During the long vacation, if you're thinking of traveling to a distant place, you can consider Australia. Brisbane, the third largest city in Australia, and the holiday destination of the Gold Coast are very close to each other. It only takes about 1.5 hours to travel between the two places by bus or train. You can plan a balanced itinerary to enjoy both the lively city atmosphere and the sun and sea at these two popular tourist destinations.

When taking a long-haul flight, it's helpful to bring along some items to make your journey more comfortable, such as a neck pillow, noise-canceling Bluetooth headphones, and a Bluetooth transmitter.

Story Bridge is a landmark in Brisbane. It spans 777 meters in length, 24 meters in width, and stands 74 meters high, connecting the northern and southern parts of the city across the Brisbane River. There are only three climbable steel bridges worldwide, and Story Bridge is one of them. It is even listed as a heritage site in the state of Queensland, making it absolutely worth visiting to witness its grandeur and experience the excitement of climbing a bridge. Climbing to the top of Story Bridge allows you to enjoy the breathtaking view of the Brisbane River and take classic photos with the backdrop of the Brisbane cityscape.

Capturing the magnificence of such a bridge cannot be fully achieved with just a mobile phone or camera. Bringing a drone allows you to capture the surrounding landscape of the bridge and also record the unforgettable moment of climbing the bridge. In Brisbane, drone usage is limited to one drone per flight during daylight hours. It is recommended to do thorough research and review the local regulations regarding drone usage before each departure to ensure a hassle-free travel experience.

Have you ever experienced enjoying the sun and beach right in the middle of the city? South Bank Parklands is a unique attraction located on the site of the "1988 World Expo" in Brisbane. It has been transformed into an urban beach park with white sand and adjacent lagoons, surrounded by skyscrapers and a Ferris wheel. The park also features green spaces, restaurants, and shops, making it convenient to relax at South Bank Parklands after a day of shopping in the city. Once you've had your fun, you can easily find nearby dining options to recharge and continue your adventures.

To fully enjoy the enthusiasm of the Gold Coast, it's important to be prepared for water activities. Bringing waterproof bags and backpacks allows you to travel freely without worrying about your belongings getting wet.

From June to November each year, humpback whales migrate from the coast of Antarctica to warmer waters, providing a rare opportunity to witness these magnificent creatures up close. Simply book a whale watching experience online, departing from either Brisbane or the Gold Coast, to have more flexibility in planning your itinerary. Watching whales as they swim, play, and breach in the deep blue sea will truly make your trip unforgettable.

As the seas can be rough on whale watching cruises, bringing a selfie stabilizer with vibration reduction and tracking features can help capture clear photos of the humpback whales.

Sea World is the oldest and most iconic theme park on the Gold Coast, offering a variety of precious marine animals such as penguins, polar bears, sharks, and sea lions, as well as exciting marine animal shows. In addition to the marine animals, Sea World also features over ten amusement rides and attractions suitable for visitors of all ages. Whether you're a family with children or a young couple on a romantic getaway, Sea World is a great choice. Moreover, the Gold Coast is also home to Warner Bros. Movie World and Wet'n'Wild, making it a trio of major theme parks. You can purchase park combo tickets online before your visit for better deals!

When visiting theme parks, it's inevitable to spend a long time waiting in outdoor queues. Bringing a portable fan will help you stay cool and maintain a positive mood throughout the day of fun and entertainment.

Just within an hour's drive from the Gold Coast or Brisbane, you can reach Tamborine Mountain National Park, escaping the hustle and bustle of the city and immersing yourself in the tranquility of the rainforest. Embark on the Tamborine Rainforest Skywalk, where visitors can get up close with various flora and fauna, including tropical birds and giant lizards, and truly enjoy the thrill of exploring the rainforest. For those seeking adventure, consider experiencing ziplining in the gorge, offering a different perspective to appreciate the allure of the tropical rainforest. To gain a deeper understanding of the rainforest ecology, you can also join a guided tour led by professional biologists to explore the habitat of fireflies.

To capture your activity experiences or the dynamic movements of precious wildlife, consider bringing a compact camera along on your journey. This way, you can capture the best moments wherever and whenever they occur based on the activities and your needs.