Embark on a moderately-budgeted 14-day multi-city family adventure through Sydney, Gold Coast, and Brisbane, Australia, promising an unforgettable blend of relaxation on stunning beaches, thrilling outdoor adventures, and rich cultural city exploration. Enjoy diverse culinary delights and family-friendly fun at every stop, making it a perfect getaway for those seeking a mix of excitement and relaxation.

Arrive at Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport (SYD), clear customs, and transfer to your hotel.
The Airtrain from the airport is a convenient option.
Take the Airport Link train from the airport to Circular Quay or the nearest station to your accommodation. Travel time is approximately 15-20 minutes to the city center.
Check into your chosen hotel, settle in, and freshen up after your flight.
Look for accommodation near Circular Quay or Darling Harbour for easy access to major attractions.
Take a leisurely walk around Circular Quay, soaking in the views of the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge.
Enjoy dinner at one of the many waterfront restaurants.
Plenty of casual and fine dining options available with spectacular views. Consider Opera Bar for a vibrant atmosphere.
Join an insightful guided tour of the iconic Sydney Opera House, learning about its history, architecture, and resident companies.
Book tickets in advance, especially for specific time slots. Tours run frequently throughout the day.
Wander through The Rocks, Sydney's oldest neighbourhood, with its historic laneways, charming pubs, and weekend markets (though not today). Discover its convict history.
Many cafes and shops here, perfect for a coffee break or souvenir hunting.
Climb the 200 steps to the Pylon Lookout for panoramic views of Sydney Harbour, the Opera House, and the city skyline.
Learn about the bridge's construction.
A great alternative to the full BridgeClimb for incredible views at a fraction of the cost.
Enjoy dinner at one of the many historic restaurants or pubs in The Rocks area.
Consider traditional pub fare or modern Australian cuisine.
Explore Australia's maritime history, from Indigenous seafaring to naval vessels and immigration stories.
You can often board replica ships.
Check for current exhibitions and entry to specific vessels.
Enjoy lunch at one of the many restaurants or cafes overlooking Darling Harbour.
From casual eateries to more upscale dining, there's something for every taste.
Discover Australia's diverse aquatic life, including sharks, dugongs, penguins, and a vast array of fish, in immersive habitats.
Purchase tickets online in advance to save time and sometimes money. Can be busy during peak hours.
Explore the vibrant Paddy's Markets for souvenirs, fashion, and fresh produce.
It's a bustling market experience.
Open Wednesday to Sunday. Great for bargain hunting and experiencing local market culture.
Experience the vibrant atmosphere and delicious food of Sydney's Chinatown, just a short walk from Darling Harbour.
Numerous options from dim sum to traditional Szechuan or Cantonese cuisine.
Take a bus from the city center to the iconic Bondi Beach, a scenic journey.
Catch bus routes 333 or 380 from Circular Quay, Hyde Park, or Bondi Junction. Ensure you have an Opal card or use contactless payment.
Enjoy the famous Bondi Beach, walk along the sand, and admire the stunning Bondi Icebergs Club pool, a Sydney landmark.
Even in winter, Bondi is beautiful for a stroll. Consider a coffee at a beachside cafe.
Embark on the breathtaking Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk, featuring stunning clifftop views, beautiful beaches, and ocean pools.
Wear comfortable shoes and bring water. You can do a shorter section if preferred, like Bondi to Bronte. The walk is about 6km one way.
After your walk, relax and have lunch at one of the cafes or pubs around Coogee Beach.
Plenty of casual options to refuel with ocean views.
Take a bus back from Coogee Beach to your hotel in the city.
Buses 373 and 374 connect Coogee to Circular Quay and Central Station.
Explore the vibrant dining scene of Darlinghurst, known for its diverse restaurants and lively atmosphere.
Darlinghurst offers a wide range of cuisines, from Italian to modern Australian.
Take a scenic ferry ride from Circular Quay to Taronga Zoo, enjoying spectacular harbour views along the way.
