13 days in Brisbane, Gold Coast & Cairns 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.

To plan Brisbane vacation without wasting time, ask Inspirock to design an itinerary.

Sydney to Brisbane is an approximately 3-hour flight. You can also drive; or take a bus. In May, daily temperatures in Brisbane can reach 27°C, while at night they dip to 15°C. On the 9th (Mon), you're off to Gold Coast.

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.

Take a break from Gold Coast with a short trip to Tweed Regional Gallery & Margaret Olley Art Centre in Murwillumbah, about 54 minutes away. Spend the 13th (Fri) exploring the fascinating underwater world at Sea World Theme Park. The adventure continues: tour the pleasant surroundings at Surfers Paradise Beach, kick back and relax at Kirra Beach, experience the excitement of Infinity Attraction, and explore the galleries of 19 Karen Contemporary Artspace.

To find where to stay, more things to do, photos, and tourist information, read Gold Coast trip planner.

Drive from Brisbane to Gold Coast in an hour. Alternatively, you can take a train; or take a bus. In May, daily temperatures in Gold Coast can reach 27°C, while at night they dip to 15°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 14th (Sat) early enough to drive to Brisbane.

On the 14th (Sat), admire the natural beauty at City Botanic Gardens, then contemplate the long history of Newstead House, and then walk around South Bank Parklands. Here are some ideas for day two: take an unforgettable tour with a helicopter tour, then tour the pleasant surroundings at Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, and then get great views at Mount Coot-Tha Summit Lookout.

For photos, traveler tips, maps, and other tourist information, use the Brisbane attractions planner.

Getting from Gold Coast to Brisbane by car takes about an hour. Other options: take a train; or take a bus. Finish your sightseeing early on the 16th (Mon) so you can fly to Cairns.

A neat, cosmopolitan city of shaded plazas and laid-back neighborhoods, Cairns serves as a popular base for exploration of the surrounding region and the Great Barrier Reef, as well as a center for watersport activities like surfing or waterskiing.

Venture out of the city with trips to Spas (in Palm Cove), Port Douglas (Wildlife Habitat Port Douglas & Safaris) and Australian Butterfly Sanctuary (in Kuranda). Spend the 17th (Tue) among aquatic life with a scuba or snorkeling tour. Spend the 16th (Mon) wandering through the wild on a nature and wildlife tour. The adventure continues: trek along Esplanade Boardwalk, scramble along the landscape with a canyoning and rapelling tour, see Off-Road Tours, and see the world from above with a helicopter tour.

To find traveler tips and more tourist information, read our Cairns online trip itinerary builder.

Traveling by flight from Brisbane to Cairns takes 4 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a train. Traveling from Brisbane in May, expect Cairns to be somewhat warmer, temps between 32°C and 24°C. On the 21st (Sat), you'll have the morning to explore before heading back home.