1 day road trip from brisbane

• Sunshine Coast
• New Zealand
• Best Of Brisbane
• Things To Do
• Food & Drink
• Health + Wellness
• Local Escapes
• The U:L Travel 50
• The U:L Fashion 50
• Cold Climate Fits
• Experience Melbourne This Winter
• In Your Element
• Gift Guides
• Live the WA Dream
• Day For A Detour
• Tales of Italy

14 Of The Best Day Trips To Take From Brisbane

By Ranyhyn Laine – who always has time to go to breakfast, no matter how busy she is.

30th Sep 2024

Keen to get out of the city and see what's a little further afield? While we here at Urban List are all about discovering the best of Brisbane, we also fully support scheduling in regular day trips from Brisbane/Meanjin to explore more of what our incredible part of the world has to offer.

Whether you're after waterfalls and wineries or surf and seafood, you'll find it all within just an hour or two of the city—all you need to do is plan your routes. So fill up the tank and hit the road, here are the best day trips to take from Brisbane.

Tamborine Mountain

Every time we venture up to Tamborine, we're shocked anew that this idyllic mountaintop destination is just an hour away—and promise ourselves once again to visit more often. The journey starts with the long, winding scenic drive up into the rainforest, after which your first stop should be Franquette Bakery for one of their croissant loaves—or any of their delish baked goods. Once you've breakfasted, you can visit the area's wine vineyards and distilleries ( Witches Falls Winery  and Cauldron Distillery are both a must), check out the local art galleries, and take a leisurely stoll to Curtis Falls. Find more things to do  here .

Lamington National Park 

If we had to pick a favourite of Brisbane's nearby national parks , Lamington would be it. It has it all—stunning waterfalls, tranquil rainforests, stunning Valley views and even a spa for the type who prefer to take it all in from the comfort of a a cedar wood bathtub. On your way in, make sure you stop in Canungra for a slice of cake and a coffee at the local bakery to fuel you up, and on the way out, you can stop in at Mountview Alpaca Farm for a picnic with a friendly alpaca—no doubt you'll have worked up a hunger with all that hiking.

Any list of day trips from Brisbane wouldn’t be complete without a mention of the Scenic Rim. Located only an hour’s drive south of the city, this massive area covers everything from lush rainforests and waterfalls to vineyards and antique stores. Start with a hearty brunch at the Scenic Rim Farm Shop and cafe, stop in Kalbar for a spot of antique shopping, sample camel feta at Summer Land Camels—we could go on, but really, you can just plan your whole day with our guide  here . 

Glass House Mountains 

If you've got a desperate need to stretch your legs, there's plenty of hikes to tackle in the Glass House Mountains, from gentle strolls, to epic scrambles up steep rocky climbs. You've got your pick of mountains—Mt Ngungun, Mt Tibrogargen and Mt Beerwah are the best known and most hiked, and all of them offer absolutely spectacular views from their peak that are well worth the effort. Just be sure to  check the grade  of your chosen walk before you start—some of them require some pretty intense rock scrambling. On your way back, stop by Gather & Feast in Caboolture or  Aldo’s Patisserie in Burpengary to refuel. 

A road trip through Redcliffe ticks all the boxes for the perfect day out—beautiful beaches, good food, and chilled-out vibes. Start your journey by driving over the Ted Smout Bridge, and witness the pelican feeding frenzy at Pelican Park. Pick up some fish and chips to eat out by the water on the Woody Point Jetty, and go for a stroll (or even a dip) along the foreshore at Settlement Cove. Follow the coast line all the way up to Scarborough for some spectacular strolls along the seaside. Still hungry? There's plenty more cafes and restaurants to seek out before you head home. 

You might also like: 

• The Best Waterfalls Near Brisbane 
• The Best Hikes In And Around Brisbane 
• The Best Beaches In And Around Brisbane

North Stradbroke Island

The picturesque island that is North Stradbroke Island is only a 45-minute drive plus a quick ferry ride away from Brisbane—making it the perfect day trip location. Highlights of island life include the stunning North Gorge Walk, Brown Lake and Point Lookout, which serves as an excellent spot to watch the yearly humpback whale migration when winter rolls around. More adventurous weekend wanderers might also want to take a shot at sand-boarding or go for a bike ride along the crisp white stretches of Straddie’s many beaches. See what else you can do here . 

Bribie Island

The easiest to access of the all the islands near Brisbane, with no boat trip necessary, Bribie is conveniently found floating between the Sunshine Coast and Brisbane. Stroll the beaches, take a dip, or, if you've got the equipment, head out for kayak around the inlet. Once you've worn yourself out, drop in to the  Sandstone Point Hotel , where you'll find The Oyster Shed open for seriously good seafood paired with cocktials to galore to enjoy along the ocean shore. 

