best family day trips brisbane

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.

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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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13 Of The Best Day Trips From Brisbane For Your Next Free Weekend

By Urban List Writers 19th Feb 2024

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Hitting the road this summer in Brisbane? Stay ahead of motion sickness with TravaCalm and their wide range of products. Available at all good pharmacies. Always read the label and follow the directions for use.

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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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.

Interested?  Save these images to Pinterest to find again later

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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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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

I help parents overcome the challenges of international travel with kids, so they can plan, pack and go more easily and without the overwhelm. LEARN MORE

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Brisbane with Kids: 15 Top Things to Do

Written by Karen Hastings Updated Dec 28, 2023 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

Author Karen Hastings has explored Brisbane with her two kids on multiple trips from her home on Queensland's Sunshine Coast.

Straddling the Brisbane River, the sunny capital of Queensland offers an exciting array of things to do for kids of all ages. Best of all, many of the activities are free.

A prime one-stop destination for a family day out in Brisbane is South Bank, on the banks of the Brisbane River. The cultural precinct here is home to the excellent ScienCentre, Queensland Museum, Queensland Art Gallery, and Gallery of Modern Art, with fun exhibits for children and plenty of hands-on activities. Kids can even ride the Wheel of Brisbane here for spectacular views over the city.

Thanks to Brisbane's year-round sunshine and mild subtropical climate, outdoor adventures abound, from kayaking and stand up paddleboarding on the Brisbane River and biking along the waterfront to picnics in one of Brisbane's many lush gardens and parks . You can even take a day trip to beautiful Moreton Island.

Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary is the perfect place to get up close to some of Australia's most lovable creatures. And if you're looking for educational experiences, your kids can learn all about one of the oldest cultures on the planet through dance and theatrical performances.

Find more fun family adventures with our list of the top things to do in Brisbane with kids.

1. Cuddle a Koala at Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary

2. cruise along the brisbane river, 3. ignite your imagination at the sparklab, sciencentre, 4. hang out at south bank, 5. hunt for treasure at the brisbane botanic gardens mount coot-tha, 6. take a day trip to moreton island, 7. run wild at roma street parkland, 8. ride the wheel of brisbane, 9. discover dinosaur skeletons at the queensland museum, 10. stargaze at sir thomas brisbane planetarium, 11. create a masterpiece at qagoma children's art centre, 12. spirits of the red sand experience, 13. curl up with a storybook at the corner, 14. get outside with riverlife adventure centre, 15. bounce on a trampoline, map of brisbane with kids: top things to do, where to stay in brisbane for sightseeing, brisbane, australia - climate chart.

Has your child ever wanted to cuddle a koala? Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary offers this unforgettable experience, as well as other rewarding animal encounters. About 20 minutes from the city center, Lone Pine is the largest koala sanctuary in the world , with more than 130 of these cute marsupials clinging to the trees in natural settings.

For an extra fee, you can score a one-on-one koala cuddle or hold a snake or a bird of prey, such as an owl or eagle — all with a special photo opportunity. You can even book a platypus encounter. Kids also love hand-feeding the kangaroos, holding baby chickens and guinea pigs in the barnyard, and feeding the wild lorikeets.

More than 90 other species of native Australian wildlife also live at the park, including emus, wallabies, and dingoes, and live shows round out the attractions.

A fun way to arrive here with the kids is aboard the Miramar on a Koala and River Cruise , which leaves from Brisbane's Cultural Centre Pontoon every morning. You can also catch a bus from the city center.

Address: 708 Jesmond Road, Fig Tree Pocket, Queensland

Sightseeing with kids is fun when you're cruising down the Brisbane River. Snaking through the suburbs and coiling around the CBD, the river hosts several family-friendly cruises. Hop aboard to discover a unique perspective of Brisbane's top tourist attractions and natural features.

A popular option is the 90-minute Brisbane River Sightseeing Cruise . Along the way, you can see landmarks such as Kangaroo Point Cliffs, the Story Bridge , historic buildings, soaring high-rises, and even colonies of fruit bats clustered in the riverbank mangroves.

One of the most popular cruises for kids is the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary Cruise . This 5.5-hour cruise departs from Southbank and includes informative narration and entry to the sanctuary.

