How should a couple use two Brisbane nights after the Gold Coast?

If Australia Zoo is the priority, keep that as the full second day and book a nearby dinner afterward. Check tour return times before committing.

Compare the Gold Coast-to-hotel route with luggage, then check the earliest reliable trip to the airport. The morning flight should determine your last night's location.

Stay near a useful rail or river connection and make the first evening a short riverside walk and dinner. Two nights are enough for one main outing, not every attraction.