After morning pickup from your Gold Coast hotel, you’ll travel by comfortable air-conditioned coach to Brisbane and start with a drive through the central business district. Learn from your local guide about historic buildings such as Brisbane City Hall, Parliament House, St John’s Cathedral, and Treasury Casino.
Next you’ll find out why Brisbane is known as the River City on a 45-minute boat cruise. As you glide up the river that snakes through the city, snap pics of picturesque suburbs and historic buildings including Newstead House and Customs House. Cruise under Story Bridge and past Kangaroo Point Cliffs before docking at South Bank Parklands.
Once on land, you’ll head to the Wheel of Brisbane for a spin on a 197-foot (60m) high ferris wheel (own expense). The ride lasts approximately 15 minutes and includes a detailed commentary pointing out the landmarks of Brisbane, which are clearly visible from your bird’s eye view!
After seeing Brisbane from the air, have the afternoon free to explore at your leisure. You'll have lots of options in South Bank Parklands, a lively riverside development with restaurants, shops, theaters, and even a rainforest boardwalk and manmade beach.
You might want to check out the cafes, boutiques and art galleries at Stanley Street Plaza; on the weekend, a popular crafts and clothing market is held here. Or head to the Queensland Cultural Centre, which encompasses the Queensland Art Gallery, the Queensland Museum and a performing arts center. Nearby you’ll find Streets Beach, a swimming area built to resemble a tropical lagoon! Across the river, you can stroll through the city center and check out the shopping downtown.
At the appointed time, you’ll make your own way back to the central meeting point for your return coach to the Gold Coast.