day trips from brisbane for families

33 of The Best Day Trips from Brisbane

Are you looking for some of the best day trips from Brisbane?  Awesome because in this guide we have put together some of our favourite Brisbane day trips.  This guide on the best Brisbane day trips as been complied with some help from some other travel bloggers, who were only too happy to share with me their favourite day trips out of Brisbane.

We love living in Brisbane and when we’re not travelling the globe we love to get out and about and do as many day trips around Brisbane as we can.  Living in Brisbane we are spoiled for choice as we can easily access the Sunshine Coast attractions as well as the Gold Coast attractions within an hour or so drive, and of course there plenty of great Brisbane tourist attractions to explore too.

In this Brisbane day trips guide you will find a vast range of Brisbane attractions, from the exciting theme parks, to stunning Queensland beaches, to wonderful animal encounters and the gorgeous National Parks.  So whether you’re local looking for some Brisbane day trips ideas or you are coming to Brisbane for a holiday and looking for tips on the best tourist places in Brisbane and the surrounding area, you’re sure to find plenty of great ideas from this guide.

Planning a trip to Queensland? Have any questions? Join our Queensland Travel Planning Facebook group here now! It’s the perfect place to ask any questions and to be inspired!

Page Contents

• 1.1.1 1. North Stradbroke Island Day Trip from Brisbane
• 1.1.2 2. Moreton Island
• 1.1.3 3. Tangalooma Day Trip from Brisbane
• 1.2.1 4. Movie World
• 1.2.2 5. Sea World
• 1.2.3 6. Dreamworld and White-Water World
• 1.2.4 7. Wet n Wild
• 1.2.5 8. Aussie World
• 1.3.1 9. Paradise Country 
• 1.3.2 10. Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary
• 1.3.3 11. Australia Zoo
• 1.3.4 12. Lone Pine
• 1.4.1 13. Redcliffe Lagoon (Settlement Cove)
• 1.4.2 14. South Bank Parklands
• 1.4.3 15. Broadwater Parklands
• 1.5.1 16. Tamborine Mountain
• 1.5.2 17. Springbrook National Park
• 1.5.3 18. Lamington National Park
• 1.5.4 19. O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat
• 1.6.1 20. Noosa
• 1.6.2 21. Coolum
• 1.6.3 22. Caloundra
• 1.6.4 23. Surfers Paradise
• 1.6.5 24. Broadbeach
• 1.6.6 25. Tallebudgera Creek
• 1.6.7 26. Palm Beach
• 1.6.8 27. Currumbin
• 1.6.9 28. Coolangatta
• 1.7.1 29. Tropical Fruit World
• 1.7.2 30. The Ginger Factory
• 1.8.1 31. Maleny
• 1.8.2 32. Toowoomba
• 1.9.1 33. Eumundi Markets

33 of the Best Day Trips from Brisbane  

Island day trips from brisbane  .

If you’re not from  Brisbane  you may be surprised to learn that there are some stunning island day trips from Brisbane.  Whilst many of these Brisbane islands are best explored over a few days, those short on time can nevertheless explore the island’s highlights in a day.

Whilst you can often catch a passenger ferry to the various islands and explore on your own, quite often one of the Brisbane island tours is your best bet for an island day trip.

1. North Stradbroke Island Day Trip from Brisbane

Stradbroke Island is the world’s second largest sand island, being 38 kilometres long and 11 kilometres wide and is located only 30 kilometres southeast of Brisbane. 

As well as it’s stunning beaches, North Stradbroke has some great opportunities for wildlife spotting.  Keep an eye out for koalas and kangaroos on the mainland and dolphins, whales, turtles and pelicans in ocean.  You can also visit stunning lookouts and swim in the gorgeous Brown Lake (yes despite it’s less than glamorous name, it is gorgeous!).

You can either take a passenger ferry across to the island, but you will need a vehicle to get around and explore.  Whilst it’s possible to take your own vehicle across it is very expensive for a day trip and may work out better to join a North Stradbroke Island day trip from Brisbane.  Click here to see a range of tours that leave Brisbane.

For more information on North Stradbroke Island, click here for my full guide.  

2. Moreton Island

Moreton Island is the world’s third largest sand island and is located just off the coast only 40 kms north east of Brisbane.  On Moreton Island you will find stunning beaches, amazing scenery and absolutely massive sand dunes – perfect for sandboarding!

Moreton Island is just stunning and perhaps most well known for the Tangalooma Wrecks.  Around these purposely sunk ships you will find gorgeous coral and fish.  Other marine life you can see around Moreton Island include dolphins, whales and dungeons.

There are no roads on Moreton Island, it is completely sand, so the only way to get around is by 4WD.  You can come across on a barge with a 4WD, but it can be pricey so a Moreton Island day tour from Brisbane is often your best option.  A range of Moreton Island day trips from Brisbane exist – you can read our guide here on tours to Moreton Island.  

3. Tangalooma Day Trip from Brisbane

Whilst Tangalooma Island Resort is in fact located on Moreton Island, the resort is massive and so I thought it was worth listing it separately.  You can easily reach Tangalooma Island Resort by passenger ferry and be there within 75 minutes.  Given it is so close to the CBD, a Tangalooma day trip from Brisbane is the perfect outing.

During a Tangalooma Island day trip you can enjoy a range of activities including snorkeling the Tangalooma Wrecks, sandboarding, parasailing, glass bottom boat rides, dolphin feeding and more.  During a day trip you also have access to all the resorts facilities such as their swimming pools, playground and food outlets.

You can’t access Tangalooma Island Resort on your own and must join a day trip or stay in their accommodation to access their facilities and activities.  Click here to see a range of Tangalooma Island Day tours  

Click here for my full guide on visiting Tangalooma Island Resort  

Theme Parks  

When it comes to Gold Coast and Brisbane attractions, many tourists flock to South East Queensland for the theme parks!!!  Whether you want to see your favourite movie characters come to life at Warner Bros. Movie World or get your heart pumping on the thrilling rides at Dreamworld there is something for everyone.  Theme Parks certainly make one of the best family day trips from Brisbane.

4. Movie World

Contributed by Christina from Travel 2 Next

Movie World is a great one day trip from Brisbane – particularly if you’re visiting with kids.  This theme park has 28 attractions and a range of rides suitable for younger children. Toddlers and pre-school-aged children will love riding the Looney Tunes Carousel, driving around on the mini cars at Speedy Gonzales’ Tijuana Taxis and the thrill of Sylvester’s Pounce ‘N Bounce.

For family fun, the Scooby Doo Spooky Coaster is a wild indoor roller coaster in the dark. It has a height requirement that riders must be 120cm tall or 110cm tall if riding with an adult. Adrenalin junkies will love the big roller coasters and there’s a programme of shows to entertain the entire family. 

Warner Bros Movie World is an easy 50 minute drive from the Brisbane CBD and public transport is also available by train (to Coomera Station) and by bus on the TX7 route every 15 minutes.

Warner Bros Movie World is open all year round from 9:30AM to 5PM (rides operate from 10:00AM to 5PM). The park is closed on ANZAC Day and Christmas Day. Ticket prices for a single day pass are $95 (adult), $89 (children aged 3 to 13 and pensioners).

If you are on holiday in Brisbane, you can book Movie World tickets that also include transportation from the CBD.   If you’re planning to visit other theme parks such as Sea World and / or Wet’n’Wild, it’s recommended you purchase one of the Gold Coast theme park deals to save money.  Click here to book your cheap Movie World tickets .

5. Sea World

Another one of the top day trips from Brisbane is a visit to Sea World.  Located in Main Beach, Sea World is an hour’s drive south of the Brisbane CBD and is one of the Gold Coast theme parks that the whole family to enjoy. 

At Sea World you will see some of Australia’s most beautiful marine life including Polar Bears, Stingrays, Dolphins and Penguins.   There are rides and shows as well as educational presentations and an interactive splash zone for the little ones, hands down one of the best things to do in Gold Coast with the kids.

Whilst this Queensland theme park does seem to cater best to families with young children, there are a few thrill rides that the older kids will love and come on who doesn’t love seeing a cute Polar Bear!  Older kids will love rides such as Jet Rescue and the Storm Coaster, whilst little ones will love seeing Dora the Explorer and Spongebob.

One day Sea World tickets start from $79 per adult and $69 per child with children under 3 free.  If you plan on visiting other theme parks such as Movie World and / or Wet’n’Wild, it’s recommended you purchase one of the combined Gold Coast attraction deals to save money.  Click here to book your discounted Sea World Movie World Pass.

6. Dreamworld and White-Water World

Dreamworld is one of my personal favourites when it comes to awesome day trips from Brisbane with kids.  Dreamworld offers some of the most exciting rides on the Gold Coast and is home to the Big 9 Thrill Rides including the BuzzSaw, the Giant Drop and the Tower of Terror II.  But there is plenty for the little kids too including ABC Kids World and Tiger Island.

Also right next door to Dreamworld is their water park which is called White Water World.  Your Dreamworld entry ticket includes entry to the water park.  Here you will find water slides and activities suitable for all ages so the whole family can enjoy the day.  From Wiggle Bay for the little ones to the Triple Voretex for the older thrill seekers, whilst the entire family will love the massive wave pool.

At the time of publishing one day Dreamworld tickets start from $95 per adult and $85 per child with children under 3 free.  You really do need a full day at both Dreamworld and WhiteWater World though, so if you do this its best to get a multi-day pass which starts at $109 for adults and $89 for children with under 3 free.  Click here to book your tickets.

Dreamworld is a 50 minute drive south of the Brisbane CBD and is located on the Pacific Highway (M1) at Coomera. It is much easier to drive yourself, however there is the option of public transport.  Alternatively, you can book theme park tickets which include transfers – click here for more information.

Dreamworld is one of the Gold Coast top attractions and is open 7 days a week between the hours of 10 am to 5 pm.  

7. Wet n Wild

Located right next door to Movie World, if you’re visiting during the peak of Summer a visit to Wet’n’Wild is an absolute must!  This Gold Coast water park is suitable for families with children of all ages you will find some of the tallest and fastest waterslides as well as the Wet’n’Wild Junior area and family favourites such as the Wave Pool and Calypso Beach.

One day Wet’n’Wild tickets start from $74 per adult and $69 per child with children under 3 free.  If you plan on visiting other theme parks such as Movie World and / or Sea World, it’s recommended you purchase combined Gold Coast theme park tickets to save money.  Passes for the 3 parks start at $129 per person at the gate or buy online from Experience Oz and save $10 per ticket.   Click here to book your discounted tickets .

Wet’n’Wild is open 7 days from 10 am and closing at 5 pm during the warmer months.  At other times of the year it closes at 3.30 pm or 4 pm.

8. Aussie World

Whilst much smaller than the Gold Coast theme parks, Aussie World – Sunshine Coast certainly makes up for this in the fun to be had, no queue lines and ticket prices are much cheaper!  Located 1 hour and 15 minutes from the Brisbane CBD on the Bruce Highway at Palmview, families are guaranteed to have a fantastic day at Aussie World.  As they say “fun is our thing”, and they are not lying!

There are over 18 Aussie World rides and attractions spread out over 15 acres.  All your family favourite rides are here including chair plane, Ferris wheel, dodgems, giant slides, swimming ship, carousel and tea cups.  There are also a few thrill rides for the older rides and gentle rides for the tiny tots.

As well as rides there is roving entertainers, Professor Bogglesworth’s Illusionarium, horror house ( must be over 12 yo), water play area (bring swimmers and towels), mini golf, sideshow alley, crazy mirrors and arcade games.   

Aussie World opening hours are 10 am to 5 pm daily (except Christmas Day and Anzac Day).  Aussie World tickets are $40 per person, under 3s are free and discounted family passes are available.  

Animal Encounters  

Whether you want to cuddle a koala, feed a kangaroo or see one of the fearsome crocodiles made famous by Steve Irwin you can experience it all in the various zoos and animals’ sanctuaries all accessible from Brisbane.

9. Paradise Country  

Paradise Country is full of animals and shows that the whole family will enjoy. There are a variety of farm animals you can come face to face with as well as a range of glorious Australian Wildlife that you are able to get up close with. You can also see the very cute babies in the Animal Nursery, one of the best kid friendly activities Gold Coast has.

The cost of getting into Paradise Country for admission is $27 per adult and $17 per child or you can select the option of having lunch included which makes the prices $39 per adult and $29 per child. 

The park is open from 9.30am to 4.30pm daily and is located on Production Drive in Oxenford in South East Queensland, which is around a 55 minutes’ drive south of the Brisbane CBD.  

10. Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary

One of the favourite Gold Coast attractions for families who love Australian wildlife is the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary.  Located a 1 hour and 15 minutes drive from south of the Brisbane CBD, at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary you get the opportunity to get up close with a range of animals.

Arrive by 8 am so you can join in the lorikeet feeding where you may be lucky enough to have a lorikeet or two sit on your arm whilst they eat breakfast.  Then wander through the park checking out a range of Australian wildlife as well as other exotic animals from across the globe.

Of course the Australian favourites are here including the cute and cuddly koalas as well as kangaroos and emus.  You can even hand feed the kangaroos and emus, a Gold Coast must do!

There are a range of shows throughout the day where you can learn more about the animals.  Shows include the pelican and eel feeding, snakes, crocodiles, birds, Australian show (see sheep shearing) and the Blinky Bill show.  One of the best shows would have to be the bird show.  It fantastic seeing a range of different birds as they fly right above the heads of the audience.  So close in fact that the wedge tail eagle had its tail feathers brush across my head!

At the time of publishing tickets at the gate were $49.95 per adult, $39.95 per child and $149.95 for a family pass (2A+2C).  Kids under 4 are free.  You save by purchasing your tickets online from Experience Oz.  Online tickets are $39 per adult, $39 per child and $125.93 per family pass.   Click here to book your discounted tickets.

11. Australia Zoo

Contributed by Sophie from Baby, Toddler and Kids

Australia Zoo is just over an hour away from Brisbane by car, so it’s not so far that the kids will get cranky on the drive. If you don’t feel like driving you could book a transfer through a tour operator or catch the train to Beerwah and there is a free courtesy coach from the station.

Whilst exploring the park, there are loads of great opportunities to get up close and personal with some of the animals. You will be able to stroke a koala and take a walk through the kangaroo enclosure to give them a feed. The world famous wildlife warriors show is sure to thrill the kids, with birds swooping overhead, a crocodile feeding display and tons more.

 As well as all the incredible animal species to learn about, there are various play parks dotted throughout the zoo, including a great water splash park for the kids to cool off at whilst parents take a rest on the grass nearby.

Kids under 3 go free, an adult ticket is $59 and a child ticket $35 – click here to book tickets online . If you’re staying in the Brisbane CBD you can also book tickets which include bus transfers – click here to book these tickets .

With the park open 9am to 5pm every day, except Christmas Day, there are plenty of chances to miss the busy periods. Next time you are stuck for ideas to entertain the kids, definitely consider a trip to Australia Zoo!

12. Lone Pine

Contributed by James from Travel Collecting

A day out at the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary is one of the perfect Brisbane day trips with kids.  There are dozens of koalas (mostly sleeping) and you can get your photo taken with them (for an additional fee).  There is also a large lawn with kangaroos.  You can purchase food from the gift shop to feed them. 

Other Aussie animals you can see include dingoes, platypuses, Tasmanian Devils, wombats and enormous monitor lizards.  Each day there are special shows including a sheepdog demonstration and birds of prey show, as well as keeper talks where you can learn more about snakes, platypuses, Tasmanian Devils and koalas. 

The sanctuary is in a suburb of northern Brisbane and you can drive there easily.  However for people staying in the Brisbane CBD, the easiest way to get there is by boat.  Lone Pine is right on the river, and a boat leaves daily at 10:00am from the city center and returns at 2:15pm, taking 1.25 hours each way.   

The boat costs $80 return for adults and $48 return for children, but this incudes entry to Lone Pine – click here to book your tickets .  Entry to Lone Pine only costs $38 for adults and $22 for kids – click here to book your tickets without boat transfers . The sanctuary is open daily 9:00am – 5:00pm.

Lone Pine is easily on of the Brisbane top attractions and well worth a visit.

Parklands  

One of the fun day trips Brisbane offers is without a doubt a visit to one of the various parklands.  These parkland’s are fantastic for families with plenty of play equipment, walking trails and quite often swimming areas.  Bring a picnic lunch and stay all day – one of the best day trips around Brisbane and its free!  

13. Redcliffe Lagoon (Settlement Cove)

Contributed by Alex from Get Out With Kids

Redcliffe Lagoon, also known as Settlement Cove, is a man-made lagoon located in Redcliffe on Marine Parade and is one of the best Brisbane attractions for families. It hosts a large pool (lagoon) for older children, and a small paddling pool for little kids. If you haven’t been, you’re really missing out on heaps of fun for the entire family. We like to have our Australia Day breakfast there, as the lagoon hosts quite a few barbeques.

The lagoon is on the beachfront, although I like to stick to the pool. The lagoon is under watch of lifeguards and has some man-made island looking mounds in the centre of the lagoon. You can’t jump off from the islands though, as tempting as it looks. If you don’t feel like swimming or want to get some exercise in a different way, there are also walking tracks along the foreshore in both directions.

Our family would happily swim at this lagoon for a full day out. There is also a huge playground near the lagoon with a sandpit and pirate ship, cafes and restaurants on Marine Parade and plenty of BBQ’s and picnic areas. Pack your suncream and make a day trip to Redcliffe Lagoon.

The Redcliffe Lagoon is located around a 40 minutes drive from the Brisbane CBD and is one of the awesome attractions near Brisbane CBD for families.  

And if you happen to visit on a Friday – stay a little longer for the Dolphin Wild Island Sunset Cruise.

14. South Bank Parklands

Without a doubt one of the best Brisbane city attractions is the South Bank parklands.  Located right in the heart of the Brisbane CBD, you could easily spend your entire day at here. 

In the hotter months you can’t beat a swim in the man-made Street’s Beach as well as the surrounding rock pools.  For the kids there are also playgrounds and everyone will love the Brisbane Wheel.  Other things to do in South Bank include dining at the various food outlets, cafes and restaurants, see a movie or shopping at the markets.

Click here for my full guide on things to do at South Bank.

If you’re looking for the best Brisbane City tourist attractions – you will find them all here at South Bank.

15. Broadwater Parklands

Located on the Gold Coast (about an hour’s drive south of the Brisbane CBD), the Broadwater Parklands a fantastic for families with young children given the large lagoon like body of water here is calm.  The Parklands also include the most innovative and imaginative kid’s playground that you have ever seen and the Rockpools which is a great water park for small children. 

If you’re looking for a day trip to Gold Coast from Brisbane with the kids – make sure you stop in here at the Broadwater Parklands.

National Parks  

From Brisbane you are spoiled for choice when it comes to National Parks as you easily access both the Sunshine Coast and Gold Coast National Parks.  The National Parks have a range of different walking trails from easy to difficult and all levels in between.  The walking trails take you through thick lush tropical rainforest, where you can see waterfalls, spot a native animal and enjoy the local fauna.  

16. Tamborine Mountain

Contributed by Holly from Four Around the World

One of our favourite family day trips from Brisbane is Tamborine Mountain and the Gold Coast Hinterland. It takes around an hour from Brisbane by car or bus and there is plenty to do for the whole family.

If you are looking for a family friendly place to explore the great outdoors, Mount Tamborine has plenty of opportunities for rainforest walks, wildlife spotting and waterfall views. Visit Tamborine National Park to enjoy getting close to nature. The Cedar Creek Falls walking track is a good option for younger children as it is an easier option and under 1KM return. 

For a bit more adventure and fun, the Tamborine Rainforest Skywalk is a popular family attraction, taking you over bridges and walkways high in the rainforest for a different perspective. Entry is $49 for a family of four. 

Big kids will love the TreeTop Challenge at Thunderbird Park with Australia’s longest zipline. There are plenty of other things to do for the whole family too, including a rope climbing adventure park, fossicking and crystal mining, horse riding and mini golf, just to name a few. Check their website for pricing packages and times.

