Visiting the pretty southern Queensland coast? Coastal Queensland has plenty of places you can explore, whether you’re going on a surf holiday or to a theme park. Or perhaps you’re planning a whole range of different tours around the area. Brisbane and the Gold Coast are the stopping points towards the Great Barrier Reef, and act as perfect stopping points on your way up or down the coast.
But if you’re needing a base to stay, then you might be tossing up the options between the Gold Coast and Brisbane. Let us help you decide!
What do you want from your trip?
There are plenty of things to do and see in both of these cities. But what kind of experience are you looking for?
Staying in the Gold Coast and Brisbane offers completely different experiences. Are you after a vibrant city trip full of culture? Or are you looking for a beach holiday with lots of glitzy bars?
Brisbane
Brisbane is a more vibrant city experience. There are more cultural attractions in the city than the Gold Coast. There are more museums, art galleries, and music venues. The buildings here are more culturally and historically significant.
But if you’re wanting to go to Brisbane for the sake of culture, then check out some of the museums in the area. After some nature? Check out the Tamborine Rainforest Skywalk for some spectacular, unforgettable views.
Or, there are plenty of nature spots in the Western radius of Brisbane.
What Brisbane misses is the coast! So if you’re after a beach holiday, then head to the Gold Coast…
Gold Coast
The Gold Coast is a strip of city skyline that is drastically cut with a golden sand-lined beach. Known for its beaches and theme parks, the Gold Coast offers a much more relaxed and tourist-oriented atmosphere. The Gold Coast promises sunny skies and golden sands, with glitzy bars that line the seafront.
To contrast this, make sure you leave time to enjoy the rainforest and walks, as well as the beachside metropolis. If nightlife is your thing, then the Gold Coast could be your better option. With countless bars and clubs dotted around the city, you won’t be short on places to go for a dance!
There is plenty of Moreton Island, too, so if you’re looking for a base to go to Moreton Island, then the Gold Coast is your one!
Going to both?
Both cities are in a similar distance to one another.
There’s only a short distance between each city. The drive is only one hour and ten minutes, which is about 78kms by car. So if you really can’t decide on either, then why not visit both?
Once you’re there, Brisbane’s public transport stretches to every corner of the city.
