Itineraries Home » Queensland Itineraries » 5 Days in South East Queensland (Brisbane, Gold Coast & Sunshine Coast)
Southeast Queensland is a stunning region of Australia that's well worth a visit. With its beautiful beaches, bustling cities, and charming towns, this part of the country has something for everyone. In this 5-day itinerary, we'll be exploring three of the region's most popular destinations: the Gold Coast, Brisbane, and the Sunshine Coast.
Throughout our journey, we'll discover the unique character and charm of each of these destinations and create unforgettable memories that will last a lifetime. So pack your bags and get ready for an adventure in southeast Queensland!
The Itinerary - A Sneak Peek!
Following is a quick overview of the itinerary:
| Day | Key Highlights/Attractions |
|---|---|
| Day 0 | • Fly from Sydney to Gold Coast. |
| Day 1 | • Enjoy the thrill rides at Dreamworld. • Tiger feeding at Dreamworld. • Enjoy panoramic views of Gold Coast from Q1 Skypoint Observation Deck. |
| Day 2 | • Visit the most easterly point of the Australian mainland in Cape Byron (Byron Bay). • Visit the world-famous Surfers Paradise Beach and go on a shopping spree at the Surfers Paradise Beachfront Markets. • Witness stunning rock formations, a picturesque waterfall and fascinating glowworms at the Natural Bridge in Springbrook National Park. |
| Day 3 | • Climb the Brisbane Story Bridge. • See the Brisbane skyline from the city's highest point, Mount Coot-tha Lookout. • Enjoy stunning views of the Glass House Mountains from the Glass House Mountains Lookout. • Hike the easy 800m Glass House Mountain Lookout Track, a pleasant walk through scribbly gum forest and enjoy listening to the birds and the wildlife encounters! |
| Day 4 | • Explore Bribie Island Beach and Bunkers on a 4WD tour! • Enjoy the rainforest walk at Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland. • Hike the challenging 4.8km Kondalilla Falls circuit track that takes you through a rainforest, creeks and pools, and ultimately to a waterfall. |
| Day 5 | • Visit The Big Pineapple and The Big Kangaroo (Matilda). • Hit the world-famous beaches at Noosa Heads. |
In a rush? Download our itinerary for FREE to view it from your mailbox later!
Day 0 - Sydney to Gold Coast
We took the evening flight from Sydney to Gold Coast, picked up our rental car at the Gold Coast Airport and checked into our hotel for the night.
Day 1 - Gold Coast
After breakfast, we headed to Dreamworld.
As one of the largest and most popular amusement parks in the country, Dreamworld has something for everyone. From thrilling rides to animal encounters, this park offers a range of exciting activities that will keep visitors entertained for hours on end. One of the park's most popular attractions is its collection of world-class roller coasters. We did the Steel Taipan and The Claw to name a few, which are some of the extreme thrill rides in the park and definitely got our hearts racing. The park also has a variety of family-friendly rides, such as the Dreamworld Express train ride, Candy Flyer and the Bananas Carousel, which the kids thoroughly enjoyed.
|
|
|
|
Dreamworld is also home to several unique animal experiences and encounters, including the Tiger Island exhibit where visitors can not only see but also feed the Bengal, Sumatran and/or Siberian tigers. We booked the Tiger Feeding adventure and were mesmerised by the majestic creature seeing it up close!
|
|
More information about tickets, timings and experiences can be found in Dreamworld's website. You can also purchase your tickets via the link below.
After thoroughly enjoying all the adventures that Dreamworld had to offer us, we headed to Q1 Skypoint. Underground parking is complimentary for the Observation Deck visitors and the parking entrance is via Hamilton Ave.
Q1 Skypoint is an iconic observation deck located atop the Q1 Building. Standing at a staggering height of 230 metres, it is Australia's only beachside observation deck and offers visitors breathtaking panoramic views of the city, its coastline, and the surrounding hinterland. The observation deck is accessible via an express elevator, which takes visitors from the ground floor to level 77 in just 42 seconds! Once at the top, visitors can take in the stunning views from the indoor observation deck or do the Skypoint Climb, which takes visitors to the summit of the Q1 Building via an external ladder system. The Skypoint Climb is 270 metres above sea level! This thrilling adventure is not for the faint-hearted, but the panoramic views from the top are worth it for those who dare to take on the challenge. More information about tickets, timings and experiences can be found in Skypoint's website. You can also book your Skypoint ticket here.
