Gold Coast and Brisbane Highlights

Gold Coast Highlights

I began my Queensland adventure in the Gold Coast, flying into Brisbane Airport just around an hour’s drive away, depending on traffic and the time of day. I stayed in Broadbeach at the Dorsett Hotel, which is connected to The Star Gold Coast and The Darling at The Star. Having access to all three properties meant a fantastic choice of restaurants, from Italian to Asian cuisine. I arrived on a Friday evening, and the atmosphere was buzzing with both locals and visitors making the most of the weekend.

On my first day, I visited HOTA (Home of the Arts). The gallery is free to enter, although some special exhibitions require tickets, which can be booked in advance or purchased on arrival. During my visit, the featured exhibition showcased works by renowned Australian artist Ken Done. HOTA is known for its in-house curated exhibitions, often highlighting Australian talent. The top-floor cafe is well worth a stop, offering panoramic views across the city.

Next, I headed to the SkyPoint Observation Deck for spectacular 360-degree views over the Gold Coast. The cafe at the top is a great place to relax with a drink or bite to eat while taking in the sweeping coastline. For lunch, I visited Northcliffe Surf Club, perfectly positioned right on the beach. It’s an ideal spot to soak up the Gold Coast’s laid-back surf culture and when I was there, a live surfing competition was underway, which made the experience even more memorable.

In the afternoon, I explored Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, a non-profit organisation dedicated to rehabilitating native Australian wildlife. I took part in the koala experience, which allowed me to enter the enclosure with a wildlife keeper. It was fascinating to observe the koalas’ behaviour up close and learn more about their habitat and conservation.

That evening, I visited Miami Marketta, a vibrant market-style dining venue and one of the hottest spots in the Gold Coast on a Saturday night. With live music from local artists and an array of food stalls serving everything from pizza and Asian dishes to Mexican cuisine, it was a fantastic place to enjoy the local atmosphere.

On my second day, I ventured into the Gold Coast Hinterland. I began at Tamborine Rainforest Skywalk, a stunning 1.5km walk that takes you 30 metres above the creek and rainforest floor, offering breathtaking views across Mount Tamborine. As we strolled above the treetops, our guide pointed out native flora, fauna and birdlife along the way. I ended the day at Gallery Walk, a charming street lined with local boutiques, Australian gift shops, jewellery stores and cosy cafés.

For dinner, I dined at Seascape Bistro in Surfers Paradise. This stylish seafood restaurant is the perfect place to sample Australia’s fresh local produce, including delicious oysters.

On my final day in the Gold Coast, I took part in a morning surfing lesson. Australian surfers make it look effortless, but it’s certainly a workout! We started on the beach, learning how to stand on the board and understand ocean currents, before heading into the water. The instructors were brilliant at building confidence, and after a few attempts (and a few wipe-outs!), I managed to stand up and ride a wave with the iconic Gold Coast skyline as my backdrop. It was an unforgettable experience.

In the afternoon, I visited the Jellurgal Aboriginal Cultural Centre. Our guide, AJ, led us on a walk through the surrounding area, sharing Dreamtime stories and insights into the culture and heritage of the local First Nations people. It was a truly meaningful and educational experience, offering a deeper understanding of Australia’s Indigenous history and traditions.

Gold Coast to Brisbane

My journey from the Gold Coast to Brisbane took me through the breathtaking Scenic Rim, a region defined by sweeping landscapes and rolling green hills. My first stop was Tommerup’s Dairy Farm, a family-owned and operated working farm run by Kay and Dave. They personally showed us around the property, sharing insights into daily farm life, and we even had the chance to feed the pigs. Their on-site farm shop offers a range of fresh, local produce I highly recommend trying the homemade ice cream, with its rotating seasonal flavours that are delicious.

From there, I continued to Mount French Lodge for lunch. This beautiful property boasts panoramic views across the Scenic Rim, making it a spectacular setting to relax and dine. I enjoyed a selection of Australian favourites, including locally sourced barramundi served with macadamia nuts, followed by a refreshing pavlova for dessert.

My final stop before arriving in Brisbane was Summer Land Camels. During the visit, we sampled camel milk and learned about its nutritional benefits. The farm is open to the public, with a welcoming café on site, and visitors also can experience a camel ride for something a little different.

