Brisbane vs Gold Coast: Which one is better for my next vacation

Are you planning a trip to Australia and wondering if Brisbane or the Gold Coast is the better holiday spot? In this guide we do a side by side comparison on everything you need to know including costs, attractions, safety, and much more. So here is a complete guide to Brisbane vs Gold Coast.

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links, so if you use these links to buy something we may earn a commission, at no cost to you. Thank you for your support

Brisbane vs Gold Coast: Some background

Before we get into the whole Brisbane vs Gold Coast debate, here is a little bit of background on each city.

BRISBANE

Brisbane, or ‘Brissie’ as it is often called is the capital of Queensland. Located in the south eastern part of the state, Brisbane is the third biggest city in Australia. Brisbane is a river city, built around the aptly named Brisbane River which provides the backdrop to a lot of the cities attractions.

Wondering if Brisbane is worth visiting? Here is a handy guide.

GOLD COAST

The Gold Coast is located south of Brisbane and is about an hours drive from the CBD. It’s famous for its sandy beaches, surf spots, theme parks, and hiking trails.

If you are planning to do a day trip from Brisbane here is a helpful guide.

Brisbane vs Gold Coast: which one is better for accommodation

Deciding on where to stay is a big deal for any trip. Here we look at Brisbane vs the Gold Coast when it comes to accommodation.

BRISBANE

There are lots of different accommodation options in Brisbane. From cheaper hostels, to luxury cit centre hotels. For any trip to Brisbane we recommend staying in the CBD or South Bank. This is where most tourist hotspots are and you can easily get around the city from here.

For a 4 star hotel in the city centre you are looking at paying over $200 per night on average. This will go up and down depending on the time of year you book.

GOLD COAST

There are two different types of accommodation you can go with at the Gold Coast. The first is an apartment rental. These usually come with a kitchen, dining room, living room, and balcony. They are great because you can bring your own food, and chill out. If you are at the Gold Coast for more than a few days we highly recommend this option.

Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach are probably two of the most popular areas to stay. One of our favourites is Q1 located at Surfers Paradise. They have a pool, spa, and you can also visit the observation deck on top of the building.

You can also stay at a hotel, and there are a number of great ones at the Gold Coast including Peppers, and Imperial Hotel Gold Coast .

BRISBANE OR GOLD COAST

Brisbane and the Gold Coast both have decent accommodation options. It’s hard to choose a winner here, as it honestly depends on what you prefer.

Brisbane vs Gold Coast: which one is better for attractions

Wondering if Brisbane or the Gold Coast has the better tourist attractions? This is the section for you. Here we look at some of the top things to do in each city.

BRISBANE

Here are some of the best things to do in Brisbane.

Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary

Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary is a must if you want to get up close and personal with a kangaroo or a koala. You can also learn a lot about the unique Australian wildlife.

Climb the Story Bridge

Story Bridge is an iconic structure in the city. For some great views we recommend the Story Bridge Climb.

South Bank Parklands

Located on the banks of the Brisbane River you will find the South Bank Parklands. Sprawled out over 17 hectares of prime riverside land this inner city oasis is perfect for exploring, swimming, and eating. You can have a BBQ or dine at one of the many restaurants in the area. There is also a public swimming facility which resembles a beach with the stunning CBD as a backdrop.

You can also go on the Wheel of Brisbane to get some great views of the city. The cool thing about this is you can sip wine as you learn all about the city.

The Cultural Precinct

If you are feeling a little bit more cultural, also located in South Bank is Brisbane’s cultural precinct. Here you can visit the Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC), The Queensland Museum and Science Centre, The State Library and the Queensland Art Gallery and Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA).

The Queensland Art Gallery is certainly worth a visit especially as a lot of the art work has a focus on Australia, Asia, and the Pacific. It is also a great place to see some Indigenous Art which is an important part of Australian history.

City Botanical Gardens

Located in the city centre the botanic gardens are heritage listed, and were originally planted by convicts in 1825 as a source of food to feed the prison colony. Not long after it became a public garden, with several rare botanic species located here.