Otherwise simply enjoy a stroll along Gallery Walk, stop for an ice cream or enjoy yummy food at one of the many restaurants in Tamborine Mountain. 

If you’re looking for good day trips from Brisbane that will keep the whole family entertained, you can’t beat a day out at Mount Tamborine.

Read our complete guide to Mt Tamborine here.

17. Springbrook National Park

The Springbrook National Park is a stunning region where you can take various walks to see beautiful water falls, rock pools, lush rainforest and some of the oldest trees in Australia.

Some of the must see in Springbrook National Park include:

• Natural Bridge – Springbrook National Park: Located in the western part of the Springbrook National Park it is a little isolated from the other attractions but well worth the drive.  It is an easy 30 minute return walk to see the Natural Bridge rock arch.
• Purling Brook Falls – Springbrook National Park: This is an easy waterfall view from the lookout just a few minutes’ walk from the car park.
• Canyon Look Out – Springbrook National Park: Gorgeous views across the valley towards Surfers Paradise.  This is also the start of the Twin Falls walk.
• Twin Falls Circuit – Springbrook National Park: Its a short 30-minute walk to see these waterfalls.  Here you can see lush rainforest, rockpools and waterfalls.
• Best Lookout of all – Springbrook National Park: Fantastic view across the southern edge of the Springbrook Plateau – the lookout is located an easy 350m walk from the carpark.

The Springbrook National Park is around 1.5 hours’ drive from the Brisbane CBD.

18. Lamington National Park

Lamington National Park is made up of two different sections, the Green Mountain which is located on the western side and includes the area called O’Reilly’s (see below) and the Binna Burra section.

Across the Lamington National Park visitors can enjoy a range of walking tracks which will take you through rainforest and past creeks and waterfalls.  You can also find some fantastic views across the region at the look outs.

One of my favourite things to do in the park is to visit Picnic Rock and Elabana Falls.  The falls are set deep in the Green Mountains section and surrounded by lush rainforest with water gushing down shiny rocks make it a stunning sight.  It is 3.3 kms each way to reach the picnic area and a total of 7.6 km to Elabana falls.

The Lamington National Park is around 1.5 hours’ drive from the Brisbane CBD.

19. O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat

Contributed by Karen from Smart Steps to Australia

O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat is a resort in the Gold Coast hinterland. Set within Lamington National Park, two hours south of Brisbane, it makes a great family day trip from the city.

The road to O’Reilly’s is long and winding, so be prepared with travel sickness preventatives (and sick bags!) if any of your little ones are prone to being travel sick. The journey is well worth it though, so don’t let that put you off.

There are a wide range of paid activities on offer – booking ahead is a good idea if you’re only visiting for the day, especially during school holidays. These include the Birds of Prey Show, Wildlife Encounters, a Flying Fox Adventure, a Segway Safari and – our personal favourite – the Glow Worm Experience (although as this takes place at night you really need to be staying over to take part in this one as you wouldn’t want to do the mountain drive back home after dark).

Prices range from $8 upwards per person, with many activities offering a family price. You can also do the free Tree Top Walk, watch the daily bird feeding and explore the walking tracks so you can mix in some free time in between paid activities.  

O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat is a great weekend retreat with kids but even if you don’t have that much time, you can still get a lot out of a full day experience there as there is so much to see and do. 

If you are holidaying in Brisbane and don’t have a car, you can join a tour which includes bus transfers from Brisbane and a range of other activities.  Click here for more information.

Queensland Beaches  

You will find all the best beaches from Brisbane either on the Sunshine Coast or the Gold Coast and I might be a little bias here, but Queensland has some of the best beaches in the entire world!  Not only that but Queensland has some of the best weather to make the most of these gorgeous beaches too. 

Don’t come to Brisbane without spending a day or two exploring the gorgeous South East Queensland beaches.

Here is a short list of some of my favourite beaches accessible from Brisbane in a day trip.  

Contributed by Sophie from Remote Rainforest Mum

One of our favourite day trips from Brisbane has to be a trip to Noosa! We are a real outdoors, beach bum family and Noosa just has everything we need for a great day out.

It’s about a 90-minute drive away from Brisbane, so not to epic of a journey for young kids and if you’re not keen on driving there are tour operators who offer full day tours with transfers.

The great thing about Noosa is you can have a whole day there and spend next to no money at all. The main beach is very popular with surfers so it can get a little crowded but if you walk down towards the river the beach becomes much quieter and is still just as beautiful. The surf club looks out over the main beach and is a great spot to grab some lunch looking at the ocean.

There are a ton of walks around the forests, clifftops and beaches of the National Park so plenty of space to get some fresh air and burn off some energy.

Next time you need a day away from the city, I’d definitely recommend a trip to Noosa to explore everything it has to offer!

Click here for our full guide on things to do in Noosa with kids.

Contributed by Jan from Budget Travel Talk

Coolum Beach is a laid-back surfing town 1.5 hours by road north of Brisbane in Queensland. Whether you love the beach life, chilling in a Café or climbing Mount Coolum, Coolum Beach makes a great day trip from Brisbane.

Fit families with 1.5 hours to spare, make a pilgrimage of Mount Coolum just 3.5 km south of Coolum Beach.  At 208 metres tall, the 360° views from Double Island Point in the north to Caloundra are breathtaking, but don’t forget water bottles and snacks for the summit.

Australian Professional Surfer Julian Wilson, is a Coolum boy and even if only day tripping, learning to surf is great thing to do with kids or the whole family. Coolum Surf School has daily 2 hour beginner lessons from 10 am to 12 noon, with another in the afternoon during peak times. Price $60.

For watery fun minus the waves, Blast Aqua Park Coolum has a variety of fun inflatables in a fresh water lake. Sessions or all day passes can be booked on line and are suitable for the whole family 3 years and over. Prices range from $20 p.p. for 50 minutes to $55 for an All Day Pass. Spectactors are free. BYO food and non-alcoholic drinks and enjoy the free BBQ’s.

Coolum Surf Club overlooks the patrolled beach with a family friendly outdoor deck with amazing views. Try their gourmet pizzas or wood fired steaks and kids eat free on Mondays from 5.30 pm till 7 p.m.

22. Caloundra

Caloundra is such a great area to visit for a family day out.  There are numerous beaches to choose from, multiple kids playgrounds and some lovely casual family dining options – including the classic fish and chips on the beach.

Some of the best beaches in Caloundra for kids are Bullock Beach and Golden Beach with their calm waters backing on to Bribie Island.  Currimundi Lake is another excellent one too as is the free pool at Kings Beach.

Another great thing to do is to stroll the Caloundra section of the Coastal Pathway for some great views.  The Caloundra section is 9 kms, but you can choose where you start and finish.

Caloundra is located 1.25 hours’ drive from the Brisbane CBD.

Click here to read my full guide on everything there is to do in Caloundra.  

23. Surfers Paradise

The main tourist spot on the Gold Coast is Surfers Paradise.  Here not only will you find a gorgeous stretch of swimming, but you will also find the largest amount of family friendly attractions on the Gold Coast.  From putt putt golf, to massive gaming arcades, interactive cinemas, thrill rides and more.

Surfers Paradise is located a 1 hours drive from the Brisbane CBD or you can take the train also.

Click here to read my full guide on everything there is to do in Surfers Paradise.

24. Broadbeach

Similar to Surfers Paradise, Broadbeach is a very popular area for tourists.  Home to the Broadbeach Mall full of shops, restaurants and family friendly hotels as well as Jupiter’s Casino, the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre and Pacific Fair Shopping Centre, the largest shopping precinct on the Gold Coast.  There is also an excellent swimming and surf beach at Broadbeach with a fantastic playground, one of the best kids’ playground, Gold Coast has.

Broadbeach is located an 1 hours’ drive from the Brisbane CBD or you can take the train also.

25. Tallebudgera Creek

In my view one of the best kid friendly beaches, Gold Coast to offer and one of my all-time favourite places to swim on the Gold Coast.  In fact, not technically a beach but a creek, although don’t let the word “creek” put you off, this creek is absolutely stunning with bright turquoise coloured calm water, perfect for little ones.  This is a popular spot for SUP and kayaking.

Tallebudgera Creek is located 1 hour and 15 minutes’ drive from the Brisbane CBD.

26. Palm Beach

Another great choice if you’re looking for the best beach for kids Gold Coast has is Palm Beach, also another personal favourite.  Palm Beach has the benefit of having both a surf beach as well as being situated on one side of the Currumbin Creek.  Currumbin Creek is perfect for the kids as the water is calm.  Whilst a fairly quiet area in terms of shops and restaurants, there are plenty of great family apartments available as well as an excellent playground, another one of our favourite kids parks, Gold Coast has on offer.

Palm Beach is located 1 hour and 15 minutes’ drive from the Brisbane CBD.

27. Currumbin

Similar to Palm Beach, Currumbin has the advantage of having both a surf beach and the stunning Currumbin Creek, yep you guessed it another one of my favourites!  This is a popular spot for families to enjoy a variety of water sports such as surfing, stand-up paddle boarding and kayaking.

There’s not a great deal of accommodation here, but what is here is certainly family friendly and there are a few cafes sprinkled throughout the area.

Also a 15 minute drive inland you will find the gorgeous Currumbin Rock Pools.  There are varying pool depths, rope swings, rock slides and ledges to jump off providing plenty of fun for the whole family.

Currumbin Beach is located 1 hour and 15 minutes’ drive from the Brisbane CBD.

28. Coolangatta

Another fantastic spot for families that want to be in a central location to shops, restaurants, gorgeous beach and playgrounds is Coolangatta.  This stretch of beach is 800 metres long, north facing and also protected by the headland. This beach is generally safe and has low waves making it fun for the whole family to enjoy.

Included in Coolangatta are the two smaller beaches of Greenmount and Rainbow Bay – both absolutely stunning beaches and my favourite stretch of beach on the entire Gold Coast, Rainbow Bay.  As well as plenty of family friendly accommodation and a shopping centre there is also a lovely walking trail that wraps around Greenmount Hill.  You can walk right up to the New South Wales border here.

Coolangatta is located 1 hour and 15 minutes’ drive from the Brisbane CBD.  

Food Related Attractions  

Queensland has the perfect climate for growing a range of produce and some of the best attractions to visit are based around food!  Come for some fun whilst getting the opportunity to try some delicious Queensland grown local produce.  

29. Tropical Fruit World

Tropical Fruit World is great attraction for the family which is located just over the New South Wales border in the gorgeous Tweed Valley.

At Tropical Fruit World families get the opportunity to taste a range of different tropical fruits from around the world.  I hadn’t even heard of most of these fruits – including Black Sapote which is basically chocolate mousse in a fruit!

Entry into the attraction also includes a tractor tour around the gorgeous property, where along the way your guide will share interesting facts about the various fruits as well.  It isn’t all about fruit either, here are some great family friendly activities including cracking macadamia nuts straight from the tree, patting the animals at Old McDonald’s Farm, riding the miniature train around Treasure Island as well as taking a boat cruise down the property’s stunning river.

The fruit tasting, and tractor tour takes 2.5 hours, but you’re quite welcome to spend as long as you like at the property. 

Located on Duranbah Road, Duranbah you will need a car to get to Tropical Fruit World.  The attraction is open daily from 10 am to 4pm.  Entry into Tropical Fruit World is $47 per adult, $25 per child and $115 for a family pass (2A+2C).   Click here if you wish to purchase your tickets online.  

Tropical Fruit World is located 1 hour and 30  minutes’ drive from the Brisbane CBD.

30. The Ginger Factory

Contributed by Sharee from Inspire Family Travel

Around an hour and a half north of Brisbane is one of the most family-friendly places to visit on the Sunshine Coast. The Ginger Factory has everything from great food, fun activities, exciting tours all surrounded by sub-tropical gardens.

Open everyday entry is free which allows you to visit as often as you like to enjoy the children’s play area, rainforest walk, ice creamery, and café.

There are three paid attractions and major drawcards a the Ginger Factory. Moreton is a 116-year-old retired sugar cane train that you can ride around the 9 hectares of gardens and factory grounds. From train to boat join the gingerbread man on the overboard ride as you float around the magical world where puppets come alive to animation and music. It has similarities to the Disneyland attraction it’s a small world and lots of fun as you try to name all the countries along the way. Sweet tooths will enjoy the live bee show and tasting the different variety of honey. If you are going to partake in at least two of these tours, they have a bundle ticket option to save money. 

The Ginger Factory is a 1 hour and 15 minutes drive from the Brisbane CBD and prices for activities vary.  Click here to book your tickets online.

Cities  

If you want to get away from the hustle and bustle of the Brisbane CBD, there are various little quaint towns and cities you can easily explore as a day trip from Brisbane.  

Contributed by Ngaire from Brisbane Kids

Maleny is a relaxing day trip adventure for Brisbane families looking to escape the city for a day. Located just one and a half hour’s drive from the Brisbane CBD, Maleny is nestled atop the rolling green hills of the Sunshine Coast Hinterland. 

The Maleny Botanic Gardens, featuring Bird World is the perfect midmorning pitstop for some Devonshire tea and a chat to some local parrots.  For those families keen for a country experience, take the kids on a farm tour at Maleny Dairies, feed the animals and take a tractor ride. 

To cool off after your farm experience head to Kondalilla Falls or Gardner Falls and enjoy a cool dip in a rainforest waterhole. Both are best experienced after some seasonable rains, with Kondalilla Falls more suited to older kids and Gardner Falls more suited to younger ones looking to splash in the shallows.  For those interested in local food options, book a lunch at King Ludwigs German Restaurant and finish the day with a gelato at Maleny Food Co.   

32. Toowoomba

Contributed by Stacey from Adventure By 3  

A visit to the ‘Garden City’ of Toowoomba is perfect for a family day trip from Brisbane. In just a 90 minute drive west of Brisbane via the Warrego Highway, you will find yourself perched high on top of the Great Dividing Range. 

Toowoomba is home to a range of family-friendly attractions and activities. With over 150 parks and public gardens such as Queens Park, there is plenty of wide-open, green spaces for the kids to explore, play or to enjoy a picnic lunch in. Best of all, they are free to visit! 

Follow up with an excursion into history at one of the many historical attractions in Toowoomba. The Cobb+Co Museum is home to Australia’s National Carriage Collection (entry fees start from $12.50 for adults and $10.00 for kids). See Toowoomba’s railway history preserved at DownsSteam Tourist Railway and Museum (entry by donation) or Australia’s only road-building museum at The Transport and Main Roads Heritage Museum ($2 entry fee).

For more adventures, go searching for the hidden alleyways and cute coffee shops that boast amazing street art, or hike to the top of nearby Tabletop Mountain for panoramic views.

Markets  

If you feel like combining some shopping with your Brisbane day trip, go find a market!  There are some fantastic markets around Brisbane all offering a great range of items (quite often made locally), local produce and entertainment.  

33. Eumundi Markets

Contributed by Sinead from Map Made Memories

Shopping with kids is always an unpredictable gamble and not an activity that usually features on our family travel to do list! But we were surprised how much we all enjoyed our day spent at Eumundi markets.

The free to enter markets are held every Saturday 7 am – 2 pm and Wednesday 8.00 am – 1.30 pm in the rural, inland town of Eumundi around a 1 1/2 hour easy drive north of Brisbane. They are a very popular attraction for both tourists and locals.

The market contains hundreds of stalls covering an enormous site. There are food and drink stalls (both farmers and artisans), clothing, jewellery, ceramics, wellness and even furniture stalls. There is a diverse range of high-quality handmade crafts for sale, many of which we had not seen elsewhere on our travels through Australia. You won’t leave empty handed!

There is live music which helps to create a buzzing, lively atmosphere, plus a playground as an escape from shopping. Our kids were kept engaged and entertained by the many free samples of food and drink and by the range of unique and unusual toys on offer. Their favourite purchase was a fabric beach ball that you use with balloons – great for travelling families! 

Please note that this post contains affiliate links, which means that should make any bookings using my links, I may be paid a small commission at no extra cost to you.  This allows me to provide this information free of charge – thank you for supporting our website.

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25 of the best day trips from Brisbane

By Author Toni Broome

Posted on Published: August 27, 2018  - Last updated: January 16, 2023

Looking for fun and fabulous day trips from Brisbane. We have 25 top picks here from the beach to the rainforest, lakes and rivers, wildlife, family fun and adventure.

Brisbane is a great city to both live and visit.  It’s casual and laid back but there are options here for culture, great foodie experiences and more.  It doesn’t have to hurt your pocket either. If you’re visiting the city make sure you also see our top ideas for free things to do in Brisbane .

The sub-tropical climate you’ll find in Brisbane is ideal, it doesn’t hit the scorching highs in summer that some parts of the country do but winter is mostly spent in shorts and t-shirts with plenty of beach visits all year round.

The city has it’s own surf patrolled (man made) beach and plenty of parks and attractions but as with any city after a day or two, or a solid 9-5 week, you’re probably going to want to get outside and explore further afield so we’ve put together a list of our 25 best options for day trips from Brisbane.  You’ll find plenty of variety here to suit everyone – couples, friends, families and singles.

Table of Contents

1. Glasshouse Mountains

2. lamington national park, 3. north stradbroke island, 4. moreton island, 5. currumbin wildlife sanctuary, 6. sea world, 7. bribie island, 8. tamborine mountain, 9. springbrook national park, 10. toowoomba, 12. burleigh heads, 13. mooloolaba, 14. south stradbroke island, 15. northern gold coast beaches, 16. whale watching on the gold coast, 17. wivenhoe dam, 18. eumundi, 19. mary cairncross reserve, 20. southern gold coast beaches, 21. obi obi gorge, 22. byron bay, 23. the northern new south wales beaches, 24. currumbin sculpture festival, 25. sand safari, our recommendations for day trips from brisbane.

The Glasshouse mountains are at the southern end of the Sunshine Coast only an hour from the city.  This distinctive National Park includes 12 distinctive peaks that are the remnant cores of 26 million year old volcanos that once towered above the region.

Some of the peaks have paths you can walk up easily such as Wild Horse Mountain where this photo was taken from, other’s require climbing expertise and equipment for those we prefer the walking trails that circumnavigate them from below.  There are a few cafes in the area, our pick is the Lookout Cafe for its gorgeous outlook, then just carry on a few hundred meters further up the mountain for the lookout park with incredible views, walking trails and wildlife.

Use this guide to plan your visit to the Glasshouse Mountains

Heading south of Brisbane to the Gold Coast we are often drawn to the beauty of the Lamington National Park.  There are 2 sections to this park which are accessed in very different ways so make sure you are headed to the right part.  The Green Mountain section is our favorite and commonly known as O’Reillys for the family that originally settled here and a man that carried out an inspiring rescue against the odds when a passenger plane crashed in the area back in 1937.

Today you’ll find a variety of walks many suitable for the whole family in pristine rain forest and some great destinations on these walks such as the Elabana Falls shown above.  There’s car parking, BBQ’s, plenty of picnic space and a shop and cafe here.  If you’re looking for something longer than a day trip there’s a variety of accommodation right at the park entrance from camping to luxe apartments with private outdoor spa’s.  We’ve stayed here a couple of times and if you’re interested this article will give you an idea of whats available and some of the other activities.

If you love Australian wildlife this is a sure spot to see pademelons, a small species in the wallaby and kangaroo family and the bird life is extensive, we’ve seen a huge variety here including the elusive Alberts Lyrebird and rainbow pitta.

Find some of the best walks in the Lamington National Park

Just a 25-minute ferry trip across Moreton Bay is North Stradbroke Island, a laid back island paradise right on the door step of the city.  There’s a lot to love about a day trip to ‘Straddie’ as it’s known locally but for us, it’s a tie between the wildlife, scenery and fabulous beaches.  There’s also a couple of good cafes popped up on the island recently.

You can take a car across on the car ferry but you’ll have just as much fun jumping on the bus that meets the boat and heading up to Point Lookout.  This is where you’ll find stunning surf beaches, the gorge walk, lookouts and more amazing beaches. 

If you visit in the ‘winter’ you can watch the whales passing on their annual migration, pods of dolphins playing in the surf and sea turtles feeding in the gorge.  There’s also a big mob of kangaroos and you’ll usually spot at least some of those.  Surfing and beach days are popular on the island all year round. 