We then had our dinner and checked back into our hotel for a good night’s sleep.
Here’re few other famous attractions in Gold Coast for you to explore, if you have got more time:
Day 2 - Gold Coast Beaches & Hinterland
After breakfast, we headed to Byron Bay to visit the most easterly point of the Australian mainland. You can read more about this visit in our post below:
Visiting the Most Easterly Point of the Australian Mainland
We then headed to the Surfers Paradise beach.
The golden sands, turquoise waters, and the stunning views were truly mesmerising, making this beach a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to the region!
|
|
Located along the Surfers Paradise Esplanade, the Surfers Paradise Beachfront Markets are a popular attraction for visitors and locals alike, offering a unique shopping experience with a range of stalls selling everything from handmade crafts and jewellery to delicious local food. The markets are held every Wednesday, Friday and Saturday and we definitely recommend you to try them if you're in the region on any of these days!
The last stop for the day was the Natural Bridge in the Gold Coast Hinterland.
The Natural Bridge is a stunning natural rock formation that has been formed over millions of years. It is part of the Springbrook National Park and is known for its picturesque waterfall that cascades into a beautiful rock pool below.
What makes the Natural Bridge truly unique is the glow worms that inhabit the cave behind the waterfall. We visited the cave shortly after sunset and witnessed these fascinating creatures light up the darkness with their bioluminescent glow.
We recommend you allow some time after entering the cave as your eyes need to adjust to the dark upon when you will start seeing hundreds of glow worms. The longer you stay in the dark the more you will see them. Please do not direct light on the glow worms otherwise they will just go out and won’t glow again for some time. Always shine light directly onto the floor if you need to move around. Please do NOT use flash on your camera either; make sure to turn the flash off before entering the cave.
There were so many glow worms throughout the way back to the carpark as well!
With its stunning rock formations, picturesque waterfall, and fascinating glowworms, the Natural Bridge is a true natural wonder that will leave you in awe! Do note that there was no mobile reception inside the Springbrook National Park so make sure to download offline maps on your mobile before heading to Natural Bridge for a seamless return trip!
We then had our dinner and headed to Brisbane to check into our hotel. We highly recommend staying in the heart of Brisbane city to maximize your time and make the most of the exciting adventures that await you the following day.
Day 3 - Brisbane
After breakfast, we headed to Story Bridge Adventure Climb at Kangaroo Point, to climb the iconic Story Bridge!
The climb is available at different times of the day, including dawn, daytime, twilight and night climbs and takes about 2 hours to complete. We did the daytime climb and the views of the city from the top were stunning!
|
|
More information about timings, tickets and prices can be found in their website. You can also book your bridge climb adventure via the link below.
After thoroughly enjoying the experience, we headed to Mount Coot-tha lookout.
Mount Coot-tha Lookout is the highest point in Brisbane and offers panoramic views of the city skyline and surrounding mountains. The views were truly spectacular! The lookout also features a souvenir shop and a restaurant where visitors can enjoy a meal or refreshments while taking in the view.
Our last stop for the day was the Glass House Mountains Lookout, a scenic viewpoint located in the Glass House Mountains National Park.
The lookout offers stunning views of the Glass House Mountains, a series of volcanic peaks. The Glass House Mountains are unique geological formations, formed from ancient volcanic activity millions of years ago. These mountains hold cultural significance for Indigenous peoples and boast diverse flora and fauna. The scenic beauty, hiking opportunities, and serene ambiance make them an extraordinary destination. Our time at the lookout platform was truly enjoyable, allowing us to soak in the awe-inspiring vistas!
