Katrina Lobley

It’s time to rev your engine and leave the Big Smoke behind. Swap that view of suburbia and skyscrapers for the sights, sounds and scents of nature. To satisfy your weekend wanderlust, here are some of our favourite short scenic drives near Brisbane that you’ll find just beyond the city limits. This list has been put together by some of Time Out's expert travel writers, who have put in the time to research the best of the best scenic routes, to save you time so you can hit the road sooner. Sort your road-trip playlist and head out to find picturesque stretches of the Scenic Rim, experience enchanting ancient rainforest at Lamington National Park or visit quaint hinterland towns along Blackall Range. Take to the open road and wind your way up and down mountain roads that are firm favourites with motorcyclists and car enthusiasts, stop for a cuppa at a road-hog café or follow in the ancient footsteps of Minjerribah’s Quandamooka people. Here are the best scenic drives near Brisbane. 🌳 The best day hikes near Brisbane🚗 The top day trips from Brisbane🌊 The best things to do in Brisbane

When it comes to pet-friendly holidays, things have come a long way. Dogs are no longer banished to fenced yards – they can snooze inside on heated floors, ride a train or even take a river cruise. In partnership with Visit Victoria for their 'Stay close, go futher' campaign, we've found the top pet-friendly stays in the state.

With shipwrecks, sea stacks, caves, rock-pools, lighthouses and plenty of wildlife to see along Victoria’s breathtaking coastline, it’s well and truly time to climb into those hiking boots. Whether you’re a couch potato embarking on your first hike or a muscle-bound outdoor enthusiast, we have a walk to suit you. In partnership with Visit Victoria as part of their Stay close, go further campaign, here are the top coastal walks in Victoria.

In between cheering your favourite football players, here’s how to enjoy a pitch-perfect time in Sydney and surrounds. We’ve got all the sightseeing goals covered, from big bucket-list items to the city’s lesser-known nooks and crannies.

In between cheering your favourite football players, here’s how to enjoy a pitch-perfect time in Sydney and surrounds. We’ve got all the sightseeing goals covered, from big bucket-list items to the city’s lesser-known nooks and crannies.

Sydney’s got it all going on during July and August.  If you’re visiting the city for the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023, there’s so much to see in between the games.  Head to the Capitol Theatre for one of the country’s best musical theatre experiences, duck into an underground cinema, track down fresh fish’n’chips at the Sydney Fish Market or go on a treasure hunt for the city’s most exciting street art and sculptures.

Sydney’s got it all going on during July and August.  If you’re visiting the city for the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023, there’s so much to see in between the games.  Head to the Capitol Theatre for one of the country’s best musical theatre experiences, duck into an underground cinema, track down fresh fish’n’chips at the Sydney Fish Market or go on a treasure hunt for the city’s most exciting street art and sculptures.

In between cheering your favourite football players, here’s how to enjoy a pitch-perfect time in Sydney and surrounds. We’ve got all the sightseeing goals covered, from big bucket-list items to the city’s lesser-known nooks and crannies.

Sydney’s got it all going on during July and August.  If you’re visiting the city for the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023, there’s so much to see in between the games.  Head to the Capitol Theatre for one of the country’s best musical theatre experiences, duck into an underground cinema, track down fresh fish’n’chips at the Sydney Fish Market or go on a treasure hunt for the city’s most exciting street art and sculptures.

Sydney’s got it all going on during July and August.  If you’re visiting the city for the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023, there’s so much to see in between the games.  Head to the Capitol Theatre for one of the country’s best musical theatre experiences, duck into an underground cinema, track down fresh fish’n’chips at the Sydney Fish Market or go on a treasure hunt for the city’s most exciting street art and sculptures.

Point your wheels towards Queensland’s ancient rainforests, lava tunnels, dinosaur footprints and rock art – or simply go for a paddle to commune with the birds. These impressive natural wonders are reason enough to plan your next road trip. Cool off at waterholes near Brisbane.

You don’t have to venture far from the River City to experience a mini-break that seems a long way from quotidian cares. When you’re feeding dolphins or alpacas, exploring retro jetties and motels, stocking up on wines on a cellar door tour, getting in touch with the local Indigenous history and even blissing out to a guided meditation, you’d never imagine that city life was less that two hours away. Here are ten excellent escapes that can all be accomplished comfortably with an overnight stay.  Remember that there are many sacred sites that are of great cultural significance to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders throughout Australia. Always check if it is appropriate for you to visit specific areas. Want to splash some cash? Check out these top luxury hotels on the Gold Coast.