Whether you want to visit Australia’s biggest city or relax by the beach, Brisbane and Gold Coast offer great options for both individuals and families. Both offer great public transportation and plenty of natural attractions. The weather in both cities is pleasant and temperate, with cool evenings. If you have children, both cities have a wealth of entertainment and educational opportunities. For entertainment, you’ll find a variety of theme parks, including Warner Brothers Movie World, Dreamworld and Sea World. There are also numerous cultural venues on the Gold Coast.
Brisbane’s CBD is the most developed and oldest area. This area boasts the colonial-era Parliament House, Old Government House, and St. John’s Cathedral. It also has a world-class City Botanic Gardens and a public boat that traverses the Brisbane River. Although it’s easy to walk through downtown Brisbane, there are also excellent ferries, buses, and trains to make the most of your time in the city.
If you’re interested in shopping and local food, try one of the local markets. In Brisbane’s South Bank, the Collective Markets have over 120 stalls selling locally-made goods. You can also check out the Young Designers Market on the first Sunday of each month. Alternatively, if you’re looking for a more laid-back experience, head to Surfers Paradise, where the Beachfront Markets take place every Friday from 5 pm.
You can travel to Brisbane or the Gold Coast by train. The trains depart from Brisbane airport every 15 minutes during peak hours and 30 minutes during quiet periods. The journey takes about an hour and a half, but you’ll need to plan accordingly. Depending on the time of day and season, train tickets can cost up to AUD60. In most cases, you can check the exact fare ahead of time.
You’ll find plenty of hotels in Brisbane and Gold Coast. You can stay in five-star hotels or villas. Either way, your accommodations will be among the best in the state of Queensland. In addition, you can experience a lush rainforest and world heritage sites in the region. There are also many waterfalls and scenic vantage points to enjoy.
If you prefer a scenic drive, driving from Brisbane to the Gold Coast is a great option. While it isn’t the most convenient way to travel, it is also the least expensive. You can enjoy the scenery along the way, and it’ll only take an hour or so. Of course, you can also take your time and stop at some of the sights en route. You’ll also need to budget for gas and parking.
Depending on your budget, you can save money by staying in Brisbane instead of Gold Coast. The former is more affordable and offers a more relaxed atmosphere. Both places have plenty of things to do for visitors, including water parks, theme parks, and shopping centers. Both places are known as great tourist destinations, and you’ll probably find yourself coming back again to see what’s new!
If you’re a football fan, there are plenty of sporting activities to keep you busy. Surfing, fishing, and boating are popular recreational pursuits in the area. There are also plenty of golf courses in the area. The Gold Coast also has a host of sports facilities, including the Carrara Indoor Sport Centre and the Nerang Velodrome. In addition to this, Robina Stadium hosts NRL games. Samantha Stosur and Nathan Jones both hail from the Gold Coast.