If you prefer a self-guided tour with a little more flexibility, you can also ride a CityCat and download an audio tour with information on all the sights. A free option is the CityHopper ferry service . These ferries travel along the Brisbane River, stopping at top spots like South Bank 3 and the Maritime Museum. For a more historical feel, kids might also enjoy a cruise up the river on an old paddle wheeler.

Level one of the Queensland Museum in South Bank hosts the SparkLab, ScienCentre , a fun collection of interactive exhibits that keep busy brains buzzing. If you're looking for indoor activities around Brisbane, this should be top on your list.

Children can spend hours here, learning about their body by taking their vital statistics; engaging in activities related to weight, space, time, sound, and energy; figuring out puzzles; and discovering how things work at the action stations.

Bring your camera for fun photos of the kids in the optical illusions corner . Many of the activities are aimed at older children, but little ones will find plenty to keep them busy as well.

You can purchase tickets to the museum on the second floor of the Queensland Museum.

Address: Corner of Grey & Melbourne Streets, South Bank, South Brisbane, Queensland

Packed with kid-friendly attractions, South Bank is Brisbane's riverside entertainment precinct. This is a true family favorite. Not only is South Bank home to most of Brisbane's top museums and art galleries , it's also a great place to visit on a hot day or when your little ones need to burn off steam.

When the temperature soars, families make a beeline to the free children's Aquativity water park . It's one of the most popular things to do with kids on a hot day. They can splash in the fountains and play on features themed around the Brisbane River. Looking for some beach action? Head to the man-made lagoon at Streets Beach, where kids can paddle, and mom and dad can bask on the white-sand beach .

For a little dry fun, budding chefs and foodies can sample some fresh-picked fruits, vegetables, and herbs at the Epicurious Garden. And after your little one is hooked on the flavors at this vibrant, edible garden, you can buy some fresh produce to take home with you at the harvest cart on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday mornings. Better still, take the goodies to Picnic Island Playground. Here, you can relax on the rolling lawns while the kids run wild, soar on the swings, and clamber up the climbing structures.

Wriggly kids also love South Bank's Riverside Green Playground , with slides, a skywalk, and other fun play features.

Take the kids on a treasure hunt at Brisbane Botanic Gardens Mount Coot-tha . Water dragons, birds, and native bees are just some of the critters kids might discover along the Hide 'n' Seek Children's Trail in the Exotic Rainforest.

These 128-acre gardens, a few kilometers from the CBD, are a wonderland for budding botanists. Come here to explore beautiful lily ponds, a bonsai house, Japanese gardens, and rustling groves of bamboo. You can also see a fern house, tropical rainforest, Aboriginal plant trail, and plenty of prickly cactus, and kids will love the scented garden.

Pick up the handouts at the entrance for activities to keep the kids entertained while you explore the gardens. Free guided walking tours and minibus tours are available, but everything is well sign posted, so you can take a self-guided tour and identify different species along the way.

After exploring the gardens, relax with a picnic on the sprawling lawn while the kids run wild on the playground. Admission to the botanic gardens is free.

Address: Mt Coot-tha Road, Toowong, Queensland

How about an island adventure for you and the kids? From Brisbane, you can hop on a ferry and bask on the idyllic white-sand beaches of beautiful Moreton Island in just over an hour. This is one of the best family day trips from Brisbane .

Your kids will never be bored here — and neither will you. Moreton Island is the third largest sand island in the world, with a range of exciting adventures both on land and in the sea. Snorkel around the shallow-water Tangalooma wrecks, book a whale-watching cruise, go fishing, paddle around on a sea kayak, or slide down giant sand dunes.

An easy way for a family to get the most out of a visit here is on a Day Cruise to Tangalooma Island Resort . This full-day excursion includes a choice of activities, from a wildlife-spotting cruise to sand tobogganing, snorkeling, and an ATV Quad Bike Tour. In your spare time, you can relax at the resort by the pool.

Want to get the kids' wiggles out? Head to the playgrounds in Roma Street Parkland. Kids can ride the swings, clamber up walls, and zoom down the slides under the shade of towering fig trees.

Replete with water features and winding paths, this picturesque 39-acre city park is the perfect place for a picnic . It also hosts one of the country's finest contemporary display gardens , with vibrant color-themed flower beds and mass plantings of subtropical species such as palms and bamboo. Kids also love the herb and vegetable garden.

