Extend Your Next Adventure With The Best Brisbane Day Trips

Press pause on the Big Smoke for nature-embracing meandering with the best Brisbane day trips.

Emerging foodie scenes, lush urban parklands, sparkling riverfront dining – Brisbane hums with the good life. But I also love Queensland’s capital for its proximity to out-of-the-box adventure in the great outdoors. Just a drive away from ancient rainforests, laidback beach towns and authentic country life, any one of the best Brisbane day trips fills my cup before dropping me back into the city’s non-stop action. Here are some of my regular routes.

In short

If you only visit one of the best Brisbane day trips, make it the Gold Coast. I’m biased because I live there, but pristine beaches, world-class dining and direct Pacific Coast Way access make the one-hour drive a no-brainer.

1. Springbrook National Park

Purling Falls in Springbrook National Park — Brisbane’s picturesque Purling Falls is less than two hours by car. (Image: Matt Raimondo)

Best for: Spotting glow worms

Yet to tick a glow worm immersion off your bucket list? Springbrook National Park is worth every second of the detour out of Brisbane, home to one of the country’s largest colonies of the fly species Arachnocampa flava, which radiate soft blue light after the sun sets.

To reach the little fellas, I trail the very doable one-kilometre Natural Bridge Circuit that leads me straight to a cave filled with twinkling creatures. I highly recommend bringing a torch, but visitors should note that you shouldn’t shine it directly onto the glow worms as it might disrupt their natural feeding process on local midges and mosquitoes. Speaking of which, spray your mozzie repellent prior to departure to ensure the spritz doesn’t harm this incredible natural light show.

Distance from Brisbane CBD: An hour and 10-minute drive.

2. North Stradbroke Island (Minjerribah)

view from the North Gorge walk — Take the North Gorge walk for jaw-dropping views. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

Best for: An island escape

I love the easy-access island life of North Stradbroke Island (Minjerribah) just as much as I love its profound connection to its Traditional Custodians. I hop on a vehicle ferry from Cleveland (so convenient) to find picturesque coastal vistas, a tight-knit township and awesome boutiques and eateries at the very Hawaiian-feeling Point Lookout. Overnight camping is common, but you can still experience the best bits in one day.

Once I land in Dunwich, I grab a pub feed and craft beer from Straddie Brewing Co (a must while you’re near the ferry entrance), before getting behind the wheel with Yura Tours and familiarising myself with every culturally significant spot. From the tea tree-flushed Brown Lake to the midden shells at Myora Springs, a tour with this company is guaranteed to stir the soul. North Gorge Headland is the place to spy local wildlife and Point Lookout offers a scenic boardwalk stroll like no other.

Distance from Brisbane CBD: It’s a 45-minute drive to reach Cleveland’s ferry terminal before jumping aboard for another 50 minutes or so.

3. Gold Coast

roos at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, Gold Coast — Get a close encounter with roos at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary. (Image: Hayley Williamson
Photography/Tourism and Events Queensland)

Best for: Big city energy by the beach

Theme parks, up-all-night revelry, hipster bars and an incredible craft beer scene – the Gold Coast is a great place to call home, but an equally rewarding single-day journey. I highly advise skipping well-trodden Surfers Paradise for the southern end’s countless charms including Burleigh Heads’ James Street for buzzing eateries and shopping, Currumbin for my favourite, eternally-chilled, beach and the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary , and Kirra Point for top-notch waterfront dining. Venture a little further to the NSW border into Coolangatta where you’re a beat away from the Tweed’s Public Supply’s viral Coco Pops latte and Biscoff scrolls.

Distance from Brisbane CBD: A one hour’s drive if traffic on the M1 (also known as the Pacific Coast Way) plays kind.

4. Bribie Island

a guided 4WD tour along the beaches of Bribie Island — Take a guided 4WD tour straight to Bribie Island. (Image: The Edit Suite/Tourism and Events Queensland)

Best for: Untamed coastal exploration

Forget the ferry. Bribie Island is the city’s most convenient island 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 future, but once I crawl over to paradise, I don’t give it a second thought. 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 (don’t miss Lo-Kee for American-inspired comfort food) speckle this forever soothing escape.

Distance from Brisbane CBD: About an hour’s drive.

5. Ipswich

sunrise morning view over Grandchester area of Ipswich — Breathtaking sunrise views over Grandchester, Ipswich. (Image: Getty/Matthew Murray)

Best for: Time warp transportation

One of Queensland’s oldest cities, Ipswich fills heritage streets with a serious cafe culture, laneway eateries and cool boutiques. 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 contemporary retail fix. On the flipside, unearth a vintage gem at the Ipswich Antique Centre , situated inside an 1895 heritage building, as is White Rock Conservation Park if beautiful bushwalks are your thing. Thirsty? Grab locally crafted brew (more than 70 varieties, in fact) at Tap’d inside the locally loved PA Hotel.

