Best Day Trips From Brisbane

Brisbane is an amazing city with plenty to see and do, but one of the things we love most about Queensland’s capital is just how easy it is to escape the city for the day.

When we lived in Brisbane for seven months, we barely had a weekend to relax. There was always somewhere new to explore, and we spent most weekends heading out of the city on another day trip. Drive for as little as 20 or 30 minutes and suddenly the city disappears, replaced by rolling countryside, bushland and small country towns.

We might be slightly biased now that we call Queensland home, but Brisbane really is a fantastic base for exploring. Within a couple of hours, you can be relaxing on a beautiful beach, catching a ferry to an island, hiking through rainforest, chasing waterfalls, tasting wine at a local vineyard or wandering through a charming hinterland town.

There really is something for everyone, whether you love beaches, islands, wildlife, hiking, waterfalls, wineries or simply discovering somewhere new.

So, if you’re visiting Brisbane, don’t spend all your time in the city. Allow a few extra days to explore beyond it, you might be surprised by just how much there is to see.

Here are some of the best day trips from Brisbane.

Tamborine National Park

One of the first things we noticed about Tamborine National Park was the sound of the birds. The rainforest here is absolutely alive with birdlife, making it a wonderful escape from the city.

Spend the day exploring rainforest walking trails and waterfalls before stopping in Tamborine Mountain’s village for a wander around the shops, cafés and local produce stores.

It’s an easy day trip from Brisbane, but if you want more time to enjoy the walks, wildlife and surrounding countryside, it’s also a great place to turn into a relaxing weekend away.

Read more on Tamborine National Park here.

Springbrook National Park

If waterfalls and rainforest hikes are your thing, Springbrook National Park is one of the best day trips from Brisbane. The park is packed with beautiful waterfalls, lush rainforest and some fantastic walking trails.

We absolutely loved hiking the Warrie Circuit, but there are plenty of shorter walks if you don’t fancy spending hours on the trail. Twin Falls and Purling Brook Falls are both spectacular and well worth seeing. Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife along the way too, there’s plenty of it around here.

Read more on Springbrook National Park here.

Glass House Mountains

Love hiking? Then the Glass House Mountains are your spot! There are walks ranging from short and relatively easy trails to challenging mountain climbs, so there’s something for most fitness levels.

But you don’t even need to hike to enjoy the Glass House Mountains. The scenery alone makes the trip worthwhile, with several viewpoints offering incredible views across the distinctive volcanic peaks.

Read more on the Best Hikes in the Glass House Mountains here.

The Sunshine Coast

If you need a beach fix, head north to the Sunshine Coast. Whether you prefer the buzz of Noosa, the laid-back atmosphere of Mooloolaba or the beautiful beaches around Caloundra, there are plenty of places to spend a day by the water.

As well as gorgeous beaches, you’ll find great surf, coastal walks and calm rivers perfect for kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding. It’s easy to see why we eventually decided to call the Sunshine Coast home!

Heading to the Sunshine Coast? Check out our guides to Noosa and Mooloolaba for the best things to see and do, beautiful beaches, walks and plenty of ideas for your day trip.

The Sunshine Coast Hinterland

For something completely different, leave the beaches behind and head into the Sunshine Coast Hinterland.

The pretty hinterland towns of Maleny and Montville are around two hours from Brisbane and make a lovely day trip. Expect incredible views over the Glass House Mountains, local produce, cute shops and cafés, waterfalls and beautiful national parks.

You can easily combine Maleny and Montville in one day, although there’s enough to see around the hinterland to warrant a longer stay.

Exploring the Sunshine Coast Hinterland? Check out our guides to Maleny and Montville for the best things to do, places to visit and beautiful spots to explore in these charming hinterland towns.

The Gold Coast

With beautiful beaches, great surf, coastal walks, restaurants and endless attractions, the Gold Coast is an easy day trip from Brisbane.

Personally, we find the busier areas a little too crowded for our liking, but if you enjoy lively beach towns and plenty of entertainment, you’ll love it.

The Scenic Rim

The Scenic Rim quickly became one of our favourite escapes while we lived in Brisbane. As keen hikers, we loved the huge choice of mountains and national parks to explore and we’re still slowly ticking them off our list!

We visited the Scenic Rim seven times while living in Brisbane and still return whenever we get the chance, even now that we live on the Sunshine Coast.

