The ultimate five day Brisbane and Gold Coast family holiday

Afternoon

Wander down the main drag of Boundary Street, making your way to the cultural precinct that sits on the river’s edge. Nestled alongside the immersive Queensland Museum & Science Centre is art haven QAGOMA - two buildings overflowing with artwork, with GOMA in particular home to a celebrated children’s art centre where everyone can get hands-on.

Evening

Get better acquainted with Brisbane’s famous river with a sunset kayak along its length. Riverlife Adventure Centre will show you the way.

Keep to the riverside precinct for your evening meal - South Bank has no shortage of offerings when it comes to dining. River Quay in particular has a reputation for hosting some of Brisbane’s best family options, including Popolo Italian Bar & Kitchen.

Post-adventure, you’ll be able to walk your way back to your accommodation for the night, the centrally located Novotel Brisbane South Bank or Mantra South Bank. 

Day Two

Morning

Spend the start of the day meeting koalas, gazing at Tasmanian devils and wombats, and hand-feeding the kangaroos of Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary. This is a place to learn about our fascinating native animals and efforts to conserve vulnerable populations. 

Make your way here by car or via the Mirimar Boat Cruise which departs the Cultural Centre Pontoon at 10.00am sharp. Remember to bring some snacks as you can also enjoy a casual picnic in the grounds.

Afternoon

Take it easy this afternoon and explore of the luscious 17-hectares of South Bank Parklands. Riverside walkways, bike paths, picnic areas and a trio of playgrounds will entertain you and your family. Hot? Cool off with a dip in Australia’s only man-made beach, Streets Beach. Want more views? Take a spin on the Wheel of Brisbane for a bird's eye look across the city. 

Evening

Play local and jump on a CityCat ferry and cruise up the river to Hamilton, where the Eat Street Northshore Markets take place on Fridays and Saturdays (4pm - 10pm) and Sundays (4pm - 9pm).

This global food market really has it all, with bites and desserts to satisfy even the pickiest eaters of the family. There's also roving entertainment, live music, arcades and market stalls - plus bars for the parents. Be sure to spend a few hours here to soak it all up. 

Day Three

Morning

Hit the road south for the bright lights of the Gold Coast. Your first stop will be Burleigh Heads, a blossoming surfside community home to some of the best eateries and surf breaks in the area. 

Grab a coffee (or a cocktail) at the likes of Commune or Burleigh Pavilion before you learn a new skill with one of the many Gold Coast surf schools nearby.

Afternoon

Immerse your family in the history of the region by embarking on a guided tour of Burleigh Head National Park with Jellurgal Indigenous experience where you’ll learn about bush medicine and the dreamtime. Cool off post-wander with a dip in the shallow waters of idyllic Tallebudgera Creek.

Evening

Check in to your temporary new home on the Gold Coast. The region is famously abundant in its accommodation, whether self-contained apartments or opulent hotels are your preference. For this five day Brisbane and Gold Coast family holiday consider Burleigh Beach Tourist Park, La Grande Apartments in Broadbeach, or the stylish Tallebudgera Beach House.

Day Four

Morning

No five day Brisbane and Gold Coast family holiday is complete without a visit to the concentration of theme parks that call the district home. 

Dreamworld, Warner Bros. Movie World and Sea World are the trio of stand-outs and a great family-friendly option to spend the day. racing between thrill rides, sideshows, performances and wildlife encounters. 

Here are a few tips for choosing the best park for your family. 

Evening

Experience a taste of life in the state’s wild west with a night at the much-acclaimed Outback Spectacular. The thrilling production promises to entertain you and your kin with its medley of immersive technology, impressive horse riding and accompanying three-course dinner. You can even book a special backstage tour to meet the animals before the show. 

Day Five

Morning

Escape the city for the bush of the surrounding Gold Coast Hinterland, where ancient World Heritage listed rainforest and waterfalls await. 

Pack your bushwalking shoes and meander the tracks that scattered through Springbrook National Park - there's over 100 million years of signifcance to take in, and walks for all ages and fitness levels. 

The most accessible and popular trail is Natural Bridge, which takes about an hour to complete.To chase waterfalls, take the two-hour, 4km return Twin Falls Circuit, and take a dip in one of the rock pools as you admire the towering misty duo above.

Afternoon

Choose your adventure this afternoon.

Are the kids real wildlife warriors? Get better acquainted with local wildlife at the heritage-listed Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, the zoological garden built back in 1947. There's even a Treetop Challenge for daredevils - an offering of 11 different zipline trails gliding over crocodiles, kangaroos, dingoes and emus.

More thrill seeker? See a new side to the Gold Coast with a ride along its waterways with Paradise Jet Boating. Departing from Main Beach you and your family will be able to enjoy 360 degrees spins, high-speed drifting and incredible beach buzzing at speeds of up to 80kmph - with a 'Jetcam' on board to capture all the memories. 

Evening

Tonight, find a feed at the popular street food experience of Miami Marketta. More than 25 vendors toting cuisine from all over the globe congregate at this public event (alongside plenty of live music) which takes place on Wednesday, Friday and Saturday from 5pm.

Looking for more family fun in south-east Queensland? Don’t forget to check out this 7-day family holiday itinerary.