Brisbane & Gold Coast- hotels and activities?
 

Hi,<BR>Mu husband and I are taking a trip to Australia next month (Dec. 2002) and these posts have been a wealth of information. We are visiting Brisbane for 3 nights, Cairns for 3 nights and Sydney for 3 nights. For Sydney and Cairns, there has been plenty of detailed information and I have a good idea of where to stay and what to do, thanks to many of you. For Brisbane, I realize it's not as popular a choice, however our flights have been booked. What hotels are highly recommended in Brisbane- does anyone have experience with Stamford Park Hotel? What attractions or tours should be do? Should we plan on spending a night at the Gold Coast, and what are hotel recommendations there? What's the best way to get from Brisbane to Gold Coast? Is renting a car required? If not Gold Coast, are there recommendations for other vicinities near Brisbane? Basically, I would appreciate advice on the best way to spend 3 days in Brisbane.<BR>Thanks!

You don't have to stay in Brisbane. You can either go to the Sunshine Coast or the Gold Coast as either one is only one hour away and have much more interesting things to see and do. The Gold Coast has better access to facilities and entertainment. Stay in the Broadbeach area and walk everywhere or get the free tourist pick-up bus.

KC,<BR><BR>Several weeks ago I posted about Jupiter's on the Gold Coast. I got several great recommendations about places to stay on Broadbeach... do a search and used the good advice goven. (Alan, Liz, etc... were VERY helpful.)<BR><BR>Lynette

Sorry, I wasn't clear. Search &quot;BROADBEACH&quot; and use the good advice given. There about 35 posts answering your question relation to the Brisbane part! Have a great trip<BR><BR>Lynette

Kate , the moment your jet arrives in Brisbane go to the main exit at the airport. You will find bus train connections which go direct to the Gold Coast. Allow 2 hours for the transfer each way. The Gold Coast is only for people whom want to have fun. And I mean fun. Great restaurants, pubs, shops ,casinos , theme parks. The beaches all the way along that stretch are just fabulous and nothing bites in that area. No Crocodiles, stingers, blue ringed octopuss ( etc )Hire a car and have at least a day and a night driving South from the coast to NSW. Great State by the way (lol)<BR>The drive South for say 2 hrs hours will be a high-light of your hols in Aust. Great Beaches all the way , lots of little towns, with nice eating places ( etc ) And Kate the scenery is world class. The hinterland of the Gold Coast is also really beautiful. While you are in Cairns I hope you have arranged at least a scenic flight out over the outer barrier reef. If you go to www.daintreeair.com.au you will find they do scenic flights out over the outer reef for about 1/10 of what you pay on the helicoptors which take you up and down for a ten min flight. <BR>Hope this helps. Pete.

Thanks for the help! I have made reservations to stay at the Gold Coast, and we will likely rent a car to have more convenience and freedom. Yes, I am very excited about Cairns and Port Douglas! The scenic flight sounds like an excellent idea and I will look into it.