Free guided walks are another fun way to learn about the park's history and horticulture. Tell the kids to keep an eye out for water dragons, friendly lizards that dart among the lush foliage.

Address: 1 Parkland Blvd, Brisbane, Queensland

Official site: http://www.brisbane.qld.gov.au/whats-brisbane/events-council-venues/parks-gardens-events/roma-street-parkland-events

Kids and adults alike can enjoy spectacular views of the city from the Wheel of Brisbane . Climb aboard this top family friendly attraction in South Bank and peer down at the city from 60 meters in the air. Opened in 2008, this giant wheel takes you on a 10- to 12-minute ride with 360-degree views across the city skyline and the Brisbane River.

Guided narration tells you about the sights far below. Thanks to the fully enclosed, air-conditioned gondolas , even small children can admire the views without being too scared by the heights.

For a fun start to a family night out in Brisbane, you can ride the wheel after dark, when the lights of Brisbane glitter far below.

Address: Cultural Forecourt, The Parklands, South Bank, Brisbane, Queensland

Dinosaur skeletons, giant squid, fossils, shells, and live stick insects: kids can get up close to these and more at the Queensland Museum in South Bank. The museum unveils the history of Queensland, with exhibits on the state's culture, ecosystems, science, and human achievement. Interactive activities keep little hands busy.

Other favorite exhibits include Lost Creatures, with giant marine reptiles and megafauna; the Discovery Centre; and exhibits on Queensland's Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures. Best of all, the permanent exhibitions are free.

Don't miss the ScienCentre on the first floor.

Sir Thomas Brisbane Planetarium is a fun place to visit for up-and-coming astronomers and curious kids of all ages. You'll find it on the grounds of the Brisbane Botanic Gardens Mount Coot-tha.

The planetarium displays fascinating exhibits. Highlights include a life-size replica of Neil Armstrong's Apollo spacesuit, images from the Hubble Space Telescope, and interactive exhibits of the Milky Way and the moon, among others.

The Cosmic Skydome screens excellent shows on a projection dome measuring 12.5 meters in diameter. Topics include cosmic collisions, moons, and black holes. The presentations usually finish with a guided tour of the Brisbane night sky by an experienced astronomer.

Admission to the planetarium is free, but you need to purchase a ticket for the planetarium shows.

Address: Mount Coot-Tha, Toowong, Brisbane, Queensland

Wondering what to do with the little Picassos in your family? At the Children's Art Center in QAGOMA (Queensland Art Gallery and Gallery of Modern Art) in South Bank, they can see world-class art and use it as inspiration to create their own masterpieces in an activity center here.

Multi-media activities supervised by experienced artists are themed around the current exhibits, such as Japanese gardens, sculpture, and hat designing.

Artists of all ages can join in the fun activities. These can include everything from creating dance videos to making origami animals and shadow puppets.

Wondering what to do with toddlers in Brisbane? Toddler Tuesday entertains little ones with storytelling and creative games and activities. Even babies from four to twelve months can develop artistic appreciation with Art Starters play sessions.

The activities change every eight weeks, and entry is free.

Address: GOMA Stanley Place, South Brisbane, Queensland

Kids will be captivated by the Spirits of the Red Sand Experience . Not only is this superb Indigenous experience entertaining, it's also educational. Through storytelling and dance performances, kids learn about the oldest culture on the planet.

Enhancing these evocative performances is that many of the performers actually experienced some of the events.

You can choose from day or night visits. During the day, you and the kids will enjoy a traditional 1.5-hour Welcome to Country ceremony, with Dreamtime stories and cultural activities. Listen to the thrumming of a didgeridoo; sample some Aussie bush tucker (food); and take part in traditional customs, like boomerang painting.

The Evening Experience is just as evocative. Watch a dance and theatrical performance portraying the culture clash between the Indigenous people and the British, told through the eyes of Aboriginal families. Afterwards, feast on a delicious three-course meal made with Indigenous ingredients.

Address: 205 Main Street, Beenleigh, Queensland

Peek through the glass walls of The Corner , and you'll see happy children working on puzzles, dressing up, playing with puppets, and reading books. This much-loved reading and activity nook lies tucked next to the café at the State Library of Queensland in South Bank.

