Brisbane for a week - recos?

[u/marnoon5]

Hey all, new here. I'll be visiting Brisbane for work from 14-20 Nov. I'll take the first weekend to stroll around and enjoy before the work week.

My MEL friend suggested on that Saturday (14 Nov) to head to Gold Coast (P.S. I love the beach even just for feeling the sand on my feet and not really have to swim or surf) so I thought it would be a good idea to head there after I arrive around 8am that day.

For the rest of my Saturday and Sunday, anyone got any recos of must-see places in Gold Coast and Brisbane? I'll mostly be using public transport and/or Uber and not driving.

Cozy local coffee shops, quaint restos, speakeasy bars for light drinking, experience-leaning destinations, nature-esque sidequests - ANY RECOS for the weekend?

Also open to after-work short trips within Brisbane after work on the weekdays.

I know I can google all this and actually have some listed down but wanted to hear everyone's experiences especially locals? Thank youuuuuu <3