Distance from Brisbane CBD: About an hour’s drive.

6. Toowoomba

a couple admiring Toowoomba Street Art — Toowoomba tops the burgeoning street art scene in Southern Queensland. (Image: Demi Gavin/Tourism and Events Queensland)

Best for: Village vibes

The largest inland city in Queensland, Toowoomba is stunning to look at and brimming with culture. Best known for its Carnival of Flowers, one of the most unique things to do in Toowoomba, the Brisbane day trip hot spot flows with lush parklands, and galleries including the Queensland Museum Cobb+Co  which charts a fascinating history of the entire state. Get out in the fresh air with a string of scenic trails including the Grade 5 Table Top Mountain Walk that loops through the bush, before rewarding your efforts with indulgence at the likes of Bergen , Piccolo Papa  and Host Dining + Wine Bar .

Distance from Brisbane CBD: Just under two hours in the car.

7. Redcliffe

sunset at Redcliffe beach — Visit Redcliffe Peninsula for sunset viewing. (Image: Getty/Andrew Pech)

Best for: Family-friendly hangs

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 your entire tribe. Plus, there’s Settlement Cove, a manmade lagoon that’s chock-full come the weekend. 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 reliable winner.

Distance from Brisbane CBD: A 45-minute drive.

8. Glass House Mountains

a scenic drive along Glass House Mountains, Brisbane day trips — Take a scenic drive to the Glass House Mountains. (Image: Harrison Candlin/Tourism and Events Queensland)

Best for: Hiking

Located in the lush Sunshine Coast hinterland, the Glass House Mountains are a multi-sensory wonderland that manages to blow me away amid repeat visits. Sure, there are hidden swimming spots, waterfalls, sweet towns (including Beerwah, littered with walking trails and the always impressive Australia Zoo), but the ancient volcanic peaks themselves are just the most dramatic, staggeringly beautiful mountains to gaze at. I highly recommend breathing deeply within the  Glass House Mountains National Park, and if you can reach the summit of Mount Ngungun (it’s a 2.8-kilometre return trek), you’ll score views of the region to utterly floor you.

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

9. Tamborine Mountain

the Tamborine RainforestSkywalk, Brisbane day trips — Tamborine Rainforest Skywalk offers a view of the lush rainforest canopy. (Image: Jesse Lindemann/Tourism and Events Queensland)

Best for: Indulgence

I stomach the winding roads up to Tamborine Mountain for a reliably charming dose of village life (read: high-quality distilleries and wellness experiences) several times annually. It’s such a booming locale, no longer just a tourist strip, as Tamborine and North Tamborine, the suburbs, splinter into thriving locales with distinct personalities of their own. If you’ve never been, hit Long Road for the main stretch of cafes and boutiques (known as Gallery Walk Precinct), and don’t miss the touristy German Cuckoo Clock Nest for an incomparable retail stickybeak.

Once you’ve ticked off the obligatory attraction, find Zen at SOL Elements, a Japanese-inspired bathhouse at Tamborine Mountain Glades that offers serenity amid picture-perfect nature. Keep treating yourself at Witches Falls , the region’s most beloved winery, right next door to The Kennel at Boxer Brewing where craft beer excels. Wining and dining standouts include Saint Marthe for authentic French cuisine, Loborn Tasting Bar (across the road from Saint Marthe) for exceptional spirits and Picnic Real Food Bar (in the same North Stores complex as Loborn) for standout cafe culture.

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

10. Boonah

the alfresco kitchen at Ketchup’s Bank Glamping — Ketchup’s Bank Glamping eco-tent overlooks Knapps Peak and the Border Ranges.

Best for: Exploring Queensland’s countryside

Nestled within the rolling hill-speckled Scenic Rim, Boonah is a seriously underrated Brisbane day trip. Craft breweries, wineries and eatery gems are hidden throughout the country town, not to mention the mountainous views that envelope outdoor exploration. 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 overnight offerings. Consider a meal at the sensational Blume , too, a homely culinary favourite that oozes sophistication through elegantly imagined plating of peak local produce.

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

11. Canungra

exploring O'Reilly's Canungra ValleyVineyards — Embark on a vineyard tour through O’Reilly’s Canungra Valley. (Image: Picture Co./Tourism and Events Queensland)

Best for: Chilled small-town exploration

Another standout town in the Scenic Rim region, Canungra is a top Brisbane day trip if you’re a sucker for country life. I never leave town without a homemade savoury pie, mushy peas and mashed potato at The Outpost Cafe , and it’s never a bad idea to lean into locally produced wines at O’Reilly’s Canungra Valley Vineyard . Carve out time to marvel at West Canungra Creek within Lamington National Park, too: a magnet for picnics.

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

As the cooler weather rolls in, head to this popular Sunshine Coast destination to enjoy stunning natural beauty, culinary wonders and mild temperatures.