Brisbane parents and visitors head here to keep their little ones busy — especially on rainy days. It's one of the most popular things to do with toddlers in Brisbane.

This sunken, glass-walled space is jam-packed with books, puzzles, art and craft materials, and dress-ups. The activity themes change every few months and have included everything from Where the Wild Things Are to Outer Space.

Free performances take place here during school holidays, featuring local musicians and actors. The Corner is for kids under eight years. Children must be supervised at all times, but friendly staff are on hand to help and tidy up.

Address: Cultural Precinct, Stanley Place, South Bank, South Brisbane, Queensland

If you're looking for active adventures to keep older kids entertained, the Riverlife Adventure Centre is the ideal Brisbane city destination. Daytime adventures include guided kayak tours on the Brisbane River, stand up paddleboarding, and rock climbing and abseiling at the Kangaroo Point cliffs.

You can also rent scooters, roller blades, and bikes and enjoy a scenic ride on the inner city bikeway. Kids need to be at least eight years old, except for the Segway adventures and nighttime activities, which require a minimum age of 12 years.

You'll find Riverlife Adventure Centre at Kangaroo Point on the Brisbane River in the heart of the city.

Address: Naval Stores, Lower River Terrace, Kangaroo Point, Queensland

Kids need to burn energy every day, and one of the best ways to do this is bouncing on a trampoline. Brisbane has two indoor trampoline centers where kids can jump and bounce for hour-long sessions while parents relax in the on-site cafe (or bounce alongside the kids).

About 12 kilometers from the CBD, Bounce, Inc . has more than 50 interconnected trampolines with giant airbags. Add wall-running areas and dodgeball courts to the mix, and you have a rainy day wonderland for wiggly kids aged three and older.

Luxury Hotels :

• Perfect for families, Alcyone Hotel Residences at Portside Wharf offers one- and two-bedroom apartments with fully equipped kitchens; a pool; and easy access to restaurants, shops, and the ferry terminal.
• A 10-minute walk from Roma Street Parkland, the boutique The Johnson - Art Series accommodates families in bright, contemporary apartments with colorful abstract art, open-plan layouts, and fully equipped kitchens. An outdoor pool and rental bikes add to the child-friendly amenities.
• Right in the heart of the city, The Westin Brisbane is another top luxury choice.

Mid-Range Hotels :

• For a mid-range, family-friendly stay, you can't beat Meriton Suites Herschel Street, Brisbane . The multi-bedroom apartments are a short walk from South Bank and come with gourmet kitchens, internal laundry facilities, and beautiful views. Kids can splash around in the heated indoor lap pool, and you are right near the Roma Street transit hub.
• A short drive from the CBD, The Milton Brisbane also offers one- and two-bedroom apartments with kitchens and laundry facilities, as well as access to an outdoor pool and barbecues.
• The Point Brisbane Hotel scores top points for its convenient location on Kangaroo Point, a free ferry ride from South Bank.

Budget Hotels:

• In a great location with city and river views, Park Regis North Quay Hotel accommodates families in bright, modern apartments a short walk to South Bank.
• If you don't mind motel-style accommodations, the Lancaster Court Motel features sparkling clean rooms with friendly hosts.

More Related Articles on PlanetWare.com

The Best of Brisbane: Looking for other fun things to do in Brisbane? Check out our article on the top tourist attractions in Brisbane , from climbing the Story Bridge to shopping at the Queen Street Mall.

You'll find plenty of rewarding places to visit on day trips from Brisbane as well. See the crocs at Australia Zoo, snorkel around the shallow-water wrecks on Moreton Bay Island, and hike the trails in Springbrook National Park.

More on Australia

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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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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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

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Are these the 15 BEST DAY TRIPS from Brisbane?

Brisbane is the largest city in Australia by area. The capital of Queensland should be high on the list of art lovers on a trip to Australia. The South Bank Cultural Institution boasts the Queensland Gallery of Modern Art, one of the most respected contemporary art museums in the entire country.

You’ll also find cool museums dedicated to history and science in this part of the city. Further afield, you’ll also find the Suncorp and Gabba stadiums – the perfect environment to take in some cricket or soccer during your stay.