We met one young Kiwi visitor who was so impressed after having dolphins join her on her wave while body surfing that she was making an impromptu decision to turn her day trip into an overnight stay hoping to repeat the experience again the next day.

Read More:  Our tops picks of what to do on North Stradbroke Island

Moreton Island is sometimes referred to as Tangalooma after the major resort on the island.  It’s another top spot for a day trip from Brisbane but there is plenty to see and do out here on the island so it’s also a popular spot to stay a few days. 

The boat runs out here from Brisbane in the morning and after a short stop you can rejoin it during the ‘winter’ months to head out whale watching.  Early in the trip we spotted turtles, dolphins and off the coast of Morton Island is where I saw my very first dugong .  The whales are in transit from Antarctica to the Great Barrier Reef but they still show a natural curiosity in checking out boats so the sightings were good.

We had lunch on the boat then when you get back to there island there’s time to explore.  There are wrecks offshore that have formed into reefs and provide a home for a good variety of sea life, you can hire a kayak to take a look if you don’t want to snorkel or dive.  You can also hire cycles with sand tires or head out sand tobogganing.  As a day visitor we were able to use the resort facilities and we stayed on into the evening taking the last boat back to see the great sunset and the other special attractions of Tangalooma, the visiting dolphins.

Early in the evening a pod of wild dolphins come into shore and under a special licence you are able to feed them here.  The history of this goes back a long way and led to Nari, one of the dolphins a decade or so back being able to be rescued, healed and returned to his pod after he was badly mauled by a shark (you can read more about Nari in the article below). 

Care is taken to ensure they are given locally caught fish and that what they receive only makes up only a small portion of their daily diet so they eat and play naturally the rest of the time.  Not every dolphin in the pod comes in, and those that do don’t come in every day, trained staff supervise every encounter to ensure it is done in a safe way and of course you must not touch the dolphin.

For more information see:  Whales, dugongs, dolphins and more at Morton Island

While I’ll highlight many spots to encounter Australia’s wildlife in their natural setting near Brisbane in other sections of this post,  visitors may want to include a wildlife sanctuary during their time in Brisbane to see a variety of Australian animals and for the educational aspect.

For that, we’d recommend either Currumbin or the nearby  David Fleay Wildlife Park .  These two have a strong conservation focus, they prioritise local wildlife over exotics their priority is animal welfare, conservation and education.

Read more about the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary |  Check for deals at Currumbin Sanctuary

There are a number of theme parks within easy access of Brisbane that make a great family day trip.  Sea World in Australia is heavily involved in marine rescue and many of the birds and animals here are rescues that were unable to be released back to the wild for various reasons related to their own safety.

Sea World is located on The Spit on the Gold Coast around an hours drive from Brisbane.  It’s also possible to get here with public transport or joining a tour that includes transport but we’d highly recommend driving so you can stop off at some of the stunning beaches in the area.

In addition to the animals there’s also water ski and jet bike shows, thrill rides, a water park and the Nickelodeon area featuring shows and rides for the younger family members.

Read our tips for a day at Sea World Australia   |  Check out deals on Sea World tickets

Another of Queensland’s large sand islands, Bribie, is attached to the mainland by a causeway so you won’t even need a boat to get out here.  On the inland side of the island are calm waters perfect for a day at the beach with the family, on the seaward side there’s some incredible surf.

Bribie has had increased residential development in recent years but most of the island is National Park with no roads so you’ll need a 4-wheel drive, permit and sand driving experience to see more than the southern tip.  That said, the southern tip is beautiful and you don’t need to walk very far from the car parking to find a good stretch of sand to yourself.  The island is also a bird watchers paradise and has some interesting walkways and history to explore.

Read more | Tips on visiting Bribie Island

Mount Tamborine is a relaxed hinterland area halfway between Brisbane and the Gold Coast.  It’s only an hours drive to experience this beautiful area of rain forest on the Scenic Rim.  The National Park here is divided into 6 distinct parts containing walking tracks, lookouts, waterfalls and other attractions.  Some popular sections we enjoy are the Witches Falls and Cedar Creek tracks.

On Mount Tamborine, you’ll also find the Gallery Walk with restaurants and interesting shops to explore, a botanic garden, the Skywalk where you can observe the rain forest section from above and within, glow worm caves plus a variety of foodie treats from cheesemakers to wineries.

Another spot on the Scenic Rim with excellent National Park walks and fabulous scenery is the Springbrook National Park.  There’s a whole list of walks and lookout’s we enjoy down here but two I’d highly recommend when visiting are the Twin Falls circuit shown above and the Natural Bridge , click on either link for more visitor information. 

It’s quite possible to do one in the morning, visit another spot such as Goomoolahra Falls for your picnic lunch then complete the other walk in the afternoon.

Toowoomba is a provincial city 125 km inland from Brisbane.  A day trip out here can include the views from the impressive lookout , hiking trails and one of the best Japanese gardens in Australia.

For foodies, you’ll want to check out the farmer’s markets, farm gate sales and cellar doors.  In the city itself, there’s also a thriving cafe culture that’s sprung up in recent years and a fabulous collection of street art murals .

Our comprehensive guide to exploring Toowoomba

At the northern end of the Sunshine Coast, about a 90 minute drive from Brisbane is Noosa.  This popular holiday area also makes a fun and easy day trip from the city.  The main beach of Noosa is popular with surfers and can be quite busy but walk a little way down towards the river and the beach is just as good and almost deserted a lot of the time.  Keep walking and you’ll come to a sheltered calm water swimming beach and the river.  From here is a great place to watch the sunset.

The Noosa National Park has 15 km of walking tracks within the forest, along the cliff top and down on the beaches.  If you do the Coastal Track be aware that Alexandria Bay is illegally used as a nudist beach especially the southern end which you need to pass to rejoin and complete the 10.8 km return walk to Sunshine Beach. There are a number of excellent shorter walking tracks and a variety of wildlife including koala are regularly seen within the park

The Burleigh Heads National park is only 27 hectares but squeezed into this space you will find rainforest habitat, eucalypt forest, groves of distinctive coastal pandanus, tussock grassland, coastal heath, creeks and mangroves, the rocky foreshore and glorious sandy beaches. 

The rainforest circuit where this photo is taken from is 2.3 km return, there’s also an ocean view track which we normally like to take on the return walk.

If you enter from the northern end off of the Gold Coast Highway and turn into Goodwin Terrace you’ll find public parking here and also an excellent selection of local cafes to complete your day trip experience.

Mooloolaba is one of my personal favourites on the Sunshine Coast.  You have a long stretch of gorgeous sandy beach here, a shady boardwalk, many park areas, the river and a break wall between the ocean and the river that’s a popular walk and fishing spot.  You’ll also find Sea Life Sunshine Coast which we’ve reviewed previously and a wide selection of cafes, restaurants and accommodation.

There is so much to see and do in Mooloolaba and it’s only an 80-minute drive from Brisbane and makes an ideal day trip destination.

There are a number of tours that run out to South Stradbroke Island from the Gold Coast, it’s actually only 200 metres off the end of the Spit so it’s a quick trip over then you can spend your day as you wish, enjoy the facilities of the Couran Cove Resort, swim and explore the 22 km of sandy beaches & 1800 hectare conservation park.

For something a bit different you can kayak out to Wavebreak and South Stradbroke Islands  on a full day trip with time to explore, lunch, relaxation and activities on the island.  We’ve kayaked out with a group a few years ago and it was way easier than we expected.

The most famous and longest established of the Gold Coast beaches is Surfers Paradise, it’s still a lovely stretch of sand with a wide promenade and some great cafes, restaurants and accommodation.  Over the years Broadbeach & Mermaid Beach, one beach south, has become our favourite being a little more laid back and home to some of our top picks for cafes on the Gold Coast.

All three are surf beaches with wide expanses of soft white sand and have designated patrolled swimming areas.  Also in the northern group of beaches to explore are Main Beach, the Spit and the Broadwater.

We’ve been whale watching many times along the east coast of Australia.  Our most recent outing was on the Gold Coast.

This migratory group of humpback whales make their way from Antarctica to the Great Barrier Reef each year.  They are estimated to number over 30,000 based on an annual whale census and their numbers are recovering annually.  This means you have an excellent chance of some good sightings between August and October each year.  We booked for the morning trip as winds and waves tend to increase later in the day and saw a good number of whales, if you’re unlucky and for some reason don’t see a whale you can take a second trip for free.

Check Gold Coast whale watch prices and reviews

The Wivenhoe Dam was built on the Brisbane River in the 1970s to protect the city from floods.  Not only is it now the main water supply for the city but it’s also a great recreational destination for swimming, kayaking and sailing. 

There are a number of recreational parklands around the lake and not all of them allow for water based activities with restrictions for safety reasons around the spill wall.  This one closest to the spillway is one that doesn’t allow direct access to the water but it has an extensive park and picnic areas and it’s a great spot for koala spotting.

The town of Eumundi is well known for the huge and diverse Eumundi market, an ever-growing market encompassing local artists, craft, produce and more.  Originally it was all outdoor stalls but developments in recent years have expanded the market area including some undercover options.

The town has bars and cafes to stop and relax if you want somewhere to stop for a while or grab something from the market itself and you’ll find plenty of places to sit on the grassy banks.  There are regular events here too, one we really enjoyed is the Eumundi body art festival .

Just 15 minutes away is the Noosa Botanical Gardens on the shores of Lake Mackenzie and Eumundi is on the way to Noosa so the two can be easily combined into a day trip,

In the Blackall ranges on the Sunshine Coast, you will find the Mary Cairncross conservation park around 90 km from Brisbane.   There are 55 hectares of sub-tropical rainforest on the mountain here and a well developed walking path and boardwalk in parts.  Despite that it’s an excellent spot from seeing local wildlife including birds, pademelons a small marsupial in the kangaroo family and even the endangered mountain crayfish, a blue coloured found only in a couple of mountain ranges around here above 240 metres.

In addition to the walkway, you’ll find parklands, BBQ and picnic facilities an information centre and cafe.  A visit here is ideal to combine with exploring the mountain villages of Maleny and Montville.

With 66km of stunning Gold Coast beaches, it’s going to take a lot of time to visit them all so it’s necessary to make some choices to narrow it down.  The attraction of the southern Gold Coast beaches including Burleigh, Currumbin, Tugan and Kirra are that they are a little less developed and quieter than the northern beaches.

They are all strikingly beautiful surf beaches with wide white sandy stretches, many have dune areas and others have lagoon, mangrove and creeks heading inland.

The Obi Obi gorge is a diverse natural area on the Sunshine Coast near Maleny.  It’s located next to the Baroon Pocket Dam and from here you can take a 7 km return walk on the Baroon Lookout track, the views from the track are fabulous and you generally see diverse birdlife along the track.  Not far from the car park there’s a detour down to the gorge and swimming hole.  Another alternative is rock-hopping along the gorge but be prepared to get wet in parts.

The are picnic and BBQ facilities nearby at the lake edge and across the dam wall or head back up the road into Maleny for a variety of cafe options.

Byron Bay is a 2-hour drive from Brisbane and I have to admit I do prefer to stay down there for a night or two when we go but we’ve done it as a day trip several times with friends and visitors and if that’s what works for your itinerary then I’d definitely make this trip for the day, you can see and do plenty in that time.

Byron Bay retains it’s laid back surf vibe despite its ever-increasing popularity and while getting a car park can be a challenge some days you are sure to find yourself a wave and space on the sand at one of it’s 9 stunning beaches.  Byron is an iconic Aussie destination and we highly recommend a visit.

Read more about the Byron Bay beaches and other attractions in this article

Around an hour and a half from Brisbane, you’ll reach the northern New South Wales beaches including Fingal Head, Kingscliff and Salt beach.  It’s a popular holiday destination and increasingly growing as a residential subdivision but still relatively quiet.

The beaches here are gorgeous for long relaxed walks, beach days and there’s a wide walking and bike path shaded in part by the casuarina trees along the beach edge at Kingscliff.  From Fingal head and many of the other headlands along here you’ll see whales passing during the migration season and don’t miss the Giants Causeway, an interesting basalt lava rock formation that extends under the water to Cook Island.

Read more | What to see and do around the Northern  NSW beaches

My 2 final suggestions for day trips from Brisbane are annual events. There’s a big range of these and something to suit all interests, these are just 2 examples that make a great addition to your time in the region. 

The Swell Festival has been running for many years during the month of September and includes many local and international artists who create sculptures, often of significant size on the beach and foreshore in Currumbin.  During the festival, you’ll find coffee vans and food trucks offering a variety on top of the local cafes, live music and other entertainment.  The sculptures are also lit at night adding a different way to enjoy them.

Helpful tips for planning a visit to the Swell Festival

The Sand Safari is another annual event, this time in February and held predominantly at Surfers Paradise although related displays pop up around the Gold Coast.  The enormous sandcastles are created by international and local artists along the wide promenade in front of the beach. 

The artworks usually take the shape of fantasy and cartoon characters which are loved by kids and adults alike.  They are made entirely of sand and water then sprayed with an environmentally safe sealant to help them stand up to the elements for the duration of the festival.

During the event you an vote for the one you like the best and there’s an extra-large central display which is worked on by many artists for you to watch the creators at work and ask any questions.  The festival is perfect combined with a day at the beach or exploring Surfers Paradise, the best known of the Gold Coast beaches.

Have you visited one, or all, of these fantastic destinations near Brisbane?  Do you enjoy day trips as a way of exploring a region?  If you have any questions when planning your visit please ask in the comments section below.  For those places you want to add to your itinerary we have in-depth articles full of tips on many of them that we’ve also linked up above.

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North Gorge Walk, North Stradbroke Island, Queensland © Tourism and Events Queensland

The best day trips from Brisbane

The Queensland capital of Brisbane is perfectly positioned for day trips of every kind.

By Katrina Lobley 

Want to get out of town for the day?  Brisbane  is surrounded by fascinating destinations to discover. Take your pick of coastal cities, island getaways and hinterland mountains topped with lush forests.

Where:  80 kilometres (50 miles) south of Brisbane. 

The glitzy  Gold Coast , attracts plenty of pint-sized thrill seekers keen to spend a day at one of its theme parks. But it's not just kids who will enjoy the region. With a thriving food scene, great shopping, pumping nightlife and even a well-established health and wellness offering, it's easy to see why "the Goldie" is a favourite getaway spot. Want to see how Surfers Paradise got its name? Sign up for a surf lesson along the iconic beachfront with  Get Wet Surf School  before relaxing at one of the Gold Coast's best day spas or restaurants .

Bee Gees Way, Redcliffe Queensland © Dominika Lis

Where: 45 minutes north of Brisbane.

Redcliffe , a coastal city between Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast , has one big musical claim to fame: it’s where the Gibb brothers, of Bee Gees fame, spent part of their childhood in the 1950s and signed their first music contract. The city pays homage to the stars with  Bee Gees Way , a 70-metre (230-foot) long multimedia walkway that's free and open day and night. The walkway runs between Sutton Street and the waterfront Redcliffe Parade (stroll along the promenade to enjoy views of Moreton Island). Redcliffe is also a spectacular seafood destination. Head to the Moreton Bay Boat Club for casual fare or Tempest for seafood that sizzles on a teppanyaki grill. For something more adventurous, hire a boat or jet ski from Boab Boats for a day cruising the waters of Moreton Bay. If it’s humpback migration season (June to November), hop onto a whale watching cruise to spot the curious whales.

Moreton Island

Did you know?

Guests at Tangalooma Island Resort can join Eco Rangers in hand-feeding wild bottlenose dolphins that visit the shore every evening.

Where:  40 kilometres (25 miles) off the coast of Brisbane. Take the 75-minute ferry to reach the island.

Moreton Island is a favourite day trip for Queenslanders, but don't rule out an overnight adventure. Those who love four-wheel driving can ferry their vehicles to the island and explore the bush and beach tracks. Those who prefer modern comforts can head to Tangalooma Island Resort , which offers a variety of activities, including quad biking, kayaking, parasailing and scenic flights. Snorkelling or diving the partially-submerged Tangalooma Wrecks that lie just offshore is also popular. The island is home to an interior desert with soaring sand dunes offering a hefty dose of adrenaline-inducing activity. Sign up to toboggan the steep dunes, if you dare.

Bribie Island

Bribie Island, Sunshine Coast, Queensland © John Bowden, Tourism and Events Queensland

Where: Located between Redcliffe and the  Sunshine Coast , just under an hour's drive north of Brisbane.

For a beach holiday that's all about the simple things, head to  Bribie Island . Bribie is the only Moreton Bay island you can drive to (shuttles operate from Brisbane Airport, or take a bus from Caboolture train station). Pumicestone Passage, which runs between the island and the mainland, is home to dugongs (similar to manatees) that come to feed on the seagrass, as well as dolphins and turtles.  Ferryman Cruises  offers a range of passage tours while G'day Adventure Tours can take you on a 4WD adventure to spot wildlife before heading inland through forests and wetlands only accessible by 4WD. For surf action, head to the ocean beaches at Woorim .

North Stradbroke Island

North Gorge Walk, North Stradbroke Island, Queensland © Tourism Australia

Where: Drive 45 minutes east to Toondah Harbour to catch the ferry to the island.

Loved for its laid-back lifestyle and aquatic adventures, North Stradbroke Island is the perfect day trip or weekend getaway. ‘Straddie,’ as the locals call it, is home to some stunning beaches - don’t miss Cylinder Beach and Frenchman’s Beach - as well as freshwater lakes you can reach on foot. The island also offers incredible whale watching opportunities from late May to early October. The humpback whales migrate so close to shore that all you need is a pair of binoculars to watch them swim by; a  walk along the headlands is a great place to start your search. Continue your nature discovery from the glamping tents at Adder Rock , where you’ll have a chance to spot resident kangaroos, koalas and kookaburras.

Australia's most beautiful islands

Scenic Rim, Maryvale, Queensland © Mark Clinton, Tourism and Events Queensland

Where: A 1.5-hour drive south-west of Brisbane.

If photogenic mountains are your thing, head to the Scenic Rim in the Gold Coast hinterland . Known as Australia's Green Cauldron, these lush mountains were once a volcanic hotspot. Choose from over a dozen  trails that take you to breathtaking lookouts, rock pools and rainforest gorges. Prefer to see the Scenic Rim from the air? Gold Coast-based  Hot Air  offers hot air balloon rides over the region.

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13 Of The Best Day Trips From Brisbane To Take In 2024

By Urban List Writers

17th Apr 2024

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Sick of spending your weekends on your home turf? Time to schedule in one of our favourite day trips from Brisbane and explore more of what our incredible part of the world has to offer. Whether you're after waterfalls and wineries or surf and seafood, you'll find it all within just an hour or two of the city—all you need to do is plan your routes. So fill up the tank and hit the road, here are the best day trips to take from Brisbane.

Lamington National Park 

If we had to pick a favourite of Brisbane's nearby national parks , Lamington would be it. It has it all—stunning waterfalls, tranquil rainforests, stunning Valley views and even a spa for the type who prefer to take it all in from the comfort of a a cedar wood bathtub. On your way in, make sure you stop in Canungra for a slice of cake and a coffee at the local bakery to fuel you up, and on the way out, you can stop in at Mountview Alpaca Farm for a picnic with a friendly alpaca—no doubt you'll have worked up a hunger with all that hiking.

Glass House Mountains 

If you've got a desperate need to stretch your legs, there's plenty of hikes to tackle in the Glass House Mountains, from gentle strolls, to epic scrambles up steep rocky climbs. You've got your pick of mountains—Mt Ngungun, Mt Tibrogargen and Mt Beerwah are the best known and most hiked, and all of them offer absolutely spectacular views from their peak that are well worth the effort. Just be sure to  check the grade  of your chosen walk before you start—some of them require some pretty intense rock scrambling.

Tamborine Mountain

Any drive to Mt Tamborine is guaranteed to be scenic since you’re surrounded by rainforest, but the official circuit is something special. The route will take you past the green pastures of Beechmont, through historical towns and finally lead you to the enchanting rainforests atop Tamborine Mountain. Once you're there, you can visit the region’s wine vineyards and distilleries, check out the local art galleries and hit the trails in Tamborine National Park. Find our road trip guide  here .

