Comparison · Brisbane vs Gold Coast · Australia
Brisbane vs Gold Coast
Two great trips, different strengths. Here is how they compare on the things that decide it.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Chris Olszewski, CC BY-SA 4.0
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Quick answer
Choose Brisbane for Brisbane River and CityCats, South Bank and free sights; choose Gold Coast for Surfers Paradise, Surf beaches and beaches. Day-to-day costs are similar, and the two are about 71 km apart.
Key facts
- Distance apart
- 71 km
- Less expensive
- About the same
- Best time for Brisbane
- April–June and August–October
- Best time for Gold Coast
- April–May and September–November
Side by side
| Brisbane | Gold Coast | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | Australia | Australia |
| Known for | Brisbane River and CityCats, South Bank and Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary | Surfers Paradise, Surf beaches and Theme parks |
| Best time to visit | April–June and August–October | April–May and September–November |
| Ideal stay | 4 days | 5 days |
| Mid-range budget per day | $150–$260 | $150–$260 |
| Cost level | Expensive | Expensive |
| Warmest month | January, 30°C (86°F) | January, 28°C (82°F) |
| Coldest month | June, 22°C (72°F) | June, 21°C (70°F) |
| Free sights in our guide | 11 | 7 |
| Day trips in our guide | 7 | 5 |
| Beaches | — | Surfers Paradise Beach |
| Airports | BNE | OOL, BNE |
Which one is right for you?
Choose Brisbane for…
Brisbane River and CityCats, South Bank and free sights. Brisbane, Meanjin, winds along a looping river in southeast Queensland, with a compact CBD on one bend and the South Bank cultural precinct facing it across the water. CityCat ferries link riverside neighbourhoods from New Farm to the University of…
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Choose Gold Coast for…
Surfers Paradise, Surf beaches and beaches. The Gold Coast is a long strip of surf beaches and resort suburbs running south from The Spit at Main Beach through Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach to Burleigh Heads and Coolangatta at the New South Wales border. Surfers Paradise has the high-rises and…
Top sights compared
| # | Brisbane | Gold Coast |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | South Bank Parklands and Streets Beach | Surfers Paradise Beach |
| 2 | Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA) | SkyPoint Observation Deck |
| 3 | Queensland Art Gallery | Burleigh Head National Park |
| 4 | Queensland Museum Kurilpa | Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary |
| 5 | Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary | Sea World |
Food compared
| Brisbane | Gold Coast |
|---|---|
| Moreton Bay bugs | Moreton Bay bugs |
| Mud crab | King prawns |
| Tropical fruit | Fish and chips on the beach |
| Lamington | Açaí bowl |
Which is cheaper?
Brisbane and Gold Coast cost about the same: a mid-range day is roughly $150–$260 in Brisbane and $150–$260 in Gold Coast (AMZBooking estimates, excluding flights). Brisbane on a budget.
Can you visit both?
Yes. Brisbane and Gold Coast are about 71 km apart, so they combine well in one trip: allow 4 days in Brisbane and 5 in Gold Coast.
Questions travellers ask
+Is Brisbane or Gold Coast cheaper?
Neither is clearly cheaper: a mid-range day costs about $150–$260 in Brisbane and $150–$260 in Gold Coast (estimates).
+Is Brisbane or Gold Coast better for a first trip?
Pick Brisbane for Brisbane River and CityCats, South Bank and free sights, or Gold Coast for Surfers Paradise, Surf beaches and beaches.
+How far is Brisbane from Gold Coast?
About 71 km in a straight line.