1. General Questions & Planning
Why visit this region?
This corner of Australia combines three very different but complementary destinations:
- Brisbane — a dynamic riverside city with galleries, festivals and dining.
- Byron Bay — a coastal haven of barefoot luxury, wellness and surf culture.
- The Gold Coast — glamorous beaches, nightlife and theme parks balanced by lush hinterland.
How many days do I need?
- Brisbane: at least 2 nights for South Bank, galleries, dining and day trips.
- Byron Bay: 2–3 nights for beaches, hinterland and wellness experiences.
- Gold Coast: 2–3 nights for surf, nightlife and nearby rainforest.
Together, a week gives enough time to enjoy the region’s variety without rushing.
When is the best time to visit?
- Summer (Dec–Feb): hot and humid, lively beach culture.
- Autumn (Mar–May): mild, perfect for hiking, dining and festivals.
- Winter (Jun–Aug): warm days, whale watching, quieter beaches.
- Spring (Sep–Nov): clear skies, warm seas, vibrant events.
How do I get around?
- Brisbane Airport is the main gateway, with direct flights from Sydney, Melbourne and international hubs.
- Byron Bay is about 2 hours south of Brisbane by road, or accessible via Ballina Airport.
- The Gold Coast is 1 hour from Brisbane, with its own airport for domestic and some international flights.
Private transfers, luxury vehicles and helicopter charters make travel seamless across the region.
2. Food, Wine & Stays
What are the standout food and drink experiences?
- Brisbane: James Street dining, Howard Smith Wharves restaurants, craft breweries.
- Byron Bay: produce-driven dining like Three Blue Ducks, Raes on Wategos, Fleet (Brunswick Heads), and forest dining at Harvest Newrybar.
- Gold Coast: beachside fine dining at Rick Shores, hatted restaurants like Social Eating House, and farm-to-fork experiences in the hinterland.
We arrange exclusive chef dinners, behind-the-scenes tastings, and farmgate encounters with growers, distillers and winemakers.
What are the best wineries and distilleries?
- Tamborine Mountain (Gold Coast hinterland) — boutique wineries, gin distilleries and breweries.
- Byron Bay region — Brookie’s Gin, Husk Distillers (famed for Ink Gin & agricole rum).
- Scenic Rim (near Brisbane) — vineyards and producers in a World Heritage-listed landscape.
Where should I stay for true luxury?
- Brisbane: Calile Hotel (James Street), Emporium Hotel (South Bank), Spicers Balfour.
- Byron Bay: Raes on Wategos, The Bower, Crystalbrook Byron, private villas.
- Gold Coast: The Langham, JW Marriott, One&Only at Wolgan Valley (a little further afield), hinterland retreats like Spicers Peak Lodge.
3. Things to Do & See
What are the must-see attractions?
- Brisbane: Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA), South Bank cultural precinct, river cruises.
- Byron Bay: Cape Byron Lighthouse, Wategos Beach, arts and wellness culture.
- Gold Coast: Surfers Paradise, Broadbeach, Lamington and Springbrook National Parks.
What are the best active adventures?
- Surfing: Byron’s The Pass or Gold Coast’s Snapper Rocks.
- Hiking: Hinterland trails in Lamington, Springbrook and Nightcap National Parks.
- Cycling & kayaking: Brisbane River paths, Byron Bay coastal and hinterland routes.
- Scenic flights: Helicopter or light aircraft over beaches, rainforests and islands.
- Hot air ballooning: Scenic Rim sunrise flights.
What are the best lookouts and ways to escape the crowds?
- Mount Coot-tha (Brisbane) — panoramic city views.
- Cape Byron Lighthouse — Australia’s most easterly point.
- Best of All Lookout (Springbrook) — sweeping rainforest views.
- Hinterland retreats — secluded luxury away from the coast.
4. Nature & Wildlife
Where can I see wildlife?
- Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary (Brisbane) — intimate wildlife encounters.
- Whale watching — from Byron Bay and the Gold Coast (Jun–Oct).
- Dolphins and turtles — around Moreton Bay and Byron Bay.
- Birdlife — abundant in hinterland national parks.
Are there unique or private nature experiences?
Yes. Options include:
- Swimming with turtles and manta rays at North Stradbroke Island.
- Private whale-watching charters off Byron Bay.
- Nocturnal rainforest walks with conservationists.
- Indigenous-led tours through hinterland Country.
Plan Your Journey
From the culture and dining of Brisbane, to Byron’s barefoot luxury, to the glamour and wilderness of the Gold Coast, this region offers immense variety within a short distance. With insider access, it transforms from a standard itinerary into an experience of art, adventure and connection.
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