[i:631cbb6c22]Surfers Paradise (Gold Coast, north of Brisbane), one of Australias best know beaches, is about an hour and 10 minutes drive and Caloundra (Sunshine Coast, south) about an hour and a half. The closest sandy beaches to Brisbane are at Redcliffe (north) and Southport (south).The city itself is very modern, clean and compact. It is easy to navigate and has its own man made beach at South Bank Parklands.[/quote][/i:631cbb6c22]As an ex Brisbane person, I can assure you all that the Gold coast and Surfers Paradise is South of Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast is North of Brissie. And for my two bobs worth I wouldn't even bother going south to Surfers its just a tourist trap, the hinterland is nice though. I reckon the northern beaches and towns are much nicer with the exception of Noosa which is a pretentious tourist mecca.

__________________
Australia Travel Forum
Australia Travel Talk