Brisbane Northern Hinterland: Best Things to Do

Just a short drive from Brisbane, the northern hinterland is a beautiful region filled with lush rainforests, scenic mountain roads, charming country villages and spectacular lookouts. Yet, despite being so close to the city, it’s an area that many people seem to overlook.

We recently spent a long weekend exploring Clear Mountain, Dayboro, Mount Nebo and the surrounding countryside, and we were surprised by just how much there was to see and do. From peaceful rainforest walks and wildlife spotting to country cafés, wineries and breathtaking mountain views, there was plenty to keep us busy.

Having previously visited Mount Glorious, we decided to include it in this guide too, as it’s another beautiful part of the region that’s well worth exploring.

Whether you’re looking for a scenic day trip from Brisbane or a relaxing weekend away surrounded by nature, here are some of the best things to do in Brisbane’s northern hinterland.

1. Explore Clear Mountain

If you’re looking for breathtaking views, look no further than Clear Mountain. With its rolling green hills, beautiful lake views and abundant wildlife, it’s one of the prettiest spots in Brisbane’s northern hinterland. It’s so picturesque that it’s even a popular location for wedding photography!

Clear Mountain also makes a fantastic base for exploring the surrounding region. We stayed in an incredible Airbnb with spectacular views in both directions. We could watch the sun rise over the lakes on one side and enjoy beautiful sunsets over Mount Samson on the other. Honestly, with views like these, we barely wanted to leave!

The area is also home to plenty of wildlife, including koalas. During a morning walk near Bullocky Rest at Lake Samsonvale, we were lucky enough to spot a koala resting high in a eucalyptus tree. The surrounding area provides koala habitat, so be sure to keep your eyes peeled as you explore. You never know what you might spot!

Love spotting wildlife? Read our guide to the best places to see koalas in the wild in Queensland .

2. Discover the Charming Village of Dayboro

Dayboro is a charming little country village filled with historic buildings, independent shops and lovely cafés. It’s the perfect place to slow down, wander along the main street, browse the local shops and stop for a coffee or a leisurely lunch.

On the first Sunday of each month, Dayboro hosts a local market where you can browse fresh produce, handmade crafts, delicious food and locally made goods. If you’re visiting on market day, it’s well worth stopping by.

The village also has a lovely old country pub, which adds to its relaxed, welcoming atmosphere.

You only need an hour or two to explore Dayboro, but it’s definitely worth including on a scenic drive through Brisbane’s northern hinterland.

3. Enjoy the Scenic Drive to Mount Mee

For spectacular countryside views and a quirky café, take the scenic drive up to Mount Mee. The road is a little winding, but the views along the way are absolutely stunning, and you certainly won’t regret making the trip!

One of the highlights is the Pitstop Café, a quirky little spot filled with motorcycle memorabilia and all sorts of interesting collectibles. It’s a great place to stop for a coffee or lunch while soaking up the incredible views over the surrounding countryside.

The café is particularly popular with motorcyclists, and it’s easy to see why! Between the winding mountain roads and breathtaking scenery, it’s a biker’s paradise.

It can get quite busy, especially on weekends, but for us, the views alone made it one of our favourite stops in Brisbane’s northern hinterland.

4. Visit a Winery in Ocean View

Despite its name, Ocean View Estates doesn’t actually offer ocean views, but don’t let that put you off! The beautiful vineyard and countryside scenery is still well worth a visit. And who doesn’t love a winery with a view?

In the past, you could simply drop in for a wine tasting without booking, but that’s no longer generally an option. These days, it’s best to plan ahead and book a table at the restaurant or reserve one of their winery experiences.

Personally, I think enjoying a picnic surrounded by those gorgeous vineyard views would be a fantastic way to spend an afternoon. A glass of wine, delicious food and beautiful scenery, what more could you want?

Tip: Check the winery’s current experiences and booking requirements before visiting, as these can change.

5. Wander Around Samford Village

Samford Village was my favourite of the little villages we visited in Brisbane’s northern hinterland. Like Dayboro, it’s quite small, but it’s full of character, with some lovely independent shops and quirky cafés to explore.

We stopped for coffee at The Owlery, and honestly, it was one of the best coffees we’d had in a long time! But it wasn’t just the coffee that impressed us. The café is set in a character-filled building, with owls, memorabilia and unusual decorations everywhere. It’s such a fun and quirky place to sit and enjoy a coffee.

Right next door is The Store of Requirement, a Harry Potter-themed shop packed with magical merchandise and interesting displays. Even if you’re not particularly into Harry Potter, it’s worth popping inside for a look.

There are also several other lovely shops along the main street, as well as a local museum for anyone interested in the area’s history.

Samford Village is a great place to spend an hour or two wandering around, browsing the shops and enjoying the relaxed village atmosphere. If you’re exploring Brisbane’s northern hinterland, I’d definitely recommend making time for a stop here.

6. Drive Up to Mount Nebo

Yes, another winding mountain road that might leave you feeling a little queasy, but once again, the scenery makes it absolutely worth it! The drive up to Mount Nebo takes you into D’Aguilar National Park, through beautiful eucalyptus forest and rainforest, with several fantastic lookouts along the way.

Our favourite was Jollys Lookout, which offers spectacular panoramic views over the surrounding mountains and valleys. Westbridge Lookout is also worth a quick stop to admire the scenery.