Mount Coot-tha Lookout

For some of the best views over Brisbane head to Mt Coot-tha. We loved visiting at night because you get to see the city all lit up, but visiting in the day is amazing too.

XXXX Brewery Tour

Right, so beer in Australia is a pretty big deal. And each state is quite competitive in producing their own local beer. Queensland’s contribution is XXXX (said 4 X). The tour is a great way to get to grips with how it is made, as well as how to pour a perfect beer. On top of that you do get to do some tasting which is always a bonus.

GOLD COAST

Here are some of the best things to do when visiting the Gold Coast.

Visit Surfers Paradise

Surfers Paradise is arguably one of the most popular parts of the Gold Coast. It’s filled with golden beaches, alfresco dining, and relaxed cafes waiting to be explored.

You can also visit the Q1 observation tower, which at 230 metres in height, is certainly the best place to get some 360 degree views of the Gold Coast.

Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary

If you want to hand feed Kangaroo’s or rainbow lorikeets, you should visit Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary. This is perfect for getting up close and personal with Aussie wildlife, and learning about them too.

Have fun at a theme park

The Gold Coast is home to some of Australia’s best theme parks. You have Dreamworld, which is a theme park designed for thrill seekers who love rides.  Movie World, which is a Warner Bros themed park with a mix of rides and film studios. And you also have Wet n Wild, a theme park totally dedicated to water slides. They are all perfect family days out!

Relax on the beach

Obviously a must when visiting the Gold Coast is to make time to enjoy the beach. The sand is white and the water is so inviting especially on those hot days. Surfers Paradise, or the nearby Broadbeach are some of our favourites, but you can also find quieter more chilled out places too.

Explore the Gold Coast Hinterland

The Gold Coast Hinterland is perfect for nature lovers. Make sure you explore O’Reilly’s where you can do a guided walk or visit the famous treetop walk.

You also have the incredible Mount Tamborine which is also located in the Gold Coast hinterland. If you are looking for the best things to do in Mount Tamborine this is a helpful guide.

BRISBANE OR GOLD COAST

This is a tough call because it honestly depends on what kind of a vacation you want to have. For a beach holiday that is super relaxed obviously the Gold Coast is going to be the best option. But if you want a city break head to Brisbane.

Brisbane vs Gold Coast: which one is prettier

Wondering if Brisbane or the Gold Coast is the more picturesque city. Here are our thoughts.

BRISBANE

Ok I know I’m biased here, having grown up in Brisbane, but it really is a beautiful city. Located on the banks of the Brisbane River, there are so many picturesque spots where you can go to escape. Some of our favourites are New Farm Park, South Bank, and even Eagle Street Pier.

GOLD COAST

The Gold Coast has some stunning beaches and national parks, making it an incredibly picturesque place to visit. One of the best places to visit has to be the Q1 observation deck, for some pretty spectacular views of the coastline.

We also recommend catching the sunset at one of the Gold Coasts stunning white sandy beaches. It’s a beautiful experience that you will always remember.

Another incredibly scenic part of the Gold Coast is the hinterland. This gives you a real taste of the Australian landscape, and you can go hiking or bushwalking as the Aussies say.

BRISBANE OR GOLD COAST

The Gold Coast is our winner here. It has so much more natural beauty compared to Brisbane. Plus those golden beaches are incredible!

Brisbane vs Gold Coast: which one has the better vibe

I know it’s strange measuring a city by its ‘vibe’. But here are our thoughts on Brisbane vs the Gold Coast.

BRISBANE

Brisbane has a very relaxed and laid back vibe. Life here is very carefree. It’s obviously bigger than the Gold Coast so you do get more of a business kind of vibe here as well, as there are lots of big companies based here.

It’s a friendly place, and has this small town vibe despite being a big city. Things are slow in Brisbane, which might be a shock especially for those coming from the US or Europe. Things close early especially restaurants, that usually do last orders at 9pm.

