Keen to get out of the city and see what's a little further afield? While we here at OB真人视讯 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 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.
Scenic Rim
Image credit: Scenic Rim Farm Shop | Facebook
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 of your chosen walk before you start—some of them require some pretty intense rock scrambling. On your way back, stop by in Caboolture or in Burpengary to refuel.
Redcliffe
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.
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North Stradbroke Island
Image credit: OB真人视讯 | Supplied
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 , 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
Image credit: Maleny Food Co | Amy Higg
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 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.
Toowoomba
Image credit: OB真人视讯 | Supplied
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 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 here.
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 —they're worth the trip alone), they've also got plenty to do, from the to the Japanese-inspired Nerima Gardens and free next door. The 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:
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- The Best Farm Stays Near Brisbane
- The Best Group Getaways Near Brisbane
Image credit: Franquette | Facebook
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