Samford And Mount Nebo

It takes around 45 minutes or so to get from the heart of Brisbane out to Samford, but it’ll feel like you’re a world away on this perfect day trip. Once there, visit one of the great local cafes or restaurants in the area, then continue the drive to Mount Nebo or Mount Glorious. Stroll through the bushland, have a leisurely afternoon picnic or check out some of the great local shops, selling everything from sweet treats to books, vintage goods and even all things Harry Potter (no really—it's called The Store Of Requirement and we love it). Check out all the best things to do here . 

Montville And Maleny

When you think Sunshine Coast Hinterlands, you think Montville and Maleny, and it's no wonder—these two quaint towns and the area between them are the creative soul of the region. Start your day with brunch at one Montville’s pretty cafes, before taking a hike through Kondalilla National Park—home to a beautiful waterfall and rock pools perfect for swimming. Hop in the car and head south to Maleny, where you can explore the many second hand bookshops and gift stores before hitting Maleny Food Co for a cheese plate or Maleny Lane for some international flavours. Check out more to do here .

Springbrook National Park

Probably one of the best day trips from Brisbane, Springbrook National Park offers you amazing scenery and plenty of places to explore, not to mention the insanely good views. Be sure to visit the Purling Brook Falls, Canyon Lookout, Wunburra Lookout and the amazing Best Of All Lookout. Here you’ll find panoramic views stretching across both Queensland and New South Wales. If you didn't pack enough snacks to keep you going until you get home, you can always stop at Hotel Panchos for a Mexican feed on your way home.

Moreton Island

The many islands off the coast of SEQ makes for some incredible day trips from Brisbane and none more so arguably than Moreton Island. Just over an hour away by ferry the island is easily explored in a day—head over on the early ferry and you can squeeze in snorkelling around the Tangalooma wrecks, tobogganing down sand dunes, a quick helicopter ride, sunset cocktails on the beach and even dophin feeding before you head back on the evening ferry. Of course, you can always stay the night and make a weekend of it too—check out our full guide here . 

Jump in the car and take the two-hour drive west from Brisbane to Toowoomba. It turns out, Toowoomba has quietly been cultivating an amazing food scene. You’ll find so many great restaurants and cafes, such as The Baker's Duck and their epic baked goods, as well as surprisingly colourful street art scene. Explore the local shops, immerse yourself in stunning views, go for a hike or drive through farmland. Check out our guide h ere .

Ipswich 

Okay, okay—but hear us out. Not only has Ipswich quietly been developing a damn good food scene full of cosy cafes , delicious restaurants and some of the best American BBQ in South East Queensland (find it at Phat Boyz —they're worth the trip alone), they've also got plenty to do, from the Queensland Museum Rail Workshops to the Japanese-inspired Nerima Gardens and free Ipswich Nature Centre next door. The Ipswich Art Gallery is worth a visit too—and it's all only 40 minutes from the city.

Coochiemudlo Island

Hop a ferry from the Victoria Point Jetty to get over to Coochiemudlo; it only takes you 10 minutes to get across to Coochie and should only cost around $4 each way. Once you’re there you can set up camp at one of the beaches, set up a picnic, host your own BBQ or hire a bike and explore the island yourself.

Of course, you could just take a day trip to the Sunshine Coast or the Gold Coast , both of which are less than 150kms away—in which case we've got you well and truly covered with our sister sites.

Keen to spend longer than just a day trip? Head here: 

• The Best Romantic Getaways Near Brisbane 
• The Best Farm Stays Near Brisbane 
• The Best Group Getaways Near Brisbane 

Image credit: Franquette | Facebook 

Urban List Best Of: has our highest stamp of approval—curated lists of the very best recommendations for you to eat, do, see, buy or book, carefully chosen by our Editors.

We're dedicated to keeping our recommendations and content free. BECOME A SUPPORTER

Get our top stories direct to your inbox.

More On …

25 of the best day trips from Brisbane

By Author Toni Broome

Posted on Published: August 27, 2018  - Last updated: January 16, 2023

Looking for fun and fabulous day trips from Brisbane. We have 25 top picks here from the beach to the rainforest, lakes and rivers, wildlife, family fun and adventure.

Brisbane is a great city to both live and visit.  It’s casual and laid back but there are options here for culture, great foodie experiences and more.  It doesn’t have to hurt your pocket either. If you’re visiting the city make sure you also see our top ideas for free things to do in Brisbane .

