In and Around Brisbane in 4 Days - 2 Adults under 2400 AUD
Accommodation
Booked my accomodation in YHA Brisbane via Booking.com which was the most accessible and affordable stay.
Transport
There is this discovery pass that I purchased for 6 months using which I travelled an overnight train journey from Melbourne to Sydney and then took the afternoon train from Sydney to Brisbane - Roma street. Transport in Brisbane was the translink go card that I purchased from the train station.
Day Wise Itinerary
Day 1
North Stradbroke Island
This is a beautiful island , spot to spend a days time . Took the sealink Ferry to the North Stradbroke Island . There is a all day round trip bus that runs around this island in which you can hop and hop off to different location / vacation spots. There are beautiful beach spots for sun bathing and a coastal hike . This is the island where you can spot Manta rays if you get lucky. There are also bicycle hires along the way to explore the island on track.
Day 2
Gold Coast
This was a day’s trip from Brisbane city to Gold coast using the public transport from Roma station to Helensvale . A solid 1 hour 15 minutes journey. From there G-link train runs into the Gold coast cities including Surfers paradise. I did the jet ski activity here which was 120 AUD / person . A guided 1 hour jet ski experience along the coast.
Day 3
Moreton Island
DayTrip cost: 169 AUD / person
This is a must visit island very close to Brisbane city - called the Moreton island. This was a booked day trip filled with activities by Tangalooma Island Resort. Boarded the coach from near to our accomodation in Brisbane central station to the Ferry and we go to the island. We signed up for Kayaking / Snorkelling under the ship wreks and some fun FWD on the sand dunes for sand boarding activity. It was an amazing experience while snorkelling through the ship wreks and you see a whole lot of colourful fishes swimming alongside you and with Kayak as it is transparent , while you paddle through the waters you will witness fishes gathering under the kayak.
Day 4
Brisbane City
Last but not the least is the day to explore the Brisbane city in its beautiful weather. The calm city has some beautiful spots to chill out including the man made beach in South Bank. The city is surrounded by hanging bridges and you have a cycle track which loops into all bridges. Simply hire your beam to pedal through the light city.
Things you need to know
If you are going from a city like Sydney , please be aware that the shops and supermarkets in and around Brisbane city closes by 7:00 PM.
Brisbane is also a e-bike friendly city where you have cycle path all through . Hence hiring beam / neuron will be a game changer when you want to explore the local city or for a quick shopping.
The public transport to the goldcoast city from Brisbane Roma station runs all through every 15 minutes. Its called the G-link and you can use your translink go card card for this . However , please be aware that the charge for this intercity travel incurs a higher price . Check the website - https://translink.com.au/tickets-and-fares for fare details.
Most of the cost saving for me came from the Discovery pass that I purchased , which technically let me visit Brisbane couple of more times.
Expenditure for 2 Adults
| Transport | Accomodation | Food |
|---|---|---|
| 1240 AUD | 650 AUD | 200 AUD |
I hope you find this interesting. Please leave your comment below if you found this helpful. Share your insights , happy to hear your thoughts
Have a nice trip ahead :)