South Bank & Cultural Precinct
Parklands, Streets Beach, museums, galleries, and riverside dining.
Brisbane. A City of Many Sides.
Riverside dining, Australian wildlife, cultural landmarks and easy-going city life. Make Brisbane the starting point for a Queensland holiday.
The Gold Coast. Your Kind of Escape.
57 kilometres of coastline, world-class theme parks, coastal neighbourhoods and rainforest hinterland. Discover a different side of Queensland.
Brisbane Gold Coast at a Glance
01
Location
Queensland’s capital, set along the Brisbane River.
02
Known for
Riverside precincts, art, dining and Australian wildlife.
03
Must-visit
South Bank, QAGOMA, Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary and Mount Coot-tha.
04
Easy add-ons
Moreton Island, wildlife experiences and the Gold Coast.
01
Location
Southeast Queensland, Australia.
02
Known for
Beaches, theme parks, coastal dining and hinterland escapes.
03
Must-visit
Surfers Paradise, Burleigh Heads, Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary and the theme parks.
04
Easy add-ons
Tamborine Mountain, Springbrook National Park and Brisbane.
Explore Brisbane the Gold Coast
Explore Brisbane Explore the Gold CoastBrisbane CBD
Shopping, city landmarks, restaurants, and convenient hotel bases.
Howard Smith Wharves & Fortitude Valley
Dining, entertainment and Brisbane’s contemporary food scene.
Beyond the City
Island excursions, wildlife encounters, and scenic mountain lookouts.
Surfers Paradise & Broadbeach
Beaches, shopping, dining, entertainment and a wide choice of accommodation.
Burleigh Heads & Southern Beaches
Coastal walks, surf culture, cafés and relaxed neighbourhoods.
Theme Park Precinct
Major attractions for families, thrill seekers and multi-generational groups.
Gold Coast Hinterland
Rainforest walks, waterfalls, mountain scenery and Tamborine Mountain.
Getting There & Around
Fly Into Brisbane
Brisbane Airport is the main arrival point for clients starting their Queensland holiday in the city.
International connections
Singapore · Kuala Lumpur · Bangkok · Dubai · Other connecting hubs
Domestic connections
Sydney · Melbourne · Cairns · Gold Coast · Sunshine Coast
Airport → CBD
Airtrain, taxi, rideshare and private transfers connect the airport with central Brisbane. Allow for the hotel’s exact location and arrival time when planning transfers.
Brisbane → Gold Coast
1–1.5 hrs
Around 1–1.5 hours by road, depending on traffic and the start and end points. Road and train connections make Brisbane an easy addition to a Gold Coast holiday.
Fly Into Gold Coast
Gold Coast Airport is a practical arrival point for clients prioritising beaches, theme parks and coastal resort stays.
International connections
Singapore · Kuala Lumpur · Bangkok · Dubai · Other connecting hubs
Domestic connections
Sydney · Melbourne · Brisbane · Cairns · Other Australian cities
Airport → Hotel
Taxi, rideshare, car hire and pre-booked private transfers are available. Allow for the hotel’s location, especially for stays around Surfers Paradise, Broadbeach or the southern beaches.
Fly Into Brisbane
Brisbane Airport is another option, particularly for clients combining the city with the Gold Coast or when flight connections and fares work better.
Brisbane Airport → Gold Coast
1–1.5 hrs by road
Around 1–1.5 hours by road, depending on traffic and the final destination. Train connections are also available.
Agent tip: Compare the complete journey, including onward transfers, before selecting the most suitable airport for the client.
Within Brisbane
Airtrain
Convenient for airport transfers to central Brisbane.
CityCat Ferries
A scenic way to travel along the river and reach riverside precincts.
Buses & Trains
Useful for the CBD, South Bank and surrounding areas.
Taxi & Rideshare
Practical for evening dining, hotel transfers and direct journeys.
Private Vehicle
Worth considering for families, groups and sightseeing beyond the central city.
Getting Around
G:link Light Rail
Useful for travelling along the main coastal corridor, including Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach.
Buses & Trains
Connect key areas across the Gold Coast and provide a practical option for independent travellers.
Taxi & Rideshare
Convenient for evening dining, hotel transfers and attractions outside the light rail network.
Private Vehicle
Recommended for families visiting multiple theme parks, groups and hinterland excursions.
Self-Drive
Worth considering when combining beaches with Tamborine Mountain, Springbrook or other hinterland experiences.
Experiences Build the Itinerary Around These.
Explore All Experiences
South Bank
The City, with Room to Breathe.
Explore parklands, Streets Beach, restaurants and the Cultural Precinct, including QAGOMA and Queensland Museum.
Best for: Families · Couples · First-timers
Story Bridge Adventure Climb
Brisbane from Above.
Take a guided climb above the Brisbane River for panoramic views across the city.
Best for: Adventure · Couples · Active travellers
QAGOMA
For the Culture-Led Itinerary.
Explore Australian and international art across two galleries in Brisbane’s riverside Cultural Precinct.
Best for: Couples · Culture lovers · Premium FITs
Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary
The Australian Wildlife Stop.
Meet native wildlife, including koalas and kangaroos, at one of Brisbane’s best-known wildlife attractions.
Best for: Families · First-timers · Wildlife lovers
Mount Coot-tha
The View from Above.
