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.

Under wide-open outback skies, discover a fossicking gem that’s managed to slip under the radar.

While the name Clermont may feel new to even the most intrepid traveller, its gilded history stretches back centuries. You’ll find it just off the highway, humming quietly under the hazy veil of Queensland’s outback sun. It’s here, hemmed in by mountains and perched atop soil heavy with the earth’s treasures, that one of Australia’s most accessible outback adventures awaits.

Thanks to deposits of gold, copper and gemstones – souvenirs left by exploding supernovas and the heave of tectonic plates – Clermont became a centre point of Queensland’s Gold Rush. And now? Australia’s fossicking capital is yours to discover.

Getting there

car driving along Capricorn Way in queensland — Take a drive through Queensland’s Mackay Isaac region. (Image: Sean Scott/ TEQ)

You’ll find Clermont in Queensland’s Mackay Isaac region. To get here, it’s an easy three-hour drive over sealed roads from Mackay. Or, if you’re heading from the Sapphire Fields of Emerald, the drive will carve out just over an hour from your day.

Whether you’re road-tripping through outback Queensland or just tracing your way through all that Australia has to offer, Clermont is remote but easily accessible.

Best accommodation in Clermont

Theresa CreekDam in clermont — Camp by Theresa Creek Dam. (Image: Riptide Creative/ TEQ)

All accommodation comes with a generous helping of country hospitality here. The choice is yours between modern hotels, parking up the camper or pitching a tent.

Theresa Creek Dam lies just outside town. Begin each day with crisp country air and bright outback sunrises. Spend the night under the sparkling country stars and your days out on the dam fishing or kayaking. Even if you aren’t camping, be sure to save space in your itinerary for an afternoon on the red dirt shore.

To stay closer to town, opt for a central hotel to base yourself between exploring and fossicking, like Smart Stayzzz Inn and Clermont Country Motor Inn .

Things to do in Clermont

three people on a tour with Golden Prospecting — Join a tour with Golden Prospecting.

One does not visit Clermont without trying their hand at fossicking. There are strict rules when it comes to fossicking, so stick to areas dedicated for general permission and make sure you obtain your license beforehand. Try your luck at McMasters , Four Mile , Town Desert, McDonald Flat and Flat Diggings . To increase your odds, sign on for a tour with the expert team at Golden Prospecting . They’ll give you access to exclusive plots and expert advice along the way.

Once you’ve tried your luck on the gold fields, head to the Clermont Township and Historical Museum . Each exhibit works like an archaeologist’s brush to dust away the layers of Clermont’s history. Like the steam engine that painstakingly relocated the entire town inch by inch to higher ground after it was decimated by flooding in 1916. See the tools that helped build the Blair Athol mine, historic fire engines, shearing sheds and all sorts of relics that make up Clermont’s story.

The historic Copperfield Chimney offers a change of pace. Legend has it that fossickers found a solid wall of copper here, over three metres high, kick-starting Queensland’s first-ever copper mine.

Bush Heli Services flying over clermont queensland — See Clermont from above with Bush Heli Services. (Image: Riptide Creative/ TEQ)

For hiking, nearby Dysart is the best place to access Peak Range National Park. Here, mountainous horizons stretch across the outback as if plucked from another world. Set off for a scenic drive along the Peak Downs Highway for access to countless geological wonders. Like the slanting rockface of Wolfang Peak. Summit it, and you’ll find yourself looking out across a scene surely conjured up by Banjo Paterson. Dry scrub dancing in the warm breeze, grazing cattle, eucalypts and the gentle creak of windmills. Don’t miss visiting Gemini Peaks, either, for one of the park’s best vistas, and a blanket of wild flowers after rain.

Then, take to the skies with a scenic helicopter tour with Bush Heli-Services . Shift your perspective and cruise above all the sights from your trip. Spots like Lords Table Mountain and Campbell’s Peak are best viewed from the skies.

Before you head home, be sure to explore the neighbouring townships. Spend a lazy afternoon in the shade of Nebo Hotel’s wrap-around verandahs . The hotel’s 1900s dance hall has since been replaced with one of the area’s biggest rodeo arenas, so consider timing your trip to line up with a boot scootin’ rodeo. Or, stop by a ghost town. Mount Britton was once a thriving town during the 1880s Gold Rush. It’s been totally abandoned and now lies untouched, a perfect relic of the Gold Rush.

Best restaurants and cafes in Clermont

meal at Commercial Hotel — Stop into the Commercial Hotel Clermont.

Days spent fossicking, bushwalking and cramming on history call for excellent coffee and hearty country meals. Luckily, Clermont delivers in spades.

Lotta Lattes Cafe is beloved by locals for a reason. Start your days here for the best caffeine fix in town and an impeccable brunch menu.

For a real country meal, an icy cold beer and that famed country hospitality, head straight to the town’s iconic hotel: the Commercial Hotel (known endearingly to locals as ‘The Commie’). It’s been a staple in Clermont since 1877. The hotel even survived the flood of 1916 when it was sawn in two and moved to higher ground.

Naturally, time spent in the outback must include calling into the local bakery. For delicious pies and a tantalising array of sweet treats, make Bluemac Bakehouse your go-to while in town.

Discover more of The Mackay Isaac region, and start planning your trip at mackayisaac.com.

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