For most travelers, five to seven days is the perfect amount of time for an Australia trip with stops in both Gold Coast and Brisbane. With more time, you can enjoy extra activities at each stop or a few days in another region like Sydney or Airlie Beach. Get inspired with kimkim's Gold Coast and Brisbane trip ideas below.

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

Plan your trip to Australia
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.

Recommended Itineraries for the Gold Coast & Brisbane

Recommended Itinerary for 5 Days

Gold Coast
Gold Coast
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

Byron Bay
Byron Bay
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

Map

Map of Gold Coast & Brisbane: Best Itinerary Ideas
Map of Gold Coast & Brisbane: Best Itinerary Ideas