Although there’s plenty to enjoy within the city limits, you won’t want to miss out on the plethora of things to once you get away from the hustle and bustle of the city. National parks aplenty, wide open and dazzling bays, and a number of animal sanctuaries waiting to be discovered. I’m here to guide you through the best day trips in Brisbane, so you’ll have no trouble finding the perfect day out when you fancy a change of scenery!

Quick Answer: Best Day Trips from Brisbane

• Best Day Trip from Brisbane by Train – Glasshouse Mountains
• Best Day Trip from Brisbane by Car – Girraween National Park and the Granite Belt
• Best Romantic Day Trip from Brisbane for Couples – Byron Bay
• Best Day Trip from Brisbane with Kids – Australia Zoo
• Best Cheap Day Trip from Brisbane – Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary

Best Places to Stay in Brisbane

In a big city like Brisbane, it can be tricky when it comes to making a decision on where to stay because there’s so much choice! Below, I’ve selected three of the best accommodation in Brisbane to help you out a little – hopefully one of them will suit your budget and travel style!

• Best Hostel in Brisbane •

Breeze lodge.

• Rooftop terrace with lounge chairs and a great city view!

Hostels may be the best option when it comes to budget travelling, but this place packs an awful lot in for your money. As well as the rooftop terrace, making use of the free breakfast and the two lounge areas which come with Netflix!

Don’t stop the party! Read up on Australia’s best party hostels too!

• Best Budget Hotel in Brisbane •

The metropolitan spring hill.

• Convenient five-minute walk from Melbourne Central Train Station

If you’re planning day trips under your own steam, you couldn’t be any better located than this excellent little hotel. There are a lot of facilities that’ll make your stay comfy, including tea and coffee making facilities, a private bathroom, and some rooms even have balconies!

Have an early flight? Book a hostel near Brisbane AIRPORT to have a stress-free morning!

• Best Luxury Hotel in Brisbane •

Emporium hotel south bank.

• Five-star hotel with spectacular views of the Brisbane River

The world-class service available at Emporium Hotel South Bank will make your stay truly memorable and special! There’s a spa centre for you to use at your leisure too. If you don’t get a chance to use the spa, you can at least pamper yourself with the complimentary toiletries in your own private bathroom!

#1 – Glasshouse Mountains

Best day trip from brisbane by train.

• Walk up Wild Horse Mountain and enjoy the views of the Sunshine Coast and the rest of the National Park
• Scramble up to the summit of Mount Tibrogargan
• Stop for a coffee with a view at one of the many cafes

The Glasshouse Mountains are the remnants of 11 volcanic peaks that sit just an hour away from Brisbane by train at the Southern End of the Sunshine Coast. It’s not just a great tourism destination, but also an important area to the Gubbi Gubbi people, who are the traditional Aboriginal owners of the area. In fact, the mountains are registered as a landscape of national importance.

When visiting the mountains, you have lots of choices on how to spend your day. More relaxed tourists can amble along the walking trails, stopping for a picnic or at one of the many cafes in the area for a bite to eat. If you’re looking for something more adrenaline fuelled, Mount Tibrogargan requires scrambling skills to reach the top, or Mount Beerwah is a challenging but enjoyable climb!

Heading to Sydney? Save some money with our guide to the coolest hostels in Sydney!

#2 – Girraween National Park and the Granite Belt

Best day trip from brisbane by car.

• Sample fresh produce and some of Australia’s finest wines
• Clamber over the huge granite boulders which make up the landscape of Girraween National Park
• Go on a bushwalk to discover the area’s unique flora and fauna

It’ll take you a few hours to get to Girraween National Park from Brisbane, but the journey will be worth it and if you’ve got something with a big boot, you can bring back plenty of wine, fresh cheeses, and local produce to satisfy any food cravings you might get on the journey back!

Of course, Girraween isn’t the only place in Australia that you can enjoy local wines. It is the only place that you’ll find such mesmerising granite formations though – the boulders really don’t look like they should be able to balance at such precipitous angles, but they manage it somehow! It’s a really fun experience to clamber on the boulders and you’ll get some really impressive photos!

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#3 – Byron Bay

Best romantic day trip from brisbane for couples.

• Take a romantic stroll to the most easterly point of the Australian mainland
• Sample fine international cuisine in one of the town’s excellent restaurants
• Catch a backstreet busking music performance before heading back to your accommodation

The beautiful Byron Bay is a 2-hour drive from Brisbane and you may end up wanting to stay here for longer than just a day trip! Although its popularity has been increasing exponentially in recent years, it has managed to hold onto its laidback surf vibe, and it’s partly this atmosphere that makes it such a relaxing getaway for couples!