The sub-tropical climate you’ll find in Brisbane is ideal, it doesn’t hit the scorching highs in summer that some parts of the country do but winter is mostly spent in shorts and t-shirts with plenty of beach visits all year round.

The city has it’s own surf patrolled (man made) beach and plenty of parks and attractions but as with any city after a day or two, or a solid 9-5 week, you’re probably going to want to get outside and explore further afield so we’ve put together a list of our 25 best options for day trips from Brisbane.  You’ll find plenty of variety here to suit everyone – couples, friends, families and singles.

Table of Contents

1. Glasshouse Mountains

2. lamington national park, 3. north stradbroke island, 4. moreton island, 5. currumbin wildlife sanctuary, 6. sea world, 7. bribie island, 8. tamborine mountain, 9. springbrook national park, 10. toowoomba, 12. burleigh heads, 13. mooloolaba, 14. south stradbroke island, 15. northern gold coast beaches, 16. whale watching on the gold coast, 17. wivenhoe dam, 18. eumundi, 19. mary cairncross reserve, 20. southern gold coast beaches, 21. obi obi gorge, 22. byron bay, 23. the northern new south wales beaches, 24. currumbin sculpture festival, 25. sand safari, our recommendations for day trips from brisbane.

The Glasshouse mountains are at the southern end of the Sunshine Coast only an hour from the city.  This distinctive National Park includes 12 distinctive peaks that are the remnant cores of 26 million year old volcanos that once towered above the region.

Some of the peaks have paths you can walk up easily such as Wild Horse Mountain where this photo was taken from, other’s require climbing expertise and equipment for those we prefer the walking trails that circumnavigate them from below.  There are a few cafes in the area, our pick is the Lookout Cafe for its gorgeous outlook, then just carry on a few hundred meters further up the mountain for the lookout park with incredible views, walking trails and wildlife.

Use this guide to plan your visit to the Glasshouse Mountains

Heading south of Brisbane to the Gold Coast we are often drawn to the beauty of the Lamington National Park.  There are 2 sections to this park which are accessed in very different ways so make sure you are headed to the right part.  The Green Mountain section is our favorite and commonly known as O’Reillys for the family that originally settled here and a man that carried out an inspiring rescue against the odds when a passenger plane crashed in the area back in 1937.

Today you’ll find a variety of walks many suitable for the whole family in pristine rain forest and some great destinations on these walks such as the Elabana Falls shown above.  There’s car parking, BBQ’s, plenty of picnic space and a shop and cafe here.  If you’re looking for something longer than a day trip there’s a variety of accommodation right at the park entrance from camping to luxe apartments with private outdoor spa’s.  We’ve stayed here a couple of times and if you’re interested this article will give you an idea of whats available and some of the other activities.

If you love Australian wildlife this is a sure spot to see pademelons, a small species in the wallaby and kangaroo family and the bird life is extensive, we’ve seen a huge variety here including the elusive Alberts Lyrebird and rainbow pitta.

Find some of the best walks in the Lamington National Park

Just a 25-minute ferry trip across Moreton Bay is North Stradbroke Island, a laid back island paradise right on the door step of the city.  There’s a lot to love about a day trip to ‘Straddie’ as it’s known locally but for us, it’s a tie between the wildlife, scenery and fabulous beaches.  There’s also a couple of good cafes popped up on the island recently.

You can take a car across on the car ferry but you’ll have just as much fun jumping on the bus that meets the boat and heading up to Point Lookout.  This is where you’ll find stunning surf beaches, the gorge walk, lookouts and more amazing beaches. 

If you visit in the ‘winter’ you can watch the whales passing on their annual migration, pods of dolphins playing in the surf and sea turtles feeding in the gorge.  There’s also a big mob of kangaroos and you’ll usually spot at least some of those.  Surfing and beach days are popular on the island all year round. 

We met one young Kiwi visitor who was so impressed after having dolphins join her on her wave while body surfing that she was making an impromptu decision to turn her day trip into an overnight stay hoping to repeat the experience again the next day.

Read More:  Our tops picks of what to do on North Stradbroke Island

Moreton Island is sometimes referred to as Tangalooma after the major resort on the island.  It’s another top spot for a day trip from Brisbane but there is plenty to see and do out here on the island so it’s also a popular spot to stay a few days. 

The boat runs out here from Brisbane in the morning and after a short stop you can rejoin it during the ‘winter’ months to head out whale watching.  Early in the trip we spotted turtles, dolphins and off the coast of Morton Island is where I saw my very first dugong .  The whales are in transit from Antarctica to the Great Barrier Reef but they still show a natural curiosity in checking out boats so the sightings were good.