But you don’t have to be a hiker to enjoy it. The Scenic Rim is also home to beautiful countryside, wineries, small towns and some incredible viewpoints. Best of all, it feels wonderfully peaceful compared with the city.

Heading to the Scenic Rim? Check out our complete Scenic Rim guide for our favourite hikes, places to visit and everything you need to plan your trip.

Brisbane’s Northern Hinterland

Just north of Brisbane lies one of the city’s most underrated day trip destinations. Brisbane’s Northern Hinterland combines lush rainforest, spectacular mountain lookouts, peaceful lakes and charming country villages, all within easy reach of the city.

Explore the walking trails of D’Aguilar National Park, enjoy panoramic views from Jollys Lookout, stop for coffee in Dayboro or Samford, and keep an eye out for wildlife along the way. It’s a wonderful escape from the city, especially if you enjoy nature and quieter places.

Heading to Brisbane’s Northern Hinterland? Discover scenic mountain drives, lush rainforest walks, spectacular lookouts and charming country villages in my complete guide to this beautiful and often overlooked region.

Toowoomba

Toowoomba makes a great day trip at any time of year, but September is particularly special when the city bursts into colour for the annual Carnival of Flowers.

Parks and gardens across the city fill with beautiful floral displays, and there are events happening throughout September. If you visit during the main carnival weekend, expect a much livelier atmosphere with entertainment, food stalls and the famous Grand Central Floral Parade.

Read more on Toowoomba here

North Stradbroke Island

You’ll need to catch a ferry for this one, but North Stradbroke Island or Straddie, as we call it — is absolutely worth the extra effort.

You can visit Straddie as a day trip from Brisbane, although a weekend is even better if you have the time. The island has gorgeous beaches, beautiful coastal walks and fantastic wildlife. Keep an eye out for kangaroos and koalas on land, while whales can often be spotted offshore during their annual migration.

Read more on North Stradbroke Island here.

Moreton Island

Moreton Island is another island escape just a ferry ride from Brisbane and can easily be visited on a day trip.

The island is famous for its huge sand dunes, beautiful beaches and the Tangalooma Wrecks, where you can snorkel amongst colourful fish and marine life. Whether you want an adventurous day out or simply some time on the beach, Moreton Island feels a world away from Brisbane.

Coochiemudlo Island

For a much smaller and quieter island escape, head to Coochiemudlo Island or Coochie, as the locals call it.

It’s only a short ferry ride from Victoria Point and the island is tiny enough to explore on foot. You can walk around much of the coastline, stop at the beaches and enjoy a relaxed few hours away from the city.

Coochie isn’t packed with major attractions, and that’s really part of its charm. It’s an easy, peaceful day trip when you simply want to slow down and enjoy island life.

Read more on Coochiemudlo Island here

Bribie Island

Bribie Island is one of the easiest island escapes from Brisbane — you don’t even need to catch a ferry to get there!

On the ocean side, you’ll find long stretches of beautiful beach, including sections where you can drive your 4WD right along the sand. On the calmer Pumicestone Passage side, the sheltered water is perfect for swimming, kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding.

Whether you want a relaxing beach day, a paddle on the passage or a little 4WD adventure, Bribie is an easy and fun day trip from Brisbane.

Read More on Bribie Island here

South Stradbroke Island

South Stradbroke Island is another beautiful island escape, although getting there takes a little more planning than North Straddie.

Accessible only by boat, South Straddie is wonderfully peaceful, with long stretches of beach, bushwalking, swimming, kayaking and plenty of wildlife. We stayed overnight when we visited, which gave us more time to enjoy the island without rushing.

It is possible to visit South Stradbroke Island as a day trip from Brisbane, particularly if you arrange a water taxi or join a tour. However, if you have the time, we’d recommend staying overnight and enjoying the slower pace of island life.

Read more on South Stradbroke Island here

Best Time to Take Day Trips from Brisbane

One of the great things about Brisbane is that you can take day trips year-round, although the best time really depends on what you want to do. For hiking, waterfalls and exploring national parks, we prefer the cooler months from autumn through to spring. Winter days are generally mild and sunny, making them perfect for longer walks without battling Queensland’s summer heat.

Spring is particularly beautiful if you’re heading to places such as Toowoomba for the Carnival of Flowers, while autumn is another great time for hiking and exploring the hinterland. Summer is perfect for beach and island trips, but it can get very hot and humid, especially if you’re planning to hike. Summer storms and heavy rain can also affect outdoor plans, so always check the weather before heading out.