Any list of day trips from Brisbane wouldn’t be complete without a mention of the Scenic Rim. Located only an hour’s drive south of the city, this massive area covers everything from lush rainforests and waterfalls to vineyards and antique stores. Start with a hearty brunch at the Scenic Rim Farm Shop and cafe, stop in Kalbar for a spot of antique shopping—we could go on, but really, you can just plan your whole day with our guide here . 

A road trip through Redcliffe ticks all the boxes for the perfect day out—beautiful beaches, good food, and chilled-out vibes. Start your journey by driving over the Ted Smout Bridge, and witness the pelican feeding frenzy at Pelican Park. Pick up some fish and chips to eat out by the water on the Woody Point Jetty, and go for a stroll (or even a dip) along the foreshore at Settlement Cove. Follow the coast line all the way up to Scarborough for some spectacular strolls along the seaside.

Bribie Island

The easiest to access of the all the islands near Brisbane, with no boat trip necessary, Bribie is conveniently found floating between the Sunshine Coast and Brisbane. Stroll the beaches, take a dip, or, if you've got the equipment, head out for kayak around the inlet. Once you've worn yourself out, drop in to the Sandstone Point Hotel , where you'll find The Oyster Shed open for seriously good takeaway fish and chips to eat along the grassy shore.

North Stradbroke Island

The picturesque island that is North Stradbroke Island is only a 45-minute drive away from Brisbane—making it the perfect day trip location. Highlights of island life include the stunning North Gorge Walk, Brown Lake and Point Lookout, which serves as an excellent spot to watch the yearly humpback whale migration when winter rolls around. More adventurous weekend wanderers might also want to take a shot at sand-boarding or go for a bike ride along the crisp white stretches of Straddie’s many beaches. 

Samford and Mount Nebo

It takes around 45 minutes or so to get from the heart of Brisbane out to Samford, but it’ll feel like you’re a world away on this perfect day trip. Once there, visit one of the great local cafes or restaurants in the area, then continue the drive to Mount Nebo or Mount Glorious. Stroll through the bushland, have a leisurely afternoon picnic or check out some of the great local shops, selling everything from sweet treats to books, vintage goods and arts and crafts. We've planned an entire itinerary  here .

Moreton Island

The many islands off the coast of SEQ makes for some incredible day trips from Brisbane and none more so arguably than Moreton Island. Just an hour away by ferry the island is almost entirely declared National Park territory, which means it is largely untouched. From pristine blue waters and beaches, lush rainforest, historical lighthouses and famed natural wonders such as Mount Tempest, the world’s largest coastal sand dune structure, and the iconic Tangalooma Wrecks make Moreton Island the perfect day trip or weekend stay-cay for lovers of the outdoors. 

Montville And Maleny

Montville is the quaint gateway to the gorgeous Sunshine Coast Hinterlands area. Combining European-style stores and cafes, Montville more than deserves its reputation as the creative soul of the region. Start your day with brunch at one Montville’s pretty cafes, before taking a hike through Kondalilla National Park—home to a beautiful waterfall and rock pools perfect for swimming. Hop in the car and head south to Baroon Pocket Dam, a beautiful and incredibly peaceful lake tucked between Montville and Maleny that will serve as the perfect picnic spot. Check out more to do here .

Springbrook National Park

Probably one of the best day trips from Brisbane, Springbrook National Park offers you amazing scenery and plenty of places to explore, not to mention the insanely good views. Be sure to visit the Purling Brook Falls, Canyon Lookout, Wunburra Lookout and the amazing Best Of All Lookout. Here you’ll find panoramic views stretching across both Queensland and New South Wales. Finish it all of with lunch, drinks and enjoy your relaxing day spent out in nature, soaking in the fresh air. 

Jump in the car and take the 1.5 hour drive west from Brisbane to Toowoomba. It turns out, Toowoomba has quietly been cultivating an amazing food scene. You’ll find so many great restaurants and cafes, such as The Baker's Duck and their epic baked goods, as well as surprisingly colourful street art scene. Explore the local shops, immerse yourself in stunning views, go for a hike or drive through farmland. Check out our guide h ere .

Lockyer Valley

The Lockyer Valley is probably best known as Australia’s salad bowl—it's home to some of the most fertile soil in Australia—but it also boasts some epic natural beauty and a winery or two well worth the visit. Start your journey with a stop at Cunningham’s Crest Lookout and be treated to breathtaking views across Laidley Plains. Stop in at a local winery along the way or just enjoy the scenery.

Coochiemudlo Island

Hop a ferry from the Victoria Point Jetty to get over to Coochiemudlo; it only takes you 10 minutes to get across to Coochie and should only cost around $4 each way. Once you’re there you can set up camp at one of the beaches, set up a picnic, host your own BBQ or hire a bike and explore the island yourself.

Of course, you could just take a day trip to the Sunshine Coast or the Gold Coast , both of which are less than 150kms away—in which case we've got you well and truly covered with our sister sites.

Image credit: Urban List Archives

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11 Top-Rated Day Trips from Brisbane

Written by Karen Hastings Updated Jul 26, 2021 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

When it comes to day trips from Brisbane, travelers are spoilt for choice. Three of the world's largest sand islands shimmer just offshore, with beautiful blonde beaches and quirky wildlife. In the lush hinterland, nature lovers can explore walking trails through World Heritage-listed wilderness areas, with rainforests, rivers, and breathtaking waterfalls.

Are you an animal lover? Wildlife is a highlight on many of these trips. Kangaroos, koalas, king parrots, pademelons, and a dazzling diversity of birds are just some of the Aussie critters you can see in the national parks, and a visit to Australia Zoo is one of the most popular Brisbane day trips for families.

Add quaint mountain villages; the golden beaches of the laid-back Sunshine Coast; and the glitzy Gold Coast, with its posh boutiques and popular theme parks, and it's easy to see why Brisbane makes a great base for exhilarating Queensland adventures . Discover places to visit around the sunny state capital with our list of the best day trips from Brisbane.

1. Australia Zoo, Beerwah

2. surfers paradise, 3. springbrook national park, 4. moreton island, 5. noosa heads, 6. north stradbroke island, 7. lamington national park and the scenic rim, 8. tamborine mountain, 9. montville and maleny, 10. bribie island, 11. the redcliffe peninsula, map of day trips from brisbane.

About a 45-minute drive north of Brisbane, Australia Zoo is a must-see for animal lovers, especially fans of the late Aussie "Wildlife Warrior," Steve Irwin. Australia Zoo continues Steve's work, with a strong focus on conservation and education.

Spread across 110 acres, Australia Zoo is home to a cast of lovable Aussie animals, as well as a host of exotic beauties. Sumatran tigers, elephants, cheetahs, zebras, and rhinos are some of the favorites.

In addition to all the fascinating animal exhibits, the solar-powered Crocoseum hosts popular live shows every day, including crocodile feeding demonstrations and animal shows starring snakes and colorful parrots. With all this entertainment, no wonder a visit here is one of the most popular things to do on the Sunshine Coast .

Animal encounters are a highlight. Book in advance and pay extra for special encounters with your favorite animals, from tigers and koalas to red pandas, cheetahs, meerkats, rhinos, and the Leapin' Lemur Encounter on Bindi's Island. You can also hand-feed kangaroos for the price of a bag of "roo" food.

You should plan on at least a full day here to really make the most of your visit. For an extra fee, you can also add a visit to the animal hospital , with funds supporting its healing work.

Insider's tip: Wear your walking shoes, and be sure to bring a hat, sunscreen, refillable water bottle, and rain jacket.

If you'd rather let someone else do the driving, you can hop aboard the air-conditioned Croc Express coach on the Australia Zoo Day Trip , which includes entrance fees, as well as convenient pickup and drop-off directly from your hotel.

Address: Steve Irwin Way, Beerwah, Queensland

Official site: http://www.australiazoo.com.au/

About two hours' drive south of Brisbane, in the heart of the Gold Coast, Surfers Paradise buzzes day and night. True to its name, this sun-soaked tourist hub is a hot spot for board riders. Surf breaks lap the golden shores, and water sports are one of the top things to do here.

Surfers Paradise Beach is one of the top attractions on the Gold Coast . High-rises and hotels line the sun-soaked sands, and if you feel like a shopping fix, head to the designer boutiques in modern shopping malls a few blocks away. Cavill Avenue is the shopping and entertainment core.

Traveling with the kids? In the surrounding area, popular theme parks like SeaWorld , Warner Bros. Movie World , and Dreamworld lure families looking for an adrenaline adventure. And if wildlife encounters are top on your agenda, you can get up close to your favorite Aussie creatures at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary.

More adventures await at SkyPoint, Australia's tallest residential tower. For spectacular bird's-eye views of the coast, zoom up to the SkyPoint Observation Deck or sign up for the heart-pumping SkyPoint Climb.

A rewarding way to sightsee around Surfers Paradise is on the Aquaduck City & River Tour . This one-hour tour takes you on both land and sea in an amphibious vehicle. See the Gold Coast's beautiful beaches from land, then hang on tight as the vehicle transforms into a boat for a relaxing river cruise. Along the way, you'll learn about all the top landmarks and cruise past the splashy mansions of Millionaire's Row.

Spectacular Springbrook National Park, about 100 kilometers south of Brisbane, is a wonderland of ravishing natural beauty and ancient flora and fauna. The park forms part of the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia World Heritage Area . Gushing waterfalls, cool creeks, rugged volcanic canyons, rainforests, and fragrant eucalyptus trees spark all the senses, and provide the perfect counterpoint to a city-based stay.

Panoramic viewpoints are the best places to visit to soak up the park's beauty. Canyon Lookout reveals views of the entire Gold Coast, and the appropriately-named Best of All Lookout offers jaw-dropping vistas all the way to New South Wales , as well as a glimpse at a stand of ancient Antarctic beech trees.

Hiking is another great way to appreciate the park. The park's hiking trails offer beautiful views over the volcanic gorges and valleys, and range from short 300-meter, cliff-top jaunts fringed by cycads to longer circuit hikes. A favorite is the four-kilometer Twin Falls Circuit overlooking two waterfalls flowing like bridal veils.

Other park highlights are the breathtaking Purling Brook Falls Lookout; a colony of glow worms; and the Natural Bridge, an eroded rock bridge and cave through which a creek and waterfall flow.

Besides hiking, other popular things to do in Springbrook National Park include birding (listen out for the elusive lyrebird), horseback riding, and picnics. On your return trip, try taking an alternative route to soak up as much scenery as possible.

To see all the highlights of this beautiful wilderness in one day, the Springbrook National Park Discovery Full-Day Bushwalking Tour is a great option. An expert guide will take you on nature walks, with visits to the top features of the park, like Purling Brook Falls and Natural Bridge. Lunch and park entrance fees are included.

Official site: http://www.nprsr.qld.gov.au/parks/springbrook/about.html

About 75 minutes by ferry from downtown Brisbane, Moreton Island is a stressed-out city slicker's dream. The stress detox begins as soon as you say goodbye to the city traffic and step aboard the ferry or private tour boat.

Moreton Island is the world's third largest sand island and one of the most popular island day trips from Brisbane. Its lovely dune-backed freshwater creeks and lagoons, long blonde beaches, and colorful wildflowers lure nature lovers — about 98 percent of the island is protected as a national park.

River to Bay offers a range of themed day trip tours from Brisbane to Moreton Island aboard their sleek high-speed boats.

One of the most popular things to do on Moreton Island is snorkel or dive the 15 shallow-water wrecks , which lie just off the beach. Other highlights include hand-feeding wild dolphins at the Tangalooma Island Resort ; gazing out at breathtaking blue-water views from Cape Moreton Lighthouse; quad biking; and plenty of water-based activities, such as whale-watching cruises, sea kayaking, and fishing.

Sandboarding down the soaring dunes, and four-wheel drive adventures, are also popular. You can try these activities on the Moreton Island 4WD Day Trip from Brisbane . This full-day, small-group tour also visits some of the wrecks on a guided snorkeling tour and includes time to bask on the beautiful beaches and enjoy a picnic lunch.

On the Sunshine Coast, about two hours north of Brisbane, Noosa is a favorite destination for Aussies seeking a relaxing beach escape. Glorious golden beaches, wilderness experiences, and fantastic shopping and dining are some of Noosa's top tourist attractions .

Surfers, swimmers, and sunbathers alike head to Noosa's Main Beach to swim in the blue-green waves of Laguna Bay, and bask on the soft sands. Overlooking this alluring stretch of coast, walking trails thread along the rugged headland in Noosa National Park, with beautiful views of the ocean.

Are shopping and dining top on your to-do list? You can do that here, too. A five-minute stroll from the beach lie a string of fantastic restaurants, cafés, boutiques, and galleries along upscale Hastings Street , and you'll find even more options in Noosaville along the Noosa River.

Other popular activities in the area include paddling along the Noosa Everglades, fishing and boating along the picturesque Noosa River, and shopping for souvenirs and fresh local produce at the popular Noosa Farmers Market .

Affectionately known as "Straddie" by the locals, North Stradbroke Island offers many of the features travelers love about Australia: beautiful beaches, great surf, and quintessential Aussie wildlife. It's the second largest sand island in the world (after K'Gari Fraser Island ) and lies about an hour by car and ferry from Brisbane, across the blue waters of Moreton Bay.

A great place to start a tour here is the scenic North Gorge Walk , a seaside trail and boardwalk around the headlands to Point Lookout . This panoramic viewpoint is a fantastic spot to look for marine life, such as dolphins, sharks, turtles, manta rays, and even whales from May through October.

On land, you might also spot some of the island's resident kangaroos and koalas. After hiking, you can cool off with a dip at one of the island's sweeping white-sand beaches or freshwater lakes.

Other popular things to do on North Stradbroke Island include deep-sea fishing, beach and rock fishing, SCUBA diving, snorkeling, sea kayaking, and surfing. Three tiny townships on the island offer restaurants and a sprinkling of historical attractions, if you can tear yourself away from the beach.

The small-group Stradbroke Island Day Trip gives you a taste of most of the island's diverse attractions. You can look for wildlife on land and in the sea, as well as swim, sunbathe, and explore the island's small townships.

About a two-hour drive from Brisbane, World Heritage-listed Lamington National Park is a haven for nature lovers and birders. The park lies tucked amid the emerald peaks of the Borders Ranges in Queensland's Scenic Rim, a picturesque region of lakes, mountains, rainforests, and charming country towns. Lamington National Park is one of the most popular Scenic Rim day trips from Brisbane.

Luxuriant rainforest punctuated by waterfalls provides the perfect setting for hiking trails and a diversity of fascinating wildlife. The park is famous for its resident bowerbirds , which build elaborate arches adorned with bright blue objects to impress the females. About 190 other bird species also make their home here, including squadrons of brilliantly-hued king parrots and crimson rosellas that alight on anyone who dares to stretch out their arms.

Other wildlife frequently spotted include small marsupials, such as red-necked pademelons and long-nosed bandicoots.

Most visitors take the twisty road up to O'Reilly's Rainforest Retreat , a guesthouse, spa, and restaurant. From here, you can explore the park on O'Reilly's Tree Top Walk , a series of suspension bridges and walkways strung through the canopy about 16 meters above the rainforest floor.

If you take the O'Reilly's Lamington National Park and Tree Top Canopy Tour from Brisbane, you can add in beautiful views of the region from Mount Tamborine and a visit to an alpaca farm. This full-day tour includes entrance fees to the park, the canopy walk, an expert guide, and hotel pickup and drop-off. Don't forget to bring a rain jacket — this park is lush for a reason!

Official site: http://www.nprsr.qld.gov.au/parks/lamington/

Tamborine Mountain, in the Gold Coast Hinterland, offers an appealing balance of nature and culture. Tamborine Mountain also lies in Queensland's Scenic Rim, about an hour's drive from Brisbane and a 45-minute drive from Lamington National Park.

In Tamborine National Park , tranquil rainforests, eucalyptus forests, and waterfalls provide a refreshing dose of subtropical wilderness. Nearby, the town of Mount Tamborine brims with boutiques, craft shops, and art galleries.

You can start your day with a bird's-eye view of the lush rainforest on the 45-minute Rainforest SkyWalk guided canopy tour — listen out for lyrebirds. Afterwards, a short bush walk to Curtis Falls reveals the soothing sounds of these peaceful cascades.

The town of Mount Tamborine is a haven for foodies. Stop here to feast on fresh local produce at one of the town's cafés or tearooms, and top off your day with a cooking class, some gallery gazing, or a pampering spa treatment.

The Mount Tamborine glow worm caves are also a popular side trip, and the Tamborine Mountain Botanic Gardens is a hit with green thumbs. This attraction-packed region is one of the most popular hinterland day trips from Brisbane.

Montville and Maleny offer a refreshing mountain escape in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland. These cute villages lie less than a 90-minute drive from Brisbane, and both offer a dose of country charm, cute craft shops and cafés, and a foodie fix.

Maleny is a dairy-farming town with a hippy streak. Cheese, chocolate, and old-time lollies (candy) are some of the tasty treats to sample here. Other popular attractions around Maleny include the farm and factory tour at Maleny Dairies and Maleny Botanic Gardens and Bird World . And if you love wildlife, take time to look for platypus from the Obi Obi Boardwalk .

Montville is made for strolling. Craft shops, art galleries, boutiques, woodworking shops, and other specialty stores provide an excuse to stock up on souvenirs, and the Bavarian and English-style cottages infuse an old-world feel.

Need a nature fix? Save time to stroll the rainforest trails at Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve, hike to beautiful Kondalilla Falls in Kondalilla National Park , or enjoy a picnic at Baroon Pocket Dam. If you're visiting on a hot day, cool off in the rock pools at Gardners Falls.

Prefer to do your sightseeing in the car? Take a scenic drive along the Blackall Range Tourist Drive , and soak up the views of the Glasshouse Mountains from panoramic viewpoints.

Bribie Island offers an exhilarating 4WD beach adventure about an hour's drive from the city. This is the smallest of the three sand islands off Brisbane and the only one connected by a bridge.

Driving along the surf-washed eastern beaches here is a favorite pastime. Don't have a 4WD? Don't worry. Four-wheel-drive vehicles are not essential to visit the island.

Other top things to do on Bribie Island include kayaking, windsurfing, fishing, and kitesurfing, as well as swimming and sunbathing along the calm, sandy bay on the island's western side.

The Pumicestone Passage separates the island from Caloundra on the mainland, with gorgeous views of the Glasshouse Mountains. It's a popular playground for water sports, such as boating and fishing, as well as wildlife spotting. Dugongs, dolphins, turtles, and seabirds are frequent visitors to these mangrove-fringed waters.

On land, kangaroos, emus, and dingoes live in Bribie Island National Park, and the island is home to more than 350 species of birds. For a brief overview of the island's history, stop by the free Bribie Island Seaside Museum.

Fresh from an extensive rejuvenation project, the Redcliffe Peninsula buzzes with weekend warriors. This scenic peninsula is about a 40-minute drive from Brisbane's CBD, and it's the perfect place to visit for a little relaxation by the sea.

Redcliffe has several claims to fame for Brisbane day trippers. The Bee Gees grew up here, and you can take a relaxing stroll back through their golden years along Bee Gees Way . Dance along to their infectious tunes as you browse their photos and memorabilia along the walkway, and listen to little-known stories about their illustrious career. This is a must-do for music fans.

Redcliffe is also one of the oldest settlements in Brisbane. You can learn a little about its history at the free Redcliffe Museum . Exhibits range from the area's Aboriginal history to stories about the Redcliffe Peninsula's famous residents.

Traveling with kids? Stop by Scarborough Park , which packs in two playgrounds, Pirate's Place and Railway Place, as well as plenty of picnic tables and large trees to climb. On a hot day, kids will also love a dip at Suttons Beach or in the shimmering, turquoise-hued Settlement Cove Lagoon , right on the bayfront.

