A good question.
A local answer.

Choose a hotel with easy access to the places you will visit, not only the airport. For a short stay, a slightly longer arrival transfer can be worth a better city base.

Choose a park or neighbourhood you would enjoy even if the trees are past peak. Pair the walk with a river stop or cafe so the day does not hinge on one bloom.

Mount Coot-tha keeps travel simple from Brisbane and offers a choice of shorter paths. Check the current track notice and forecast, then choose a route that suits your footwear and available time.

If you retain the tight connection, travel with documents ready and monitor both flights. Do not rely on the first airline to rebook a separate domestic ticket if its flight runs late.

Book the meal that matters most and build the route around it. Check the restaurant's current lunch or dinner service; a recommendation is only useful if the kitchen is open on your day.

If the incoming flight is delayed, speak to airline staff before arranging anything yourself. Keep the booking reference and travel documents handy so they can advise on the next available option.

For a car-free day, favour a place with a simple rail or coach connection and a compact plan once there. Build in the local bus or tram leg and the last practical return.

Choose museums and galleries by current exhibitions and opening days. Keep one flexible morning for weather and let the group set the walking distance rather than following a rigid checklist.

A public viewing area may give a better experience than a room window. Compare crowd access, arrival time and the route home before deciding that a hotel view is worth its price.

Confirm that your rental company permits the vehicle on the ferry and on the roads serving the campsite. Vehicle size, road surface and insurance terms matter more than a campsite's photos.

Choose one main activity for the following morning, such as a museum precinct, a ferry ride or a wildlife visit. Check its opening and return travel time before committing.

Choose a dining area that fits your hotel and arrival time. After an afternoon flight, a relaxed meal close to the room may be more enjoyable than crossing town for a famous address.