Bonneville America Forums Forums Off Topic Discussion Forums Lounge Questions for the Aussie's

I'm going to be doing some work, in June, up near Dalby, QLD. My plan is to fly into Sydney on a Saturday night and play tourist on Sunday. Monday, pick up a car rental and start to head up to Brizzie. I have to be there sometime on Tuesday, preferably early afternoon. I'm told Dalby is 2-3 hours drive from Brizzie.
At the end of the job, we'll just make a one-day marathon drive back down to a hotel near the Sydney airport. Our flight leaves at 10 AM the next day.
So, I'm looking both for suggestions as to where to stay for the night on Monday (I want to drive 8-9 hours before stopping for the night), as well as any suggestions as to what to see, on my time off, while in Dalby.
I know the Gold Coast will be nearby. If there's any good vineyards, that would be of interest as well, as the wife has enjoyed the vineyards in SA and WA.

I'm also open to suggestions as where to stay while in Sydney. I was thinking of the Marriott in Circular Quay, but at almost $300/night, that's kind of pricey. I'd like someplace that we can easily get around and see the main sites, like the Opera House. My wife is not one for walking long distances.

Thanks in advance.
Steve