GOLD COAST

The Gold Coast has a past paced vibe, particularly in places like Surfers Paradise. It’s a prime tourist spot, with lots of world class restaurants, a glamorous casino, and some very busy beaches. The Gold Coast attracts a number of local and international tourists, particularly during the summer months, so it also has an international feel to it.

BRISBANE OR GOLD COAST

Unless you specifically want to experience that laid back surfer vibe, we think Brisbane is the city with the better vibe. The people are friendly, and it’s very welcoming.

Brisbane vs Gold Coast: which one is more touristy

Wondering if Brisbane or the Gold Coast has more tourists? Here we have a look at both cities to decide.

BRISBANE

Brisbane is a touristy city with people coming here from all over the world. It’s a big student city as well with three big universities and a number of colleges and Higher Education Institutes. Peak tourist season in Brisbane is in the summer months where you get a lot of people coming for the warm sunny weather.

GOLD COAST

The Gold Coast is very touristy, especially in the summer months. Visitors flock here from around the world, and sometimes things can get incredibly busy,

BRISBANE OR GOLD COAST

The Gold Coast is way more touristy than Brisbane. If you want something more low key Brisbane is your better option.

Brisbane vs Gold Coast: which one is easier to get to

Getting to a destination will of course be a major factor in deciding to visit. So is Brisbane or the Gold Coast easier to get to?

BRISBANE

There are two main airports in Brisbane, the International and Domestic Airport. Whilst they are separate terminals, they are connected by the Airtrain. This takes you into the city centre every 15 minutes in peak times and 30 minutes off peak. You can also get to the Gold Coast on the Airtrain.

It costs around $20 for an adult return ticket if purchased online, or $40 for a return ticket purchased at the station.

You can also get a taxi or Uber, from the airport. This will cost around $50 to get you to the city centre, although you can get a cheaper fare if you book an Uber.

GOLD COAST

The Gold Coast has an airport with a select number of international flights that arrive here. Most of these are from Asian countries, and via budget airlines.

Once you are at the airport you can take public transport, or an Uber into the main Gold Coast strip. You should expect to pay anywhere between $40-$60.

BRISBANE OR GOLD COAST

Brisbane has way more flight options, and a better public transport network from the airport to the centre, making it the better choice.

Brisbane vs Gold Coast: which one is easier to get around

In the battle of Brisbane vs Gold Coast you might be wondering which city is easier to get around. Here we look at both places to determine which one has better public transport options.

BRISBANE

Brisbane is moderately easy to navigate for tourists. The good news is that a lot of attractions are within walking distance of the CBD.

There are spots like Lone Pine or New Farm Park that are a bit further out though, and you will need to rely on public transport to get around.

The bus, train, and ferry network are all linked, and you will need to purchase a ‘Go Card‘ to travel on them. You can go to any newsagent, to purchase the card and you can also add credit here as well. When you get on the bus, train, or ferry you just tap your card and you are off (don’t forget to tap off at the end).

GOLD COAST

The Gold Coast is easy to get around once you know what your options are. If you are spending time at the Gold Coast you will probably rely on trams or buses to get around.

Like Brisbane you can use a Go Card to tap on and off public transport. This will be your easiest way to get around.

BRISBANE OR GOLD COAST

Brisbane is a little bit easier to navigate on public transport, especially because you can use the the buses, trains, and ferry network to get around.

Brisbane vs Gold Coast: which one is better for beaches

Any trip to Australia conjures up these images of spending time at the beach and relaxing. So is Brisbane or the Gold Coast better for this?

BRISBANE

Brisbane doesn’t really have any beaches in the city itself. There are some on the outskirts, but if you want to make the most of the sunshine and sand you need to drive out a bit further. The Gold Coast is about 1.5 hours drive from the centre of Brisbane, and the Sunshine Coast is about 2 hours drive.

You do have the inner city man made beaches of South Bank, but for real surf you do need to go further out.

