When my husband, Andrew, had the chance to travel to Brisbane, Australia for work, I saw the opportunity to live vicariously through his itinerary. As a travel planner, I couldn’t resist crafting a spare-time sightseeing list to help him make the most of his trip. His mission? Soak up the Aussie highlights and determine if the long haul is truly worth it for a future family adventure.

The Journey Begins: A 22-Hour Haul

Andrew left on a Friday night and, after 22 hours of travel, touched down in Brisbane on Sunday morning (local time)—jet-lagged but ready to explore.

Home Base: Kings Beach, Caloundra

He checked in at the ULTIQA Shearwater Resort, perched perfectly above Kings Beach in Caloundra—a laid-back, scenic town along the Sunshine Coast. Just steps from the resort, he explored:

• Kings Beach & Happy Valley Beach – great for sunrise walks and local vibe

• Bribie Island – accessible on foot during low tide, offering a unique off-the-beaten-path feel

Local Eats & Healthy Starts

A short stroll from the hotel, Andrew found a breakfast favorite—Focals, a casual local spot known for smoothies and açaí bowls that fueled his mornings with fresh Aussie flavor.

The Perfect Souvenir: Opals Down Under

No trip to Australia is complete without admiring their national gemstone. Andrew made a few stops at Opals Down Under, a well-known gem shop, in search of a meaningful souvenir (since opal is my birthstone). Let’s just say—mission accomplished.

Wildlife Wonders: Kangaroos & Koalas

As requested, Andrew checked out some iconic Aussie wildlife in their natural habitat:

• University of Sunshine Coast (Sippy Downs) – a surprising hotspot for wild kangaroos (and yes—they were everywhere)

• Noosa Heads National Park – famous for wild koalas, though none were spotted, the coastal views made the hike unforgettable

Beach Days & Sunset Dinners

Throughout the week, Andrew hit several picturesque coastal towns:

• Mooloolaba Beach – perfect for a quick afternoon stroll

• Noosa (Hastings Street) – lively with shops, restaurants, and incredible food

One evening, he enjoyed dinner at Boardwalk Bistro, where he watched the sunset over the ocean while devouring fish tacos and finishing with sticky toffee pudding (he swears it rivaled what he had in London!).

Feeding Wild Dolphins & Carlo Sandblow Views

For a truly unique experience, Andrew woke early to drive up to Tin Can Bay, where from 7–9 AM, visitors can feed wild dolphins in the shallows. He received a feeding card and was lucky enough to feed a pregnant dolphin, who gently took the fish right from his hand.

Afterwards, he headed to Carlo Sandblow, a surreal landscape of rolling sand dunes with dramatic views over Rainbow Beach. He even watched a few brave souls sandboarding down the slopes.

Final Stop: One More Meal in Noosa

Before wrapping up his trip, Andrew circled back to Noosa for one more amazing meal on Hastings Street—because why not end on a high note?

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Final Verdict: Is It Worth It?

According to Andrew: “The views from Noosa Heads National Park and the wild dolphin experience alone made the 22 hours of travel worth it. But if we go together, let’s plan for at least 2–3 weeks and add New Zealand (and maybe Fiji) to the itinerary.”

As for me—Australia remains high on the bucket list, and after hearing about his adventures, I’m even more inspired to plan the perfect itinerary when the time comes.

✨ Planning a Trip to Australia?

If you’re considering a visit to Brisbane, Noosa, or the Sunshine Coast, I’d love to help you build a personalized itinerary—from wildlife encounters to local beach towns, hidden foodie gems, and of course, the best spots for opals.