As southern Australia’s weather starts to cool – the frost visiting every morning and the evening chill descending at dusk – you might reach for your thickest cable knit sweater and warmest blanket. But why not reach for your suitcase and sunglasses and book a ticket to Noosa in winter instead?

Sure, it’s a favourite destination for sun-seeking summer travellers. But as locals will readily tell you, winter is the best time to uncover hidden gems across the region – not only is the weather mild and enjoyable, but the beaches and hinterland are picture-perfect, too. You might even spot a whale or two if you visit from June to September.

Discover how to spend your winter surrounded by Noosa’s stunning natural beauty.

Noosa Rivermouth And Main Beach — Make the most of mild temperatures of Noosa in winter.

Where to eat in Noosa

Known for its dynamic cuisine, Noosa is an overflowing foodie destination. Whatever your tastebuds fancy, the region has it covered.

There are the classic eateries, like lively beachfront Bistro C (try the caramelised pork belly), popular Season Restaurant on Hastings Street (order the spanner crab pasta) and stylish Locale (our pick is the slow roasted White Pyrenees lamb shoulder).

There are also chic new restaurants offering tasty dishes, like the Mediterranean fare at Pelis , Cantonese-inspired dim sums at Sabrosa , organic sourdough pizza from El Capitano , traditional recipes and tequila at Dona Cocina Mexicana and modern Italian-Australian creations from Lucio’s Marina .

diners at Lucio's Marina in noosa in winter — Taste modern Italian-Australian at Lucio’s Marina. (Image: Nickolas May)

Where to stay in Noosa

Once you’re full, you’ll need to find a place to lay your head, and Noosa has no shortage of accommodation options. From five-star resorts with palm-fringed lagoon pools to self-catered apartments and family-friendly budget options, stays in the heart of the action on Hastings Street to sleeping steps from the beach or in more spacious and relaxed accommodation along the river, Noosa offers something for everyone.

There’s the laid-back luxury of Netanya Noosa overlooking Noosa Main Beach, which offers studios, two- and three-bedroom apartments, or the family-oriented Ivory Palms Resort in Noosaville, with its three pools, jumping pillow and playground. Guests also love the versatile RACV Noosa Resort and its numerous pools, waterslides and tennis courts.

For a wildlife experience, hop on a ferry and travel to the eco-friendly Senses Noosa North Shore . Surrounded by 16 hectares of native bushland, the beautiful architect-designed property blends indoor and outdoor living and offers three stunning pools and a spa. Guests can even spot kangaroos and rainbow lorikeets from shaded verandahs.

a beachfront swimming pool at Netanya Noosa — Gaze over Noosa Main Beach at Netanya Noosa. (Image: Lumea Photo)

Things to do on land

There’s no denying it, the main beach – with its creamy-coloured sand, consistent breaks and epic coastline views – is Noosa’s shining star attraction. Bordering this is the wildly popular Noosa National Park, where you can explore over 15 kilometres of walking tracks, including options like the Coastal Walk, Tanglewood Walk and Palm Grove Walk.

A short stroll away is busy Hastings Street, which is full of life during the day and long into the night. Enjoy a little shopping, a late brunch, dinner out and a cocktail as the sun goes down.

Climb onto a fully electric tuk tuk with Noosa e-TukTuk to get an insider’s tour of the region. For a more in-depth exploration, book a bespoke tour with Joel’s Journeys and head to the lush green hinterland, or discover the rugged landscapes of Great Sandy National Park with Sunny Jeeps to spend the day with the wind in your hair and sand underfoot.

woman enjoying the view after hiking through Noosa National Park, noosa in winter — Take in views of the beautiful Noosa Hinterland. (Image: Demy Gavin)

Things to do in the water

Noosa isn’t just about the beach, the national parks and shopping; one of the most popular ways to embrace winter is to explore on water.

You could brave the waves on a surfboard, explore the languid Noosa River on a stand-up paddleboard or even head to the Noosa Everglades for a day adventuring on a boat, canoe or kayak.

Enjoy the winter sunsets aboard the newly launched HV Stillwater , a luxury, hybrid-powered catamaran that glides silently along Noosa’s waterways. You can also book a table on the only floating restaurant on the river – Noosa Cruiser – and dig into freshly cooked cuisine.

For a little more adventure, head out with Kingfisher Safari Co and cruise around the Noosa River Inlet and Lake Cootharaba. Or search for whales and dolphins (from June to September) on a small charter boat tour with WhaleSongs Noosa ; with an onboard researcher to explain what you’re seeing, as well as a hydrophone, you’ll be able to listen to the haunting songs of some of the world’s biggest animals while enjoying a winter’s day in the sun.

women kayaking through Noosa everglades noosa in winter — Explore the gorgeous Noosa Everglades. (Image: Emily Redfern)

Book your winter getaway in Noosa at visitnoosa.com.au.

A holiday maker’s guide to the best Brisbane day trips