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.

Adventure and refined Luxury combine at the stunning Rangelands Outback Camp.

Iconic Australian red dirt, ancient rocky landscapes and bursts of greenery and wildflowers all make the small town of Winton, and its surrounds, a sight to behold. Escape the ordinary and unwind in the Queensland outback, where ancient landscapes and off-grid luxury await at Rangelands Outback Camp.

cosy seats in Rangelands Outback Camp — Unwind in the ancient outback.

About Rangelands Outback Camp

Unforgettable 360-degree views of this 95-million-year-old land await at Rangelands; bathed in style and positioned on top of a jump-up (or mesa), your tented camp seamlessly blends into its outback setting.

Set on the 53,935-square-kilometre Rangelands Station – a working cattle property – the abundant wildlife are your only neighbours; kangaroos, echidnas, eagles and other birdlife all call Rangelands home.

Bathed in style, your tented camp seamlessly blends into its outback setting. Indulge with carefully curated menus, personalised service and supersized luxury tents that guarantee a private experience. This exclusive camp only has a maximum of 12 guests at a time.

Here, the aim is pampering. From tasty menus to supersized tents with all the creature comforts, to a range of guided tours around the property and beyond.

Guests are transferred from Winton or Longreach by a dedicated Rangelands driver.

aerial shot of Rangelands Outback Camp tent — Soak in 360-degree views.

Rangelands Outback Camp tours

Join small-group tours and enjoy exclusive access to the ancient Rangelands Rifts with your Rangelands hosts. These incredible rock formations were formed by millions of years of erosion, leaving dramatic channels through the rock. Or explore the surrounds with Rangeland’s touring partner, Red Dirt Tours .

Get sunset birds-eye views over dramatic mesa country in a helicopter, from Queensland’s own Three Sisters to Corey’s Range, stopping at the best lookouts along the way.

Get up close and personal with this rugged land on four wheels, with expert drivers and guides leading guests through famous Bladensburg National Park, visiting Gondwana Stars Observatory and more.

The Winton area is famous for its boulder opals (the second-rarest opal in the world, after black opals), and a stop at the mining community of Opalton sheds a fascinating light on the unique fossicking method used to find them.

A trip to dinosaur country is a must, as this is the place that ramped up Australia’s dino contribution after a fossilised footprint was found in 1962; after more exploration, the discovery of 3300 footprints made it clear this was the world’s only evidence of a dinosaur stampede. Those same footprints are still on display today at Lark Quarry Conservation Park , a 90-minute drive from Winton. Also check out Australia’s largest collection of Australian Dinosaur fossils Australian Age of Dinosaurs, just 30 minutes from Winton. Here, join a tour through a working laboratory, dinosaur canyon and more.

A twice-daily transfer into downtown Winton is offered to guests, where they can explore the Royal Outdoor Theatre, opal shops, Waltzing Matilda Centre and more.

tour being led through Rangeland rifts — Have an exclusive adventure through the Rangeland Rifts. (Image: TEQ)

Sleeping in luxury

After a day of exploring, return to your tranquil tent for a blissful open shower and uninterrupted views from your private deck.

Designed to integrate guests into the surrounding nature, each tent feels like its own private haven. While being off-grid in the outback (in fact, each tent is powered by its own solar panels, with the added support of a backup generator), guests can also luxuriate in comfortable amenities like air conditioning, a supremely comfortable king-size bed and stylish designer touches.

Guests can stroll to the open-air Sunset Deck for breathtaking panoramic views, or to the main lounge and dining tent, where books, on-demand coffee and drinks make it the perfect place to relax after a day in the outback.

inside Rangelands Outback Camp bedroom — Enjoy plenty of space inside, and stunning views outside.

Rangelands Outback Camp dining

As the sun starts to dip below the horizon, gather for drinks and canapés on the expansive Sunset Deck, watching the sun drench the landscape in pinks and oranges as it sinks below the horizon.

Later, head to The Mahal lounge area and dining tent where mealtime magic happens. Savour a gourmet meal made fresh by Rangeland’s onsite chef. The meals use local produce to elevate classic outback dishes, and don’t worry, dietary requirements are happily accommodated.

Enjoy an open bar filled with an expansive hand-selected list of wines and premium beers, with wine pairings offered by Rangelands hosts come dinner time.

Discover more and book your luxurious stay at rangelandscamp.com.

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