TOP 10 Day Trips from Brisbane [Distances & Attractions]

What Is Brisbane Known for? 

Brisbane may be underrated in Australian city rankings, but it's a cosmopolitan city with a glittering array of cultural offerings. Surrounded by World Heritage-listed national parks, a short ferry ride from an island paradise, and less than two hours from the countryside, Brisbane promises an unforgettable day out wherever you are.

Brisbane is home to one of the country's most famous art galleries (GOMA) and a vibrant live music community. Brisbane hosts an annual music festival to foster local talent.

Brisbane is home to some of Australia's best restaurants and has plenty of cafes, coffee shops, bars, restaurants and clubs nearby. There's even a slew of craft breweries, as Brisbane is home to the largest craft brewery in Australia.

But it's more than just the inner city of Brisbane that'll draw you in. The abundance of natural wonders surrounding Brisbane makes it the perfect place to spend an exciting and varied day.

Visitors interested in exploring Brisbane can choose from quaint bayside villages, picturesque country towns and mountain villages with rainforests, bushwalks and winding roads to the north and east of Brisbane.

In addition, the historic former mining town of Ipswich in the west is rich in cultural heritage, parks, trendy cafes and shopping. The Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast offer excellent beaches.

TOP 10 Day Trips from Brisbane 

From unique sand islands to tranquil rainforests, surf towns and more, here are ten of the best day trips from Brisbane. So, without further ado, unwind with a day trip that will take you out of your busy schedule.

1. Ipswich Day Trip

Distance from Melbourne: 40.8 km

Drive Time: 38 minutes

Location: Queensland 4305, Australia (Open with Google Maps)

Attractions: Castle Hill on the Crane Estate, Crane Beach, Russell Orchards, Wolf Hollow, Marini Farm, Ipswich River, Appleton Farms, Ipswich Museum, Crane Wildlife Refuge 

Ipswich is one of Queensland's oldest cities, with its historic streets full of cafe culture, laneway restaurants and edgy boutiques. Ipswich is an easy day trip away, with plenty to do once you arrive. With so many family-friendly activities and attractions, you can leave early, plan a full day, and quickly return to Brisbane in the evening.

In the morning, you can visit the Ipswich Art Gallery, the Railway Museum or one of the many antique shops. In the afternoon, visit Queens Park, which has 26 hectares of lush lawns, manicured gardens, and its wildlife sanctuary (the Ipswich Nature Centre).

It's open six days a week (closed on Mondays), is entirely free and is the best way to see native animals such as bilbies, kangaroos, emus and wallabies. Head to Ipswich's lively local dining precincts, such as the famous Top of Town precinct.

2. Toowoomba Day Trip

Distance from Melbourne: 127 km

Drive Time: 1 hour 35 minutes

Location: Darling Downs region of southern Queensland (Open with Google Maps)

Attractions: DownsSteam Tourist Railway & Museum, Queensland Museum Cobb+Co, Picnic Point Lookout, Laurel Bank Park, Queens Park Botanic Gardens, Japanese Gardens, Table Top Mountain, Empire Theatre

Toowoomba is Queensland's largest inland city, offering beautiful scenery and a cultural atmosphere. Toowoomba is famous for its parks and gardens, the most famous of which is the Carnival of Flowers, one of Toowoomba's most unique events, earning the name "The City of Gardens". Toowoomba's Japanese Garden, also known as Ju Raku En, is the most beautiful place for the family to explore the many tree and plant species in Japan and Australia.

But Toowoomba has a long history to explore, including several famous attractions. The streets around Caledonian Manor were built in the 1870s and were crowded with Queenslanders in the early 1990s. These Caledonian houses have a unique old-world charm that is challenging to find in Brisbane. They have pressed metal gables, bluestone curbs, and iron lace.

3. Scenic Rim Day Trip

Distance from Melbourne: 98.9 km

Drive Time: 1 hour 19 minutes

Location: West Moreton region of South East Queensland (Open with Google Maps)

Attractions: Witches Falls Winery, Tamborine Mountain Glow Worm Caves, Curtis Falls, Tamborine Mountain Botanic Gardens, Tamborine Mountain Distillery, Lamington National Park, Cedar Creek Falls, Darlington Park

Another excellent day trip from Brisbane is the Scenic Rim, a stunning region of beautiful scenery and country villages. The Scenic Rim is a large arc of mountains stretching from Beaudesert to southwest Ipswich, offering spectacular views, country villages and a range of family activities.

The Scenic Rim has several hiking trails with stunning views, rock pools, and wooded canyons. You can also enjoy wine tasting at nearby vineyards, sample local produce at country markets, and travel along winding roads.