Take in Brisbane’s skyline from the lookout and pair the visit with the nearby Botanic Gardens.
Best for: Families · Couples · Short city itineraries
Moreton Island
A Day Beyond the City.
Explore island beaches and marine experiences, with options including snorkelling around the Tangalooma Wrecks and guided 4WD adventures.
Best for: Adventure · Families · Couples
Attraction access, operating hours and activity inclusions should be confirmed before booking.
Surfers Paradise
The Classic Gold Coast.
Beach, skyline, shopping, dining, and entertainment in one of the destination’s best-known neighborhoods.
Best for: First timers · Short stays · Families
Theme Parks
A Full Day of Fun, Sorted.
Dreamworld, Warner Bros. Movie World and Sea World offer a choice of rides, shows, wildlife encounters and family attractions.
Best for: Families · Multi-gen · Older children
Burleigh Heads
Coastal Walks & Local Dining.
Explore the surf beach, headland trails, cafés and restaurants, with Tallebudgera Creek nearby for a different kind of waterfront outing.
Best for: Couples · Families · Leisure
Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary
Wildlife, by the Coast.
Discover Australian wildlife and nature experiences at this established Gold Coast attraction.
Best for: Families · Wildlife lovers · First-timers
Gold Coast Hinterland
Rainforest, Waterfalls & Mountain Towns.
Explore scenic walking trails, waterfalls, mountain landscapes and local food experiences around Tamborine Mountain and the hinterland.
Best for: Couples · Nature lovers · Premium FITs
Check attraction opening times, seasonal conditions and activity inclusions before booking.
Stay Find Your Brisbane Base. Find Your Gold Coast Base.
Four Points by Sheraton Brisbane
A practical city base for clients who want easy access to Brisbane’s CBD, riverfront and key attractions.
Best for: First-time visitors · Families · Short stays
Hyatt Regency Brisbane
A centrally located option for clients who want shopping, dining and city attractions close by.
Best for: Couples · Premium FITs · City breaks
Pullman Brisbane King George Square
A convenient CBD base close to Queen Street Mall, city attractions and transport connections.
Best for: Couples · Families · Business + leisure
The Langham, Gold Coast & Jewel Residences
An absolute beachfront stay between Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach. Jewel Residences offer spacious one- to four-bedroom residences, making them especially useful for families and multi-generational groups.
Best for: Luxury · Families · Honeymooners · Multi-gen
Imperial Hotel Gold Coast
A premium Main Beach base, well placed for waterfront surroundings and access to Surfers Paradise and Gold Coast attractions.
Best for: Couples · Luxury · Families
Mercure Gold Coast Resort
A resort-style option with access to the Gold Coast’s beaches, theme parks and hinterland attractions.
Best for: Families · Groups · Longer stays
Before You Book
How many nights should clients spend in Brisbane?+
Two to three nights works well for the city’s main attractions. Allow extra time for island excursions or a more relaxed itinerary.
Can Brisbane be combined with the Gold Coast?+
Yes. The two destinations work well together for Indian travellers looking to combine city attractions, beaches and theme parks in one holiday.
Which airport should clients fly into?+
Brisbane Airport is the most convenient option for a Brisbane-first itinerary. Gold Coast Airport may be preferable when the holiday begins on the coast.
Do clients need a car in Brisbane?+
Not for a standard city stay. Public transport, ferries, taxis and rideshare cover many central attractions. Private transport can help with excursions outside the city.
Is Brisbane suitable for families?+
Yes. South Bank, Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, Mount Coot-tha and island excursions offer a mix of outdoor, cultural and wildlife experiences.
When is the best time to visit?+
Brisbane is a year-round destination. Weather varies by season, so check conditions when planning outdoor activities and island trips.
What currency is used?+
Australian Dollar (AUD).
What language is spoken?+
English.
Do Indian passport holders need an Australian visa?+
Yes. Indian passport holders need an appropriate Australian visa before travelling. Check the latest requirements through the Australian Department of Home Affairs.
How many nights should clients spend on the Gold Coast?+
Three to four nights works well for a beach and theme-park holiday. Allow extra time if clients want to visit several attractions or explore the hinterland.
Which airport should clients fly into?+
Gold Coast Airport is convenient for coast-focused stays. Brisbane Airport may work better for combined itineraries or depending on flight connections and fares from India.
Can the Gold Coast be combined with Brisbane?+
Yes. Combining the two destinations allows clients to experience Brisbane’s city attractions alongside the Gold Coast’s beaches, theme parks and coastal neighbourhoods.
Do clients need a car?+
Not always. Public transport serves key coastal areas, but a private vehicle or transfers can make theme-park visits and hinterland excursions more convenient.
Is the Gold Coast suitable for Indian families?+
Yes. Beaches, theme parks, wildlife attractions and spacious accommodation options make it a strong choice for family and multi-generational travel.
When is the best time to visit?+
The Gold Coast is a year-round destination. July to October is generally the main whale-watching season, while weather and ocean conditions vary throughout the year.
What currency is used?+
Australian Dollar (AUD).
What language is spoken?+
English.
Do Indian passport holders need an Australian visa?+
Yes. Indian passport holders need an appropriate Australian visa before travelling. Check the latest requirements through the Australian Department of Home Affairs.