Take a walk along the golden sands of one of the town’s 9 beaches, or head up towards the lighthouse on the Cape Byron Walking Track – stopping at the most easterly part on Australia’s mainland. Next stop – Chile! It wouldn’t be a trip to Byron Bay without having a go at surfing too – with beginner classes a fun option for something to do together!

Editor’s Recommendation! These are the staff pick for the top hostels in Melbourne  (for all budgets!)

#4 – Australia Zoo

Best day trip from brisbane with kids.

• Follow in the footsteps of one of the world’s most respected and loved wildlife experts – Steve Irwin
• Cuddle a cute koala or feed a bouncy kangaroo by hand
• See how crocodiles behave and live in the wild with a show at the Crocoseum

Undoubtedly one of the best day trips from Brisbane for families is the world-famous Australia Zoo. The Zoo is packed with shows, experiences, and opportunities to get up close and personal with animals from Australia and further afield, while it’s also an educational day out teaching about conservation and looking after our furry, scaly, and feathered friends.

The Zoo is spread across 1,000 acres in the Glasshouse mountains and the Sunshine Coast, so it’s easy to incorporate it into a trip there (although you may need longer than a day). The zoo is the project and lifelong ambition of famous naturalist Steve Irwin, who sadly is not able to see the spectacle the zoo is today.

#5 – Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary

Best cheap day trip from brisbane.

• Get up close and personal with koalas – you might even get the chance to cuddle one!
• Meet many more marsupials, including cute kangaroos and wonderful wallabies
• Enjoy the spectacle of the popular bird of prey show

Another excellent animal attraction within a stone’s throw of Brisbane is the most famous koala sanctuary in the world – Lone Pine. However, there’s so much more to the sanctuary than just koalas – although we can’t argue that the highlight is definitely being able to cuddle these cute critters and get your photo taken with one!

After you’ve spent time with one of over 100 koalas who call the sanctuary home, admire owls, kites, and eagles at the bird of prey show or make for the platypus house, where you’ll be able to see one of the world’s most mysterious and unusual mammals! If all this is not enough, you can also enjoy the sheepdog show – a supreme demonstration of how to handle a dog!

Australia is amazing! And the best hostels in Cairns  will blow you away!

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Fill out the form below to get a quote so you can have a stress-free time traveling around Australia!

#6 – Mount Warning Hike

Recommended day trip for outdoor enthusiasts.

• Scale Mount Warning to take in the views of the Byron Hinterland from the highest point in the region
• Navigate your way through the subtropical rainforests at the foot of the mountain
• Explore the biggest open shield volcano in the southern hemisphere

It’s less than a two-hour drive from Brisbane to Mount Warning, and a 5.5-hour hike means you can easily squeeze in a return journey and a hike and get back to sample one of Brisbane’s restaurants in time for dinner!

As it’s the highest point in the region, you’ll have fantastic panoramic views from the Gold Coast all the way down to Byron Bay.

If you have a little more time than just one day set aside, a really great idea is to do a sunrise hike to Mount Warning’s Summit, camping the night before under the stars with a campfire and marshmallows!

#7 – Moreton Island

Nature lovers will love this trip.

• See humpback whales and dolphins in their natural habitat
• Snorkel or dive among the offshore wrecks, or paddle above them in a kayak
• Take a relaxing boat cruise off the Australian mainland onto Moreton Island

The beautiful Moreton Island has plenty to do and is the perfect getaway from the hustle and bustle of the big city lights of Brisbane. The ‘winter’ months are the best time to go whale watching when humpback whales are making their journey from Antarctica to the Great Barrier Reef. Other wildlife you might be lucky enough to spot includes turtles and tropical fish, especially if you’re brave enough to go scuba diving or snorkelling among Moreton Island’s offshore wrecks!

Moreton Island is sometimes referred to as Tangalooma thanks to the huge resort of this name on the island. Useful to know when you’re doing further research!

Haven’t Booked for Byron Bay? Read up on our favorite hostels in Byron Bay  (for any budget)!

#8 – Eumundi Markets

A very cool and hip spot.