Adults will also find plenty to love here. Enjoy a relaxing stroll along Woody Point Jetty and the Clontarf-Redcliffe seaside walk . Cast a fishing line; look for whales and dolphins in Moreton Bay; and if you're visiting on a Sunday, shop at the Redcliffe Farmers and Artisans Market (8am to 2pm along Redcliffe Parade).

Planning to take your pooch? The Redcliffe Peninsula is one of the best Brisbane day trips with dogs. You can let them run wild at Kroll Gardens Off-Leash Dog Park or in designated areas at Queens Beach North.

Redcliffe is on the way to the Sunshine Coast from Brisbane, so you can combine a visit here with a trip to Noosa Heads or one of the other top places to go for a day trip north of Brisbane.

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Day Trips From Brisband

The Top 13 Day Trips From Brisbane

Surrounded by rainforests, beaches, mountains, and quaint country towns, Brisbane is an ideal base for exploring all that Queensland has to offer. As you get to know this diverse state, you will also encounter the history and culture of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples who have lived across the continent now known as Australia for over 60,000 years. Brisbane itself is located on the lands of the Yuggera people. To the north, the traditional custodians are the Waka Waka and Gubbi Gubbi peoples, while to the south you'll find yourself on Bundjalung Country.

Whether you're stopping by on your way to the Great Barrier Reef or spending some time to get to know the city, don't miss these top day trips from Brisbane.

Ipswich: Historic Buildings and Great Food

Matthew Murray / Getty Images

This settlement was founded in the early 1800s as a coal mining town. It is home to some of Queensland's oldest and best-preserved heritage buildings and is the location of a modern foodie renaissance. In the part of Brisbane Street known as Top of Town (between Ellenborough and Waghorn Streets), you'll find vintage stores, fashion and homewares boutiques, and quirky cafes. We recommend Rafter & Rose for coffee and cakes and Fourthchild for something more substantial.

Getting There: Less than an hour south-west of Brisbane, Ipswich can be reached by car or train.

Travel Tip: Don't miss the beautiful gardens and parks of Ipswich, including Kholo Gardens , Ipswich Nature Centre , and Nerima Japanese Gardens .

Lamington National Park: Ancient Landscapes

Thurtell / Getty Images

This popular national park covers a section of the Gondwana Rainforests in the Gold Coast hinterland. This is a World Heritage Area that protects the remnants of the ancient landscape that once covered Australia. The mountains are known as Woonoongoora in the Yugambeh language and have spiritual significance to local First Nations groups.

The park is located on the southern edge of the Scenic Rim—a chain of mountains running inland from the coast—and offers camping, picnic areas, lookouts, and hiking trails.

Getting There: Around an hour and a half south of Brisbane, you'll need a car for your trip to Lamington National Park. The roads in the park can be narrow and winding, so be sure to drive carefully.

Travel Tip: Keep an eye out for rare flora and fauna like the spotted-tailed quoll and Albert's lyrebird, as well as ancient Antarctic beech trees and hoop pines.

Lockyer Valley: Farms, Museums, and Wineries

 Pobblebonk / Getty Images

The rolling hills of the Lockyer Valley rise between Ipswich and the regional city of Toowoomba. This is a traditional farming region, packed with chances to sample the local produce and experience quirky country attractions. You can visit a lavender farm , learn about organic and sustainable farming , eat at a retro garage , check out the Queensland Transport Museum , and finish your day out at Preston Peak Wines .

Getting There: Public transport connections are available, including via the Brisbane to Toowoomba bus and the train to Rosewood. If you'd rather drive, the Lockyer Valley is an hour and a half west of Brisbane.

Travel Tip: If you've got a few days spare in your itinerary, take the chance to immerse yourself in the agricultural lifestyle of the Lockyer Valley at a local farm stay like the one at Fordsdale Farmstay .

Caloundra: Gateway to the Sunshine Coast

James Bartram / EyeEm / Getty Images

Brisbane is sandwiched between two iconic Aussie vacation destinations, with the Sunshine Coast to the north and the Gold Coast to the south. Caloundra is the gateway to the Sunshine Coast. This relaxed beach town has a family-friendly atmosphere thanks to the many protected beaches along Pumicestone Passage that offer respite from the East Coast's notoriously wild surf. In the hinterland, the picturesque Glass House Mountains dominate the landscape.

Getting There: Caloundra is located just an hour and a half's drive from Brisbane. You can also take the train to Landsborough and change onto a bus to Caloundra. The public transport trip will take around two hours.

Travel Tip: Stop by Pocket Espresso Bar at Moffat Beach or White Picket Fence at Bulcock Beach for brunch while you're in town.

Shorncliffe: A Quiet Seaside Suburb

Colin Baker / Getty Images

The bayside suburbs of Shorncliffe, Sandgate and Brighton in Brisbane's north-east make a refreshing escape from the city. Here, life moves at a slower pace, whether you're watching the sunrise, grabbing a coffee from a local cafe or sharing fish and chips on the waterfront. The heritage houses that line the waterfront make for a pleasant stroll, while Shorncliffe pier is one of the city's most iconic landscapes.

Getting There: It'll take you 40 minutes to reach Shorncliffe by car or 50 minutes on the train from Brisbane.

Travel Tip: The protected water of the bay are ideal for paddle boarding, sailing, windsurfing and kitesurfing. Contact Surf Connect for all the details.

Moreton Island: Hiking, Snorkeling, and Swimming

Jules Ingall / Getty Images 

Moreton is a sand island known for its beaches, hiking trails, sand dunes, snorkeling, diving, and plentiful wildlife. Most of the island is covered by a national park , but beachside camping is available, as well as more traditional accommodation options.

There is plenty to do and see within walking distance of Tangalooma Resort, where the ferry from Brisbane drops off passengers, but if you want to venture further afield you will need to book a tour or bring your own car on the ferry .

Getting There: The pedestrian ferry journey to Tangalooma Resort takes 75 minutes, with multiple departures daily from the Holt Street Wharf.

Travel Tip: The Traditional Custodians of Mulgumpin (Moreton Island) are the Quandamooka people and there are many cultural sites on the island, including shell middens and a stone quarry. If you come across one of these sites, be careful not to disturb it.

Dayboro: The Ideal Roadtrip Destination

The town of Dayboro is another quaint road trip destination. With a population of only around 2,000 people, it punches well above its weight thanks to venues like the Dayboro Art Gallery , Ocean View Estates winery and restaurant , and the nearby Mount Mee. The mountain's main attraction is Dahmongah Lookout Park , with views over the Glass House Mountains, Caloundra, and Moreton Bay.

Getting There: Northwest of Brisbane, Dayboro can be reached by car from Brisbane in just under an hour.

Travel Tip: Half an hour further north, the town of Woodford is home to a garden cafe and a classic local pub .

The Gold Coast: A Glitzy Resort City

 Mike Mackinven / Getty Images

The Gold Coast stands out as Australia's most traditional resort city, with theme parks, nightlife, and high-rise hotels on the beach. With 35 miles of beaches (including the famous stretch at Surfer's Paradise and local favorite Burleigh Heads), the Gold Coast is a great place to take some surfing lessons, go snorkeling, or even try skydiving.

Refuel at Elk Espresso or Bam Bam Bakehouse before shopping for a new swimsuit at Pacific Fair or browsing the weekend markets. If you've got a few days to spare, you can stay at the luxurious Palazzo Versace (yes, that Versace) or boutique gem the Island .

Getting There: The Gold Coast is an hour's drive south of Brisbane and can also be reached by train in around the same amount of time.

Travel Tip: If you're celebrating a special occasion, be sure to treat yourself to a meal at Yamagen or Social Eating House .

Springbrook National Park: Rainforest, Waterfalls, and More

Masahiro Noguchi / Getty Images

Springbrook National Park is located in the Gold Coast hinterland. Like Lamington National Park, Springbrook is part of the  Gondwana Rainforests of Australia World Heritage Area . The main attraction is the Natural Bridge, where water pours through a hole in the roof of the cave. At night, especially between December and March, sparkling glowworms light up the cave.

Getting There: Springbrook is just under two hours' drive south of Brisbane.

Travel Tip: Lucky visitors may encounter pademelons (a type of rainforest wallaby) on the way to the Best of All lookout .

Tambourine Mountain: Marvel at the Glowworms

RobertDowner / Getty Images

At Tambourine Mountain, you can see glow worms all year round in an artificial cave . This area is packed with adventurous activities for families, including the Tambourine Rainforest Skywalk , Botanic Gardens , Thunderbird Park , and the Treetop Challenge . There are plenty of waterfalls and hiking trails on the mountain itself, which is mostly a part of a national park. Start with the Curtis Falls and Cedar Creek Falls walks. There are plenty of accommodation options in town, ranging from camping to boutique hotels.

Getting There: Tambourine Mountain is an hour's drive south of Brisbane.

Travel Tip: For the adults, Fortitude Brewery and Tambourine Mountain Distillery offer tastings of beer and spirits respectively.

North Stradbroke Island: Watersports and Whale Watching

Hakan Deliç / Getty Images

Arguably Brisbane's most popular day-trip destination, North Stradbroke Island is the world’s second-largest sand island. (The largest, Fraser Island, can be found further north in Queensland.) Stradbroke has something for everyone, with SUPing, surfing, snorkeling, fishing, and hiking, as well as whale watching between June and October. Buses and taxis are in service on the island, which also has lots of accommodation options.

Getting There: Ferries and water taxis regularly depart from Cleveland (40 minutes by car or train from Brisbane city center) and take around 50 minutes to reach North Stradbroke Island.

Travel Tip: The island is known as Straddie for short, or Minjerribah to the Traditional Custodians, the Quandamooka people.

Coochiemudlo Island: Relax by the Beach

mvaligursky / Getty Images

Coochiemudlo Island is protected from the open sea by North Stradbroke Island on its eastern side, with deserted beaches and calm waters for SUPing, kayaking, and fishing. Depending on the time of year, you may be able to spot dolphins, dugongs, turtles, and whales from the shore. The permanent population is only around 700 people and you can easily get around on foot, although boat and bicycle hire is available.

Getting There: This little island paradise is not far away, just a 10-minute ferry ride from Victoria Coast south-west of Brisbane.

Travel Tip: If you're traveling on a budget, you can pack a picnic and make the most of the free barbecue areas. There are no grocery stores on the island, but you can also dine in at the beach kiosk, cafe, or hotel restaurant.

Byron Bay: Surf, Shop, and Party

TripSavvy / Ana Alarcon

Initially developing as a hippie and surfer hub during the 1960s and '70s, today Byron is one of Australia's hottest beach destinations with world-famous hotels , restaurants , and boutiques. Of course, the real drawcard is the beaches, known for their incredible surf and postcard-perfect settings. Head to Main Beach to be in the center of the action or Wategos for a bit more solitude.

Getting There: Byron is a two-hour drive south of Brisbane or around three hours on the bus.

Travel Tip: Keep an eye out for humpback whales between June and November and beware of the crowds in late December and early January.

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Top 6 Day Trips from Brisbane for the Family

Hey there, beautiful families! 🌞 If you’re looking to make memories that last a lifetime with your loved ones, why not embark on a family day trip from Brisbane that offers a blend of nature, culture, and adventure?

In recent times, ‘life-seeing’, or local experiences has become a trend. As has being a tourist in your own city to explore those places you’ve never seen before or even realised they were there.

Whether you’re visiting Brisbane on a weekend escape or live in Greater Brisbane, here’s why family day trips are a must:

• Bonding Time: Nothing strengthens family ties like shared experiences. Explore together, laugh together, and create stories you’ll reminisce about for years to come.
• Educational Fun: What better way to educate the young ones (and even the not-so-young ones) about Brisbane’s unique wildlife, environment, and rich culture than through immersive experiences?
• Recharge & Refresh : Take a break from the hustle and bustle of daily life. A day trip outdoors can be the perfect escape to recharge the mind, body, and soul. Let your tour guide take charge for a moment so you can breathe and relax.

We know many families are made up of diverse age groups, with young ones and teenagers in the mix. This list of recommended family day trips has taken this into consideration with most age groups appreciating animal encounters and time near or on the water.

Sail Moreton Bay

Not a boat owner? That’s ok, here’s your chance to sail away on a mesmerizing journey aboard Aria, soaking in breathtaking views and serene waters of Moreton Bay. This tour is more than just a cruise; it’s an experience! You’ll sail through Moreton Bay and visit Horseshoe Bay at Peel Island. The kids will be kept entertained with beach games, boom netting, and dolphin spotting! Your half day cruise includes morning or afternoon tea and lunch. Find out more here. 

2. Koala River & Cruise

Travel like a tourist on a 70-minute cruise from South Bank along the Brisbane River past some of the city’s most iconic and historic locations. At the end of the cruise you’ll arrive at the at the world’s first and largest koala sanctuary in the leafy riverside suburb of Fig Tree Pocket. Wildlife lovers, and Brisbane locals, if you’ve not been before or in recent times this one’s for you! Discover more.

Minjerribah Cultural Tour

3. Minjerribah Cultural Walk

Meet your very own Quandamooka Guide for a gentle walk that educates, enlightens and enchants. You’ll immerse yourself in the rich Aboriginal culture and history of Minjerribah, North Stradbroke Island.  Pending seasonality, you may even be treated to some bush tucker delights! Learn more.

Moreton Island Wrecks Adventure Tour

4. Wrecks Adventure

Dive into adventure with a wreck exploration tour on Moreton Island. Discover hidden treasures beneath the waves and create thrilling memories. A true local favourite, the Wrecks Adventure is an awe-inspiring escape sure to spark your energy levels! Choose up to 3 adventures for your Moreton Island Day Trip. Whether you want to be segwaying along white sandy beaches, snorkeling around the Tangalooma Shipwrecks or Stand Up Paddle Boarding along the crystal blue water.

5. Australia Zoo

Experience the magic of wildlife at the iconic Australia Zoo. From cuddly koalas to slithering snakes, it’s a day packed with excitement! This six-hour tour departs from Brisbane transporting you to Beerwah where your guide will have you seamlessly moving throughout Australia Zoo, discover or book your wildlife adventure .

6. Sunrise Camel Ride

For the early birds, a sunrise with Flinders Peak as your backdrop is a real treat! Jump in the car and drive approximately 45 minutes south-west of Brisbane to reach Australia’s largest camel farm and dairy operation. Along this gentle ride, you’ll see unique Australian animals like kangaroos, birds and if you’re lucky even koalas and other native wildlife. Some riders even report seeing a platypus along the creek banks. Make a day of it and stay on to tour the dairy, enjoy brunch at the Homestead. Discover more here .

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 So, mums, dads, and grandparents, if you’ve got friends and family visiting or simply want to explore Brisbane’s gems, these tours are your ticket to an unforgettable day out! Book now and let the adventures begin! 🌏🐨🌊

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SPARK POP acknowledges and pays respect to the past, present and future Traditional Custodians and Elders of this nation and the continuation of cultural, spiritual and educational practices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

6 best day trips from Brisbane this summer

Nov 22, 2021 • 6 min read

Surfers Paradise is known for its nightclubs, but there's a lot more to the Gold Coast © Gary Parker / Stocksy United

Queensland ’s sunny capital finds itself in a rather lucky position. Not only is Brisbane one of Australia ’s fastest-evolving cities in the trend stakes but it’s also within day-tripping distance of some of the state’s best beaches, national parks, and unique townships.

And with the Australia slowly re-opening to visitors from interstate, as well as overseas, Brisbane and the Queensland coast tourism sector has never been more excited to see you. So get ready for a multitude of sunshine-soaked adventures – you may want to consider extending your holiday plans this year – with our pick of the best places to visit near Brisbane.   

Theme parks, surfing and hiking the Gold Coast

The Gold Coast might be one of Australia’s most misunderstood cities. Often pigeonholed as a party town, the Goldie hosts more than 50km of pristine sand so, as logic would suggest, there’s far more to this beach city than just the nightclubs of Surfers Paradise . In the north, thrill seekers can hit the theme parks and families can picnic and play at the waterfront Broadwater Parklands . Further south, surfers can ride competition waves at Snapper Rocks (or anywhere along the coastline really) and nature-lovers can stomp the tracks in Springbrook National Park. 

Don’t be fooled into thinking Gold Coasters are as casual about their food as they are about their lifestyle – gastronomy is serious game and there are plenty of A-grade restaurants to choose from (plus quality beans for coffee aficionados). Hip cafes and watering holes abound, including in bright and buzzy Burleigh Heads, which lays claim to a hatted restaurant (Australian code for best in show) –  Rick Shores – and Burleigh’s lesser-known but no-less-cool neighbour, Palm Beach, which is fast becoming a haven for swanky bars (try Suga or The Scottish Prince ). Busy Broadbeach and chilled-out ‘burbs like Mermaid Beach and Coolangatta are also worth checking out. And do pop into Surfers Paradise – it is a lot of fun. 

How to get to the Gold Coast:  The Gold Coast is just under an hour's drive south of Brisbane. Regular trains depart from Brisbane Central and the journey takes around an hour and 40 minutes.

Unwind from Caloundra to Noosa on the Sunshine Coast 

Like the Gold Coast, the Sunshine Coast is hard to define, but is a little less zing and a little more calm than its southern counterpart. Noosa is a highlight because of its boutique shopping, trendy cafes and one of the most beautiful national parks you’ll lay eyes on (that turquoise water…), while Mooloolaba and Caloundra offer quieter alternatives (and the latter has an award-winning brewery by the beach ). 

The Sunshine Coast hinterland trades ocean spray for clean mountain air, and Montville and Maleny are two standout locales. Montville is an adorable one-horse town that peters on a mountain ridge. The main street is lined with cafes, galleries and shops, and the nearby Kondalilla National Park is laced with walking trails and waterfalls.

Maleny, 9.3 miles (15km) south, is an equally endearing town that supports a thriving dairy industry. Visit Maleny Dairies and Maleny Cheese to sample the region’s award-winning produce, then stop in at the Maleny Botanic Gardens for views over the Glass House Mountains and to see more than 700 native and exotic birds at Bird World. Duck off the highway to visit Australia Zoo – founded by the late Steve Irwin – or to pick up local handicrafts and snacks at the Eumundi Markets . 

How to get to the Sunshine Coast:  Regular trains depart from Brisbane Central to Nambour, the region's main train station. The journey takes an hour and 50 minutes.

Explore lush Lamington National Park 

Lamington National Park hit the news in 2019 when bushfires swept through the area, but all is not lost. For starters, Lamington is big (more than 20,000 hectares big), and is split into two sections – Green Mountains (also called O’Reilly) and Binna Burra. Sections of the Binna Burra forest were damaged, but much of the park and the businesses within it remain open.

Join a monthly cooking class using regional produce at the Wild Lime Cooking School (which can be topped or tailed with a swim in the Christmas Creek or Lost World rock pools), or enjoy a massage and sweeping valley views at O’Reilly’s Lost World Spa . Nearby hiking options range from easy 30-minute circuits to multi-hour treks through soul-cleansing rainforest. Visit the Queensland Parks and Forest website for up-to-date trail information. 

How to get to Lamington National Park:  The park is 68 miles (110km) south of Brisbane, which equates to about a two-hour drive.

Iconic Byron Bay mixes beaches with boutique shopping

Byron Bay is a two-hour drive from Brisbane, crossing the state border into New South Wales . Arguably one of Australia’s most popular and well-known beach towns, Byron is old-school hippie and modern-age hipster rolled into one. Here, shoes are optional and bathers are commonplace within the compact town centre, but there’s an air of sophistication about the place. Boutique shops stock stylish local handicrafts and fashion labels, the dining is on-trend, and if you fancy staying overnight, Byron Bay accommodation spans a spectrum from backpacker to chic. 

The town itself hums with energy for much of the day and night (Byron manages to wake up early after partying into the wee hours), but it’s easy to escape into nature. Follow the Cape Byron Walking Track to the lighthouse – the most easterly point of mainland Australia – or take a dip in the crystalline waters of Wategos beach , where dolphins frolic and waves gently spill over a wide sand bar. 

How to get to Byron Bay:  The trip takes two hours by car (102 miles). Coaches are available from Brisbane Roma St Bus Stop to Byron Bay daily and the journey takes a little over two and a half hours.