In the Scenic Rim, the outdoors is your playground. Get your fill of farm-to-fork and vine-to-cork experiences, cultural activities, bushwalking, watersports, eco-tourism, sightseeing, and more—all inspired by breathtaking surroundings.  

4. North Stradbroke Island Day Trip

Distance from Melbourne: 56.7 km

Drive Time: 1 hour 55 minutes

Location: Queensland 4183, Australia (Open with Google Maps)

Attractions: Cricket club, horse riding, point lookout, wildlife, weaver fibre artist, bush hiking, Terra Bulla Leumeah tours,  surfing, sunrise yoga, Straddie Kingfisher tours, Straddie adventures

North Stradbroke Island, known as 'Straddie' to the locals, has long been part of Australia's southeast coast. Surrounded by ocean and beaches, this beautiful island is home to freshwater lagoons, forested trails, and abundant wildlife, so it's easy to see why it's one of the popular places to visit in Southeast Queensland.

From late May to early October, North Stradbroke Island also offers terrific opportunities for whale watching. Spotted whales are found inland, and you can go on a whale-watching excursion or wander around the island with just your eyes. You can see kangaroos, koalas and fish.

5. Bribie Island Day Trip

Distance from Melbourne: 86 km

Drive Time: 1 hour 31 minutes

Location: Queensland 4507, Australia (Open with Google Maps)

Attractions: 4WD, G'Day adventure tours (kayaking), Bongaree's foreshore, beach-side walking, camping,  Bribie Island Butterfly House, sup at sunset

Bribie Island is the perfect place to enjoy the sun and beach in Brisbane. With lush wetlands, pristine beaches, rainforests and a marine reserve, Bribie Island is Brisbane's closest outdoor playground. Besides the beautiful beaches and scenery, Bribie Island has a rich history. You can find all the details at the Bribie Island Waterfront Museum.

This island is connected to the mainland by a bridge and is the only part of Moreton Bay accessible by boat. Stylish bars, excellent water sports, off-road tracks in Bribie Island National Park, boat hire, family-friendly swimming environments (especially Bongaree) and some great restaurants make this a relaxing holiday destination.   

6. Moreton Island Day Trip

Distance from Melbourne: 72.8 km

Biking Time: 3 hours 12 minutes

Location: Beaches, dunes, marine life & several shipwrecks count (Open with Google Maps)

Attractions: Tangalooma Wrecks, Cape Moreton Lighthouse, Champagne Pools, Blue Lagoon, Honeymoon Bay, Tangalooma Desert, night kayak tour, wade with dolphins, 4WD, whale watching

Another island in Brisbane is Moreton Island, home to the famous Tangalooma shipwreck. Moreton Island is a paradise for snorkelling, diving, and kayaking, with many unique attractions. You can swim in crystal clear waters, admire the colourful marine life, snorkel at shipwrecks, sunbathe on stunning beaches and hike along towering dunes.

There are many things to see and do in Tangalooma Resort, but the most famous attraction is the dolphin family, which has been visiting the beaches since the 1990s. A certified ranger can accompany resort guests as they wade into the shallows.

The artificial Tangalooma Wrecks are just a short swim from the shore. They are teeming with marine creatures such as dugongs, wobbegongs, and dolphins. Hop on a snorkelling boat for a relaxing ride and an unforgettable adventure. 

7. Redcliffe Day Trip

Distance from Melbourne: 38.7 km

Drive Time: 37 minutes

Location: Suburb in the City of Moreton Bay (Open with Google Maps)

Attractions: Settlement Cove Lagoon, Bee Gees Way, Woody Point Jetty, Redcliffe Museum, Pirate Park, Redcliffe Botanic Gardens, Under Sea Putt and Play, Redcliffe Art Gallery

Beautiful Redcliffe and the surrounding headlands and beaches are a short day trip from Brisbane. There are 22 km of sandy beaches, stunning views of Moreton Bay from Hornibrook Road and seafood restaurants for those looking to escape the stresses of modern life.

Another place worth visiting in Redcliffe is the Redcliffe Museum, which has free entry. The museum has a special children's area and offers visitors the chance to reflect on local history and learn about the history of Redcliffe.

8. Gold Coast Day Trip

Distance from Melbourne: 77.7 km

Drive Time: 58 minutes

Location: Metropolitan region south of Brisbane (Open with Google Maps)

Attractions: Surfers Paradise Beach, Warner Bros. Movie World, Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, SkyPoint Climb, Sea World, Dreamworld, Natural Bridge, Burleigh Heads Beach

Gold Coast has a bustling nightlife and wide beaches suitable for surfing and sunbathing. It is the most convenient beach resort in Brisbane. Therefore, the glamorous Gold Coast attracts many people who seek excitement. On the Gold Coast, you can have fun in theme parks, surf in Surfers Paradise, or try fun activities such as paragliding or jet skiing.

