How many days do you need on the Gold Coast & Brisbane?
- Most travelers spend 5-7 days in Gold Coast and Brisbane combined
- With 8 or more days, most travelers choose to add more stops to their trip
- The most common extensions are Sydney and Airlie Beach
How Many Days to Spend in Australia
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Recommended Itineraries for the Gold Coast & Brisbane
Recommended Itinerary for 5 Days
Day | Highlights | Overnight |
---|---|---|
Day 1 | Arrive in Brisbane | Brisbane |
Day 2 | Day Trip to Australia Zoo | Brisbane |
Day 3 | Transfer to Gold Coast, Explore | Gold Coast |
Day 4 | Mount Tambourine National Park, Gallery Walk & Wine Tasting | Gold Coast |
Day 5 | Return to Brisbane, Depart |
This five-day itinerary encompasses the best of South East Queensland. Begin in Brisbane with a trip to Mount Coot-Tha for beautiful views and a welcome toast. Then, explore the Australia Zoo with its many native exhibits, shows, and tours. Next, enjoy a free day in Gold Coast—take a walk through Burleigh Heads National Park Headlands, embark on the SkyPoint Climb excursion, or visit one of the many theme parks—followed by a visit to Mount Tambourine National Park. Read more
Recommended Itinerary for 6 Days
Day | Highlights | Overnight |
---|---|---|
Day 1 | Arrive in Brisbane, River Cruise to Koala Sanctuary, First Nations Dinner Show | Brisbane |
Day 2 | Full-Day Aussie Outback Private Tour | Brisbane |
Day 3 | Drive to the Gold Coast, Explore | Gold Coast |
Day 4 | Day Trip to Byron Bay | Gold Coast |
Day 5 | Day Trip to National Parks | Gold Coast |
Day 6 | Depart Brisbane |
Experience the best of Australia's less-visited yet beautiful East Coast. This includes highlights of Queensland, like the eclectic metropolis of Brisbane and the endless beaches and shimmering skyscrapers of the Gold Coast. You'll also take day trips to charming Byron Bay, visit a koala sanctuary, and go off-the-beaten path on self-drive road trips to rainforest-covered national parks. Read more
How to travel between the Gold Coast & Brisbane
The Gold Coast, in southern Queensland, is just 48 miles (78 km) from Brisbane and very easy to reach from there with an hourlong drive. But it's also accessible from farther afield in Australia. Here's how to get to the Gold Coast from Brisbane, Cairns, and beyond via a number of transport methods. Read more