Well the trip is done and wanted to thank you all for your suggestions.
Ended up only making it to Cairnes and Maroochydore. Stopped in Brisbane long enough to clear outbound Customs and never left the airport. Saw the Great Barrier Reef, Kuranda, Fraser Island etc. etc. Did my best to drink all your beer but was unable to complete the task. Saw plenty of what I now refer to as the Australian National Vehicle. A Toyota Land Cruiser (year is unimportant) with bars and a snorkle.
Had a great time and look forward to coming back again one day.