Itinerary

Day one

Tacky, maybe, but theme-park it today. Choose from Sea World, Dreamworld or Movieworld. All very good!

Day two

Beach day. Bring your bling caftan (at last, somewhere legit to wear it!), a book and sunscreen. Spend the afternoon indulging in a snooze/massage/pedicure/manicure, or combination of the four. Chill on your balcony with a bottle of wine and a pizza from Marie's.

Day three

Head to Byron Bay via brekkie at Twisted Sista (4 Lawson St, ph: (07) 6685 6810). Check out the Cape Gallery and the Byron Bay Green House. Then go up to the Lighthouse after a detour to Wattegos's Beach. Lighthouse parking can be iffy, so be prepared to walk.

The Bryon Bay Farmer's Markets are on Thursdays and Saturdays — make sure your visit coincides. Your stomach will be thankful!

Have lunch at the Bangalow Hotel in Bangalow, then roam around the boutiques, antique shops and to-die-for bookstores in this quaint town before heading home.

Day four

Repeat your beach day. You came for sunshine, didn't you?!

Day five

Wineries, pubs on cliffs, gallery walks, four-wheel driving tours, rainforests, hang-gliding and more await you in the mountains. Have lunch at the famous Songbirds of the Forest, or the equally famous (yet low-key) St Bernard's Hotel. Check out the hang-gliders taking off various cliffs, or have a go yourself!

Bushwalking is also a great idea, especially in summer. Check out Lamington National Park, Binna Burra or O'Reilly's Rainforest Guest House to find the right bushwalking option for you and yours.

Day six

Today is the day to properly experience Bris Vegas. Take the Vulture Street exit and follow it to Boundary Street, West End. Here, make a pit stop at The Avid Reader bookstore for coffee and cakes (the lemon tea cake is amazing). Just try to resist a literary purchase!

Next on the list is GOMA, The Queensland Art Gallery. While on the educational kick, visit the State Library and the Queensland Museum as well. The various gift shops...