We had lunch on the boat then when you get back to there island there’s time to explore.  There are wrecks offshore that have formed into reefs and provide a home for a good variety of sea life, you can hire a kayak to take a look if you don’t want to snorkel or dive.  You can also hire cycles with sand tires or head out sand tobogganing.  As a day visitor we were able to use the resort facilities and we stayed on into the evening taking the last boat back to see the great sunset and the other special attractions of Tangalooma, the visiting dolphins.

Early in the evening a pod of wild dolphins come into shore and under a special licence you are able to feed them here.  The history of this goes back a long way and led to Nari, one of the dolphins a decade or so back being able to be rescued, healed and returned to his pod after he was badly mauled by a shark (you can read more about Nari in the article below). 

Care is taken to ensure they are given locally caught fish and that what they receive only makes up only a small portion of their daily diet so they eat and play naturally the rest of the time.  Not every dolphin in the pod comes in, and those that do don’t come in every day, trained staff supervise every encounter to ensure it is done in a safe way and of course you must not touch the dolphin.

For more information see:  Whales, dugongs, dolphins and more at Morton Island

While I’ll highlight many spots to encounter Australia’s wildlife in their natural setting near Brisbane in other sections of this post,  visitors may want to include a wildlife sanctuary during their time in Brisbane to see a variety of Australian animals and for the educational aspect.

For that, we’d recommend either Currumbin or the nearby  David Fleay Wildlife Park .  These two have a strong conservation focus, they prioritise local wildlife over exotics their priority is animal welfare, conservation and education.

Read more about the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary |  Check for deals at Currumbin Sanctuary

There are a number of theme parks within easy access of Brisbane that make a great family day trip.  Sea World in Australia is heavily involved in marine rescue and many of the birds and animals here are rescues that were unable to be released back to the wild for various reasons related to their own safety.

Sea World is located on The Spit on the Gold Coast around an hours drive from Brisbane.  It’s also possible to get here with public transport or joining a tour that includes transport but we’d highly recommend driving so you can stop off at some of the stunning beaches in the area.

In addition to the animals there’s also water ski and jet bike shows, thrill rides, a water park and the Nickelodeon area featuring shows and rides for the younger family members.

Read our tips for a day at Sea World Australia   |  Check out deals on Sea World tickets

Another of Queensland’s large sand islands, Bribie, is attached to the mainland by a causeway so you won’t even need a boat to get out here.  On the inland side of the island are calm waters perfect for a day at the beach with the family, on the seaward side there’s some incredible surf.

Bribie has had increased residential development in recent years but most of the island is National Park with no roads so you’ll need a 4-wheel drive, permit and sand driving experience to see more than the southern tip.  That said, the southern tip is beautiful and you don’t need to walk very far from the car parking to find a good stretch of sand to yourself.  The island is also a bird watchers paradise and has some interesting walkways and history to explore.

Read more | Tips on visiting Bribie Island

Mount Tamborine is a relaxed hinterland area halfway between Brisbane and the Gold Coast.  It’s only an hours drive to experience this beautiful area of rain forest on the Scenic Rim.  The National Park here is divided into 6 distinct parts containing walking tracks, lookouts, waterfalls and other attractions.  Some popular sections we enjoy are the Witches Falls and Cedar Creek tracks.

On Mount Tamborine, you’ll also find the Gallery Walk with restaurants and interesting shops to explore, a botanic garden, the Skywalk where you can observe the rain forest section from above and within, glow worm caves plus a variety of foodie treats from cheesemakers to wineries.

Another spot on the Scenic Rim with excellent National Park walks and fabulous scenery is the Springbrook National Park.  There’s a whole list of walks and lookout’s we enjoy down here but two I’d highly recommend when visiting are the Twin Falls circuit shown above and the Natural Bridge , click on either link for more visitor information. 

It’s quite possible to do one in the morning, visit another spot such as Goomoolahra Falls for your picnic lunch then complete the other walk in the afternoon.

Toowoomba is a provincial city 125 km inland from Brisbane.  A day trip out here can include the views from the impressive lookout , hiking trails and one of the best Japanese gardens in Australia.

For foodies, you’ll want to check out the farmer’s markets, farm gate sales and cellar doors.  In the city itself, there’s also a thriving cafe culture that’s sprung up in recent years and a fabulous collection of street art murals .

Our comprehensive guide to exploring Toowoomba

At the northern end of the Sunshine Coast, about a 90 minute drive from Brisbane is Noosa.  This popular holiday area also makes a fun and easy day trip from the city.  The main beach of Noosa is popular with surfers and can be quite busy but walk a little way down towards the river and the beach is just as good and almost deserted a lot of the time.  Keep walking and you’ll come to a sheltered calm water swimming beach and the river.  From here is a great place to watch the sunset.