GOLD COAST

The Gold Coast has some stunning beaches. If you want golden sand, and glistening waters you will not be disappointed here. With over 70 km of coastline broken up into multiple beaches to enjoy, you will be able to swim, surf and sunbathe here no problem.

Popular choices are Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach, which are both perfect for relaxing, and enjoying the best of the Queensland coastline.

BRISBANE OR GOLD COAST

This is a no brainer. The Gold Coast is by far your best option for beaches.

Brisbane vs Gold Coast: which one is better for food

If you fancy yourself as a bit of a foodie, you might be wondering if Brisbane or the Gold Coast is the better option when it comes to eating.

BRISBANE

Brisbane is really multicultural and this is very much reflected in the food scene here. There are so many great places to go for food, and we highly recommend exploring different neighbourhoods to see what they offer.

For more casual al fresco style dining we recommend visiting South Bank. Or for something a bit more up market and fancy head to Eagle Street Pier. Here you will find everything from seafood restaurants and fine dining.

Another foodie favourite is West End. Located just on the outskirts of the city centre, here you will find some truly culturally diverse food from Vietnamese Bakeries to contemporary cuisine. It can feel a little rough around the edges but this just adds to the charm, and the food here is quite affordable.

GOLD COAST

There are some great cafes and restaurants at the Gold Coast, although most of these are found in places like Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach. Jupiters Casio has some good food options as well, some more expensive than others.

BRISBANE OR GOLD COAST

Brisbane is the better choice when it comes to good quality food.

Brisbane vs Gold Coast: which one is better for nightlife

If you are interested in nightlife you might be wondering if Brisbane or the Gold Coast has the better options.

BRISBANE

Brisbane has a decent nightlife scene. The CBD has a number of relaxed pubs, rooftop bars, and swanky cocktail lounges waiting to be explored.

For live music or nightclubs, you are best off visiting Fortitude Valley, an area just outside the CBD. This is where partiers young and old flock to particularly on a weekend.

GOLD COAST

The Gold Coast is great for nightlife, particularly around the Surfers Paradise area. There are lots of clubs, and bars, that attract people young and old year round.

Nightlife is a big part of the culture at the Gold Coast, so it is definitely the place to go if you want to party.

BRISBANE OR GOLD COAST

Brisbane has way more option when it comes to nightlife. There are more options for clubs, cocktail lounges, and just general entertainment.

Brisbane vs Gold Coast: which one is better for safety

Safety is an important factor when visiting a new city. So is Brisbane or the Gold Coast safer?

BRISBANE

I grew up in Brisbane and I can honestly say that Brisbane is a safe city. Even being out late at night, generally does feel safe particularly in or around the city centre. You should take normal precautions when visiting Brisbane, but as a whole tourists don’t usually encounter many issues.

From experience there are some parts of town that have issues with homelessness. Fortitude Valley is one of those places, but generally you will be left alone. It’s also worth noting that crime rates in Brisbane are a lot lower than places like Sydney and Melbourne.

GOLD COAST

The Gold Coast has a reputation for being a little rough around the edges especially at night. It used to be a lot worse many years ago, with a seedy reputation. That seems to be changing a lot, but you still see stories in the news about violence and drug related crimes.

In reality, as a tourist you should be safe visiting the Gold Coast. Particularly if you stick to the tourist areas, there is a high police presence to add to the safety.

Take your usual precautions, particularly at night. In areas like Surfers Paradise which are popular with clubbers, and pub goers you may encounter drinking related incidents, so just be mindful as you would anywhere else in the world.

BRISBANE OR GOLD COAST

Crime rates are higher in Brisbane but it is a bigger city. In all honestly though both are safe destinations for tourists.

Brisbane vs Gold Coast: which one is better for couples

If you are travelling as a couple you may be wondering in the battle between Brisbane vs the Gold Coast, which city is more romantic.

BRISBANE

There is a lot to do as a couple when visiting Brisbane. There are romantic spots like Mount Cootha where you can watch the sun set, or New Farm Park where you can sit with a picnic basket. Basically there are so many beautiful moments to share in this city.

