Whitsunday Gallery & Shop, cool off at Airlie Aqua Park, and kick back and relax at Airlie Beach Lagoon.

Planning Airlie Beach trip won't be overwheling when you use's Insprock itinerary maker.

Getting from Brisbane to Airlie Beach by flight takes about 5 hours. Other options: drive; or do a combination of train and bus. Traveling from Brisbane in December, Airlie Beach is somewhat warmer at night with lows of 28°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 4th (Mon) to allow enough time to travel back home.