The Noosa National Park has 15 km of walking tracks within the forest, along the cliff top and down on the beaches.  If you do the Coastal Track be aware that Alexandria Bay is illegally used as a nudist beach especially the southern end which you need to pass to rejoin and complete the 10.8 km return walk to Sunshine Beach. There are a number of excellent shorter walking tracks and a variety of wildlife including koala are regularly seen within the park

The Burleigh Heads National park is only 27 hectares but squeezed into this space you will find rainforest habitat, eucalypt forest, groves of distinctive coastal pandanus, tussock grassland, coastal heath, creeks and mangroves, the rocky foreshore and glorious sandy beaches. 

The rainforest circuit where this photo is taken from is 2.3 km return, there’s also an ocean view track which we normally like to take on the return walk.

If you enter from the northern end off of the Gold Coast Highway and turn into Goodwin Terrace you’ll find public parking here and also an excellent selection of local cafes to complete your day trip experience.

Mooloolaba is one of my personal favourites on the Sunshine Coast.  You have a long stretch of gorgeous sandy beach here, a shady boardwalk, many park areas, the river and a break wall between the ocean and the river that’s a popular walk and fishing spot.  You’ll also find Sea Life Sunshine Coast which we’ve reviewed previously and a wide selection of cafes, restaurants and accommodation.

There is so much to see and do in Mooloolaba and it’s only an 80-minute drive from Brisbane and makes an ideal day trip destination.

There are a number of tours that run out to South Stradbroke Island from the Gold Coast, it’s actually only 200 metres off the end of the Spit so it’s a quick trip over then you can spend your day as you wish, enjoy the facilities of the Couran Cove Resort, swim and explore the 22 km of sandy beaches & 1800 hectare conservation park.

For something a bit different you can kayak out to Wavebreak and South Stradbroke Islands  on a full day trip with time to explore, lunch, relaxation and activities on the island.  We’ve kayaked out with a group a few years ago and it was way easier than we expected.

The most famous and longest established of the Gold Coast beaches is Surfers Paradise, it’s still a lovely stretch of sand with a wide promenade and some great cafes, restaurants and accommodation.  Over the years Broadbeach & Mermaid Beach, one beach south, has become our favourite being a little more laid back and home to some of our top picks for cafes on the Gold Coast.

All three are surf beaches with wide expanses of soft white sand and have designated patrolled swimming areas.  Also in the northern group of beaches to explore are Main Beach, the Spit and the Broadwater.

We’ve been whale watching many times along the east coast of Australia.  Our most recent outing was on the Gold Coast.

This migratory group of humpback whales make their way from Antarctica to the Great Barrier Reef each year.  They are estimated to number over 30,000 based on an annual whale census and their numbers are recovering annually.  This means you have an excellent chance of some good sightings between August and October each year.  We booked for the morning trip as winds and waves tend to increase later in the day and saw a good number of whales, if you’re unlucky and for some reason don’t see a whale you can take a second trip for free.

Check Gold Coast whale watch prices and reviews

The Wivenhoe Dam was built on the Brisbane River in the 1970s to protect the city from floods.  Not only is it now the main water supply for the city but it’s also a great recreational destination for swimming, kayaking and sailing. 

There are a number of recreational parklands around the lake and not all of them allow for water based activities with restrictions for safety reasons around the spill wall.  This one closest to the spillway is one that doesn’t allow direct access to the water but it has an extensive park and picnic areas and it’s a great spot for koala spotting.

The town of Eumundi is well known for the huge and diverse Eumundi market, an ever-growing market encompassing local artists, craft, produce and more.  Originally it was all outdoor stalls but developments in recent years have expanded the market area including some undercover options.

The town has bars and cafes to stop and relax if you want somewhere to stop for a while or grab something from the market itself and you’ll find plenty of places to sit on the grassy banks.  There are regular events here too, one we really enjoyed is the Eumundi body art festival .

Just 15 minutes away is the Noosa Botanical Gardens on the shores of Lake Mackenzie and Eumundi is on the way to Noosa so the two can be easily combined into a day trip,

In the Blackall ranges on the Sunshine Coast, you will find the Mary Cairncross conservation park around 90 km from Brisbane.   There are 55 hectares of sub-tropical rainforest on the mountain here and a well developed walking path and boardwalk in parts.  Despite that it’s an excellent spot from seeing local wildlife including birds, pademelons a small marsupial in the kangaroo family and even the endangered mountain crayfish, a blue coloured found only in a couple of mountain ranges around here above 240 metres.