The breathtaking coastline attracts locals and tourists from around the globe for various activities, including dawn watching at Burleigh, fishing at Main Beach, basking in the golden sand at Surfers Paradise, and surfing with the pros at Coolangatta.

9. Noosa Day Trip

Distance from Melbourne: 148 km

Drive Time: 1 hour 48 minutes

Location: Resort area on southern Queensland's Sunshine Coast (Open with Google Maps)

Attractions: Noosa National Park, Noosa Main Beach, Peregian Beach Park, Noosa Farmers Market, Noosa River, Everglades, Mount Tinbeerwah, Laguna Lookout, Lake Weyba, Little Cove Beach,  Tewantin National Park, whale watching, biking, hiking

For a relaxing day at the beach, look no further than Noosa. Noosa has stunning beaches, hidden bays, spectacular cliff walks, trendy shopping and delicious food. In Noosa, you can choose from water activities such as swimming, stand-up paddleboarding, surfing or kayaking, or hiking along the easily accessible trails of Noosa National Park.

Noosa is the perfect place to spend the holidays if you're looking for relaxation on the beach, adventure on the river, scenic rural drives, local cuisine, craft beer, live music, art, unique shopping, or adrenaline-pumping thrills.

Noosa's picturesque landscapes, which extend from the coast to the river and the hinterland, are encircled by lively towns that provide an incredible variety of attractions that will make you want to return time and time.

10. Boonah Day Trip

Distance from Melbourne: 87.6 km

Drive Time: 1 hour 11 min

Location: Queensland 4310, Australia (Open with Google Maps)

Attractions: Moogerah Dam, Mount French National Park, Boonah Country Market, golfing, gliding club, countryside views

Travelling the 86 km from Brisbane to Boonah through some real cow country in the Scenic Rim will transport you to picturesque terrain that feels even better than it looks.

Warm warmth, charming country buildings, unique boutiques, and delicious local cuisine will nourish your spirit here. Visit Maynards, a three-generation old-school department store, for a nostalgic shopping experience, or stop by Hummingbirds Natural Pantry & Cafe to stock up on organic whole foods for the day.

You can easily find Mount Mitchell's twin summits from Boonah. The reward for completing this graded Level 4 track is the chance to stand atop the east peak of Mount Mitchell, which is 1175 metres above sea level. Hikers can expect to experience every variety of Australian flora in four hours as they travel from rainforest to open eucalypt forest and back again.

How To Plan Day Trips from Brisbane?

When planning a day trip, there are many things to consider to make the most of your time. Here are some valuable factors to consider when planning a day trip from Brisbane:

Choosing a Destination: The essential step in planning a day trip is choosing a destination so you don't waste precious time while travelling. Once you have selected your destination, research what there is to do there and plan your trip accordingly.

Planning Your Trip: One of the most essential tips for planning a successful day trip is to plan your trip, which will help you manage your time and get everything necessary. Planning your trip doesn't require a strict timetable, but knowing what you want to do and see will help you make the most of your time. Always remember to leave plenty of time for rest.

Consider Transportation: If you are travelling within a city, it may be easiest to take public transportation, walk or cycle, but driving may be a better option if you are going further afield.

Dress: Try to dress comfortably during your day trip. While this is a no-brainer, you'd be surprised how many people need to remember this critical detail. Since you'll likely spend some time outdoors, weather-appropriate clothing is vital.

Fuel Up: Another essential tip when planning a day trip is to bring snacks and drinking water. These will help you stay energised and save money.

Power Bank: Carrying a power bank will always charge multiple electronic devices. Plus, power banks are compatible with various electronic devices, including smartphones, tablets, cameras, and laptops. A power bank's small, compact design makes it perfect for day trips. Here, we mainly recommend Jackery Portable Power Stations, which are ideal for day trips with compact sizes and powerful capacities.  

Jackery Portable Power Stations for Day Trips

Brisbane is the starting point for fantastic day trips to places like the Sunshine Coast's golden beaches and Tamborine Mountain's beautiful rainforests. These locations provide life-changing experiences, whether you're organising a family vacation or an independent journey.  

Jackery Solar Generators and Portable Power Stations provide a dependable energy option for your journey. They enable you to stay connected when visiting off-the-beaten-path areas, charge electronics, and run small appliances. Jackery allows you to have the freedom of exploration without sacrificing practicality.

Jackery Explorer 1000 Pro

With its remarkable output and small size, the Jackery Explorer 1000 Pro redefines portable power and is the ideal travel companion for day trips from Brisbane. This power station ensures that all your gadgets are ready and charged while touring Moreton Island or the Sunshine Coast.