We then hiked the Glass House Mountains Lookout Track, a short easy walk through scribbly gum forest and enjoyed listening to the birds and the wildlife encounters!
| Glass House Mountains Lookout Track – Key Facts | |
|---|---|
| Trailhead | Glass House Mountains Lookout |
| Trail Type | Loop |
| Distance | 800m |
| Duration | 45 minutes |
| Accumulated Elevation Gain | 24m |
| Difficulty | Grade 3 |
|
|
We then had our dinner and headed to Bribie Island to check into our hotel for the night.
If time permits, take a day trip to the nearby islands of Stradbroke, or Moreton.
Day 4 - Bribie Island & Sunshine Coast Hinterland
After breakfast, we headed for the 4WD Beach and Bunker Tour with G’Day Adventure Tours.
The G'Day Adventure 4WD Beach and Bunker Tour takes visitors on an exciting ride along the Ocean Beach in a 4WD vehicle. The tour includes stops at historical World War II bunkers and hidden lagoons, where visitors can enjoy swimming and wildlife spotting. The tour guide was very knowledgeable and provided us with interesting information about the area's history. We absolutely loved the tour and it was so thrilling and exciting to ride along the sandy terrain and experience the beautiful scenery from a unique perspective! More information about their tours, timings, and prices can be found in their website.
|
|
|
|
Our next stop was Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland.
The reserve features over 55 hectares of subtropical rainforest, home to a variety of native flora and fauna. The reserve offers several walking trails ranging from easy to moderate difficulty, allowing visitors to explore the rainforest and enjoy the stunning views from various lookout points. The reserve also has an education centre that the kids thoroughly enjoyed.
We walked the 1.7km Rainforest Loop, relishing every step of the way. The walk proved to be a delightful experience, allowing us to immerse ourselves in the beauty of the rainforest. To our amazement, we even had a close encounter with a magnificent python, making the adventure all the more memorable.
| Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve - Rainforest Loop – Key Facts | |
|---|---|
| Trailhead | Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve - Rainforest Discovery Centre |
| Trail Type | Loop |
| Distance | 1.7km |
| Duration | 30 min - 1 hour |
| Accumulated Elevation Gain | 50m |
| Difficulty | Grade 2 |
|
|
|
|
The café at Mary Cairncross Reserve is a delightful haven nestled within the lush rainforest surroundings. Offering a charming ambiance and panoramic views, it provides a perfect spot to relax and enjoy a delicious meal or a cup of coffee while immersing yourself in the natural beauty of the reserve.
After a satisfying lunch at the café, we made our way to the Kondalilla Falls Carpark.
After a satisfying lunch at the café, we made our way to the Kondalilla Falls Carpark.
Kondalilla Falls is a stunning waterfall located in the Kondalilla National Park and is surrounded by lush rainforest and walking trails. The Kondalilla National Park offers numerous walking trails for all fitness levels and we took the moderate 4.8km Kondalilla Falls circuit track that took us through the rainforest, over picnic creek and past rock pools, and to the base of the falls. This walk has over 300 steps and requires a reasonable level of fitness but it is definitely worth doing!
| Kondalilla Falls Circuit – Key Facts | |
|---|---|
| Trailhead | Kondalilla Falls Carpark |
| Trail Type | Loop |
| Distance | 4.6km |
| Duration | 2 - 3 hours |
| Accumulated Elevation Gain | 195m |
| Difficulty | Grade 3 (short steep hills and many steps) |
|
|
|
|
We then had our dinner and checked into our hotel for the night.
Day 5 - Sunshine Coast
Our first stop for the day was The Big Pineapple in Woombye, one of The Big Things of Australia.
Australia is home to many Big Things, which is a set of about 150 oversized structures sprinkled across the nation, which serve as some of the country’s top tourist attractions. These can be found along major highways and between popular destinations. As you could see from our other posts, we are a huge fan of these Big Things as they are not only popular tourist attractions but also are great rest stops when you are on long road trips. The Big Pineapple features a giant pineapple-shaped structure that visitors can climb up to get a panoramic view of the surrounding area. The site also includes a rainforest walk, wildlife park, and a variety of fun activities for visitors of all ages.
