Brisbane and the Gold Coast: river city, surf beaches and theme parks

Why go

South East Queensland has sunshine for much of the year, warm water and an easy pace. It works well for families, for travellers who want beach time between city stops, and as a stepping stone between Sydney and the reef further north. Brisbane will co-host the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, and the city is changing fast.

Brisbane

Start at **South Bank**, the riverside parklands with a free artificial beach called **Streets Beach**, the Wheel of Brisbane and the **Queensland Cultural Centre**, home to the **Queensland Art Gallery and Gallery of Modern Art** and the Queensland Museum. Cross the river on the pedestrian bridges to the **City Botanic Gardens** and Queen Street Mall.

The **CityCat** ferries are the best way to see the city from the water, stopping at New Farm, Bulimba and the University of Queensland. Climb the **Story Bridge** with a guide, enjoy the views from **Mount Coot-tha**, and visit **Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary**, one of the oldest koala sanctuaries in the world.

Brisbane neighbourhoods

**Fortitude Valley** is the nightlife and live music hub, with Chinatown nearby. **New Farm** has a lovely park and the **Brisbane Powerhouse** arts venue, **West End** has a multicultural, bohemian feel and the Saturday Davies Park Market, and **Paddington** has hilly streets of old Queenslander houses and boutiques.

The Gold Coast

**Surfers Paradise** is the high-rise heart of the Gold Coast, with a busy beach, nightlife and the **SkyPoint** observation deck. **Broadbeach** is a little calmer with good restaurants, **Burleigh Heads** has a headland national park and a famous surf break, and **Coolangatta** and **Currumbin** in the south feel more relaxed. **Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary** is a family favourite.

The theme parks are a major draw: **Dreamworld**, **Sea World**, **Movie World**, **Wet'n'Wild** and others sit between Brisbane and the coast. Multi-park passes can be good value if you plan several days; check the official park websites for current options.

The hinterland and islands

Behind the coast, **Lamington National Park** and **Springbrook National Park** are part of the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia World Heritage Area, with waterfalls, treetop walks and glow worms. **Tamborine Mountain** has a rainforest skywalk and galleries. From Brisbane, take a ferry to **North Stradbroke Island** for beaches and whale watching, or head north to the **Sunshine Coast** and the **Glass House Mountains**.

Beach safety

Gold Coast beaches are patrolled by lifeguards and surf lifesavers along much of the coast, but rips are common. Swim between the red and yellow flags and never swim alone or at night.

Where to stay

In Brisbane, stay in the **CBD**, **South Bank** or **Fortitude Valley**. On the Gold Coast, **Surfers Paradise** suits families and nightlife, **Broadbeach** suits couples, and **Burleigh Heads** suits those wanting a more local feel.

Getting around

Trains link Brisbane's airport and city with the Gold Coast, and the G:link light rail runs along the coast from Helensvale to Broadbeach and on towards Burleigh. In Brisbane, use the Translink network, which accepts the go card and contactless payment.

When to go

April to November is warm and generally drier. Summer is hot, humid and stormy, and school holidays, especially in late November and early December when school leavers celebrate on the Gold Coast, are very busy.