Australia
Brisbane and the Gold Coast are Queensland's sunshine double act: a riverside capital of city beaches, bridges and bushland on one side, and sixty kilometres of surf, skyscrapers and theme parks on the other, with rainforest hinterland and sand islands a short trip from both.
This guide books the region properly — Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary on the Brisbane River, the Story Bridge Adventure Climb, the free lagoon and gardens of South Bank, the big three Gold Coast theme parks (Dreamworld, Warner Bros. Movie World and Sea World), the view from SkyPoint, the waterfalls and glow worms of Springbrook and Tamborine Mountain, a Moreton Island day among the dunes and shipwrecks, and Australia Zoo up the coast. Then it matches you to a bed, from a James Street design hotel and a South Bank suite hotel in Brisbane to a beachside resort in Surfers Paradise and an apartment-style base in Broadbeach, because here where you sleep decides how much time you spend on the motorway.
Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary
The world's oldest and largest koala sanctuary, set in bushland beside the Brisbane River at Fig Tree Pocket. Hundreds of koalas, hand-fed kangaroos and a full cast of Australian wildlife make it Brisbane's best half-day for animal lovers, and you can arrive by river cruise.
South Bank Parklands
Brisbane's riverside playground: a free city-beach lagoon, shaded rainforest walks, a Ferris wheel and the cultural precinct on the doorstep. It's the easiest way to feel Brisbane's easy outdoor lifestyle, and costs nothing to enter.
Dreamworld
The Gold Coast's classic theme park at Coomera: big coasters, a family-friendly Rivertown and Australia's best-known big cat habitat at Tiger Island. Newer thrills such as Steel Taipan and Jungle Rush give the park fresh energy, and wildlife keeps non-riders busy.
Australia Zoo
The Irwin family's famous zoo at Beerwah on the Sunshine Coast, with live wildlife shows, crocodile feeding, koalas, tigers and free rides for kids. Worth a long day trip from Brisbane or the Gold Coast.
The world's oldest and largest koala sanctuary, set in bushland beside the Brisbane River at Fig Tree Pocket. Hundreds of koalas, hand-fed kangaroos and a full cast of Australian wildlife make it Brisbane's best half-day for animal lovers, and you can arrive by river cruise.
A guided climb up Brisbane's steel cantilever icon, with the river, the city towers and Moreton Bay spread out below. Choose a day, twilight or night climb; the experience takes about ninety minutes and suits most fitness levels from age six.
FreeBrisbane's riverside playground: a free city-beach lagoon, shaded rainforest walks, a Ferris wheel and the cultural precinct on the doorstep. It's the easiest way to feel Brisbane's easy outdoor lifestyle, and costs nothing to enter.
The Gold Coast's classic theme park at Coomera: big coasters, a family-friendly Rivertown and Australia's best-known big cat habitat at Tiger Island. Newer thrills such as Steel Taipan and Jungle Rush give the park fresh energy, and wildlife keeps non-riders busy.
Hollywood-style streets, Batman and Superman rides, the Scooby-Doo coaster and live stunt shows, all on one Gold Coast lot. It is the most film-flavoured of the big parks and an easy pick for families with a mix of thrill levels.
A marine park on the Spit at Main Beach that mixes animal encounters, dolphin presentations and rides with ocean views. A good choice for families and anyone who wants a theme park with more heart than adrenaline.
The Gold Coast's highest view: Level 77 of the Q1 tower in Surfers Paradise, 230 metres above sea level, with the beach, the Broadwater and the hinterland laid out on every side. Go at sunset, and add the SkyPoint Climb if you want an outdoor thrill.
Waterfalls, ancient rainforest, rock arches and glow worm caves in the green ranges behind the Gold Coast. A guided day tour from Brisbane covers Springbrook's Natural Bridge and Tamborine Mountain in one loop, with national park fees and lunch included.
A boat ride from Brisbane to a giant sand island of dunes, clear water and shipwrecks. The Tangalooma day cruise bundles the ferry, resort day pass and an activity such as sandboarding, snorkelling the wrecks or a marine cruise.
The Irwin family's famous zoo at Beerwah on the Sunshine Coast, with live wildlife shows, crocodile feeding, koalas, tigers and free rides for kids. Worth a long day trip from Brisbane or the Gold Coast.
Hotels we would book ourselves, from splurges to good-value bases.
$$$$Fortitude Valley (James Street)
Brisbane's design-led splurge on James Street in Fortitude Valley: 175 rooms around a resort-style pool, a day spa, and a run of excellent restaurants. The stylish base for a couple or a special-occasion stay.
Rates on Expedia →
$$$South Bank
A suites-only hotel at 267 Grey Street, steps from South Bank Parklands and the cultural precinct. Rooftop infinity pool, spa and Italian dining make it the best-located upscale base for river and city sightseeing.
Rates on Expedia →
$$Brisbane CBD
A bright, good-value four-star in the middle of the CBD at 40 Elizabeth Street, about fifty metres from Queen Street Mall. A smart budget base for walking to the river, South Bank and the train stations.
Rates on Expedia →Surfers Paradise
A quirky five-star about fifty metres from Surfers Paradise Beach, with ocean-view rooms, a pool and spa, Japanese dining and a lively poolside bar. A fun mid-range-to-upscale base for beach days and park trips.
Rates on Expedia →Broadbeach
Spacious one- and two-bedroom suites and three-bedroom sky homes at 21 Elizabeth Avenue, with a resort pool, spa and full kitchens. The calmer, family-friendly Gold Coast base, close to Oracle Boulevard dining.
Rates on Expedia →The first-timer primer for Brisbane and the Gold Coast: which tickets to book ahead, how to move between the river city and the surf coast, how many days to allow and where the headline sights fit.
Which part of Brisbane or the Gold Coast to base yourself in: the CBD, South Bank, James Street, Surfers Paradise or Broadbeach, with a hotel pick for each.
