30 days in Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast & Brisbane Itinerary

A city of towering skyscrapers, sandy beaches, and tree-lined streets, Gold Coast has an unpretentious air complemented by a citywide focus on sports and the arts.

You'll get in some beach time at Surfers Paradise Beach and Burleigh Heads Beach. Change things up with these side-trips from Gold Coast: Broken Head Nature Reserve (in Broken Head), Byron Bay (Sundive Byron Bay & Cape Byron Walking Track) and Whian Whian State Conservation Area (in Whian Whian). There's still lots to do: get up close and personal with brilliant marine life at Sea World Theme Park, explore the striking landscape of Burleigh Head National Park, look for all kinds of wild species at David Fleay Wildlife Park, and relax and rejuvenate at Touch Therapy Gold Coast.

For maps, reviews, traveler tips, and tourist information, use the Gold Coast online visit planner.

Zurich, Switzerland to Gold Coast is an approximately 25-hour flight. The time zone changes from Central European Standard Time to Australian Eastern Standard Time, which is usually a 9 hour difference. Plan for warmer temperatures traveling from Zurich in December, with highs in Gold Coast at 32°C and lows at 22°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 22nd (Thu) early enough to drive to Noosa.

Known for its "green" development and north-facing beach, Noosa is a natural getaway.

We've included these beaches for you: Marcoola Beach and Little Cove Beach. Change things up with these side-trips from Noosa: Rainbow Beach (Searys Creek & Carlo Sand Blow), Barnacles Dolphin Centre (in Tin Can Bay) and Coolum Beach (Mount Coolum Golf Club & Mount Coolum). Spend the 26th (Mon) exploring nature at Noosa National Park. The adventure continues: indulge in some personalized pampering at The Noosa Spa, hunt for treasures at The Original Eumundi Markets, see exotic creatures in open habitats at Noosa Safaris, and cast your line with Noosa River Fishing Safaris.

For maps, traveler tips, and other tourist information, you can read our Noosa road trip planning app.

Getting from Gold Coast to Noosa by car takes about 3 hours. Other options: take a shuttle; or do a combination of train and bus. Finish your sightseeing early on the 30th (Fri) to allow enough time to drive to Maleny.

A large influx of people searching for a cooperative lifestyle migrate to Maleny every year.

You'll get in some beach time at Mooloolaba Beach and Alexandra Headland Beach. Venture out of the city with trips to Maroochydore Beach (in Maroochydore), Island Gondola (in Bribie Island) and Mooloolaba (SEA LIFE Sunshine Coast & Point Cartwright). The adventure continues: get to know the resident critters at Australia Zoo, do a tasting at Maleny Mountain Wines, relax in the rural setting at Maleny Dairies, and get great views at Gerrards Lookout.

To find traveler tips, reviews, ratings, and tourist information, use the Maleny trip planner.

You can drive from Noosa to Maleny in 1.5 hours. Other options are to take a bus; or do a combination of train and bus. In December in Maleny, expect temperatures between 32°C during the day and 23°C at night. Finish your sightseeing early on the 5th (Thu) so you can drive to Brisbane.

Queensland’s biggest town and state capital, Brisbane has an attractive, manicured image based around its riverside aesthetic as well as the contrast between its high-rise center and extensive urban greenery.

You'll get in some beach time at King Island and Shorncliffe Beach. Venture out of the city with trips to Sirromet Wines (in Mount Cotton) and Settlement Cove Lagoon (in Redcliffe). The adventure continues: identify plant and animal life at Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, explore the world behind art at Gallery of Modern Art, get great views at Brisbane Botanic Gardens Mt. Coot-tha, and relax and rejuvenate at Rainesforest Massage & Day Spa.

For maps, more things to do, traveler tips, and more tourist information, use the Brisbane trip planning tool.

Traveling by car from Maleny to Brisbane takes 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of bus and train; or take a bus. January in Brisbane sees daily highs of 34°C and lows of 25°C at night. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 11th (Wed) so you can catch the flight back home.