During my time in Brisbane, I stayed at Avani Living at Queen’s Wharf Residences. I checked into a spacious one-bedroom apartment, complete with a separate living area, fully equipped kitchen and a large balcony overlooking the river the perfect place to relax and take in the views. The property is ideally located next to the Brisbane Botanic Gardens, making it a great spot for an early morning stroll. Aussies are known for starting their day early, so expect the gardens to be lively with walkers and joggers enjoying the sunshine.

Lady Elliot Island

The highlight of my Queensland adventure was undoubtedly my visit to Lady Elliot Island. It was an early start, with a 6am pick-up for the 45-minute drive from Brisbane to Redcliffe, where we boarded our scenic flight to the island. The flight takes around 1 hour and 30 minutes, and I highly recommend having your camera ready the views are spectacular. We flew along the Sunshine Coast towards Noosa before crossing over K’gari (Fraser Island), where I was able to spot the stunning Lake McKenzie from above.

Located on the Southern Great Barrier Reef, Lady Elliot Island offers a true once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to swim in one of the world’s most iconic natural wonders. After landing, we met our guide for the day and enjoyed coffee and pastries before preparing for our snorkelling experience. We headed out on a glass-bottom boat, which gave us a preview of the vibrant marine life below. On board was a certified Master Reef Guide one of eight based on the island whose expert knowledge of the reef, coral and wildlife added incredible insight to the experience.

As we cruised out, we spotted our first green sea turtle, and my excitement instantly grew. Once in the water, I was completely blown away by the abundance of marine life. I swam alongside sea turtles, clownfish, manta rays and even a giant moray eel it truly felt like I had stepped into the world of Finding Nemo. Floating above the coral, I had one of those unforgettable moments of realisation: I was snorkelling in the Great Barrier Reef. It was nothing short of phenomenal.

After our snorkelling adventure, we returned to the island for lunch and a relaxing walk along the beach. The water was so crystal-clear that you could see coral formations straight from the shore, and I even had the chance to feed some fish. At 2pm, it was time to depart, flying back to Redcliffe before transferring on to Brisbane.

That evening, after a full day of exploration, I headed to Crystalbrook Vincent for small plates and drinks at the rooftop bar. This striking hotel celebrates the work of renowned Australian artist Vincent Fantauzzo, with bold artwork lining the corridors, giving it the feel of a contemporary gallery. Fantauzzo was a close friend of the late Heath Ledger, and several pieces pay tribute to the actor.

The hotel is located at Howard Smith Wharves, nestled beneath the iconic Story Bridge. It’s easily accessible via Brisbane’s CityCats or CityDogs currently just 50 cents per journey with some ferries even wrapped in Bluey branding, a nod to the much-loved TV show created in Brisbane. Howard Smith Wharves is one of the best spots in the city to watch the sunset, with popular venues such as Felons Brewing Co. and Mr Percival’s offering fantastic food, drinks and riverside views.

North Stradbroke Island (Minjerribah)

Just off the coast of Brisbane lies North Stradbroke Island affectionately known as “Straddie,” or Minjerribah, its traditional First Nations name. We were welcomed by our guide, Elisha, owner of Yura Tours, who offers an authentic First Nations perspective on the island and takes guests to some of its most special and scenic spots.

Elisha collected us from our hotel and drove us to the ferry terminal for the 40-minute crossing to the island. She calls her experience “Oz in a Day” and it truly lives up to its name. Our first stop was Bummiera (Brown Lake), where the tea-tree infused waters felt like stepping into a natural spa. The soft sand gently exfoliated the skin, leaving it feeling incredibly smooth. During our visit, we sampled native bush tucker, including coastal hibiscus, while learning about the rich history and culture of the Quandamooka people. It was a fascinating and meaningful insight into the island’s heritage.

As we explored further, we were lucky enough to spot two koalas resting in the trees an unforgettable moment seeing one of Australia’s most iconic animals in the wild. For lunch, we enjoyed freshly caught mullet, which was simple and absolutely delicious.

In the afternoon, we walked part of the stunning Gorge Walk trail. The clarity of the water was incredible brilliant blue and so clear that we could spot dolphins, turtles and even manta rays from the shoreline. On our drive back to the ferry, we encountered a family of kangaroos grazing nearby, the perfect ending to a day that truly captured the very best of Australia “Oz in a Day” indeed.