In addition to the walkway, you’ll find parklands, BBQ and picnic facilities an information centre and cafe.  A visit here is ideal to combine with exploring the mountain villages of Maleny and Montville.

With 66km of stunning Gold Coast beaches, it’s going to take a lot of time to visit them all so it’s necessary to make some choices to narrow it down.  The attraction of the southern Gold Coast beaches including Burleigh, Currumbin, Tugan and Kirra are that they are a little less developed and quieter than the northern beaches.

They are all strikingly beautiful surf beaches with wide white sandy stretches, many have dune areas and others have lagoon, mangrove and creeks heading inland.

The Obi Obi gorge is a diverse natural area on the Sunshine Coast near Maleny.  It’s located next to the Baroon Pocket Dam and from here you can take a 7 km return walk on the Baroon Lookout track, the views from the track are fabulous and you generally see diverse birdlife along the track.  Not far from the car park there’s a detour down to the gorge and swimming hole.  Another alternative is rock-hopping along the gorge but be prepared to get wet in parts.

The are picnic and BBQ facilities nearby at the lake edge and across the dam wall or head back up the road into Maleny for a variety of cafe options.

Byron Bay is a 2-hour drive from Brisbane and I have to admit I do prefer to stay down there for a night or two when we go but we’ve done it as a day trip several times with friends and visitors and if that’s what works for your itinerary then I’d definitely make this trip for the day, you can see and do plenty in that time.

Byron Bay retains it’s laid back surf vibe despite its ever-increasing popularity and while getting a car park can be a challenge some days you are sure to find yourself a wave and space on the sand at one of it’s 9 stunning beaches.  Byron is an iconic Aussie destination and we highly recommend a visit.

Read more about the Byron Bay beaches and other attractions in this article

Around an hour and a half from Brisbane, you’ll reach the northern New South Wales beaches including Fingal Head, Kingscliff and Salt beach.  It’s a popular holiday destination and increasingly growing as a residential subdivision but still relatively quiet.

The beaches here are gorgeous for long relaxed walks, beach days and there’s a wide walking and bike path shaded in part by the casuarina trees along the beach edge at Kingscliff.  From Fingal head and many of the other headlands along here you’ll see whales passing during the migration season and don’t miss the Giants Causeway, an interesting basalt lava rock formation that extends under the water to Cook Island.

Read more | What to see and do around the Northern  NSW beaches

My 2 final suggestions for day trips from Brisbane are annual events. There’s a big range of these and something to suit all interests, these are just 2 examples that make a great addition to your time in the region. 

The Swell Festival has been running for many years during the month of September and includes many local and international artists who create sculptures, often of significant size on the beach and foreshore in Currumbin.  During the festival, you’ll find coffee vans and food trucks offering a variety on top of the local cafes, live music and other entertainment.  The sculptures are also lit at night adding a different way to enjoy them.

Helpful tips for planning a visit to the Swell Festival

The Sand Safari is another annual event, this time in February and held predominantly at Surfers Paradise although related displays pop up around the Gold Coast.  The enormous sandcastles are created by international and local artists along the wide promenade in front of the beach. 

The artworks usually take the shape of fantasy and cartoon characters which are loved by kids and adults alike.  They are made entirely of sand and water then sprayed with an environmentally safe sealant to help them stand up to the elements for the duration of the festival.

During the event you an vote for the one you like the best and there’s an extra-large central display which is worked on by many artists for you to watch the creators at work and ask any questions.  The festival is perfect combined with a day at the beach or exploring Surfers Paradise, the best known of the Gold Coast beaches.

Have you visited one, or all, of these fantastic destinations near Brisbane?  Do you enjoy day trips as a way of exploring a region?  If you have any questions when planning your visit please ask in the comments section below.  For those places you want to add to your itinerary we have in-depth articles full of tips on many of them that we’ve also linked up above.

Interested?  Save these images to Pinterest to find again later

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

10 incredible day trips from Brisbane

Kristie Lau-Adams

Travel Journalist

24 September 2024

Press pause on the Big Smoke for some nature-loving meandering on the best day trips from Brisbane.

Emerging entertainment precincts, lush urban parklands, sparkling riverfront dining — Brisbane hums with the good life . But Queensland’s capital is also a perfectly situated launchpad for out-of-the-box adventure just a little beyond the city. Offering proximity to ancient rainforests, intoxicating beach towns, charming country life and more, any one of the beautiful day trips from Brisbane are holidays in their own right. Here, we collate our favourites.

1. North Stradbroke Island (Minjerribah)

Perfect for: A beach break

Live the island life at North Stradbroke Island , or Minjerribah to the land’s traditional custodians. Grab your cozzies and hop on a ferry from Cleveland to immerse yourself in picturesque beaches, sleepy townships and Stradie Brewing Co ., one very cool brewery drawing serious crowds.