Ferries depart regularly from Circular Quay, Wharf 2. Your zoo ticket may include ferry travel and Sky Safari gondola.
Spend the day at Taronga Zoo, home to a wide range of native Australian and exotic animals, with stunning views of the Sydney skyline and harbour.
Utilize the Sky Safari gondola for impressive views and to navigate the zoo's hilly terrain. Check showtimes for animal encounters.
Enjoy lunch at one of the cafes or food outlets within Taronga Zoo, often with great views.
If time permits, take a classic ferry ride to Manly Beach for another perspective of the harbour and a seaside atmosphere.
This is a longer ferry trip than the zoo.
The Manly ferry is often described as one of the most beautiful commuter journeys in the world. Enjoy the beach or a walk along The Corso.
Enjoy a final dinner in Sydney's central business district, perhaps trying a cuisine you haven't yet experienced.
The CBD offers a vast array of dining choices, from casual eateries to fine dining experiences.
Enjoy a scenic 6km coastal walk featuring stunning ocean views, beaches, parks, and cliffs.
Pass through Tamarama, Bronte, and Clovelly beaches before reaching Coogee.
Wear comfortable shoes, bring water and sun protection. You can stop for a swim or coffee at any of the beaches along the way. Public transport is available from Coogee back to central Sydney.
Indulge in a casual lunch at one of the many cafes or restaurants overlooking Bondi Beach, soaking in the iconic atmosphere.
Experience the famous ocean pool at Bondi Icebergs.
Even if you don't swim, the views and photo opportunities are incredible.
There's an entry fee for public access to the pool. Check opening times.
Enjoy an evening dinner in Darling Harbour, choosing from a variety of waterfront restaurants with diverse cuisines and vibrant night views.
Explore Taronga Zoo, home to over 5,000 animals.
Enjoy animal encounters, shows, and breathtaking views of Sydney Harbour from the zoo grounds.
Take the ferry from Circular Quay for a scenic arrival. Book tickets online in advance to save time and sometimes money. Don't miss the free-flight bird show.
Have a relaxed lunch at Circular Quay, with plenty of options ranging from casual eateries to fine dining, all with views of the Harbour Bridge and Opera House.
Take a short ferry ride from Circular Quay to a nearby destination like Manly or Watsons Bay, or simply enjoy a loop for the beautiful harbour views without disembarking.
Use an Opal card for easy tap-on/off public transport. Ferry trips offer fantastic photo opportunities of the Sydney skyline.
Spend a relaxed evening exploring The Rocks, Sydney's oldest neighborhood.
Browse unique shops, enjoy a drink at a historic pub, or find a cozy spot for dinner.
Travel from your Sydney accommodation to Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport for your flight to the Gold Coast.
Options include Airport Link train, taxi, or ride-share.
Enjoy a domestic flight from Sydney to Gold Coast Airport (Coolangatta).
Arrive at Gold Coast Airport (OOL) and transfer to your hotel in Broadbeach.
Options include Gold Coast light rail (G:link) from the airport bus, taxi, or ride-share.
Check into your Gold Coast accommodation and take some time to relax and unpack.
Enjoy a leisurely afternoon stroll along Broadbeach, relax on the sand, or explore the local shops and cafes near your hotel.
Dine at one of Broadbeach's many acclaimed restaurants, known for its vibrant culinary scene.
Dive into a splashtacular family day out at Wet’n’Wild.
Enjoy a world-class line-up of pools and slides, including the tallest water park rides in Australia.
Bring swimwear, towels, and sun protection. Lockers are available for rent. Pre-booking tickets online is recommended.
Enjoy a relaxed dinner after a fun-filled day.
Many casual dining options are available in the Broadbeach or Surfers Paradise areas.
Embark on a section of the Gold Coast Hinterland Great Walk, experiencing lush rainforests, waterfalls, and stunning scenic lookouts in Lamington National Park.
Consider hiring a car or joining a tour for easier access. Wear appropriate hiking shoes and bring water and snacks. The full walk is multi-day, but sections can be enjoyed as day trips.
