Highlights
- Take a river cruise to Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary to mingle with native wildlife
- Visit Australia Zoo, home to koalas, kangaroos, crocodiles, and tigers
- Board the Aquaduck for an amphibious adventure through Gold Coast
- Meet your favorite characters and enjoy the thrilling rides at Movie World
Brief Itinerary
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Brisbane | Brisbane |
| Day 2 | River Cruise to Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary | Brisbane |
| Day 3 | Australia Zoo Day Trip | Brisbane |
| Day 4 | Travel to Gold Coast & Aquaduck Tour | Gold Coast |
| Day 5 | Free Day | Gold Coast |
| Day 6 | Movie World Day Trip | Gold Coast |
| Day 7 | Depart Brisbane |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Brisbane
Welcome to Australia! Upon arrival in Brisbane, transfer to your accommodation in the heart of the city. Depending on how you feel after the long flight in, relax or freshen up to head out for some exploration on your own. Make the trip to scenic River City, to the lookout point of Mount Coot-Tha. Take in the vast panorama of the city out to Moreton Bay. Then, head back into the city to enjoy a welcome dinner at your leisure.
Day 2: River Cruise to Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary
Today, board a boat in Brisbane's Southbank district and leave the city behind on a relaxing cruise to Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary. Once in Lone Pine, enjoy three hours to explore the world's largest koala sanctuary, with more than 130 koalas on-site. Hold a koala, take photos with the adorable marsupials, and perhaps, have a chat with the koala keepers.
Discover the Platypus House, where you may get a chance to see a shy platypus, a native to Australia. Then, check out owls, kites, and sea eagles soaring above you at the popular Birds of Prey show. Next, feed the kangaroos and wallabies—more than 100 of them live in a 5-acre (2 ha) reserve in Lone Pine. Along with koalas and kangaroos, attend the sheepdog show to see the hardworking dogs round up a herd of sheep, responding to their master's whistles, calls, and hand signals.
Kick back on the relaxing return journey via an ultra-modern cruise, and enjoy refreshments on the way back to Brisbane.
Day 3: Australia Zoo Day Trip
This morning, expect a driver pick-up from the hotel to take you on an adventure. The main destination is the Australia Zoo. This 1,000-acre wildlife playground is located 45 minutes north of Brisbane on the Sunshine Coast of Queensland. Owned and operated by the Irwin family—of the late great Crocodile Hunter Steve Irwin—the zoo has a strong focus on wildlife conservation and native species. Some of the areas to bookmark within the zoo include the below:
- The Crocoseum
- Roo Heaven
- Koala Walkthrough
- Tiger Temple
There are plenty of shows and tours to keep you busy during this active field trip. After the zoo, head back to Brisbane and enjoy a night in the city on your own.
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Day 4: Travel to Gold Coast & Aquaduck Tour
Today, travel from Brisbane to Gold Coast. Upon arrival, meet your host, who will accompany you on a 1-hour Aquaduck tour. Depart from Cavill Avenue in the heart of Surfers Paradise. Experience the Gold Coast on an amphibious 'duck.' Embark on an entertaining tour of the city through fun waterways.
Following the adventure, the rest of the day and night is at your leisure.
Day 5: Free day
Today, continue exploring Gold Coast on your own. Gold Coast is known for its laid-back lifestyle and incredible white sand beaches. Take a surfing lesson at one of Australia's iconic surf destinations, or spend a day at a favorite local spot, Burleigh Heads, and enjoy watching the surfers instead.
Then, stroll around the famous Burleigh Heads National Park Headlands from the rocky shore into the rainforest. Keep an eye out for humpback whales from the Tumgun lookout in the winter and spring months, along with sea eagles flying overhead. Here, ancient volcanic columns converge with the sea, surrounded by forests, grasslands, and mangroves. Consider a visit to Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, a haven for native animals—small, big, endangered, and flourishing—which is anchored by its lorikeet feed.
For a thrill, head to SkyPoint Climb, which is stationed on the top of the Q1—the highest point in the Gold Coast—and embark on an external building climbing excursion. The night is at your leisure.
Day 6: Movie World Day Trip
Today, make the trip to Warner Bros. Movie World. Affectionately known as "Hollywood on the Gold Coast," Movie World is a family-friendly theme park where famous characters wander the streets, and action-packed movie scenes come to life. Get lost in a world of fantasy and fun and meet your favorite stars and superheroes. Experience the exhilaration of world-class adventure rides and movie attractions on this exciting and active adventure.
In the afternoon, a private driver will transfer you back to your hotel to enjoy the last night of your trip to the Gold Coast before departure tomorrow.
Day 7: Depart Brisbane
Enjoy the morning to unwind and reflect on your trip Down Under before transferring to the airport for your onward flight out of Brisbane. Until next time!
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