The easiest day trip from Brisbane: North Stradbroke Island 

Stradbroke Island (or ‘Straddie’ to the locals) is split into north and south. North Stradbroke is the most easily accessible of our favorite day trips from Brisbane via a 30-minute boat ride from Cleveland. Hire a 4WD for ultimate freedom (including beach cruising potential) or buy a daily bus pass to get between the hubs of Point Lookout, Dunwich and Amity. 

Main Beach has a powerful swell and is popular with surfers and body boarders , while Cylinder Beach is a calmer, patrolled cove better suited to families and lazy afternoons. The more secluded Deadman’s and Frenchman’s beaches are dotted with rock pools, and inland there’s a freshwater lake system. This includes Blue Lake, referred to as the ‘deep silent pool’ in the local indigenous language, and Brown Lake , tinged by the colour of native tea trees. Whale watching is a popular pastime on Straddie, with migrating humpback whales a common sight between June and November.  

How to get to North Stradbroke Island: Ferries depart daily from the Brisbane suburb of Cleveland and take around 30 minutes. You can travel as a foot passenger or bring your own vehicle.

Rainforest and glow worm caves await on Tamborine Mountain 

Tamborine Mountain sits between Brisbane and the Gold Coast. It’s another of Queensland’s magnificent hinterlands strewn with rainforest, criss-crossed by walking trails and peppered with cute shops and eateries. The Gallery Walk on Long Road has more than 50 cafes, restaurants and stores selling handicrafts and knick-knacks, then there are a number of wineries and breweries nearby, plus the Tamborine Mountain Distillery , which has a trophy cabinet laden with more than 300 awards. 

Tamborine is also known for its glow worms glittering in a purpose-built cave . Guided tours run throughout the day. 

How to get to Tamborine Mountain:  It's just an hour's drive south of Brisbane (45 miles).

Produced by Lonely Planet for American Airlines. All editorial views are those of Lonely Planet alone and reflect our policy of editorial independence and impartiality.`

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This article was first published December 2019 and updated November 2021

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10 best adventure family day trips from Brisbane

Aug 11, 2020 | Australia Family Travel , Family Destinations , Travel posts

10 best Brisbane day trips with kids

If you’re tired of the usual weekend activities, mix it up and get out of town for the day. There are tonnes of brilliant outdoor adventures within a couple of hours of  Brisbane , Australia . Here’s our pick of the best Brisbane day trips with kids!

Table of Contents

Family day trips south of Brisbane

Lamington national park.

One of the great family day trips from Brisbane is the World Heritage-listed, Lamington National Park . Here you’ll find O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat, set in the unspoilt sub-tropical rainforest; home to kangaroos, wallabies, and a huge assortment of native birds. You can take a walk with a park ranger who will help identify the birds,  go it alone on one of several bushwalking trails, or feed the birds in the bird feeding area.

You can clamber up an 18-metre high bush tower, scream out loud as you whizz down the flying fox, get close to birds of prey, or just meander down a track to breathtaking waterfalls. Check for a list of  current activities . If you want to stay the night there is a variety of  accommodation  options available, and an onsite café and restaurant. There is also a  camping ground within the National Park.

Location : The end of Lamington National Park Rd, a 2-hour drive from Brisbane. Please be aware the drive from Canungra to O’Reilly’s is on a very windy road.

Tamborine Mountain

There is some serious outdoor adventure waiting for kids of all ages at  Thunderbird Park . They have a wide variety of activities for day-trippers and overnight visitors including extreme zip lining, treetop challenge, Thunderegg fossicking, rock pools, glow worm tours and laser skirmish. Nearby is  Gallery Walk , where you’ll find treats galore including fudge, ice-cream and handmade chocolates. Tamborine Mountain is a one hour drive from Brisbane.

East of Brisbane day trips with kids

Coochiemudlo.

If it’s an island adventure you’re after, then jump aboard the ferry to  Brisbane’s secret island , Coochiemudlo in Moreton Bay.  Grab some bikes  (tandem cruisers, kids’ bikes, and tag-along buggies) and explore, or rent a SUP and perfect your Stand-Up Paddleboard technique. The island is only 4km around, so biking is a perfect way to find your own little beach cove. For more adventurous kids, sea kayaking around the whole island takes about two hours. The inexpensive ferry operates every 30 minutes from early morning until late evening from Victoria Point Jetty, Masters Avenue, Victoria Point. It’s a 20-minute ride to Coochie. There’s no need to book in advance. There are a couple of cafes for snacks, and a few different  accommodation options  if you want to stay over.

St Helena Island

This second island adventure is less about water activities and more about the history of Brisbane’s only off-shore penal colony  St Helena Island , which was in use from 1867-1932. You can’t visit the island independently, so you’ll need to board the Cat-o-Nine-Tails catamaran for the 30-minute crossing. After disembarking, you’ll have to serve time as an inmate and be guided by a band of actors, singers and minstrels. The day tour is a guided dramatisation of what life was like for those interned on St. Helena back in the day, and includes great views across the bay back to Brisbane, and tucker at lunchtime. For the truly brave, there is a  night-time tour  of the island that includes being marched to the dramatic ruins and through the island’s cemetery for a spooky experience full of colourful stories of those who never left the island. Tours run daily but  must be booked in advance . They depart from William Gunn Jetty, Wyvernleigh Close, Manly.

Family day trips from Brisbane heading north

Tangalooma island.

Kids of all ages will love wading in the shallows to meet the  wild bottlenose dolphins  that visit every evening at sunset. They can even hand-feed the dolphins under the guidance of the resort’s eco-rangers. There are plenty of other activities for all ages, including snorkelling through sunken shipwrecks, exploring the island aboard fat-wheeled beach bikes, or get up high by parasailing.  The Tangalooma Island Resort  is a 75-minute catamaran cruise from Holt Street Wharf, Pinkenba. There are four  departures  daily: 7:00 am, 10:00 am, 12:00 noon, and 5:00 pm, with several return trips daily. Tangalooma Resort on Moreton Island is a perfect day trip, or if you want to make it a family weekend getaway, there’s a range of  accommodation options . We hope these have given you some inspiration to get out and explore South-East Queensland with your boys.  

Bribie Island 

Less than an hour north of Brisbane is  Bribie Island , a 34-kilometre long sand island that is about one-third uninhabited national park. Surf mad kids can boogie-board the small break on the ocean-side of the island, while families with littlies will enjoy the sheltered swimming beaches  on the Pumicestone Passage side. There are some easy bushwalks, suitable for younger children including The Banksia, Palm Grove and Melaleuca walks, or you can bring the bikes and cycle along the foreshore. After all that fun, the kids will be starving, so grab some  fish and chips  and find a spot under a shady tree. There are lots of  different camping sites on the island if you want to make a weekend of it.

Mountain biking trails – north and west

South East Queensland has some great mountain biking trails, so load up the bikes, and get into some downhill action. There are some stunning tracks around the  Sunshine Coast including the beautiful Glass House Mountains. If you’d like some guidance, these groups will arrange guided rides in South-East Queensland, or of some lesser-known trails of the  Sunshine Coast  hinterland. More fantastic trails can be found at  Hidden Vale Adventure Park , where $10 gets you all-day access to all trails 7 am -7 pm, 7 days a week. Located at 617 Grandchester Mt Mort Rd, Grandchester.

Heading west of Brisbane day trips with kids

Take the kids to Toowoomba

Come up to the top of the Great Dividing Range to  Toowoomba , and get some mountain air into your lungs.

Start off the day by  climbing Table Top Mountain . Now, this is no casual bushwalk but it is easily achievable with a moderate level of fitness. Climbing Table Top is more of a clambering and scaling of rocks, with a bit of bushwalking thrown in for good measure. The kids will get a great sense of achievement by reaching the top, plus there are spectacular views of the Lockyer Valley and beyond to take in. We wouldn’t recommend the climb for kids under 6, or if you have really bad knees, back or ankles. The climb will take around 1 ½ to 2 hours. You will need to take water and snacks as there is nothing at the top. Access to the start of the trail is via South Street and Table Top Drive.

There’s  much more to do  than you could fit into one day, so why not make a weekend of it. There are plenty of  accommodation  options in Toowoomba, and the city is bursting with excellent places to eat and drink.

Jondaryan Woolshed

If you’re looking for a great country experience close to Brisbane, head to the  Jondaryan Woolshed  on the  Darling Downs , the oldest working woolshed of its kind in the southern hemisphere. The whole family will love the relaxed rural setting with acres to run free. The kids can meet horses, goats and maybe even help shear a sheep. There’s a  self-guided tour  of the old shearer’s woolshed and museum village. When you get hungry, you’ll experience authentic country hospitality at the  Woolshed Café  or visit the  Damper Hut  for delicious Devonshire Teas or Ploughman’s Lunch. Located at 264 Jondaryan-Evanslea Rd, Jondaryan, just over two hours drive from Brisbane.

Queen Mary Falls

Disclosure:  Some of the accommodation links in this article are affiliate links. This means,  at no additional cost to you , if you book after clicking on the links, we will earn a commission.  Please consider booking through these links as it helps to support us to continue providing you with the best information on family travel.

Nicci O’Mara

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36 Best Day Trips from Brisbane, Queensland

The Queensland capital has plenty of attractions within the city limits to keep you entertained, but sometimes you just need to get away. Therefore, lets start exploring my best day trips from Brisbane.

I have been a local to the area for over 20 years and know that I have spent many weekends exploring ins and outs of the south east. Trust that I’m giving you my favourite options, along with some variety so you can at least find a couple of things that interest you.

Whether you on vacation, or living here, please read on for my best ideas and start planning your next “must-do” day trip away.

This post may contain affiliate links that at no additional cost to you, I may earn a small commission. Please read my blog disclaimer, terms and conditions & privacy policy here for details.

Day Trips from Brisbane & Map?

I have generated a specially curated map here of all the options below, to help you apply directions from your location. These choices cover the Sunshine Coast, Hinterland, Scenic Rim, Byron Bay, Toowoomba and the Darling Downs. Along with the Gold Coast, UNESCO areas and my favourite National Parks.

1. Tangalooma Resort or Moreton Island

Over the years, I have spent many weekends either day tripping to Moreton Island , or staying over night in the Tangalooma Island Resort . Ferry’s will leave from Eagle Farm or near the Port, but both are a very different experience.

➡  Compare prices for Moreton Tours on HERE on Get Your Guide HERE, or find more options HERE with Viator.

The Barge leaving from the Port if your best way to see and snorkel the Wrecks and hang out on the beach for the day. Apart from that, The Eagle Farm ferry’s will go direct to the resort and you get a casual day pass for all their activities. This includes Quad Bikes, Helicopters, Segway on the beach, parasailing and the famous Dolphin Feeding.

2. Natural Bridge

In the Gold Coast Hinterland, you have several waterfalls to visit, like Natural Bridge , which also has glow worm caves. It’s a well-known waterfall as it can be viewed from above & below, and one of my favourites to visit on the Gold Coast.

➡  Compare prices for Springbrook Tours HERE on Get Your Guide, or find others HERE with Viator.

The walk around is about 1 kilometre, and circles around in a one-way loop. In the evening, you can enter the cave for viewing Glow worms for free , which is an incredible experience and one I would recommend.

3. North Stradbroke Island

Your selection will never be the same after visiting Stradbroke Island . There are so many different things to see and do, like the Point Lookout headland, Brown Lake, and plenty of gorgeous beaches to hang out on. The Island lies 30 kilometres of the coast and takes 45-minutes to get there from Cleveland.

➡  Compare prices for Stradbroke Tours on HERE with Get Your Guide.

Not only that, but with several ferries going throughout the day, it means you can get at least 8 hours fun in for the day. However, seen as it’s the second-largest sand island , consider a tour to get around or look into a scooter or public transport.

4. Lamington National Park

Lamington National Park is in the UNESCO World Heritage Site (The Gondwana Rainforest), located in the Gold Coast Hinterland of Queensland, Australia. Another Free park and is home to more than 900 species of plants and animals, several waterfalls and kilometres of hiking trail.

➡  Compare prices for Lamington Tours HERE with Get your Guide, or HERE with Viator.

Visitors can explore the rainforest on foot via a network of walking trails or take in the views from the O’Reilly’s Treetop walk. This is a suspended bridge that winds its way through the treetops and very family friendly. 

5. Whale Watching Tours(Seasonal from July to October)

If you’re looking to going on a whale watching cruise, there are a few different departure points from which you can choose. Either Redcliffe, Sunshine Coast and the Gold Coast, offer whale-watching tours that allow you to see these majestic creatures up close.

➡  Compare prices for Whale watching tours HERE on Get your Guide.

While on tour, you’ll also learn about the Humpback Whales that migrate through the area and experience the coast’s natural beauty. Whether you’re a nature admirer or just looking for a fun day out, a Whale Watching tour will give you an experience you won’t soon forget.

6. Winery Tours

Winery tours are a great way to explore the area and have someone do the driving for you. With that said, the Sunshine and Gold Coast Hinterlands are very similar and are two of the most popular destinations for winery tours.

➡  Compare prices for Wine Tasting Tours HERE with Get Your Guide, or others HERE with Viator.

Both regions offer various tour options, from half-day to full day excursions. Visitors can tour the vineyards, learn about the wine-making process, and taste some of the region’s finest wines.

7. Adventure Theme Parks

There are several theme parks to choose from, all surrounding the Gold Coast. This includes Dreamworld, Movie World, Sea World. Or if your like me, the waterparks like White Water World and Wet ‘N’ Wild are the most fun!

Your day will be full of excitement as you can see all kinds of animals, raise your heart rate with thrill rides, fill up on carnival snack foods or spend the day in the water. Not only that, but Actors are performing in and around the park for different shows, events, stunts, and tourist entertainment.

8. Purling Brook Falls

Purling Brook Falls is also available in Springbrook National Park and not far from Natural Bridge. This waterfall has a 4 kilometres loop hike on a nicely formed track. It starts at the top, walks down one side of the dense forest canyon to view the waterfall at the bottom, and walks back up the other side.

Purling Brook Falls does have a lookout at the top, so you don’t have to complete the hike to see it. Although, it is best viewed in full at the bottom.

9. Beaches on the Gold Coast

Everyone loves a Beach day right? Well, you can’t get any better than some of the variety down at the Gold Coast. Those beautiful white sandy beaches stretch all the way from Southport, through Surfers Paradise, Tallebudgera, Currumbin, and down to Tweed Heads.

Water activities are on an abundance at the Gold Coast. So, if you’re after surfing, somewhere to paddleboard, or a low ley place for the kids, then the Gold Coast has what you’re after.

10. Jet Boating experience

Jet boating is an extreme sport that is perfect for thrill seekers searching for a gripping and exciting ride. The best part about jet boating is that it is a family-friendly activity and everyone can enjoy.

➡ Compare prices for Jet Boat rides HERE with Get your Guide, or HERE with Viator.

It’s ideal to enjoy the beautiful scenery of the Gold Coast while getting an adrenaline rush. The experience is like nothing else and is sure to be a memorable experience for everyone who tries it.

11. Q1 Building Observation Deck & Skypoint Climb

Did you know that the Q1 Building in Surfers Paradise, is one of the tallest residential building in the world. Not only that, but it has one of the fastest elevators taking you to the 77th floor in 42 seconds.

➡  Book your Skypoint Observation deck Tickets HERE

There are two experiences to mention here. First being the Observation deck with 360-degree views, behind glass and overlooking the Gold Coast. Enjoy a coffee, meet up with friends and see this tourist hub from a different perspective.

Alternatively, you have the Skypoint Climb , which is more extreme and stepping outside for a glass-free view. You’re strapped in and guided to walk around the top portion of the Q1 Building. The experience takes about 1.5 hours, including the safety briefing instructions.

12. Jet Ski adventure

There is no need to have a licence to tour the Gold Coast on a Jet Ski , and you can share the cost with a friend and double riding. For our experience, we chose a tour leaving from Main Beach harbour and made our way up to Coran Cove for Breakfast.

You do have a little freedom while on the Jet Ski, although it’s pretty much a “follow the leader” scenario when you don’t have a licence. Therefore, speeds are dependant on your confidence or limited by law through the marina.

13. Mount Tamborine

If you didn’t manage to see the free Glow Worms at the Natural Bridge, then could see the ones at Tamborine Mountain. Bookings are probably a good idea as this place can get pretty busy. However, they have Glow worms all year round (during the day) and you are guaranteed to see them.

Apart from that, Mount Tamborine brings other gems like a free swimming opportunity at places like Cedar Creek Falls. In the summer, you might have to fight through the crowds, but worth it for the several natural waterholes to cool off in.

14. Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary

This is just one of the Wildlife Zoo’s and an excellent option. The Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary might not be as big as Australia Zoo, but I think it does have plenty of variety and still worth visiting.

➡  Compare prices for Currumbin Wildlife Tickets HERE on Get Your Guide.

The one thing I loved about this Park is the personal animal interactions that were included. Animals like Macaws and Lemurs were just wandering around (obviously with a ranger nearby), and you were able to get up close and photograph.

15. Scenic Rim

If you’re looking for a quaint country getaway close to the city, then the Scenic Rim offers a unique blend of old-school architecture and boutique shops. There are also plenty of walking trails like Mount Barney, Mount Lindesay, Mount Maroon, and Mount May.

Some of the more popular towns in the Scenic Rim could be Boonah or Rathdowney, which are known for their small-town charm. There are also plenty of shops and cafes to explore, as well as alpaca, camel, lavender or cheese farms.

16. Queen Mary Falls

The Queen Mary Falls is located just outside Killarney and can be reached by following the Waterfall Way. The trail takes you to the top of Queen Mary Falls, providing stunning views of the surrounding area.

Then, the trail winds its way down to the bottom of the falls, where you view from below. This is all contained within The Gondwana Rainforest (UNESCO World Heritage Listed) and is well worth a visit while you’re near Killarney. 

17. Noosa Heads & the Fairy Pools

Noosa Heads is a beautiful locality and one of the best places you could road trip from the city. Many will visit for the low tide swimming spot known as the Fairy pools , which are natural rock pools that are filled with crystal-clear ocean water.

Make sure you go really early, or at least out of weekends or school holidays. More importantly, this is a low tide activity, and you will need to check that before you go.

18. Caloundra

Known for its sunny weather and endless beaches,  Caloundra  is a top holiday destination when searching for things to do. Kings Beach is patrolled by lifeguards and is a great spot for swimming and surfing. Further around at Bulcock beach, you’ll enjoy kayaking and paddle boarding and some wading areas for the kids.

For those who prefer to stay on dry land, the famous Coastal Boardwalk pathway runs right through Caloundra and is a beautiful way to take in the sights and sounds of the coast. You’ll pass by rocky cliffs, sandy beaches, and crystal-clear waters along the way.

19. Australia Zoo

Australia Zoo would have to be one of the most popular Zoo’s available in Australia. Today you can see one of the biggest Crocodile feeding and information displays in Australia(apart from Darwin). An Asian animal display, Bird Aviary, Elephants, and an African Safari.

➡  Book your Australia Zoo Tickets & Transfers HERE with Get your Guide, Or HERE with Viator

The park has been opened since the 1970s and has grown over the years. And new animals and new exhibits are being introduced every year.

20. Kondalilla Falls

Kondalilla Falls is another off-beat, free-swimming location and even better, that it’s running almost all year round. There is a 4.7 kilometres loop hike that you can do, as well as stopping off for a swim.

If swimming is your only objective, you can walk to the waterhole and return on the same track for about 2 kilometres. But, be aware there are about 300 stairs, so make sure it’s suitable for your fitness level.

21. Mount Ngungun

If its views your after and a nice hike to take the family, then the Mt Ngungun summit hike is one of my favourites. It’s just less than 3 kilometres return to climb to the summit of this Glass House Mountain. Furthermore, a nicely formed path and hugely popular with the locals on the weekends.

There is a certain level of fitness required as you are climbing a mountain. Personally, I think this just refers to the top section and not the walking path itself. At no time did I feel I was off track or didn’t know where I was going.

