A Two Week Itinerary for Brisbane and the Gold Coast
Within a hour’s drive of Brisbane, you’ll find so much to do from a metropolitan getaway, to lush mountains and crystal clear waters. Find somewhere to base yourself in Brisbane or on the Gold Coast and explore from there. Bring your walking shoes, swim wear and sunscreen – you’ll need them all!
Days 1-2
You’ll most likely be flying into Brisbane, so start by picking up a Go Card from a train station and you can have access to all trains and buses to get you around. For your first couple of days in Brisbane, follow our 48 hour guide to Brisbane. It will cover you for some seriously good local eats and a trip to the Queensland Gallery of Modern Art.
Days 3-4
Hire some camping gear and head out of the city to D’Aguilar National Park for a couple of days of camping. You’ll get a somewhat ‘outback’ Aussie experience out here even though it’s so close to the city. Beautiful country views, walking tracks and you can even have a swim in the local reservoir – what more could you want?
Days 5-6
Head back to the city for a couple of days of touristy goodness. Visit the Brisbane City Hall, Museum of Brisbane, see the clock tower and learn the history behind Anzac Square. Pop across the river and visit the Queensland Museum and learn about Australia’s most interesting animals and cultural history.
Days 7-9
Hire back some camping gear and head south to the ‘Great Walk’ on the Gold Coast – it will take you a good three days. Be sure to plan it out before hand for a smooth (approx. 54km) journey. You will pass the Gondwana Rainforest, Lamington and Springbrook National Parks and Numinbah Valley. There are plenty of great camping grounds along the way.
Day 9
Now that you’ve worked hard on your three-day hike, take a couple of days off to enjoy the luxurious and restful options that the Gold Coast has to offer. Stay in one of the best luxury hotels and enjoy the on-site spas, bars, pools and restaurants while you recuperate.
Days 10-11
Follow our 48 hour guide to the Gold Coast. It has some incredible food options as well as some stunning beaches. Skip the trip back to Springbrook National Park and replace it with a road trip down to the famed Byron Bay for the day.
Days 12-14
If you’re finishing up your two weeks on a weekend, then head to one of the Gold Coast’s fantastic markets such as the Village Markets or Miami Marketta for some great eats and treasures to take home with you. Sneak in a few salty swims wherever possible, our favourites are Burleigh Heads and Tallebudgera Creek (swim between the flags). Once you’ve had your share of sun and water, hit up the Gold Coast’s best breweries like Gold Coast Brewery, Burleigh Brewing Company or Black Hops Gallery.
Volcanic Iceland Epic Trip
meet our Local Insider
Hanna
HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN A GUIDE?
2 years.
WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT YOUR JOB?
It's the personal contact, the personal experiences. I love meeting people from all over the world... I really like getting to know everyone and feeling like I'm traveling with a group of friends.
WHAT DESTINATION IS ON YOUR TRAVEL BUCKET-LIST?
I have so many places on my list, but I would really lobe to go to Africa. I consider myself an “adventure girl” and Africa feels like the ULTIMATE adventure!
Every CULTURE TRIP Small-group adventure is led by a Local Insider just like Hanna.
KEEN TO EXPLORE THE WORLD?
Connect with like-minded people on our premium trips curated by local insiders and with care for the world
Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.
Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.
Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.
Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.
We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.