We also walked the Morelia Track to Mount Nebo Lookout, a relatively easy rainforest walk that turned out to be one of the highlights of our visit. Interestingly, I found the walk itself even more impressive than the lookout at the end!

The towering trees along the track were absolutely incredible, with enormous trunks and beautiful shapes that made them a photographer’s dream. Add the sounds of birds and other wildlife echoing through the forest, and it felt like a magical little escape into nature.

The walk isn’t particularly difficult, making it a great option for anyone wanting to experience the beautiful rainforest of D’Aguilar National Park without tackling a challenging hike.

My tip: Don’t rush straight to the lookout. Take your time along the Morelia Track, look up at those magnificent trees and enjoy the sounds of the rainforest. For me, that was the best part!

7. Explore the Rainforests of Mount Glorious

Mount Glorious is another beautiful part of D’Aguilar National Park and a fantastic destination for rainforest lovers. With lush greenery, towering trees and some beautiful walking tracks, it’s the perfect place to escape into nature.

One of the best walks is the Greene Falls Track via the Rainforest Circuit in Maiala. Once again, the trees are absolutely magnificent, with enormous trunks, lush ferns and beautiful rainforest scenery everywhere you look. The walk isn’t particularly challenging, although the track to Greene Falls has some steps and uneven sections.

If you’re visiting with young children or simply prefer a shorter walk, the Rainforest Circuit on its own is a lovely option. It’s an easy way to experience the beauty of Mount Glorious without committing to a longer hike.

There are also some scenic viewpoints in the area, including Wivenhoe Outlook, where you can enjoy views towards Lake Wivenhoe and the surrounding countryside.

My tip: If you only have time for one activity at Mount Glorious, I’d recommend exploring the rainforest at Maiala. The beautiful trees and peaceful forest atmosphere are what make this area so special.

8. Hike the Somerset Trail

If you’re looking for a longer hike in D’Aguilar National Park, the Somerset Trail is a great option. At around 13 kilometres, it’s a much bigger commitment than some of the shorter rainforest walks in the area, so allow at least three hours to complete it.

The trail winds through beautiful forest and bushland, with plenty of nature and wildlife to enjoy along the way. We even encountered a snake during our hike, which certainly added a little excitement!

There are also some fantastic views along the way, making the Somerset Trail a great choice if you have more time and want to experience another side of D’Aguilar National Park.

It’s a longer walk, but a beautiful one and well worth setting aside a few hours for.

Love hiking? If you’re looking for more beautiful walks nearby, check out our guide to the best hikes on the Sunshine Coast, from easy scenic walks to more challenging mountain trails.

Best Time to Visit Brisbane’s Northern Hinterland

Brisbane’s northern hinterland can be visited year-round, but the cooler months are best for hiking and exploring. Summer can be hot and humid, although the rainforests around Mount Nebo and Mount Glorious offer plenty of shade. Always check track conditions after heavy rain.

How to Get There and Get Around

The easiest way to explore Brisbane’s northern hinterland is by car. Most attractions are within 45 minutes to 1.5 hours of Brisbane, but they are spread out and public transport is limited.

The roads around Mount Nebo, Mount Glorious and Mount Mee are quite winding, so take your time and enjoy the scenery along the way.

One-Day Brisbane Hinterland Scenic Drive Itinerary

For a great day trip, start in Samford Village before driving up to Mount Nebo and stopping at Jollys Lookout. Continue through D’Aguilar National Park to Mount Glorious, where you can enjoy a short rainforest walk, before heading down towards Dayboro.

If hiking is your priority, spend more time around Mount Nebo and Mount Glorious and skip some of the village stops.

How Many Days Do You Need?

You can easily explore part of Brisbane’s northern hinterland on a day trip, but two or three days will let you experience much more without rushing.

Consider spending one day exploring Mount Nebo and Mount Glorious and another visiting Clear Mountain, Dayboro, Mount Mee and Ocean View.

Where to Stay in Brisbane’s Northern Hinterland

We stayed in a beautiful Airbnb in Clear Mountain, and honestly, the views were hard to beat. We could watch the sunrise over the lakes in the morning and the sunset over Mount Samson in the evening. It was incredibly peaceful and made a fantastic base for exploring the northern hinterland.

If you’d prefer a hotel or rainforest stay, there are several other options in the area. Peppers Clear Mountain offers beautiful hinterland views and resort facilities, while Maiala Park Lodge and Mt Glorious Getaways are great options if you’d rather stay surrounded by rainforest near D’Aguilar National Park.

FAQs About Brisbane’s Northern Hinterland

Is Mount Nebo worth visiting?

Absolutely. The scenic drive, rainforest walks and viewpoints make Mount Nebo well worth visiting. Jollys Lookout and the Morelia Track were two of our highlights.

Can you visit without a car?

Having a car is highly recommended. The attractions are spread out and many of the walks and lookouts aren’t easily accessible by public transport.

What are the best scenic lookouts?

Our favourites include Jollys Lookout, Wivenhoe Lookout and the views around Clear Mountain and Lake Samsonvale.

Where can you see wildlife?

D’Aguilar National Park is home to plenty of birds, reptiles and other wildlife. Clear Mountain and Lake Samsonvale are also koala habitat, and we were lucky enough to spot a wild koala near Bullocky Rest.

Read More

Looking for more ideas near Brisbane? Read our guides to the best day trips from Brisbane, Tamborine Mountain and the Scenic Rim.