22. Booloumba Creek Falls

Booloumba Creek Falls would have to be one of my favourite hikes and waterfalls in the area. It will not disappoint, but you will need a 4 wheel drive vehicle to get here. If your only wanting to visit the falls, then it’s a small 3 kilometre return hike on an easily formed track. There are 2 waterfalls to swim in, with the first more suitable for small children.

The falls are running most of the year-round and several swimming spots, including on top of the waterfall. There is a small amount of room for sitting and bringing along a picnic, but the closest facilities would be at Day-use Area number 2(about 10km away).

23. Buderim Falls

Buderim Falls are surprisingly so close to the Sunshine Coast and a quick stop if you’re looking to fill in some time. These falls have 2 entrances and only a short walk from each. They are fed from the city’s storm water, so not sure it’s a great spot for swimming, but you will find people in there from time to time.

The forest is dense, and it’s very easy to think you’re a long way away from the busy city. There is an easy boardwalk fitted at one end and rock-formed stairs from the other. Also, locals will use this area for their morning exercise and catch up with friends.

24. Gardners Falls

Gardners Falls would have to be one of the quickest places to walk to from the Car park, with only 300 metres. It’s a popular place to visit and plenty of room for a picnic and swimming around the waterhole. The walk actually runs along the creek, and you find people picking a spot anywhere along the Obi Obi Creek.

It’s a deep waterhole, so it might be handy to take along a flotation device or a pool noodle.

25. Settlement Cove Lagoon

Redcliffe is honestly a city on its own with a beachside location, and endless activities and accommodation to choose from. One popular spot is the Settlement Cove Lagoon , which is a free, lifeguarded, man-made lagoon-style pool. The pool is huge, and right beside the beach. This means you can also walk along the boardwalk and take in the beachside views.

26. Mount Mee

Looking for some fun Natural Swimming locations? Head to the beautiful D’Aguilar National Park, just 90 minutes away. This pocket of subtropical rainforest is home to eucalypt woodlands and spectacular wilderness views. Make a pit stop in Dayboro for a delicious pastry before heading to the Gantry to learn about the history of the former sawmill.

Your highlight in the summertime would be the Mount Mee Rocky Hole, which is one of the ideal places to swim near the city . This rocky swimming hole is a popular spot for locals and visitors, with its stunning views and the perfect spot to refuel before heading home.

27. Bribie Island

Bribie Island is still an Island, but one you can get there easy enough by driving over the Bridge to get there. There are so many things to see and do , with the west side of the island holding the main shopping complex and the calmer beaches, suitable for kids.

The west side overlooks the Pacific Ocean and so much room that you’re bound to find a spot on your own. If you have a 4WD, then you can purchase a permit to enter the National Park and drive up the beach to the lagoon or fish/swim of the shores.

28. King Island

King Island is only a small Island, and a popular area for locals to exercise and take the dog for a walk. What makes this spot unique is you can only get to it during a low tide, so please check the tide times before attempting.

The island consists of a small amount of vegetation and few wildlife species. Mangrove surrounds the area, and the boat channel just nearby. Consequently, it takes only 20 mins to walk out and even less time to walk around King Island.

29. Mount Coot-Tha

Mount Coot-tha is only a short distance from the city with about 20 different hikes to complete. One of the popular hikes is the Summit Climb, which takes about 1.5 hours to complete. It starts at the bottom around the JC Slaughter Falls Car Park and wanders up the forest on a nicely formed track.

Mount Coot-tha is open 24 hours, has a café, souvenir store and the views from the Lookout (day or night) are the best.

30. Ipswich

Ipswich is located on the western side of Brisbane with a population of 200,000 people. It’s known as Queensland’s oldest city with a lot of historical buildings (about 6000 that are heritage listed).

When planning a day out with the kids or a group of friends, you might like to visit the Orion Lagoon. Alternatively, you can roam the many cafes, explore the antique centre, take the Cobb & co tourist drive or maybe take things to the extreme with a V8 race car experience.

31. Scuba Diving

Where are all my Scuba Divers out there? There are several different Scuba Diving sites in the area . Although after 200 dives in the area myself, I think the visibility can be a little temperamental, but the variety of animals you can see is amazing.

This Includes anything from Mantas, Stingrays, Leopard Sharks, Grey Nurse Sharks, Nudibranchs, and other Macro creatures. However, depending on the season, there is always a place to discover and even ones you can organise from Tangalooma and Stradbroke Islands.

32. Lady Elliot Island

Lady Elliot Island is a small island just off the coast of Bundaberg in Central Queensland. The entire day will have you leaving from Redcliffe Airport at 715am and have you returning about 4pm. This means you will have about 5 hours on a tropical island, in the snorkelling the Great Barrier Reef .

The biggest drawn card for Lady Elliot Island is the water activities. With snorkelling and the glass bottom boat tours, you’re very likely to swim with turtles, plenty of fish, and sometimes Mantas when they are in season.

33. Byron Bay

Byron Bay is a stunning coastal town in northern New South Wales, Australia. It’s known for its relaxed atmosphere, stunning beaches, and vibrant arts and crafts scene. Visitors can enjoy swimming, surfing, and sunbathing on the many beaches or explore the shops and cafes in the town centre.

There are also plenty of art galleries and studios to check out and several festivals throughout the year. Byron Bay is also home to the most easterly point in Australia(at the Lighthouse), making it a popular spot for sunrise watching.

34. Stanthorpe

Travel a little further southwest of the city and visit the small town of Stanthorpe. It’s famous for its cheeses, truffles, and apples, so you can imagine it’s a foodie heaven. The Stanthorpe Apple and Flower Festival is a must-see event and is held around February/ March each year.

If you’re a hiking lover, then the amazing  Girraween National Park  is just a short drive away. Both the Pyramid Hike and the Sphinx/Turtle Rock hike are top favourites with visitors and are bound to challenge your fitness.

35. Lake Somerset

You wouldn’t expect Lake Somerset to be on my list today, but a day on the lake is heaps of fun. Depending on where you’re coming from, there is plenty of small towns to go through, for local cafes and new things to try. Towns like Esk and Kilcoy or stopping off for a swim at the Enoggera Reservoir.

Apart from that, Lake Somerset has its own activities like swimming, Boating, Jet Skiing, Paddle boarding, or Fishing. You can pack a picnic and stop for those calming sunset views while sipping champagne.

36. Toowoomba

Toowoomba is one of Queensland’s largest inland city’s with a population of 130,000 people. It’s known for representing colonial times with the Cobb & co Museum, Bunya Mountains National park and the Royal Bull’s Head Inn. Not only that, but tourists will flock to the city in droves to witness the Spring Carnival of Flowers festival.

Where to Stay?

Trying to find an area to stay in Brisbane can be daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. Simply start with the activities or what you want to do, and round down a suburb based on that.

➡ Click to Compare all the Hotel Deals HERE with Booking.com

Next I would filter by you budget, facilities needed or maybe parking. Hopefully, this will get you down to a few options convenient to your situation.

Wrap Up – Day Trips from Brisbane

Thanks for reading todays blog post on day trips from Brisbane and I hope you found the information you were looking for! There is so much variety in South East Queensland, so please check out more Brisbane articles here for planning and inspiration.

Read More Articles:

Brisbane Lookouts & Beyond the City with Map

Is Brisbane Safe to Visit?

Is the Gold Coast Part of Brisbane, in Queensland?

Best Things to do at Southbank Brisbane

Best places to Hike in and around Brisbane

“Hi, travel enthusiasts! I’m Chris Fry, The Aquarius Traveller Blogger. I’ve been exploring the world since 2007, documenting my journeys through the lens of my camera. Having visited over 37 countries (including my home Australia), I’ve gained first-hand experiences that help you plan your adventures.

So, whether you need insider tips, or want to live vicariously through my escapades – You’ll find something to love in my blog.”

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7 best short day trips from Brisbane

Time to get out of the house? Fill up the tank and hit the road for one of these epic (but local) road trips from Brisbane.

This article may contain links from our affiliate and advertising partners. When you click on them, or share this content, we may earn a commission.  Learn more

BEST DAY TRIP BY BOAT FROM BRISBANE: MORETON ISLAND

Just 40 kilometres from Brisbane is the picture-perfect Moreton Island. This offshore gem is the third largest sand-island and home to some pretty steep dunes, like Mount Tempest. But don’t be mistaken, there’s more than just sand here. Spend the day snorkelling among the island’s famous shipwreck and tropical fish, hire a kayak, or check out Moreton Island’s slice of war history. Getting there is easy – simply hop on a ferry, boat or barge.

BEST TRAIN DAY TRIP FROM BRISBANE: THE SCENIC RIM

The Scenic Rim has scenic in its title for a reason – with its ancient rainforest, historic national parks, charming villages and plentiful wineries, a trip to the Scenic Rim has something for everyone. Leave the car at home and opt for a train journey to this breathtaking vista – just an hour from the city – and lap up all the views from your carriage window. Explore the many attractions on offer like high-flying zip line adventures through the treetops, to shady trips through Burgess Park.

BEST SCENIC DRIVE FROM BRISBANE: REDCLIFFE

So you’re after a road trip that’s a little more exhilarating than usual? Pile in the car and head to Redcliffe – home to beautiful beaches, great food, and that chilled atmosphere you’ve been in search of. Grab some fish and chips from Yabbey Road and find a spot on the Woody Point Jetty to watch the sunset. On the way home, be sure to drive over the impressive Ted Snout Bridge.

BEST DAY TRIPS FROM BRISBANE FOR WINERIES: GOLD COAST HINTERLAND

Keen for an adults only day of drinking delicious drops and soaking up some magical sights? Book a bus and hit up Mount Tambourine where you can taste the local wines from award-winning wineries, pop by the distillery, and experience the cafes of the hinterland. Afterwards, be sure to explore the unspoilt World Heritage Sites, charming mountain villages, and antique stores of the Gold Coast Hinterland.

BEST DAY TRIP FROM BRISBANE FOR FAMILIES: NORTH STRADBROKE ISLAND

North Stradbroke Island feels like paradise, which is super convenient considering it’s just a hop, skip and a ferry from Brisbane’s CBD. Grab the kids for an out-of-town adventure and watch the whales swim through the shore. Take a stroll along the North Gorge Walk, and grab a gelato from the Oceanic Gelati Bar. For parents with teens, relish in the fact that you can get them off their devices for a few hours thanks to the island’s patchy phone coverage.

BEST DAY TRIP FOR FOODIES FROM BRISBANE: IPSWICH

Queensland’s historical hometown is jam packed with great coffee shops, country charm and eclectic one-of-a-kind stores – and it’s less than 40 minutes from the CBD. Hit up popular local cafe Rafter & Rose for breakfast; snap up a storm on the instagrammable art deco laneway; grab a scoop of ice-cream at the Ungermann Brothers (it’s the best ice-cream in the state), and don’t leave town without a trip to the Ipswich Antiques Centre.

BEST DAY TRIP FOR NATURE LOVERS FROM BRISBANE: GLASSHOUSE MOUNTAINS

Keen for a slice of nature that doesn’t include your local park or your backyard? Depending on where you live in Brisbane, you might be able to squeeze in a trip to the breathtaking Glass House Mountains. If you follow the Bruce Highway north, take the Glass House Mountains tourist drive turn-off and follow the signs to the Glass House Mountains, you’ll soon find yourself surrounded by mountain peaks and walking tracks. See also: 11 ways to take it easy on the Sunshine Coast 14 things no one told you about Queensland

One word infuriating Aussies on island

One of Australia’s most popular island’s has made a move that’s left Aussies furious with some even vowing to “boycott” the hotspot.

This tiny house comes with a 10/10 view

These tiny houses in the Lamington National Park wilderness come with spectacular views.

Secret to cult Aussie biscuit

Upon spotting this bakery VoVo, with its fluffy pink icing and thick jam stripe, I stifled a squeal.

I took my kids on Sea World’s wildest tour

We got up close and personal with the Gold Coast’s biggest sea-lebrities.

THE 10 BEST Day Trips from Brisbane

Day trips from brisbane.

• Brisbane to Tamborine Mountain
• Brisbane to Point Lookout
• Brisbane to Eagle Heights
• Brisbane to Byron Bay
• Up to 1 hour
• 1 to 4 hours
• 4 hours to 1 day
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Likely to Sell Out
• Special Offers
• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

1. Moreton Island Day Trip (Kayak, Snorkel & Sandboard) frm Brisbane or Gold Coast

2. Premium Springbrook Natural Bridge, Glow Worm Cave & Skywalk

3. All-Inclusive Dolphin & Tangalooma Wrecks Day Cruise Brisbane

4. Australia Zoo Day Trip from Brisbane

5. Springbrook andTamborine Rainforest Tour Incl Natural Bridge and Glow Worm Cave

6. Barefoot Luxury Mount Tamborine Winery Tour from Brisbane

7. North Stradbroke Island SUNSET Tour

8. Sunshine Coast Hinterland and Noosa Day Trip from Brisbane Incl Eumundi Markets

9. Noosa, Eumundi Markets, Glass House Mountains from Brisbane

10. Daytime Scenic Rim Glow Worm Tour

11. North Stradbroke Island (Minjerribah) Day Trip from Brisbane

12. Byron Bay, Bangalow and Gold Coast Day Tour from Brisbane

13. Tamborine Rainforest Skywalk + Hop on Hop off Shuttle

14. Wine tasting tour to Tamborine Mountain

15. Deluxe Wine Tour to Tamborine Mountain, includes two course lunch

16. Mount Tamborine Winery Tour with Lunch from Brisbane

17. Bellthorpe Rainforest Private Tour

18. Glass House Mountains, Maleny and Montville Tour from Brisbane

19. Tamborine Mountain and Paradise Point Tour from Brisbane

20. Brisbane And Gold Coast Helicopter Pub Crawl 3 Stops

21. Mt Tamborine 8-hour Guided Tour by Minivan in the Scenic Rim

22. North Stradbroke Island Private Tour with Pickup

23. Mount Tamborine Deluxe Wine Tasting with Two Course Lunch

24. Maiala Rainforest Tour

25. Noosa, Aussie Animals & Glass House Mountains from Brisbane

26. Brisbane and Gold Coast Helicopter Pub Crawl 5 Stops

27. Private Group Tour Brisbane & Gold Coast Personal Tours

28. Regional Producers Food Tour

29. Mount Glorious to Mount Mee Tour

30. One Hump Camel Farm and Wine Tour

What travelers are saying.

• Moreton Island Day Trip (Kayak, Snorkel & Sandboard) frm Brisbane or Gold Coast
• Australia Zoo Day Trip from Brisbane
• All-Inclusive Dolphin & Tangalooma Wrecks Day Cruise Brisbane
• Premium Springbrook Natural Bridge, Glow Worm Cave & Skywalk
• Springbrook andTamborine Rainforest Tour Incl Natural Bridge and Glow Worm Cave
• Hit the Road Tours Brisbane
• Hop On Brewery Tours
• Jet Ski Brisbane
• Brisbane Crime Tours - Crime Tours Australia
• Dear Australia,
• Queensland Day Tours
• Tangalooma Island Resort Day Cruises
• Professional Dive Services - Day Tours

6 of the best day trips from Brisbane

• By Matilda Meikle
• November 20, 2023
• Brisbane , Queensland

Amazing adventures await only a short distance from Queensland’s capital city.

Brisbane may be a hub of art, culture and experience, but there’s so much more to explore up and down the coast. These top day trips from Brisbane cover everything from animal encounters to cellar doors and more. 

Less than an hour from Brisbane lies Ipswich, a town known for its culture and history.

Any visit to this region should start at the Cooneana Heritage Centre , which sheds new light on Queensland’s oldest provincial city through photographs, artifacts, traditional crafts and displays. Two days a week, local spinners and weavers show off their skills while creating unique patterns and products.

If you’re more interested in supernatural history, Ghost Tours Australia runs three major tours in Ipswich through the CBD, Ipswich cemetery or Goodna cemetery. Led by a knowledgable host, you will hear stories of creepy sightings and hauntings, as well as real stories of crime, murder and magic. This tour is definitely not for the faint hearted.

If you’re looking for somewhere to rest and enjoy a meal, The Cottage Restaurant has its own long history in Queensland. It was first built as a homestead in 1861, and is now a fine dining experience serving modern Australian cuisine. 

Lamington National Park

Lamington National Park is two hours from the city, and is the perfect place for nature lovers. It is part of the Gondwana Rainforest, which is the biggest subtropical rainforest in the world. Lamington is known for breathtaking waterfalls, and a network of walking tracks that stretch ore than 130 km.

No matter your level of experience, there is bound to be a walk for you. Families will enjoy the Rainforest Return, a 30 minute trail which takes you past 23-million-year old boulders, and offers incredible opportunities for birdwatching as well. For more experienced hikers, full day treks such as the Border track will take you around 7 hours. On this walk you will pass through valleys, mountain streams and waterfalls. On clear days, the views over the rainforest from the top of the track are unparalleled. 

When visiting, you should keep an eye out for wildlife. In the subtropical rainforest, you will find Antarctic beech trees, king parrots, lyrebirds, hoop vines and carpet pythons, just to name a few. If you’re hoping to stay longer than one day, there’s lots of powered and unpowered camping sites to choose from.  

Moreton Island 

The best family day trip is only a 75 minute ferry away on Moreton Island. There are plenty of beaches and bays waiting to be discovered here, and friendly locals are happy to share their tips and tricks for catching the perfect wave.

For an experience like no other, Tangalooma Island Resort offers several day trips from Brisbane. The Snorkel the Wrecks cruise takes visitors on a guided snorkel through the Tangalooma shipwrecks just off the coast of Moreton. The wrecks and their surrounds are home to more than 200 species of fish and 3 species of marine turtles. While on the island, you can also join a wild dolphin feeding , and hand-feed a bottlenose dolphin at sunset. There’s no better way to make life-long memories. 

Finally, no trip to Moreton Island would be complete without stopping at The Gutter Bar , a bar and general store mixed into one. They provide fresh seafood sourced daily from trawlers, as well as juicy burgers and oysters. This local institution is a hub of activity and the best place to stop for a snack on your island adventure. 

Montville is known as an artists paradise, and it’s not hard to see why. 90 minutes from Brisbane’s CBD, this small town punches well above its weight when it comes to art and design. 

Montville Art Gallery is housed in a 1890s Queenslander, and hosts work from over 40 award-winning artists both local and national. For a different sort of art, stopping by the Tina Cooper Gallery gives you the chance to watch Tina and her team blow glass inspired by the Australian landscape right in front of your eyes.

When it comes to shopping, Montville has lots to offer. The local market is held on the first Saturday of every month, with fresh produce from the region’s best wineries, breweries and farms. On the main street, you will also find lots of shopping opportunities, whether you’re looking for hand-crafted items, antiques or art pieces. 

For the best dining, The Edge is a cafe and restaurant like no other. The building’s balcony is perched over the edge of the escarpment, offering amazing views of the valleys below. Their menu features the best produce sourced from the Gold Coast, and caters to everyone.

Tamborine Mountain

Thrill seekers will rejoice at the opportunities in Tamborine Mountain, only one hour from the city. This picturesque town is surrounded by tropical rainforests, which it definitely makes the most of. 

At Canungra Hang Gliding Club , you can book a tandem hang gliding adventure, and soar out over the treetops. Or, if you’d rather keep your feet on the ground, you’re welcome to pull up a seat and watch the professionals take to the skies. 

For even more heart-racing experiences, you should head to Thunderbird Park , home to Australia’s biggest zipline and high ropes attraction. With more than 100 challenges to complete while dangling above the forest floor, this activity is for the brave. There’s also a smaller course designed for children, so they can tag along as well.

Tamborine Mountain is the location of several award-winning wineries. Witches Falls offers a broad range of bottles at their cellar door, paired with delicious cheese platters. The tasting guide will take you through every pour with helpful tasting notes and tips. 

Noosa is a perfect beach getaway two hours from Brisbane.

All trips here should start at Epic Ocean Adventures , where you can join a dolphin view kayak tour or sign up for surf lessons on the beautiful beaches. Amazingly, Noosa is the only place in Australia that boasts three UNESCO declared biospheres, with an everglade, beach and subtropical rainforest.  

