Brisbane And Goldcoast

An 8-day family-friendly itinerary in Brisbane and the Gold Coast sounds like a fantastic adventure! July is a great time to visit, as the weather is usually mild and pleasant. Let’s dive into your itinerary, along with travel options from Melbourne.

Travel Options from Melbourne to Brisbane

1. Flight: The quickest way is to fly from Melbourne to Brisbane. There are several airlines offering direct flights, and the flight time is about 2 hours. You can find family-friendly options with airlines like Qantas, Virgin Australia, or Jetstar.
2. Road Trip: If you’re up for an adventure, consider a road trip! It’s about a 17-hour drive, so you could break it up over a couple of days, stopping at places like Albury, Wagga Wagga, and Coffs Harbour.

Day 1: Arrival in Brisbane

• Morning: Arrive in Brisbane. Check into your family-friendly accommodation (consider places with pools or family suites).
• Afternoon: Head to South Bank Parklands. Enjoy a leisurely stroll, let the kids play at the playground, and maybe even take a dip in the lagoon.
• Evening: Have dinner at one of the family-friendly restaurants in South Bank, like The Plough Inn.

Day 2: Explore Brisbane

• Morning: Visit the Queensland Museum and Sciencentre. It’s interactive and perfect for kids!
• Afternoon: Take a ride on the Wheel of Brisbane for stunning views of the city. Afterward, explore the nearby Streets Beach.
• Evening: Dinner at Eat Street Northshore, a vibrant market with food stalls and entertainment.

Day 3: Day Trip to Moreton Island

• All Day: Take a ferry to Moreton Island. Enjoy activities like sandboarding, snorkeling, or simply relaxing on the beach. Pack a picnic or enjoy lunch at one of the local cafes.
• Evening: Return to Brisbane and have a relaxed dinner at your accommodation or a nearby restaurant.

Day 4: Travel to Gold Coast

• Morning: Check out of your Brisbane accommodation and drive or take a train to the Gold Coast (about 1 hour).
• Afternoon: Check into your Gold Coast accommodation. Spend the afternoon at Surfers Paradise Beach. Let the kids play in the sand and enjoy the beach.
• Evening: Dinner at a beachfront restaurant, like The Island Rooftop.

Day 5: Theme Park Fun

• All Day: Choose a theme park! Dreamworld, Sea World, or Warner Bros. Movie World are all fantastic options. Spend the day enjoying rides, shows, and attractions.
• Evening: Return to your accommodation and have a relaxed dinner. Maybe order in pizza for a cozy night!

Day 6: Nature and Wildlife

• Morning: Visit Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary. Kids will love the animal encounters and the opportunity to feed kangaroos.
• Afternoon: Head to Burleigh Heads National Park for a family-friendly hike. The views are stunning, and there are plenty of spots for a picnic.
• Evening: Dinner at a local restaurant in Burleigh Heads, like The Fish House.

Day 7: Beach Day and Shopping

• Morning: Spend the morning at one of the quieter beaches, like Tallebudgera Creek. It’s perfect for families with calm waters.
• Afternoon: Head to Pacific Fair Shopping Centre for some shopping and lunch. There’s a great kids’ play area too!
• Evening: Enjoy a family dinner at a restaurant in the shopping center or nearby.

Day 8: Departure

• Morning: Depending on your flight time, you might have a chance for a final beach visit or a stroll along the Gold Coast Broadwalk.
• Afternoon: Check out of your accommodation and head to the airport for your flight back to Melbourne.

Tips for Traveling with Family:

• Transport: Consider renting a car for flexibility, especially with kids and beach gear.
• Accommodation: Look for family-friendly hotels or apartments with kitchen facilities.
• Weather: July can be cool in the evenings, so pack some light jackets.

I hope this itinerary helps you plan an unforgettable family trip to Brisbane and the Gold Coast! Enjoy your adventure! 🌞🏖️