Stradie Brewing Co. is worth the day trip alone. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

Overnight camping on North Stradbroke Island is common but you can still experience the best bits in one day. Once you’ve arrived at Dunwich, there are a few shops and eateries to explore but it’s all about getting into nature on this day trip from Brisbane. North Gorge Headland is brimming with local wildlife, dolphins frequent Amity Point’s jetty and Point Lookout offers sensational views.

Point Lookout offers the best views of North Stradbroke Island. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

Distance from the CBD:  It’s a 45-minute drive to reach the ferry terminal (which transfers vehicles too) before jumping on board for another 25 minutes if you’re without a car and 50 minutes if you’ve got one.

2. Bribie Island

Perfect for: A slice of island life

Forget the ferries. Bribie Island is the city’s most convenient island day escape thanks to a bridge that connects from Sandstone Point. It’s an old single-lane-each-way structure, set to undergo a multi-lane upgrade in the coming years, but once you’ve hit paradise, you won’t give it a second thought.

Bribie Island is one of the easiest islands to visit from Brisbane in a day. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland/G’Day Adventure Tours)

Chilled-out pubs, epic water sports, 4WD trails through Bribie Island National Park, boat charters, family-friendly swimming conditions (especially at Bongaree) and a handful of great eateries speckle this soothing escape.

Bongaree Foreshore is great for swimming. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

Distance from the CBD:  Just over an hour’s drive.

Perfect for:  Discovering a new foodie scene

One of Queensland’s oldest cities, Ipswich fills its heritage streets with a serious cafe culture, laneway eateries and edgy boutiques.

Shop and eat along the heritage streets of Ipswich. (Image: Ipswich City Council)

Colonial buildings and Tower Central’s iconic clock tower mightn’t look like more than old postcards but wander the suburb’s Top of Town precinct (bordered by Ellenborough and Waghorn Streets) for a highly energised dose of cool.

Step into the artsy boutiques in Ipswich. (Image: Ipswich City Council)

The Ipswich Antique Centre is also worth visiting during this day trip from Brisbane, situated inside an 1895 heritage building, as is White Rock Conservation Park if beautiful bushwalks are your thing.

Float above Ipswich in a hot air balloon.

Distance from the CBD: A 45-minute drive.

4. Toowoomba

Perfect for:  Garden lovers.

The largest inland city in Queensland, Toowoomba is stunning to look at and brimming with an incredible sense of culture.

Hike up Table Top Mountain on the outskirts of Toowoomba. (Image: Ariana Potamianakis)

Best known for its Carnival of Flowers , one of the most unique things to do in Toowoomba , the day trip from Brisbane flows with lush parklands, the Queensland Museum Cobb+Co  which charts a fascinating history of the entire state, the Table Top Loop bush walk at Table Top Mountain and outstanding dining at the likes of Bergen , Piccolo Papa  and Host Dining + Wine Bar .

See colourful blooms at the Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

Distance from the CBD:  Just over 1.5 hours via car.

5. Redcliffe

Perfect for: A family-friendly escape.

Attracting beach-hungry Brisbanites for its ultra-calm conditions and spacious public barbecue facilities, Redcliffe’s Suttons Beach, one of Brisbane’s best beaches , offers sublime swims for the entire tribe. Plus, there’s Settlement Cove, a manmade lagoon that’s chockers come the weekend.

Settlement Cove Lagoon provides the perfect setting for a family day out. (Image: Visit Moreton Bay Region)

Just add a generous dash of seaside dining (including excellent fish and chips pit stops), a scattering of idyllic coastal trails, an always relaxed holiday atmosphere and this day trip from Brisbane is a serious no-brainer.

Dine by the sea in Redcliffe. (Image: Kara Hamilton)

Distance from the CBD:  A 45-minute drive.

6. The Gold Coast

Perfect for:  Big city energy by the beach

Theme parks , up-all-night revelry, hipster bars  and an incredible craft beer scene  — the Gold Coast’s got everything  a day trip from Brisbane should. Skip the tourist traps of Surfers Paradise for the southern end’s understated charms.

Dine by the beach at the Mediterranean-inspired Tropic Restaurant in Burleigh Heads. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

Currumbin is home to the iconic Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary  and epic waterfront eateries like Tarte Beach House  and Tommy’s Italian , Coolangatta’s got elegant Pipi’s  and Kirra Beach House  and the Burleigh Pavilion  boasts The Tropic  and breathtaking beachfront views.

The Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary is a must-visit. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

Distance from the CBD:  A smidge over one hour’s drive if traffic on the Pacific Motorway plays kind.