Next, we headed to visit The Big Kangaroo in Traveston.
Standing over 13 meters tall, The Big Kangaroo (also known as Matilda) was the mascot of the 1982 Commonwealth Games held in Brisbane and now serves as a popular photo spot for visitors passing through the area!
Our next stop was the Little Cove Beach, a picturesque beach located in Noosa National Park.
Little Cove Beach is a secluded and peaceful spot, surrounded by rocky cliffs and lush vegetation. The beach offers calm waters and is ideal for swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing. It is a popular spot for nature lovers and those seeking a quieter beach experience!
While it’s a no-brainer that the Noosa Heads Main Beach is the most popular beach in the region, we decided to visit the Little Cove Beach in the Noosa National Park for a couple of reasons. Firstly, Noosa Heads Main Beach gets really really busy and finding parking is nearly impossible! Secondly, Little Cove Beach is a more secluded and peaceful spot compared to the bustling Noosa Heads Main Beach. Located in Noosa National Park, the beach is surrounded by rocky cliffs and lush vegetation, giving it a more natural and unspoiled feel. We definitely enjoyed the quieter and more serene beach experience at Little Cove! We were told that Little Cove Beach is also less affected by wind and waves compared to Noosa Heads Main Beach, making it a safer and more enjoyable spot for swimming and the kids thoroughly enjoyed it.
|
|
In addition, there are several walking trails and lookout points near Little Cove Beach in Noosa National Park, which offer stunning views of the surrounding area. Coastal Walk is a popular walking trail that runs along the coast and offers breathtaking views of the ocean, rocky cliffs, and lush vegetation. The trail is well-maintained and offers several lookout points, including Hell’s Gates, Dolphin Point, and Boiling Pot. That being said, Noosa Heads Main Beach has its own attractions, such as its lively atmosphere, proximity to restaurants and shops, and patrolled swimming areas, which you will miss in Little Cove Beach. Ultimately, it depends on your preferences and what kind of beach experience you are looking for!
Here’re few other famous attractions in Sunshine Coast for you to explore, if you have got more time:
It was then time for us to leave to the Sunshine Coast airport to catch our flight back to Sydney. We returned our rental car at the airport and took our flight back to Sydney. Welcome back home!
While Tamborine Mountain is not part of the Gold Coast, Brisbane, or Sunshine Coast regions, it is a popular destination for visitors to Southeast Queensland, and it offers a unique and memorable experience for those who visit. Here are some of the popular things to do in Tamborine Mountain:
- Visit the Tamborine Rainforest Skywalk, an elevated walkway that takes you through the rainforest canopy.
- Explore the national parks, including the Tamborine National Park, which has a variety of walking trails, waterfalls, and lookouts.
- Visit the Tamborine Mountain Botanic Gardens, which features a range of beautiful plants, flowers, and sculptures.
- Stop by the Gallery Walk, a charming village with over 60 art galleries, boutiques, and cafes.
- Sample some of the local wines at the wineries and cellar doors in the region, including the Witches Falls Winery and the Cedar Creek Estate Winery.
- Visit the Tamborine Mountain Distillery, which produces a range of award-winning liqueurs, spirits, and schnapps.
- Take a hot air balloon ride over the scenic countryside.
- Visit the Tamborine Mountain Glow Worm Caves, where you can see thousands of glow worms in their natural habitat.
Our Itinerary
|
Download our itinerary for FREE! |
SHARE THIS POST
Love our itinerary? Excited to visit South East Queensland? Book your accommodation via Booking.com below at cheaper prices!
If you have an exciting itinerary that you’d like to be hosted in the Guests’ Itineraries section of our website, please contact us at [email protected] and we are super excited to collaborate with you on the same.
This post may contain affiliate links which means that at zero additional cost for you, we will earn a small commission if you decide to buy something via the links provided. This helps us in running our website. Thank you!
This post may contain affiliate links which means that at zero additional cost for you, we will earn a small commission if you decide to buy something via the links provided. This helps us in running our website. Thank you!