• Dependable Power for Any Adventure: With a 1000W output and a 1002Wh battery, the Explorer 1000 Pro can power 93% of everyday devices, including cell phones and refrigerators. Because of its dependable performance, it's perfect for powering necessary devices on day trips, offering convenience wherever you go.

• Efficient and Versatile Charging: Equipped with three charging methods, including wall charging, car charging, and solar charging, the Explorer 1000 Pro recharges fully in just 1.8 hours via a wall outlet. Its pass-through charging feature allows you to use devices while recharging the unit, ensuring uninterrupted power for your journey.

• Long-lasting Durability: With a lifespan of 1,000 cycles to 80% capacity and the innovative ChargeShield technology, this power station delivers stable and safe power for years. Its lightweight and ergonomic design makes it easy to carry, ensuring portability without compromising performance. 

Jackery Explorer 600 Plus

Compact and lightweight, the Jackery Explorer 600 Plus is the ultimate portable power solution for short adventures from Brisbane. From hiking in Lamington National Park to a picnic by the Brisbane River, this power station keeps all your gadgets powered up.

• Power Packed for Outdoor Fun: Featuring a 632Wh capacity and an 800W output, the Explorer 600 Plus supports various devices, including camping lights and coolers. Its dual PD fast-charging ports provide up to 100W output, ensuring your devices charge quickly and efficiently.

• Designed for Easy Portability: Weighing only 7.3kg, with a foldable handle, the Explorer 600 Plus is easy to carry and store, fitting seamlessly into your travel gear. Its compact design makes it perfect for spontaneous day trips or planned outdoor activities.

• Quiet and Safe: With whisper-quiet operation and a UPS function, it ensures a smooth and disturbance-free experience, whether charging your phone or powering a CPAP machine. The LiFePO4 battery guarantees safety and long-lasting reliability, making it a trustworthy companion for any journey. 

Tips for Day Trips from Brisbane

Here are some tips to help you plan your day trip the best, even for inexperienced travellers.

• Getting a good night's sleep before your trip will help you adjust to the changes and improve your day.
• Planning your route will help you visit all the highlights of your trip without missing a beat.
• Plan your trip to avoid crowds.
• When choosing a mode of transportation, consider convenience and cost. If possible, use public transport.
• Another essential tip for planning a successful day trip is to travel light. Travelling light allows you to focus on enjoying your trip while saving time and money.
• Dressing in layers is also a good idea, as it helps prevent the temperature from changing throughout the day.
• Make sure you drink plenty of water.
• If you plan to hike or explore, get plenty of rest. Sitting and resting will help you regain energy and prevent you from getting tired.
• Prepare a paper map in case your phone loses signal or battery.

Day Trips from Brisbane FAQs

The following are the frequently asked questions about the day trips from Brisbane.

1. When is the best time to visit Brisbane?

Overall, Brisbane is beautiful all year round, with warm and clear weather most of the time. To be more precise, Brisbane has 261 sunny days a year.

Spring in Brisbane is the most beautiful time when jacarandas bloom, turning the city into a sea of purple flowers. Summer in Brisbane is from November to March, and it is hot and humid, with temperatures between 31 and 33°C.

However, the frequent storms that hit Brisbane during the summer can save the ongoing humidity. So remember to pack your swimsuit when you visit Brisbane in the summer. If you want cooler weather, plan your trip in winter (June to August). Winter temperatures in Brisbane range from 20-25°C. So winter in Brisbane means you don't have to pack too many thick clothes.

2. Is transportation in Brisbane easy?

Brisbane may be the most populous city in Queensland, Australia, but transportation options here are both plentiful and convenient. The best way to get around Brisbane is by public transportation, as the city has many buses, ferries, trams, and trains connecting the city centre to the suburbs and even Brisbane Airport.

You can also rent a bicycle in and around Brisbane, and it is legal to ride on the sidewalks. In addition, Brisbane's central business district has flat paths and sidewalks that are perfect for long and short walks.

3. Is Brisbane's food rich?

Brisbane has no shortage of restaurants, cafes and bars. If you're looking for casual dining, Brisbane has plenty of options too. All you have to do is walk down the side streets of the valley to the West End to find many restaurants. Of course, Brisbane's coffee culture is vibrant, and brunch is the name of the game. Head to New Farm, Fortichau Valley or Paddington for a good coffee and breakfast.

Final Thoughts

Day trips are a convenient and affordable way to immerse yourself in a unique region, especially since Australia is vast. Brisbane has a great location, so a day trip from Brisbane is the perfect place. Of course, there are many fantastic day trip destinations near Brisbane, and you can visit coastal cities, holiday islands, inland mountains or dense forests. If you want to relax and take a day trip on the weekend, pack up the car and go from Brisbane!