10 Epic Day Trips From Brisbane

Day trips are the best way to give yourself a tiny little break from the city, and in Brisbane, we’re extremely lucky that there are so many possibilities for day trips nearby. 

No matter what you want to do, you can do it all in a single day trip. The best day trips from Brisbane can have you exploring a World Heritage site, trying out a foamie surfboard, enjoying handmade fudge and more. There’s no reason as to why you have to wait until a public holiday to explore Brisbane surrounds, go on a day trip and start exploring now. 

Beach Day Trips

Noosa Heads 

In just under 2 hours you can leave the bustling Brisbane city and be in the quaint coastal town of Noosa. With some of the most beautiful beaches in Queensland (and largely untouched by major developers), Noosa has been able to keep its small-town charm. Noosa Main Beach is a must-visit, as well as a stroll along Hastings Street. If you’re after a beautiful walk the Hells Gate track in the national park offers native wildlife, ocean views and even a spot of migrating whales if you’re lucky!

North Stradbroke

When you think North Stradbroke Island usually your first thought is the beach and we can’t blame you, the beaches are absolutely stunning. What you may not know is that Straddie is home to a refreshing lake, Brown Lake is perfect for a swim and a barbecue lunch. If you’re more interested in the beach you can easily relax by the water and there’s plenty of sand dunes for you to surf down. A visit to North Stradbroke isn’t complete without a stroll on the North Gorge Walk. The 1.2km walk lets you see the very best of the island and plenty of incredible marine life like dolphins, whales, manta rays and more. 

Burleigh Heads 

Burleigh Heads is one of the best places to just chill out and enjoy the quality of beaches that Australia has to offer, and only an hour from Brisbane! Get your tan on, splash around in the waves or join the team at Cheyne Horan School of Surfing and learn to surf. Wander through the Burleigh Head National Park with a mix of mangroves, beaches, grassland and plenty of native wildlife. If you’re heading down on a Sunday, the Burleigh Markets are well worth a pop-in!

Byron Bay

Whilst it may seem far away Byron Bay is only a 2-hour drive from Brisbane and an ideal day trip. Whilst Byron is known for its lighthouse and the beautiful surrounds there’s plenty more to see and do when visiting such as The Farm, a wonderful working farm that you can explore, taste and even meet the farm animals. Of course, that isn’t to say that Byron’s beaches aren’t worth a visit, they’re absolutely stunning and it’s so easy to chill out and soak up some sun. And just 15 minutes down the road from Byron is the sleepy coastal town of Lennox Head, with plenty to do like 4WD along Airforce Beach. 

For the ultimate guide to Byron Bay click here.

For the ultimate guide to Lennox Head click here.

Bribie Island

A relatively untouched beauty, Bribie Island is the relaxing day trip getaway you’ve been looking for. In under 2 hours after leaving Brisbane, you can pull up a towel and enjoy the beach at Bribie. Hangout at Pumicestone passage, a waterway ideal for kayaking, watersports, kite surfing, yabbie hunting and more. The Bribie Island beaches are 4WD friendly, the surfside offers access to long and white any beaches for 4WDriving. The protected western side of the island provides soothing broad waters which are perfect for taking the family.

Moreton Island 

Let some air out of your tires and get the fourbie ready! Moreton Island is only 90 minutes from Brisbane and is an awesome day trip for anyone wanting to do some 4WDing. There’s plenty to see and do outside of the 4×4 as well. The beach is ideal for sunbaking, to drop a line and to get some quality fishing done. Enjoy a snorkel around the shipwrecks with some of the best tour operators in Queensland. Drive up to the iconic Cape Moreton Island lighthouse and enjoy views of dugongs, dolphins, turtles and more!

National Park Day Trips

Maleny/Montville

Just over an hour from Brisbane, in the hinterland of the Sunshine Coast lies the picturesque towns of Maleny and Montville. Along the drive or the main streets, you are treated to sweeping views of the valleys below and you can even see the ocean. Plenty of beautiful nature walks in Maleny and Montville such as the Kondalilla Falls or the Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve. Montville is home to the delicious and insta-worthy winery, Flamehill, on top of rolling hills with views across the Sunshine Coast. Both towns feature local stores perfect for a peruse including Montville’s beloved fudge shops.

Glasshouse Mountains

About an hour from Brisbane the Glasshouse Mountains are a mecca for hikers and rock climbers. With plenty of mountains, there are options for trails and difficulties that suit anyone from an avid hiker to families with young children. The surrounding towns are worth a visit for some lunch or a drink after your walk. 

Mount Tamborine 

A classic day trip to Mount Tamborine from Brisbane includes plenty of fun and exploring the scenic rim. The easiest way to understand the massive beauty that is Mount Tamborine is the Tamborine Rainforest Skywalk. Defy gravity at the Treetop Challenge, a high ropes course in the trees of the mountain. Of course, if you want a day of relaxing explore the local shops, the botanic gardens or visit one of the plenty of wineries in the area. 

Lamington National Park

A world heritage site with ancient species that have survived for millions of years, a day trip to Lamington National Park will be like no other and only 1 and a half hours from Brisbane. You can explore the national park in Queensland through walks such as Centenary Track or take the 4.6km return walk from the trailhead on Lamington National Park Road to Morans Falls – this walk has photographers up at dawn taking photos. You can also visit the Gondwana Rainforest (Lamington National Park) through Richmond Valley in Northern New South Wales. 

For the ultimate guide to Richmond Valley click here.