We all know Brisbane, as we should. We know it’s a place for arts, culture, food and the chillest people. But if you’re looking to spice up your Brissy vacay, there are heaps of day trips for you, from wineries, to rainforests to rolling ocean views.
8 Day Trips From Brisbane
1. Scenic Rim
Did you know there’s a World Heritage listing just an hour’s drive from Brisbane? And yup, like the name suggest, it’s pretty dang scenic. Think rainforests, mountain ranges and ancient rock formations. Perfect for a day trip of scenic bushwalking, but they also have accomodation there so you can extend your stay.
If you are going to stay longer, you should probably organise it around Eat Local Week, the week long food and wine festival held in the area.
2. Noosa National Park
If you didn’t already know Noosa has some killer beaches then you’ve obviously been living with your head in the sand and you’re going to have such a wondrous time now it’s out.
The ocean-side national park where rainforest meets the sea is also a wildlife sanctuary, so there’s creatures galore in there. Not to mention the Insta-famous natural rock pools dubbed the Fairy Pools that you won’t be able to resist getting a photo of.
3. Mount Tamborine
Consider yourself a beverage connoisseur? Take an hour long drive from Brissy to Mount Tamborine and indulge your foodie side with several wineries, distilleries and endless cafe and restaurant options. If you need a break from eating and drink – if that’s actually a thing – there’s plenty of picturesque walks for all levels throughout he national park, including to Tamborine Mountain Waterfalls.
4. North Stradbroke Island
Aka ‘Straddie‘ to the locals, this island is your perfect getaway when you’re looking for some chill island vibes but you only have a day or weekend. It’s just a short ferry ride from the mainland, and yes you can bring your car.
If you’re looking for more island getaways that are easy to reach from Queensland’s capital, have a gander at these ones I prepared earlier.
5. Lamington National Park
I know, cuuuute name. Is it actually full of lamingtons? No. But this national park on the Gold Coast IS famous for it’s section of the ancient Gondwana Rainforests, which is the only place you’ll find the rare Albert’s lyrebird, for all you bird-watching aficionados.
6. Springbrook National Park
Springbrook National Park also boasts part of the Gondwana Rainforests. Why is this so exciting? Because these trees are SO old that they’re living proof of Gondwanaland’s existence. Springbrook also features a much loved Natural Bridge, a natural rock formation that was shaped by the force of a waterfall.
7. Glass House Mountains
The craggy peaks of the Glass House Mountains are a very distinctive landmark in the Sunshine Coast’s hinterlands, making for some pretty dramatic #nature shots. The surrounding national park have plenty of walking tracks throughout he rainforest so you can check out all the angles.
8. Burleigh Heads
Whether you’re into good food, good views, or good bush walking, Burleigh Heads is a great day trip for you. As it’s part of the Gold Coast, beautiful beaches and plenty of learn to surf classes should be no surprise. There’s a national park for wandering, all the food your little heart could desire and first class ocean views.
Tumgun Lookout and Burleigh Point are both good places to spot some whales, as long as you’re there in season of course, which is generally from June to November.
