Seven days Brisbane to the Gold Coast with the family

Ready for a holiday where everyone from tots to teens (and yes, parents too) will be grinning from ear to ear? 

Queensland's southeast corner packs a mighty punch for families. The vibrant riverside capital, Brisbane basks in 283 days of sunshine annually, while just down the road, the Gold Coast's spectacular beaches sit alongside ancient rainforests and world-class theme parks.

This is where family holidays hit different. Where resort pools become your second home, where theme park thrills create legendary stories, and where natural wonders leave even the most tech-obsessed kids wide-eyed. The best part? This itinerary maximises the fun while minimising the logistics. Because nobody wants to spend their holiday reading maps and checking timetables.

Day 1: City views and riverside vibes

Touch down in Brisbane and head straight to The Westin, your luxurious home for the next three nights. Drop your bags and make a beeline for the nautilus pool - a poolside lunch while the kids splash and play is the fastest way to feel like you’re on holiday.

As afternoon arrives, hop over to the Channel Seven Wheel of Brisbane for spectacular city views. This giant observation wheel gives you the perfect orientation to Brisbane's layout, with the added excitement of a glass capsule suspended high above the city.

Afterwards, snap the obligatory family photo at the colourful Brisbane sign and explore the South Bank Parklands – you might recognise a few Bluey locations while you wander. This riverfront precinct is Brisbane's recreational heart, with subtropical gardens, hidden paths and playgrounds that will have the kids burning off any remaining energy.

Keep dinner stress-free with a short stroll to South Bank's dining precinct. You’ll find a smorgasbord of cuisines, but Brooklyn Depot delivers with burgers, loaded fries and milkshakes that'll satisfy even the fussiest eaters.

Day 2: From cartoon worlds to city heights

Morning

Early risers? No worries – Settimo at The Westin starts breakfast from 6:30 am, perfect for families operating on kid time.

Today will be a highlight for the little ones: Bluey's World. This immersive experience brings Australia's favourite cartoon dog to life, with full-scale sets from the show including the Heeler family home, the park, and Hammerbarn. The guided experience runs about 70 minutes, but you'll want to linger afterwards in the playground, shop and café. Here's everything you need to know to plan your visit. 

Return to the city via CityCat ferry (keep your eyes peeled – sometimes ferries are decorated as "CityDogs" in honour of Bluey!) and spend the afternoon enjoying downtime at The Westin's pool.

Afternoon

As the day cools, tackle the Story Bridge Adventure Climb for sunset views across the city. This family-friendly experience welcomes children six and older, with twilight offering the magical moment when Brisbane's lights begin to twinkle.

Post-climb, your rumbling tummies can be satisfied with a short stroll to Felons Brewery for classic pub food and knockout views. Still got energy to burn? Cap off the night with a visit to The Star Brisbane's Skydeck, where the city's lights create a dazzling panorama.

Day 3: Island escape

Morning

Pack the essentials today – swimmers, sunscreen, hats and sense of adventure – for your day trip to Mulgumpin (Moreton Island), one of the world's largest sand islands.

Catch the ferry from Holt Street Wharf and cruise down the Brisbane River into Moreton Bay, watching the city skyline fade as you approach Tangalooma Island Resort. Once docked, the island becomes your playground.

First up: Snorkel the Wrecks tour, where fifteen deliberately sunk ships create an artificial reef teeming with colourful fish. Afterwards, choose your own adventure: visit the Eco Centre to learn about island wildlife, challenge the family to beach volleyball, or simply splash in the resort pool or ocean.

Afternoon

As evening approaches, enjoy dinner at one of the resort's restaurants before the magical, ranger-led wild dolphin feeding experience. These curious marine mammals visit the shallows nightly, creating treasured family memories as they gently take fish from your hands.

Catch the 8pm ferry back to Brisbane, or extend your island adventure with an overnight stay if you're not quite ready to leave (just make sure to book in advance).

Day 4: Mountain magic to coastal luxury

Morning

Time to hit the road! Pack up and drive into the lush Scenic Rim, a fertile region of ancient rainforests, dramatic mountains and charming villages just an hour from Brisbane.

Your first stop: Cedar Creek Falls at Tamborine Mountain. This hidden gem rewards a short hike with cascading waterfalls and swimming holes where the kids can splash around.

After working up an appetite, wander along Gallery Walk, Tamborine's boutique shopping strip. No family visit is complete without stocking up on sweets at Granny Mac's Confectionery Store or marvelling at the intricate craftsmanship in the Cuckoo Clock Shop. Nearby, Thunderbird Park offers all sorts of adventures from high ropes courses to mini golf and fossicking. 

Afternoon

Continue to the Gold Coast and check into JW Marriott Resort Gold Coast, your fun-filled base for the next four nights. This family-friendly resort boasts lagoon pools with tropical fish, water slides, and dedicated kids' activities that'll have everyone asking to stay on holiday a little longer.

For dinner, prepare for theatrical dining at Asami Teppanyaki in the Q1 building. The skilled chefs flip, flame and entertain while preparing your meal right before your eyes. Dinner and a show rolled into one.

Day 5: Surf, wildlife and night magic

Morning

Start with breakfast at Citrique before one of the parents sneak off for an early Aquasculpt Pilates session in the resort's saltwater lagoon – because holidays should rejuvenate everyone.

Then it's off to The Spit at Main Beach for a family surf lesson with Get Wet Surf School. There's something uniquely Australian about catching your first wave on the iconic Gold Coast, with instructors ensuring everyone stands up at least once (prepare for serious family bragging rights).

Afternoon

After lunch, head to Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary for close encounters with Aussie wildlife. Even an afternoon visit packs in plenty of activities. Watch free-flight birds soar in the Wild Skies show, see koalas up close, feed rainbow lorikeets, and peek into the wildlife hospital where injured animals receive care.

Grab an early dinner nearby and return to the sanctuary as dusk falls for the enchanting Astra Lumina Night Walk. This magical light experience transforms the sanctuary into a luminous wonderland, with interactive installations that have both kids and adults gazing in wonder.

Day 6: Thrills and challenges

Morning

Today's agenda: adrenaline! Spend the morning at Dreamworld, where everything from gentle carousel rides to heart-stopping roller coasters ensures every family member finds their perfect thrill level. Don't miss the Australian wildlife section for a different kind of excitement – or the tiger conservation talks.

Use this guide to plan your day at Dreamworld. 

Afternoon

Change gears with a family showdown at Topgolf. This high-tech driving range turns golf into an accessible game all ages will enjoy, with points scored for hitting targets while comfy bays serve food and drinks between swings.

Head back to Surfers Paradise for a relaxed evening, perhaps taking a stroll along the famous beachfront markets if your visit aligns with their operating days.

Day 7: Pamper and play

Morning

Your final day offers the perfect balance of relaxation and fun. Parents can start with the ultimate holiday treat – a massage and face mask treatment at Spa by JW Gold Coast. Because you deserve it after a week of family wrangling!

Today, enjoy resort activities like a family pizza making class or head to GC Aqua Park, where inflatable obstacles on water create challenge and laughter in equal measure. 

Afternoon

Spend your final afternoon making the most of JW Marriott's multiple pools, or perhaps one last beach visit to say goodbye to the Gold Coast's golden sands.

Keep your final night simple and satisfying with dinner at Citrique in the resort. Toast to family memories made and field the inevitable "when can we come back?" conversations that signal a holiday well spent.