7. Glass House Mountains

Perfect for:  Hinterland magic

Located in the lush Sunshine Coast hinterland , the Glass House Mountains are a multi-sensory wonderland. Uncover hidden swimming spots, waterfalls, cosy towns (including Beerwah, littered with pretty walking trails and the always impressive Australia Zoo ), mountainous views and unique flora and fauna.

Fog envelops Glass House Mountains. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

Simply breathing in the Glass House Mountains National Park , no matter where you land, offers food for the soul however reaching the peak of Mount Ngungun presents views of the region that will utterly floor you.

Take the Mount Ngungun summit walking track for jaw-dropping views. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

Distance from the CBD:  A one-hour drive.

8. Tamborine Mountain

Perfect for:  Wine tasting and distillery hopping.

Stomach the relentlessly winding roads up to Tamborine Mountain and you’ll be rewarded with a quaint village life and high-quality wines and spirits.

Pop by the Tamborine Living boutique retail store. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

Hit Long Road for the main stretch of cafes, boutiques and the ever-quirky German Cuckoo Clock Nest  before sniffing out Witches Falls , the region’s most beloved winery and tasting experience.

Visit the lush vineyards of Witches Falls Winery. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

Then head to Tamborine Mountain Distillery , where you can book masterclasses, and Mason Winery  for their beautiful restaurant and cellar door.

Join a masterclass at Tamborine Mountain Distillery. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

Distance from the CBD:  One hour’s drive.

9. Boonah  

Perfect for:  Embracing Queensland’s countryside

Flagged as one of Australia’s best emerging regions  within Queensland’s Scenic Rim, Boonah is seriously underrated. Craft breweries, wineries and culinary gems are hidden in this scenic country town, not to mention the mountainous views that envelope your exploration.

Ketchup’s Bank is a glamping haven in Boonah.

Too much to savour in one day? The accommodation stakes are great too, particularly if you’re a glamping fan as Ketchup’s Bank Glamping  is one of the country’s most blissful rainforest offerings.

The luxe set-up opens out onto a deck and a fire pit.

Distance from the CBD:  A one hour and 15-minute drive.

10. Canungra  

Perfect for: A picnic in nature

Another standout town in the Scenic Rim region, Canungra is a top-notch day trip from Brisbane if you’re a sucker for country life.

Lamington National Park delivers spectacular views from every angle. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

Don’t leave town without sampling one of the buttery homemade pies at The Outpost Cafe  and locally produced wines at O’Reilly’s Canungra Valley Vineyard , but also carve out plenty of time to marvel in the tranquil West Canungra Creek within Lamington National Park, which is a magnet for picnic goers.

Picnic at O’Reilly’s Canungra Valley Vineyards. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

Kristie Lau-Adams is a Gold Coast-based freelance writer after working as a journalist and editorial director for almost 20 years across Australia's best-known media brands including The Sun-Herald, WHO and Woman's Day. She has spent significant time exploring the world with highlights including trekking Japan’s life-changing Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage and ziplining 140 metres above the vines of Mexico’s Puerto Villarta. She loves exploring her own backyard (quite literally, with her two young children who love bugs), but can also be found stalking remote corners globally for outstanding chilli margaritas and soul-stirring cultural experiences.

LEAVE YOUR COMMENT

Cancel reply.

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

You might also like

The best family accommodation in Brisbane for the ultimate getaway

The kids will sleep like a log at these family-friendly stays. Finding the ideal spot to rest your head after a big day of exploring is hard work. We...

Brisbane’s must-eat dishes: Your guide to the city’s best bites

Have a limited time to explore Brisbane and only want to eat the best? We’ve narrowed down a selection of the city’s best dishes, from breakfast c...

10 best trails for hiking in Brisbane (no matter your skill level)

Get those legs moving all while exploring more of Queensland’s natural beauty. Brisbane is full of incredible restaurants, a bustling cafe scene an...

The best Brisbane art gallery experiences you can’t miss

Whether you’re an art connoisseur or simply appreciate the beauty and talent that goes into it, the art scene is a thriving metropolis in Brisbane. ...

Brisbane’s 10 best viewpoints and lookouts

Whether you want water views, panoramic vistas, adrenaline-fuelled adventures or lazy days on relaxed islands, Brisbane is packed with activities and ...

15 stunning spots for bottomless brunch in Brisbane

Cheers fun-fuelled indulgence with your people at the best places to bottomless brunch in Brisbane. At the liveliest spots to bottomless brunch in Br...

© Australian Traveller Media 2024. All rights reserved.

Get the latest travel news, insider tips, offers and more, direct to your inbox.