One of our favourite places when it comes to date night ideas has be South Bank. You can ride the Wheel of Brisbane and sip wine, or enjoy some views from a rooftop bar. Or our personal favourite, you can do a sunset cruise along the Brisbane River.

GOLD COAST

The Gold Coast is a good option for visiting as a couple. There are lots of romantic things to do such as spending the day at the beach, enjoying one of the theme parks, or even spending the night in an eco lodge at the Gold Coast hinterland.

BRISBANE OR GOLD COAST

Both places are perfect for a couples break. You will find something romantic to do in each city without an issue.

Brisbane vs Gold Coast: which one is better for families

If you are travelling as a family you might be wondering if Brisbane or the Gold Coast is the better place to visit. Here are our thoughts.

BRISBANE

Brisbane is a good place to visit as a family. For starters it’s a very safe city, and many of the key attractions are close together.

There are some great things to do as a family in Brisbane. You have places like the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary that is perfect for kids. You also have South Bank, which has museums, galleries, the Wheel of Brisbane and a fun man made beach, again perfect for family days out.

GOLD COAST

The Gold Coast is great for a family holiday. There are plenty of beaches to enjoy and make sandcastles with the kids. Plus there are the many theme parks like Dreamworld, Movie World, and Wet n Wild, that are perfect for a family day out.

You can buy group tickets online in advance here.

BRISBANE OR GOLD COAST

While both cities are perfect for families the Gold Coast just has that little bit more when it comes to family entertainment.

Brisbane vs Gold Coast: which one is cheaper

A big factor when planning where to visit will of course be costs. So is Brisbane or the Gold Coast cheaper?

BRISBANE

As a whole Australia is expensive. The good news though is that Brisbane has a lower cost of living compared to other cities like Melbourne or Sydney.

Costs will of course be dependant on your individual spending habits, but on average we recommend budgeting around $200 per person per day for your time in Brisbane. This will include transport, meals, drinks, and attractions.

Hotels can be pricey, particularly in the city centre. For a 4 star hotel you should expect to pay around $200 per night. Although this will depend on the time of year you are visiting and how far in advance you book your accommodation.

GOLD COAST

The Gold Coast can be quite expensive, particularly as it is a very commercial destination to visit. Accommodation costs can be high in the summer months, so make sure you are booking well in advance.

It’s cheaper than Brisbane for things like food and drink, and you can also find some fantastic accommodation deals here too.

BRISBANE OR GOLD COAST

The Gold Coast is slightly cheaper than Brisbane, although for the most part they are pretty on par in our experience.

Brisbane vs Gold Coast: which one is better for nature

If you want to get out and explore a bit of nature, you might be wondering if Brisbane or the Gold Coast is the better choice.

BRISBANE

Brisbane is a pretty green city so there are lots of spots to visit and enjoy nature. One of the best in the city has to be Mount Cootha. It’s a suburb but also a popular bushland tourist spot. There are lots of hiking trails, picnic spots, and even a lookout point.

GOLD COAST

The Gold Coast has a lot of natural beauty, particularly in the hinterland. You have amazing spots like O’Reilly’s where you can do a treetop walk, and feed wild lorikeets.

Springbrook National Park is another beautiful spot which is perfect for hiking, and at night you can even see glowworms. If you want to do this you need to go with a guide, and book in advance.

BRISBANE OR GOLD COAST

The Gold Coast is the better option when it comes to nature. You have all those incredible beaches, plus the hinterland which is just beautiful.

Brisbane vs Gold Coast: which one is better for shopping

Are you wondering if Brisbane or the Gold Coast is better for a shopping holiday? Well, read on.

BRISBANE

Brisbane has some great shopping options. One of the most obvious choices is the Queen Street Mall, where you will find lots of high street shops, and department stores.

If you venture out into some of the inner city suburbs you will also find some good shopping options. Paddington, West End, and Fortitude Valley, are all excellent for vintage, stores, or one of a kind boutique pieces.