Enjoy a charming lunch at a cafe within the Gold Coast Hinterland, offering local produce and a tranquil atmosphere.
Step into a world of optical illusions at Artvo Gold Coast.
Interact with larger-than-life murals for fun and unique photo opportunities.
Great for all ages. Bring your camera!
Have dinner at a restaurant near the Surfers Paradise Esplanade, followed by an evening stroll along the beach or waterfront.
Dive into a splashtacular family day out at Wet’n’Wild, where summer is endless and so is the fun.
Enjoy world-class pools and slides, including the tallest water park rides.
Book tickets online in advance. Remember sunscreen and swimwear. Consider a 'Fast Track' pass if available to maximize your time.
Step into a world of optical illusions with larger-than-life murals.
Come face to face with wild animals, scale rocky crevasses, and surf the ultimate pipelines for amazing photo opportunities.
Great for unique photos and fun for all ages. Check opening hours as they can vary.
Enjoy a delicious dinner in the vibrant Broadbeach area, known for its diverse culinary scene ranging from casual eateries to upscale restaurants.
Many restaurants offer outdoor seating, perfect for enjoying the evening ambiance. Consider seafood options.
Check out from your Gold Coast accommodation.
Take a train or bus from the Gold Coast (e.
g., Nerang Station or Gold Coast Trams to Varsity Lakes then train) to Brisbane. The journey is scenic and convenient.
Public transport (TransLink) is efficient. A G:link tram connects coastal areas, then transfer to a train to Brisbane Central or Roma Street Station.
Check into your Brisbane accommodation and have lunch at a local cafe.
Wander through the beautiful South Bank Parklands, home to the Queensland Cultural Centre, artificial beach (Streets Beach), lush gardens, and dining options.
Enjoy a swim at Streets Beach or simply relax by the river. Entry is free.
Visit the Queensland Art Gallery | Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA) or the Queensland Museum & Sciencentre, both located within the Cultural Centre precinct.
GOMA features contemporary art, while the Queensland Museum covers natural history, cultural heritage, and science. Check for current exhibitions. Entry to general collections is free.
Enjoy dinner at one of the many restaurants in the South Bank precinct, offering a wide array of cuisines.
From casual eats to fine dining, there's something for every taste. Many places offer river views.
Embark on an exhilarating climb up the iconic Story Bridge for panoramic views of Brisbane, the river, and surrounding areas. A truly unique city experience.
Booking essential. Wear comfortable clothing and closed-toe shoes. Different climb types are available (day, twilight, night).
Enjoy lunch in the city centre, then explore Queen Street Mall, Brisbane's premier pedestrian shopping precinct, featuring a mix of local and international brands.
Plenty of food courts and cafes for a quick bite. Great for souvenir shopping or finding fashion.
Relax and stroll through the serene City Botanic Gardens, featuring diverse plant collections, ornamental lakes, and quiet pathways.
A peaceful escape from the city bustle. Free entry.
Experience the eclectic and vibrant atmosphere of West End, known for its bohemian charm, independent boutiques, and diverse range of international restaurants and bars.
A great spot for unique dining experiences and people-watching. Consider a pre-dinner drink at a local bar.
Visit the world's first and largest koala sanctuary.
Cuddle a koala (for an extra fee), hand-feed kangaroos, and see other Australian wildlife in a natural setting.
You can reach the sanctuary by public bus from the city center (e.g., cultural center). Book tickets in advance, especially if you wish to cuddle a koala.
Enjoy a final Australian lunch in the city or near the airport, and make your way to Brisbane Airport for your departure.
Take the Airtrain from a central Brisbane station (e.
g., Roma Street, Central, or South Brisbane) directly to Brisbane Airport.
The Airtrain is the fastest and most convenient way to get to the airport.
This 14-day itinerary for Sydney can be customized using our AI travel planner. Chat with our AI assistant to modify activities, adjust timings, add personal preferences, and get recommendations for restaurants, hotels, and transportation.