The best day trips from Brisbane for some time off outside the city

Sub-tropical Moreton Island is a little slice of paradise right in South East Queensland. Visiting the protected sand island is an unforgettable experience, where you can swim in the crystal-clear waters, marvel at colourful marine life, snorkel the shipwrecks, bask on stunning beaches and toboggan down the towering sand dunes. Tangalooma Island Resort runs accessible day trips to the island, starting at $95 per adult for the chilled-out Beach Day Cruise. Take your pick from add-on activities like whale watching, wreck snorkelling, wild dolphin feeding and safari trips to the sand dunes. The pristine waters provide a striking backdrop for the Tangalooma Wrecks, making snorkelling and glass-bottom kayaking some of the best options for exploring the area. All package deals include return transfer from Brisbane, lunch and use of the resort facilities. If you’d like to stay longer, there are accommodation options ranging from camping to resorts. 

How far? 53km

Get there: via a 75-minute ferry trip, with boats departing from Holt Street Wharf four times daily. The wharf is a 15-minute drive from Brisbane’s CBD.

Tamborine Mountain has spectacular rainforest bush walks, family-friendly attractions and plenty of unique food and drink options. The mountain is in the Scenic Rim area of the Gold Coast Hinterland and is known for its natural beauty. There are plenty of walking tracks, ranging from easy to advanced, and many of the trails visit waterfalls and creeks, perfect for cooling off on a hot day. Attractions include the Tamborine Mountain Rainforest Skywalk (a boardwalk up in the rainforest canopy), the Glow Worm Caves (actually pretty awesome) and Thunderbird Park, where you can fossick for thundereggs or take the Treetop Challenge on Australia’s largest zipline and high ropes course. Throw in artisanal markets, quaint tea shops, fresh produce and specialty restaurants, like The Polish Place, and you won’t go hungry. At the end of a day spent exploring, you can stop for a drink at the Tamborine Mountain Distillery or one of the local wineries. 

How far? 74km

Get there: by car. It’s a one-hour drive from Brisbane to the top of the mountain.

For a chilled-out beach getaway, you can’t beat Noosa. Located north of Brisbane on the Sunshine Coast, Noosa boasts stunning beaches, hidden coves, spectacular clifftop walks, chic hotels and tasty eats. Choose from water activities like swimming, paddle boarding, surfing or kayaking; or stick to land and hike along the easily accessible trails of Noosa National Park. The trails wind around cliffs with unforgettable ocean views, so keep an eye out for marine life like whales or turtles, or search the trees for koalas. The walks are particularly beautiful during sunset, and there are plenty of places to stop off and admire the views or go for a swim along the way. Don’t forget to visit Noosa’s main drag, Hastings Street, which is known for its fashion boutiques and dining options. 

How far? 148km from Brisbane

Get there: by car, it takes about two hours from Brisbane CBD.

Time Out tip: For something a bit different, explore the Noosa Everglades by kayak or canoe or take a boat trip along the Noosa River.  

North Stradbroke Island is a natural haven only a ferry ride away from Brisbane. The ferry trip alone is scenic and fun, and once you’re on the island, there is lots to do. Yura Tours are a great way to learn about the land, culture and history of the island from the Traditional Owners. If you go during whale-watching season (June-November), you’re almost guaranteed to see humpbacks breaching in the turquoise waters, with Point Lookout and the Gorge Walk being the best places to check out the show. Along the Gorge Walk, you are also likely to see kangaroos, as well as dolphins, rays and turtles swimming below in the crystal clear waters. Stop for fish and chips and ice cream at Point Lookout, or enjoy a drink with a view at the Point Lookout Surf Life Saving Club. A day on Stradbroke wouldn’t be complete without a swim, and there are plenty of beaches and lagoons to explore, including family favourite Cylinder Beach. 

How far? 57km

Get there: by car or train to Cleveland Marina, where you then catch the ferry. For day trips, the passenger ferry (around $20 return) is quick and easy, and it connects with buses on Stradbroke. If you plan on staying overnight, you can take your car over, but make sure to book in advance to get the best prices.

Time Out tip: Look out for kangaroos feeding on the dunes at the southern end of Main Beach at sunrise and sunset.

The national parks that make up the Gondwana Rainforests are home to ancient volcanoes, waterfalls and an array of native flora and fauna. Recognised internationally as a UNESCO World Heritage site, the Gondwana Rainforests are spread along the Queensland and NSW border. Lamington, Springbrook, Mount Barney and Main Range parks are all easily accessible from Brisbane, and each park offers something a little different. Lamington National Park has over 160 kilometres of walking tracks, ranging from beginner to advanced. Springbrook National Park is known for its waterfalls and swimming holes, including Natural Bridge, Twin Falls, Purling Brook Falls and Goomoolahra Falls. Many of the waterfall lookouts are only a short distance from carparks, meaning you can easily check out several in one day. 

How far? 100km 

Get there: by car. The journey takes around 90 minutes.

Time Out tip: We recommend staying the night near Lamington National Park at O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat, where rooms are surrounded by rainforest and spa treatments will soothe any tired muscles.

