A good question.
A local answer.

Look for a room near a train station or a frequent direct bus, then check the actual evening and weekend schedule. Distance alone does not predict travel time.

Build one area per day: South Bank and its gardens, a river ferry outing, and a quieter gallery or botanic-garden visit. Sit-down breaks make the city more enjoyable.

Prebook a licensed taxi or compare a scheduled rideshare pickup, then confirm the pickup address and terminal. Allow for a no-show contingency.

Ask both airlines whether the bags can be checked through; on separate tickets, plan to collect and keep them overnight. Confirm the next flight's bag-drop opening time.

Check stroller access, laundry and shade around your planned outings. One main activity each day leaves room for a toddler's pace.

Compare Redcliffe, Wynnum and the Gold Coast by door-to-door travel time from your hotel. They offer different waterfront experiences, so decide whether swimming or a promenade is the priority.

List your island accommodation, ferry terminal and intended beaches. A car adds flexibility, but a vehicle ferry needs its own booking and cost.

Reserve early for a major stadium date, but compare refundable rates. Read recent noise reviews and confirm whether the room price includes parking if you will drive.

Compare the operator's actual departure point and total travel time from your hotel, not only the time on the water. Check the season and current sailing dates.

Compare river-facing room categories rather than assuming every room in a hotel has the same view. Ask about construction or road noise on the chosen side.

Keep your home number available if you need travel or banking texts, and disable unwanted roaming data. Download airport and hotel directions before the flight.

Carry a small backup payment option for a market stall or equipment outage, and check international transaction fees on your card.