Here are eleven great day trips from Brisbane that will give you a taste of what Queensland has to offer.
Brisbane has a lot to offer, but it might be overshadowed by the big cities in and around Melbourne. While Brisbane’s charms can be seen with a day trip, it conveniently places most of the main attractions of Queensland within an hour or two of Brisbane. All those places worth visiting are just a short trip from Brisbane. Explore the area and find islands, national parks, and cosy country towns with Brisbane day trips.
North Stradbroke Island
If you’re looking for beaches, wildlife, and spectacular views, the North Stradbroke Island is a popular Brisbane day trip.
Before you embark on the striking North Gorge Walk (1.3 Kilometres walk to point lookout), there are some things you should know. Along the coast of this beautiful island, there are local marine life, such as dolphins and sea turtles to be found, plus humpback whales migrate during winter to their second-largest sand island in the world. There also lots of gorgeous beaches for people to enjoy sunbathing on, and swimming or surfing at.
Sunshine Coast
The expansive countryside surrounding Brisbane proves to be just as appealing to visitors, if not more so. The hinterland is full of picturesque towns nestled in rolling hills, with plenty of shops and cafes to provide a culturally stimulating atmosphere.
Coming closer in are two charming towns each unique in its own way: Montville down south and Maleny near the Glass House Mountains. In each you’ll find great crafts shops and gourmet food, but when it comes to nature walking there are must-stop destinations such as Kondalilla National Park and Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve on the Sunshine Coast Hinterlands.
Lamington National Park
Queensland has a number of national parks within its Gondwana Rainforests, including Lamington National Park. Its dense rainforest attracts wildlife and the birds that live there. Visitors can see birds like pademelons in the undergrowth, but the bowerbirds are best known for building arches for mating purposes. Seeing the rainforest from above on O’Reilly’s Tree Top Walk is an eye-opening experience.
Australia Zoo
Australia Zoo is a family-owned facility in Australia that offers hands-on interaction with different kinds of Australian wildlife. Visitors who come to Australia Zoo may be introduced to one or many creatures such as koalas and kangaroos, and get acquainted with the conservation efforts that protect these animals from extinction.
Australia Zoo, one of Queensland’s most well known attractions, is perfect for animal enthusiasts. You can watch the animals from across Australia and beyond the country in close proximity to get the best experience possible. Visiting guests have interactions with koalas, kangaroos, as well as wild animals from other countries like tigers and rhinos.
There are also daily live animal shows where visitors can see birds of prey perform or have the opportunity to feed an Australian crocodile.
Moreton Island
Another popular day trip from Brisbane is Moreton Island. Full of nature and wildlife, the island offers some time in the great outdoors. Lovely white sand beaches are also available here, so you can spend part of your day relaxing under a sun umbrella or getting out in the pristine waters by kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding, or snorkeling.
For land-based activities, there’s quad biking, cycling and sandboarding tour options available and the highlight at Moreton Island is hand-feeding the gentle wild dolphins when they come close to shore in the evening at Tangalooma Island Resort.
Springbrook National Park
There are many majestic landscapes and natural wonders in Australia, none more impressive than Springbrook National Park. It might not be very well known to travellers, but it is part of a UNESCO-listed rainforest site.
Visiting springs such as Natural Bridge, where a waterfall flows into a cave creating unique sights and best of all Lookout which give sweeping views across the landscape. Other waterfalls that can be viewed easily from Canyon Lookout include Rainbow Falls and Twin Falls. Australian tourists should also make sure to check out best of all lookout with sweeping views across the landscape. Some popular spots are along the edge of this natural wonderland; others lie deeper into the forest on walking trails.
Glass House Mountains
When you’re trying to escape the world and find a little peace, head north of Brisbane onto the Sunshine Coast. The Glass House Mountains are stunning and have been described as “the second half of Australia” because they extend from the mountains of Queensland all the way into Sydney.
The best vantage points allow for visitors to explore the range, which consists of sixteen mountains. With such amazing natural beauty, it’s no surprise that one of the most popular things to do around these mountains is seek out the best views.
Tamborine Mountain, Scenic Rim and Surroundings
With many spectacular natural attractions, the Scenic Rim region of Queensland will allow you to take in the sights and sounds too. Start at Mount Tamborine and walk through the forest with a tranquil Curtis Falls. Next, head over to the Rainforest SkyWalk and climb up to see an unparalleled canopy through the treetop rainforest.
Afterwards, reach Cedar Creek Falls and find your perfect swimming hole below these cascading waterfalls. Finally, on the opposite side of Mount Tamborine, you’ll come across Glow Worm Caves where you can witness thousands upon thousands of iron moths’ luminous orbs light up behind this man-made cave.
Toowoomba
For the best city experience, visit Toowoomba, which is less busy than Brisbane but has beautiful parks, Japanese gardens and a rich history. The Cobb +Co Collections Museum displays the colonial past of Toowoomba and the local farmer’s market is worth visiting to get some fresh produce. Spending time at cafes in the area is a must and it’s more likely you will find street art than you would in Brisbane.
Bribie Island
The island of Bribie is quite small, but this doesn’t stop it from being a worthwhile destination. The island stands out due to its vast array of habitats and wildlife. You’ll find the waters teeming with marine life from mangroves to turtle beaches and dugongs; as well as peacocks, kangaroos, and emus. Once you’re on your way there you’ll need to ensure you have a 4WD for back-country exploration, or else a vehicle access permit will be needed for the day.
Gold Coast
Visitors to the Gold Coast often make their way to Surfers Paradise, a hub for theme parks and attractions. However, it’s too difficult to determine one day’s destination given the number of worthwhile options on offer.
Plan your own itinerary ahead of time, picking activities such as visiting Tallebudgera Beach or biking around the esplanade. After relaxing in Tallebudgera beach’s calm waters, you may wish to browse through Golden’s contemporary gallery and performance space; or rent a bicycle and explore the esplanade, stopping off along the way at any number of fun-filled attractions while enjoying a bite to eat or browsing fascinating accessories in the markets.