Would you like to explore more of the wonder of Queensland, which is within easy reach of Brisbane? These are our picks for ten amazing weekend road trips from Brisbane with travel times and destination highlights. You can travel by car and some can easily be done by public transport too.
Noosa Heads
For many Brisbanites, Noosa Heads is a long-time favorite getaway destination offering sheltered beach, laid-back and low-key atmosphere, trendy shops and cafes, easy to access to the national park, and an array of nearby places for 4WD adventures and camping. Maroochydore is only 30 mins away with Mooloolaba being a popular spot for nightlife.
Moreton Island & Tangalooma Island Resort
Moreton Island offers a unique escape with a ferry ride to what is the world’s third-largest sand island featuring spectacular pristine waters, wildlife, and places to explore. You can take your 4WD across and explore the island that way or by bike, or enjoy the facilities and services at Tangalooma Resort.
Dalby & Bunya Mountains
A journey best enjoyed by self-driving, you can take the Great Bunya Drive from Dalby to the Bunya Mountains National Park. The Bunya Mountains are famous for its green rainforest, eucalypt forests, and bunya pines. The park has various scenic trails to explore while the charming country town of Dalby offers loads of heritage and history.
Bribie Island
The mostly uninhabited 34 km long sandy island offers lots of beaches, many with calm waters, dugong and dolphin watching, fishing spots, marine life, WWII-built forts, along with adventure activities including skydiving, jet ski hire, 4WD tours and more.
Montville
Montville is a small township located in the Sunshine Coast hinterland that oozes with otherworldly charm. Featuring old cottages, art galleries, vineyards, and a growing cafe and coffee culture. It’s also the perfect base to explore the beauty of Kondalilla National Park and its spectacular walking trails with forest canopy and rock pools.
Toowoomba
A historic town and Queensland’s largest inland city that is home to a number of heritage sites and lovely parks and gardens. It also boasts a thriving food culture scene with loads of cafes and restaurants.
Stanthorpe and the Granite Belt
Stanthorpe is a rural town located at the heart of the Granite Belt. The town dates back to the 1870s and is famed for its produce including olives, apples, pears, berries, persimmons, figs, and much more. It also has a museum, gallery and is a gateway to the Sundown National Park which is great for fishing and hiking.
Main Range National Park
Main Range National Park, part of QLD’s Scenic Rim, features rugged mountain ranges, spectacular lookouts, and rare wildlife. The 3 hour by foot Mount Mitchell track is a popular way to explore the park. Another track someways away is the Queen Mary Falls track leading to views over the waterfall of the same name. There are campgrounds here too which can be booked with Queensland Parks.
Coolangatta
Coolangatta is the laid-back locals’ paradise that offers a peaceful alternative to the tourist mecca of Surfers Paradise. The beach is impressive as is the coastal walk and views, great cafes, and restaurants.
Gold Coast Hinterland & Mt Tamborine
The Gold Coast Hinterland offers so much to explore including Mt Tamborine and its unique craft and artisan shops, wineries and restaurants, Springbrook National Park, Lamington National Park, O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat, and much more. The national parks offer waterfalls, lookouts, walking and hiking trails, picnic spots, and camping spots.