GOLD COAST

The Gold Coast is perfect for a little bit of retail therapy. You will find lots of boutique style stores, mixed with high end luxury shops. Pacific-Fair Shopping Centre is the best place to go, particularly if you are into luxury goods and brands.

You also have bargain stores at Harbour Town Premium Outlets, as well as a number of Duty Free shops dotted around the Gold Coast.

BRISBANE OR GOLD COAST

Brisbane and the Gold Coast are great for shopping. Brisbane is better for boutique stores, whereas the Gold Coast has a lot of Duty Free outlets, and malls.

Brisbane vs Gold Coast: which one is better in summer

If you are visiting Australia in the summer months (December – February) you might be wondering if Brisbane or the Gold Coast is the better option.

BRISBANE

Summers in Brisbane are hot and humid. Temperatures creep up into the late 20’s/early 30s °C. There are also a lot of tropical storms at this time of year.

That being said, summer is a prime time to visit Brisbane. Bars and restaurants are prepared for the hot weather, and there is so much to see and do over the city. One of the best things to cool down in the city centre is to head to South Bank and take a dip in one of the pools overlooking the city skyline.

GOLD COAST

Summers at the Gold Coast can be pretty crowded, particularly around summer holidays. Places like Surfers Paradise attract people from near and far, and walking around the shopping centres or retail centres can be intense.

For more information on the best time to visit the Gold Coast here is a helpful guide.

BRISBANE OR GOLD COAST

The Gold Coast can be busy in the summer but don’t let that put you off. With it’s stunning beaches it’s the perfect place to go to cool down in the summer months.

Brisbane vs Gold Coast: which one is better in winter

If you are planning to visit Australia during the winter months of June – August, you might be wondering if Brisbane or the Gold Coast is better.

BRISBANE

Winters in Brisbane are pretty mild with temperatures ranging between 10 – 22°C. It’s also relatively dry and sunny at this time of year as well. For that reason it is a great time to visit the city.

You rarely need a coat in winter in Brisbane, usually a jumper or a light jacket will suffice, especially during the day.

There are less tourists in Brisbane over the winter months, but still plenty to see and do.

GOLD COAST

The Gold Coast is a good option for visiting in the winter. The temperatures are mild, usually averaging at around 21 degrees Celsius during the day. The beaches are far less crowded than in the summer months. While you may not want to swim, they are still great for walking along or watching the sunset.

Winter is also perfect for hiking around the hinterland, or even enjoying the theme parks.

BRISBANE OR GOLD COAST

Brisbane is the better option for winter, as it is a bigger city so there is more to do. The Gold Coast is still worth visiting in winter though. In fact here is a handy guide to visiting to Gold Coast in winter.

Brisbane vs Gold Coast: which one is for me

Here is our final summary on the Brisbane vs the Gold Coast debate in case you haven’t yet decided which city is for you.

BRISBANE

Brisbane is a relaxed city, with an authentically Australian feel. It’s somewhere you should visit if you want to do things at a slow pace. It’s incredibly friendly, and you will feel like home here in no time.

GOLD COAST

The Gold Coast is an incredibly popular tourist spot. It’s perfect for visiting year round, as there is so much to see and do. You can hike, visit the beaches, or even head to one of the theme parks. It does get incredibly busy, especially in the summer months so make sure you book your accommodation well in advance.

BRISBANE OR GOLD COAST

Honestly I think deciding between Brisbane and the Gold Coast really depends on what kind of a holiday you want.

If you want to relax on the beach or go hiking you should visit the Gold Coast. But if you are after a more cosmopolitan style city break go for Brisbane.

The best news though is that they are about 1-1.5 hours drive from each other, so you can definitely do both. And if you do want to do both here is a guide for getting from the Gold Coast to Sunshine Coast.

If you haven’t quite made up your mind on which Australian city to visit here is a helpful guide to comparing Brisbane vs Sydney.

Hopefully this article has helped you decide between Brisbane and the Gold Coast. If so you can pin it for later below.

Happy Travels!