9 days in Gold Coast & Brisbane Itinerary

A city of towering skyscrapers, sandy beaches, and tree-lined streets, Gold Coast has an unpretentious air complemented by a citywide focus on sports and the arts.

Gold Coast is known for theme parks, shopping, and beaches. Your plan includes some of its best attractions: enjoy the sand and surf at Surfers Paradise Beach, see the interesting displays at Ripley's Believe It Or Not! Surfers Paradise, take in panoramic vistas at SkyPoint Observation Deck, and meet the residents at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary.

To see photos, maps, where to stay, and other tourist information, use the Gold Coast online trip itinerary planner.

Melbourne to Gold Coast is an approximately 4.5-hour flight. You can also drive; or take a bus. Traveling from Melbourne in December, Gold Coast is somewhat warmer at night with lows of 22°C. Wrap up your sightseeing by early afternoon on the 23rd (Wed) to allow time for the car ride to Brisbane.

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.

Your day by day itinerary now includes Australia Zoo. Venture out of the city with trips to Boat Tours & Water Sports (in Mooloolaba), Maleny Dairies (in Maleny) and Maroochydore Rotary Park (in Maroochydore). There's much more to do: look for all kinds of wild species at Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, admire the masterpieces at Gallery of Modern Art, admire the natural beauty at City Botanic Gardens, and take some stellar pictures from Brisbane Botanic Gardens Mt. Coot-tha.

For traveler tips, reviews, and more tourist information, use the Brisbane journey tool.

You can drive from Gold Coast to Brisbane in an hour. Alternatively, you can take a train; or take a bus. Expect a daytime high around 32°C in December, and nighttime lows around 23°C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 26th (Sat) early enough to travel back home.