Stanthorpe is known for its unique seasonal climate, making it a great option for day trips year-round. Head there during the warmer months, and you’ll discover a town in full bloom; visit during winter and you might just find a light dusting of snow. Whenever you choose to go, you’ll always find country vistas, dramatic rocky outcrops, sensational food (think local cheeses, truffles and apples) and a host of wineries – the greater Granite Belt area is home to more than 50! A perfect day out might include a hike at nearby Girraween National Park, a picnic lunch at Hidden Creek Winery and an afternoon spent exploring the historic town with a visit to the Heritage Museum and Regional Art Gallery. Don’t forget to pick up some supplies from the many artisanal food stores, orchards, farms, markets and wineries. 

How far? 218km

Get there: by car. The scenic country drive will take you about 2.5 hours from Brisbane.

Time Out tip: There is so much to explore, and the drive is a little on the longer side, so it is well worth checking out some of the local accommodation options and making a weekend of it.

The heritage city of Ipswich has undergone a bit of a transformation over the past decade, making it an unexpectedly great day trip option. Start your morning by soaking up some culture and history, with a visit to the fantastic Ipswich Art Gallery, the Workshops Rail Museum or one of the many antique stores. You can then head to a nearby laneway café before exploring the Ipswich Central Street Art Trail. Much-loved local gem, Queens Park, is home to the Japanese Nerima Gardens, a mini zoo, environmental centre, café and several children's playgrounds. Round out your day with a visit to one of Ipswich’s buzzy local dining precincts. Take your pick from the 88 Limestone Street heritage precinct, home to the popular Pumpyard Bar and Brewery, or check out the stretch of eateries in the Top of Town precinct.

How far? 44km

Get there: by car (30 minutes from Brisbane’s CBD) or train (40 minutes from Brisbane Central).

Time Out tip: Take a relaxed sunset stroll along the Bremer River. Just follow the 1.2-kilometre boardwalk that winds from the Bradfield pedestrian bridge to Bob Gamble Park.

For a weekend escape from city life, head into the hills and visit the charming villages of Maleny and Montville. Located north of Brisbane in the Sunshine Coast hinterland, the area boasts fresh mountain air and stunning views of the surrounding Glass House Mountains. Visit either village for quaint streetscapes, boutique shopping, art galleries galore and cafés with picturesque views. There are also plenty of natural wonders to check out, including the Maleny Botanic Gardens, Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve and Baroon Pocket Dam. You can even try your luck spotting a platypus at the Obi Obi Creek Boardwalk, and while you're there, you can take a dip at Gardners Falls. The area is also a bit of a foodie haven, so you’ll find plenty of local produce and a weekly market, as well as culinary destinations, like award-winning favourite The Tamarind. For the perfect end to your day, take in a spectacular sunset from one of the many scenic lookouts. Gerards and McCarthy’s Lookouts are two of the best.   

How far? 98km

Get there: by car. The drive takes around 90 minutes. 

Time Out tip: Maleny Botanic Gardens and Bird World is a must-visit, but be warned: you could spend the whole day here alone. 

Woodford’s most famous export is its annual celebration of music and culture, the Woodford Folk Festival. The internationally renowned festival is usually held over the New Year period at Woodfordia, a 500-acre natural playground on Jinibara Country. But even when the festival is on hiatus, you can still show your support and visit Woodfordia. Lake Gkula Camping operates during school holidays, and offers an opportunity for connection and community with sunset concerts, workshops, nature playgrounds, lake swimming and communal campfires. Even if you don’t visit Woodfordia, the local surrounds are still worth a visit. Once you leave Brisbane, you’ll hit open country roads, with views of farmland, as well as roadside stalls selling fresh local produce. If you feel like getting back to nature, visit Mount Mee State Forest or take a dip at Stony Creek. In Woodford town, you can explore the heritage architecture and visit cafés on the local food trail. The town is also home to a Railway Museum, and on the first and third Sunday of every month, the museum hosts train rides on its historic trains. 

How far? 74km

Get there: by car. The town of Woodford is about one hour north of Brisbane.

Time Out tip: Follow the Windows of Woodford Art Trail to see a dozen impressive artworks, including one painted on the town's historic water tower.

The Gold Coast is best known for Surfers Paradise, tourists and large-scale attractions (think theme parks and whale watching cruises). It’s almost impossible to narrow down the offerings to a single day, so plan your own itinerary before heading south. Looking for a chilled-out beach day? Head to Tallebudgera Beach and swim in the calm azure waters where the creek meets the ocean. While you're there, check out Jellurgal Aboriginal Cultural Centre, and take part in a cultural walking tour. Other options for a day at the coast include checking out what’s on at HOTA, the Goldie’s own contemporary gallery and performance space; or hiring a bike and cruising along the esplanade, stopping off to swim, grab a bite to eat or browse the beachside markets.

How far? 80km

Get there: by car or train. Depending on which part of the Gold Coast you visit, the drive will take you 60-90 minutes. Trains from Brisbane to Nerang take 1 hour and 45 minutes, and connect with local buses and trams.

Time Out tip: Make a stop at Tarte Bakery for one of their signature berry muffin tops. You'll find them in Burleigh Beach and Currumbin.