Brisbane Australia Trip Itinerary – 5 Days

Brisbane Australia Trip Itinerary

Cities, beaches and beyond

South-east Queensland, headlined by Brisbane, the Gold Coast, and the Sunshine Coast, is a wonderfully diverse section of Queensland that covers off many of the State’s icons and natural landscapes in a short and accessible period of time.  

With this itinerary you will explore the capital of Queensland, visit some of the state’s best beaches, spend time on an island and immerse yourself in ancient rainforest. You can even include a sneaky trip to the Great Barrier Reef if you have time.

Day 1 – Welcome to Brisbane

Arriving in Brisbane (most likely through the International Airport), it’s time to hit the ground running and explore Brisbane. You might like to visit the man-made beaches of South Bank, explore modern and traditional art at the Queensland Art Gallery and the Gallery of Modern Art, or spend time exploring the rapidly evolving Fortitude Valley precinct (we recommend starting on James Street).

For dinner, head down to Howard Smith Wharves to enjoy one of the many river-front restaurants on offer.

Day 2 – Explore a Queensland island

After exploring the city, head east to either Moorgumpin (Moreton Island) or Minjerribah (North Stradbroke Island) to connect with nature and come face to face with some of Australia’s famous wildlife.

If you are seeking adventure, a trip to Moorgumpin (75-minutes by ferry from Brisbane) to snorkel the Tangalooma wrecks, taboggan down sand dunes and hand feed wild dolphins (available nightly) at Tangalooma Island Resort.

For those who are wanting to connect with nature, Minjerribah (a 50 minute ferry trip from Brisbane). Make sure to head to the Gorge Walk (sunrise or sunset is best). Here you might spot kangaroos, koalas, dolphins and whales (July-November). For something different, scuba divers will love a dive with Manta Lodge (operating out of Adder Rock on the island). In summer, divers can swim with manta rays and in winter grey nurse sharks populate the area in huge numbers. Don’t worry, these sharks are harmless.

Day 3 – The Gold Coast is calling

Head down the Coast today (60-90 minutes, self-drive) and check in for two nights to explore the beaches, hinterland and dining scene of the Gold Coast.

Today you might like to connect with the regions Indigenous Culture on a dreaming tour with Jellurgal Aboriginal Cultural Centre, learn to surf with one of the many surf schools on the Coast, explore beaches from Surfers Paradise to Coolangatta and everywhere in between or even make your own gin at Grandad Jacks.

In the evening, you should tuck into the Coast’s booming dining scene. For unbeatable views over the ocean, a good pick would be The Tropic at Burleigh Pavillion or next door to Rick Shores.

Day 4 – The green behind the gold

There’s much more to the Gold Coast than pristine beaches. Today you should explore the rainforests of Lamington or Springbrook National Park (around 60 minutes from the Gold Coast, self-drive). Here you can experience nice short walks including Purlingbrook Falls, Moran Falls or the Twin Falls circuits. Take your time and truly immerse in the sounds of the rainforest.

For an extended stay, you may like to spend a night or two up in the hinterland at either Binna Burra Mountain Lodge or O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat.

Day 5 – From one coast or another

Before heading to the Sunshine Coast, if you have time, you may like to add in an epic day trip from the Gold Coast to the southernmost island of the Great Barrier Reef, Lady Elliot Island. Departing from the Gold Coast (as well as Brisbane) you can enjoy a 75-minute scenic flight to the tiny coral cay, before jumping in the water for a snorkel with the Great 8, including mantra rays (the winter months are best), turtles and clown fish.

From the Gold Coast, the Sunshine Coast is around a two-and-a-half-hour drive north. The Sunshine Coast is relaxed, natural, and celebrates the outdoors.

On the drive from the Gold Coast, you can stop off at the Glass House Mountains for a short hike (we recommend Mt Ngungun) or a swim in a rainforest swimming hole such as Kondalilla Falls.

Once on the coast, you can choose between the resort town of Noosa, vibrant Mooloolaba or the family-friendly Caloundra.

From here, your holiday options are wide open. You may like to spend a few nights on the Coast, head further north to the Fraser Coast or Bundaberg or jump on a flight from Brisbane to The Whitsundays or Cairns & Great Barrier Reef.

Brisbane Australia Reservations

Contact me to book a stay in the Brisbane area, in Australia:

Andrew Larder, FORA Travel Advisor