Brisbane?

[NRV051]

I would also hit some of the mountains maybe check out some rain forrest like Tamborine mountain (wine tasting, cheese factories and distilaries)or Samford valley. Also if there is a decent race on and the wife is intrested I would head out to willowbank raceway and see some of Australias finnest drag racing. Check out there website for schedules. The Gold Coast is where most tourists spend their time with all the theme parks etc but like you said try and avoid the parks, trust me you have better ones in the USA.

I would definatly check out Kustum city at the coast thought, some top quality work being done down there.

Enjoy your stay while you are here.

Gav