Do You Need a Car for Day Trips from Brisbane?

For many of the day trips in this guide, having a car will make life much easier and give you the freedom to explore at your own pace.

Places such as the Scenic Rim, Springbrook National Park, the Glass House Mountains, Tamborine Mountain and the Sunshine Coast Hinterland are much easier to explore with your own transport.

For the islands, it depends on where you’re heading. Bribie Island is connected to the mainland by bridge, while North Stradbroke, Moreton and Coochiemudlo islands require a ferry or boat trip.

If you don’t want to hire a car, organised day tours are another option for some of the more popular destinations.

What to Pack for a Brisbane Day Trip

What you need will depend on where you’re heading, but sunscreen, a hat, plenty of water and comfortable walking shoes are useful for almost every Brisbane day trip.

For national parks and hiking trips, we also recommend insect repellent, snacks and extra water. If you’re heading to the islands or coast, don’t forget your swimmers, towel and reef-safe sunscreen.

Always check the weather and any national park alerts before leaving, especially after heavy rain or during the hotter summer months.

FAQs About Day Trips from Brisbane

What is the best island to visit from Brisbane for a day trip?

North Stradbroke Island is one of our favourites, especially if you enjoy beaches, coastal walks and wildlife. Bribie Island is the easiest because you can drive there, while Moreton Island is a great choice for snorkelling and adventure.

What are the best day trips from Brisbane for hiking?

The Scenic Rim, Springbrook National Park, the Glass House Mountains and Tamborine National Park all offer excellent hiking opportunities. There are walks for different fitness levels, from short rainforest trails to challenging mountain hikes.

What are the best beach day trips from Brisbane?

For a beach day, head to the Sunshine Coast, Bribie Island, North Stradbroke Island or Moreton Island. Noosa, Mooloolaba and Caloundra are all possible as day trips if you don’t mind a longer drive.

What are the best day trips from Brisbane without a car?

You can still enjoy several great day trips from Brisbane without hiring a car. Organised day trips to Moreton Island make getting there easy, with some tours offering transfers from Brisbane. You’ll also find organised tours to Tamborine Mountain, so you can explore the hinterland without worrying about driving.

What are the best day trips from Brisbane for wildlife?

North Stradbroke Island is fantastic for wildlife, with opportunities to see kangaroos, koalas and, during migration season, whales. National parks such as Springbrook and Tamborine are also excellent places for spotting birds and other native wildlife.

Can you visit the Sunshine Coast as a day trip from Brisbane?

Absolutely. The Sunshine Coast is close enough for a day trip from Brisbane, especially if you choose one area rather than trying to see everything. Noosa, Mooloolaba, Caloundra, the Glass House Mountains or the hinterland can each easily fill an entire day.

Is the Gold Coast a good day trip from Brisbane?

Yes. The Gold Coast is an easy day trip from Brisbane, with beaches, coastal walks, restaurants and plenty of attractions. If busy city beaches aren’t your thing, head inland towards Springbrook or Tamborine Mountain for rainforest, waterfalls and hiking instead.

Where to stay in Brisbane?

W Brisbane

W Brisbane is located on North Quay with views over the Brisbane River. Offering 312 spacious guest rooms, W Brisbane boasts three restaurants and bars, a spa and fitness centre. The 5-star hotel is within walking distance of South Bank and Brisbane’s public transport system. Click here for their prices.

Crystalbrook Vincent

The Crystalbrook Vincent has the perfect location right next to Howard Smith Wharves and its restaurants and brewery. Get a room with river views and be sure to take a dip in their rooftop pool for a swim with a view! Click here for their prices.

Ibis Styles Brisbane Elizabeth Street

Ibis Styles Brisbane Elizabeth Street is affordable and located right in the heart of the Brisbane CBD with easy access to the Queen Street mall, City Botanic Gardens and the Riverside’s restaurants and bars. Click here for their prices.

Adina Apartment Hotel Brisbane

If you prefer an apartment, Adina Apartment Hotel Brisbane, offers studio’s and both 1 and 2-bedroom apartments. It is located right in the CBD and a 2-minute walk from the Brisbane River. You can explore all the city has to offer and then return to the comfort of your hotel where there is a swimming pool, fitness centre, restaurant, and bar. Click here for their prices.