Visitors should take their time wandering the Glass House Mountains, with 11 peaks formed by volcanic activity more than 27 million years ago. Hiking up the Mount Ngungun peak offers unparalleled 360 degree views of the region. And, if you time your hike for sunrise or sunset, the sky transforms into an awe-inspiring rainbow.

Head to Land & Sea Brewery at the end of a long day to try their craft beers and ciders. You ca join a brewery tour to learn about the process of crafting beer, traditional brewing methods, and finish it all off with a tasting paddle. All their drinks are inspired by the Noosa region, and burst with flavour.

To read about the best day trips from Sydney, click here .

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Rex flies to Brisbane. Book your flights here and check out the route map below.

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How to plan a family summer trip to the Swiss Alps

Switzerland’s Jungfrau Region promises dramatic Alpine scenery, flower-flecked meadows and thrills on every summit. And with an extensive network of cable cars and rail routes, it's ideal for a 10-day stress-free family adventure.

Mother Nature pulled out all the stops in the Jungfrau region of the Bernese Alps. From waterfalls and cloud-capped peaks (including the big three: Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau) to high pastures jangling with cowbells, cliff-hugging villages sprinkled with log chalets and Alpine railways taking you from pine to peak, this is picture-postcard Switzerland at its finest. For families, adventure awaits. Bomb down the mountains on a Trottibike scooter or thunder towards the Eiger on a zip-line. Head up high to play in the summer snow or get close to the water in glacier gorges. From villages to via ferrata, here’s how to plan a 10-day tour that takes it all in.

Days 1-3: Mürren

Begin your trip with one of the area's most spectacular rail and cable journeys, with the town of Interlaken as a starting point. Take the train to Lauterbrunnen and switch onto a gondola to Grütschalp, where a second and arguably more beautiful train ride will whisk you up to Mürren. Perched on a ridge at 1,638 metres, this high-altitude village offers knockout views of the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau, and its flower-strewn pastures, spruce forests and dark-timber chalets are the picture of Swiss Alpine beauty.  

It's the ideal spot to ease into an active holiday. Hiking trails thread from its flanks in all directions, and a funicular glides up to Allmendhubel , where you can enjoy a meal on the mountain-facing sun terrace while kids romp among giant insects and Alpine blooms in the flower-themed adventure park. Budding botanists will love the nearby flower trail, which features 150 species of mountain flowers, from gentian to edelweiss. Alternatively, adults and older children can ramp up the adrenaline on the nearby Mürren-Gimmelwald via ferrata. A guide will help you learn the ropes, and before long you’ll be exploring a series of chalelnging suspension bridges, zip-lines and tightropes, with sky-high views of the Bernese Alps.

Devote a third day to Schilthorn, which begins with a dramatic cable-car ride above great fangs of rock to the eyrie-like summit of Schilthorn — Piz Gloria. Visited by James Bond in the 1969 film adaptation of On Her Majesty’s Secret Service , this dramatic destination enjoys views across 200 peaks all the way to Mont Blanc and the Black Forest on clear days. Enjoy the helicopter and bobsleigh simulators at Spy World , before heading down to middle station Birg for exhilarating, vertigo-inducing moments on the Skyline Walk and cliff-hugging Thrill Walk (crawl through the tunnel if you dare).

Days 3-7: Grindelwald  

With sensational views of the Eiger’s imposing North Face and a lineup of 4,000-metre peaks, it’s no surprise that Grindelwald is one of Switzerland’s most popular destinations for active travellers. The first task is to pick your peak. Swing high above the meadows to 1,391-metre Pfingstegg for a mad downhill dash on the summer toboggan run or zip-line. Or opt for mountain-rimmed Männlichen, where you can enjoy nature-focused fun on the treetop path, explore the vast playground that's home to a giant wooden cow, or head out on the Lieselotte Trail, where children can search for crystals, blow into an alphorn and peek at burrowing marmots through binoculars.  

On day two, make for the 2,184-metre summit of First Mountain, which has the edge for thrill-seekers. Clinging to near-vertical cliffs, the First Cliff Walk is an ideal place to begin your day’s activity, with giddy views of the Bernese Alps. From the top, you can whizz towards the Eiger on the First Flyer zip-line at speeds of up to 50mph, before tearing down the slopes back to Grindelwald by mountain cart or chunky Trottibike. Back in the valley, feel nature’s colossal force in Grindelwald’s Glacier Canyon, as you teeter across a walkable ‘spider’s web’ strung between towering rock faces polished by the waters of the Lütschine River. Daredevils can also enjoy the canyon swing , which involves a 90-metre freefall before you rip across the gorge at speeds of 75mph.

However, all of this is just laying the groundwork for a third-day trip up to 3,454-metre Jungfraujoch. From Grindelwald, hop aboard the tri-cable Eiger Express gondola for a riveting ride with views of the Eiger’s mile-high North Face. From the Eiger Glacier station at its top, switch to the Jungfrau Railway. This red train has been chugging up to the summit since 1912 and will transport you up to Europe’s highest railway station in less than 30 minutes. Here, the Sphinx observation terrace offers out-of-this-world views of the 14-mile Aletsch Glacier and the surrounding sea of 4,000-metre peaks. It’s snowy up top all year round, so dress warmly for sledding, tubing and zip-lining in the snow park, or a subzero wander through the glittering, sculpture-strewn tunnels of the Ice Palace.

Days 7-10: Meiringen (Haslital)

From Grindelwald, take a beautiful train ride via Interlaken, or a panoramic bus ride over the Grosse Scheidegg mountain pass to reach Meiringen, a pretty Alpine town in the Haslital Valley that's surrounded by dramatic activity. Top billing goes to the 120-metre-high Reichenbach Falls, which crash over forested cliffs with a roar. This is where writer Arthur Conan Doyle had fictional detective Sherlock Holmes and villainous Dr Moriarty fall over the edge in the 1893 story The Final Problem . For a less intense experience, take the funicular up and hike back down before stopping in at Patisserie Frutal for a Swiss meringue — Meiringen lays claim to fame as the 18th-century birthplace of this sweet treat.

The next day, continue your exploration of Meiringen’s surrounding cliffs and ravines. A quick train ride from town will see you reach the Aare Gorge, which carves a deep, narrow path through limestone tunnels and galleries and past a turquoise torrent of glacial water. Visit later in the day if you can, as the canyon is at its most entrancing when illuminated by summer-evening rays. Its closest rival is the waterfall-splashed Rosenlaui Gorge, where a circular trail leads through primeval forest and past chalk-slate cliffs pounded smooth by the Weissenbach River.

Finally, head north of Meiringen, to Hasliberg. This area is a family favourite, thanks to the three-mile Muggestutz Dwarf trail that runs from Mägisalp to Bidmi, where kids can dry pine cones, take on the ‘eagle swing’ and find cave treasure. Make a day of it and check out the marble run from Bidmi to Reuti, which offers 12 giant marble runs immersed in nature and a firepit for barbecues (wood is provided).  

Related Topics

• FAMILY TRAVEL
• EDUCATIONAL TRAVEL
• ADVENTURE TRAVEL

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Bluey gives fans hope for the future, reviewers hide from Swiftie death threats and MICF announce 2024 winners

The world is currently suffering a case of Swift-itis after Taylor released her 11th LP on Friday. The Tortured Poets Department turned out to be a surprise double album and it has received a … tepid response (more on that later).

But for those who haven't jumped aboard the Taylor train, here's what you missed over the weekend in entertainment.

This week's stories:

• Bluey drops the surprise ep of the season
• Outlets publish nameless reviews to avoid Swiftie death threats
• Melbourne International Comedy Festival 2024 winners
• Netflix and A24 face AI controversy
• Cate Blanchett scoops up Dorian Gray film rights
• Rihanna shakes up her online presence 
• Devo and Eno team up for Vivid
• Spice Girls reunite for Posh's b'day

Bluey drops surprise episode, delights parents worldwide

Parents (and non-parents) across the globe had one question after the season three finale of Bluey dropped last week: Is this the end?!?!

The 28-minute-long episode The Sign saw our Blue Heeler fam make the big decision to put their beloved Paddington residence up for auction. The episode ends (spoiler alert) with daddy Bandit pulling the "For Sale" sign out of the grass, before he pulls his family into a cuddle puddle.

The ambiguous ending left many wondering if pulling a sign out of the ground is a legally binding closure of sale, but (spoiler alert: 2 Fast 2 Spoil) it is!!

While most of us were snoozing soundly on Sunday morning, a surprise episode of Bluey, aptly named Surprise!, dropped on ABC iview . Chock-full of the heartwarming familial lessons that Bluey fans know and love, the episode features (spoiler alert three: The Spoilening) a rare flash-forward to a near future complete with flying drones, robot cleaners, a grown-up Bluey and a Heeler grandchild!!!

Of course, the internet is already set on finding out who is the father of Bluey's babe.

In order to keep Surprise! a surprise, ABC went so far as to falsely list a Bluey re-run in television guides to throw fans off the scent.

"Bluey's hallmark charm is that it is always surprising, and we love to do things differently to keep the fans thinking," ABC head of children and family Libbie Doherty said.

"Our intention was for the fans to wake up to their usual ABC Kids Sunday 8am slot and be blown away by a brand-new episode."

Further confirmation of the series' continuation came from Bluey producer Sam Moor on BBC Radio 4 , where Moor assured fans: "We have more in store and we're thinking about what would be next."

Is this the start of time-jump Bluey à la  Rugrats: All Grown Up ? Only time will tell.

— Velvet Winter

Paste Magazine anonymises Taylor Swift review for fear of death threats

Paste Magazine has opted to publish its review of Taylor Swift's latest (double) album, The Tortured Poets Department, without a by-line, in order to avoid its author receiving "threats of violence".

The review holds nothing back, calling the 31-track anthology a sign that "Swift no longer feels challenged to be good", with extra disappointment reserved for the album's lyricism ("This is your songwriter of the century? Open the schools").

While reviews so far skew positive, Paste isn't alone. The New Yorker has said it "suffers from being too long and too familiar" and that her work with long-term producer Jack Antonoff "has perhaps run its course".

Upon publication, Paste released a short editor's note, explaining why the review was anonymised: "There is no by-line on this review due to how, in 2019 when Paste reviewed [Swift album] 'Lover', the writer was sent threats of violence from readers who disagreed with the work. We care more about the safety of our staff than a name attached to an article."

Reaction from Swifties has been… mixed.

Paste isn't alone in anonymising by-lines to avoid writers getting doxxed when writing about artists with passionate stans.

In 2020, Australian pop-culture site Junkee announced it would publish potentially incendiary articles about artists with anonymous by-lines, citing multiple incidents of its writers being doxxed and harassed.

 — Jared Richards

English comedian takes top prize at Melbourne comedy festival

Non-binary English comedian Sarah Keyworth has won the top prize at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival for their show My Eyes Are Up Here, besting local and international comedians including Celia Pacquola, Rose Matafeo, Lou Wall and Ray O'Leary.

The winner of most outstanding show unpacked the events of their last year, including turning 30, their ADHD diagnosis, and gender-affirming top surgery. In a review in The Age , the show was described as "a consummately delivered show by an accomplished performer who has the audience in the palm of their hand".

Keyworth joins past winners including James Acaster, Rhys Nicholson , Sam Campbell and Hannah Gadsby .

Other winners for 2024 include Melbourne comic and medical student Noah Szto taking out best newcomer; Aaron Chen winning people's choice for most tickets sold; Ben Russell winning directors' choice; Dougie Baldwin winning the Golden Gibbo for best independent show; and Claire Hooper winning the Piece of Wood, the award chosen by fellow comedians.

Keyworth tours to Sydney Comedy Festival from April 24-27, and Chen from April 25-28.

— Hannah Story

Netflix true crime documentary and Civil War's AI controversy

The creators of What Jennifer Did, a recent Netflix true-crime documentary, have been accused of manipulating or generating archival images using AI technology.

The documentary focuses on Canadian Jennifer Pan, who in 2010 was convicted for a kill-for-hire attack on her parents, resulting in her mother's death and father's significant injuries.

As reported by Futurism , the documentary features several images of Pan with telltale signs of AI image manipulation. One particular image shows Pan posing for a photo, smiling with her hands in peace signs, but her fingers are ill-defined, especially on her right hand. Her left shoulder is oddly shaped, and background images stuck onto furniture and the wall are confusing. 

No use of AI is included in the film's credits.

People are concerned the film manipulated images, given that it's about a real-life murder.

Executive producer Jeremy Grimaldi denied that Pan's likeness was altered, but said he had good reason for some edits.

"Any filmmaker will use different tools, like Photoshop, in films," he said in an interview with Canadian publication the Toronto Star.

"The photos of Jennifer are real photos of her. The foreground is exactly her. The background has been anonymised to protect the source."

It comes after several other AI controversies, with Aussie horror Late Night with the Devil receiving criticism for its use of image generation for in-film logos and graphics, given that AI generators pull from real works without payment or accreditation.

Additionally, film studio A24 has come under fire for using AI-generation in marketing material for  Civil War , its blockbuster starring Kirsten Dunst set in a near-future United States. Images posted to social media last week feature recognisable sites across the US ravaged by war, in scenes that don't feature in the film themselves.

Zooming in reveals several issues, whether that be a soldier with a sphere for a head, a giant swan in place of a paddleboat and repeated buildings and boats. A source "close to the movie" confirmed to The Hollywood Reporter they are AI-generated images, inspired by the movie's conceit.

Ironically, Civil War writer-director Alex Garland is probably best known for 2014 sci-fi Ex Machina, which is all about AI.

— Jared Richards

Cate Blanchett picks up movie rights for The Picture of Dorian Gray

After The Picture of Dorian Gray won two Olivier Awards last week, Cate Blanchett and her husband Andrew Upton have picked up the film rights to the "cine-theatre" epic, through their production company Dirty Films.

The play, adapted from Oscar Wilde's 19th-century novel, sees Sarah Snook ( Succession ) play 26 characters over the course of two hours, including the ever-youthful Dorian Gray, through the use of live performance and live and prerecorded video.

The play is directed and adapted by Sydney Theatre Company's outgoing artistic director Kip Williams . The original production, starring Eryn Jean Norvill , picked up four awards at both the 2021 Sydney Theatre Awards and the 2023 Green Room Awards for Melbourne theatre, including best actor, best production and best director.

Blanchett and Upton were co-artistic directors of Sydney Theatre Company (STC) from 2008-2012 (Upton continued solo until 2015). Their production company is behind movies and TV shows including AACTA winners The New Boy and ABC TV's Stateless . Upton is now working with Williams on a film treatment for the one-woman show.

The Picture of Dorian Gray from STC and Michael Cassel Group continues at Theatre Royal on London's West End until May. It is expected to transfer to Broadway in 2025.

RIP to Rihanna's stick figure doodle

Rihanna's fans are in mourning after the billionaire singer and beauty mogul changed her Instagram profile picture from the stick figure drawing she debuted in 2014.

FWIW, it's been replaced to match her make-up brand Fenty Beauty's avatar, of a product being held by a hand – but in @badgirlriri's version, the hand is a stick figure, suggesting that our squiggly haired queen is just out of shot.

Fans are taking the change well. Thinking of that one person who has it tattooed on their body.

Eno and Devo docs at Vivid

Two exciting music documentaries will have their Australian premiere as part of Sydney's Vivid festival next month, covering the lives and groundbreaking work of Brian Eno and Devo.

Eno promises a truly unique experience for cinemagoers, as director Gary Hustwit uses new technology to ensure no two viewings are the same.

There are "millions of possible variations of scenes" thanks to a new software system that takes hundreds of hours of Eno's archival footage, as well as new interviews filmed for the doco, and allows Hustwit to shape them and create a new version of the film live on stage.

Given Eno's adventurous creative spirit, it seems a fitting way to celebrate his life and work.

Devo, directed by Chris Smith (who has earned acclaim for films on Wham and Fyre Festival), is said to be the definitive documentary about the famed, energy dome-wearing Akron, Ohio band. It comes to Vivid after scoring rave reviews at its Sundance premiere earlier this year.

Both films screen at the Sydney Opera House as part of Vivid next month.

— Dan Condon

Stop right now! The Spice girls reunited for Posh's birthday

No more explanation needed. Please enjoy the video footage. Viva forever, Spice Girls! ✌️

• X (formerly Twitter)

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Meet Your Neighbor: Farming, family and volunteering are a natural fit for Adam Paynter

Paynter finds time gentleman farming when his day job is done.

SHELBY − Organic farming in rural Shelby or physical therapy in Bucyrus? A local resident born and raised in rural Crestline does both.

Meet your neighbor, Adam Paynter, a third generation farmer and physical therapist with Avita Health System.

Adam was taught the art of farming by his father, Dave Paynter. The Paynter Family Organic Farm in rural Crestline was certified organic in 1996 where they raise grain, organic-fed beef, cattle and poultry. The meat is sold at farmers markets in Crestline, Mansfield and Bucyrus.

When he graduated from Buckeye Central High School, an older neighbor gave him $100 to buy 100 chickens. Since returning home with his doctorate in physical therapy at Ohio Northern University, Adam has significantly expanded the poultry side of the business.

"This year, “I’ll have 700 broiler meat chickens that I’ll raise out on pasture and a few laying hens, as well as around 65 Thanksgiving turkeys,” he noted.

Adam said the chickens have found a new home in Shelby.

"They were always at my parents' main farm. This year I was able to move them to our little homestead,” he said. "We’re pretty excited to have the chickens here in Shelby.”

A family affair

Adam is the fourth of five kids born to Dave and Kathy Paynter.

“Me, along with my four siblings, have all been an integral part of helping [Dad] out. We all just really enjoy being outside and on the farm,” Adam said.

The new dad shares business responsibilities with his wife, Amanda.

“Me and my wife do our marketing, and then I do all the advertising and the social media management,” said Adam.

They have recently welcomed their first child.

His day job

After earning his bachelor’s degree in athletic training from Bowling Green State University and doctorate in physical therapy at Ohio Northern, Adam has worked at Avita Health System ever since as a physical therapist at the outpatient clinic in Bucyrus.

His patients are as diverse as the chickens he raises.

"I see a little bit of everything there − all patient ages besides pediatrics. All different conditions, all different diagnoses,” Adam shared.

His volunteer efforts

Adam lives about a mile inside the Richland County line, but he prefers to stay busy in both Crawford and Richland counties as a volunteer. He serves as a trustee and vice chairperson on the board of the Community Foundation for Crawford County

“We’ve got a great team that works together and gets funds where they need to be," Adam said.

He knows what it's like to be on the receiving end. While a student at Bowling Green, he was awarded a Come Home Scholarship through the Community Foundation for Crawford County.

"That helped pull me back to the area," Adam said.

He also serves the mission of Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church and its school in Shelby.

“I help coach fourth through sixth grade boys basketball, so that takes up some time during the winter,” Adam, an alumnus of the school, explained.

As a parishioner, he volunteers on the Heart of Bethlehem Improvement Committee.

"I like to stay busy," he noted.

A special trip on the Ohio to Erie Trail

When COVID started in 2020, a trip Adam had planned got canceled. Never one to rest easy, he decided to ride the Ohio to Erie Trail as a fundraiser for the Down Syndrome Association of Central Ohio .

Riders can take different bike routes and country roads from the Ohio River in Cincinnati to Lake Erie in Cleveland. A strong athlete, Adam pedaled for five days with "just a bike, a tent and some gear."

His family knows the blessings of many with Down syndrome.

“My little sister has Down syndrome. I also have a cousin and a nephew with Down syndrome," Adam said "Down syndrome has had a great impact on our lives, and we see the abilities of all children and individuals with Down syndrome. I thought it was a great cause to raise money for. A lot of great people pitched in and supported that. It was pretty cool to see. It was a fun route.”

The comforts of home aren't lost on Adam.

“I’ve really enjoyed growing up in the Crawford/Richland County-area, being surrounded by so many supportive people. Everybody here would do anything to help each other out. It’s definitely a draw to stay in this area and to start a family here. To just really help out other people and give back,” he added.

Correspondent Joe Di Lullo can be reached at muckrack.com/dilulloj or [email protected] .