A good question.
A local answer.

Keep a city alternative for poor weather or a tiring cruise arrival, and check cancellation terms before paying.

Pick South Bank if a riverside family day is the priority, or New Farm if neighbourhood cafés and parks fit better.

For two days, stay near the main attraction so the return does not consume the second morning.

Check the night's event schedule and door policies, since the area's atmosphere varies by venue and hour.

Compare route and toll choices in a current map, then leave a rest stop after the flight.

Arrange a simple return trip before going out and avoid making the evening depend on the last service.

Work backward from check-in, car return and morning traffic before deciding whether the Sunshine Coast departure is comfortable.

Group nearby stops and verify their current hours rather than following an old attraction list in its original order.

Compare airport-area and city hotels by the full transfer and next-day plan, not only the room price.

Choose a non-snorkelling island activity if the operator's minimum skills or the day's conditions exceed your comfort.

Price a prebooked direct transfer and compare it with an airport overnight if public services have finished.

Compare current Sunday trading, food-stall range and travel time from the gardens for the exact date.