• Explore Eumundi’s markets which take place every Wednesday and Sunday
• Top up on fresh food before heading to the coast for an afternoon or sunset picnic
• Combine with a day trip to Noosa or the laid-back Lake MacKenzie

Eumundi is known for its markets, and they just keep getting bigger and bigger! This is the perfect place to pick up souvenirs for friends and family back home, and also to pick up some food to make yourself a picnic while you’re in the area. The market has everything from stalls selling traditional artisanal handicrafts to locally grown cheese and bread.

Once you’ve finished at the markets, if you haven’t filled your bags with tasty food, head to one of Eumundi’s bars or enjoy a slice of the town’s café culture.

Eumundi is also just 15 minutes away from the Noosa Botanical Gardens, so that’s a good spot to head to once the markets wind down for the day!

Editor’s Tip: make friends in Brisbane by staying at a cool social hostel !

#9 – Bribie Island

Recommended day trip for families.

• Take a 4 X 4 trip around the world’s fourth-largest sand island
• Bring your binoculars to spot some of the most diverse bird species in Australia
• See remnants of the Second World War at Bribie Island’s bunkers

The magical Bribie Island is a perfect place for a day trip with the whole family. Most of the island is a national park, so you’ll have to take a 4WD tour to get around, which mum, dad, and the kids are sure to love. While your bumping around the world’s 4 th largest sand island, keep your eyes peeled for the wildlife which includes kangaroos, other marsupials, and hundreds of species of birds.

From the island, you’ll get stunning views of the Glasshouse mountains back on the mainland, another of the best day trips from Brisbane! Surprisingly enough, you can also find World War 2 bunkers on the island. Your 4WD driver will be able to tell you all about the historical significance of these seemingly out of place constructions!

#10 – Noosa National Park

Recommended day trip for surfers.

• Over 15km of walking tracks along clifftops and by beaches
• Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife, as cute koalas are regularly seen in the park
• Enjoy surfing on Noosa’s main beach

Noosa Heads is one of the best-known towns on the Sunshine Coast, and it makes for a fun and easy day trip from Brisbane. Make sure that when you’re taking advantage of the lovely walking trails in the national park you’re keeping your eyes on the treetops – as that’s where you’re most likely to see wild koalas! We don’t recommend you climb up to get too close though!

The beaches and coves of the national park are a great place to take a dip or even try your hand at stand up paddleboarding. One of the hiking trails, the Coastal Track is where you’ll find Alexandria Bay. Do be aware that it is sometimes illegally used as a nudist beach, so if you’re travelling with children it’s probably best to take a detour at that point!

Recommended Article: Looking for the best hostels in Airlie Beach? Check out our EPIC Guide !

#11 – North Stadbroke Island

Great for a quiet getaway.

• See a plethora of wildlife in its natural habitat, including whales, dolphins, and kangaroos
• Take advantage of the good weather and waves year round for swimming and surfing
• Take a cruise around the island on a catamaran

Known as ‘Straddie’ among the locals, this gorgeous island just 25 minutes by ferry across Moreton Bay is another fabulous spot for a day trip out of Brisbane. If you’ve come for some beach time, you’re in luck. Weather is good for sunbathing year round, just remember to bring a high factor sunscreen! When it’s time to swim, wade out into the warm azure blue waters. Not only are they great for swimming but surfing too!

As with some of the other locations on this list, visiting in Australia’s winter time means that you’ll be able to witness humpback whales in their migration north from Antarctica. If you’re lucky, you might get to see a pod of dolphins too. If you’re really lucky, they might join you as you’re surfing or bodyboarding!

Once you’ve booked, check what there is to do in Airlie Beach !

#12 – Mount Tamborine and the Scenic Rim

• Find your way through the rainforest canopy on the Tamborine Rainforest Skywalk
• See hundreds of glow worms lighting up the darkness of a cave
• Hike around the incredible Scenic Rim

Mount Tamborine covers an area of 28 square kilometres and it offers something for all kinds of tourists, whether you’re interested in outdoor pursuits, gorgeous scenery, art, or simply just kicking back and having a beer or two.

The national park consists of 6 distinct sections, such as waterfalls, walking tracks, and lookout points. The canopy walk gives you a unique bird’s eye view of the rainforest from above, while you definitely shouldn’t miss exploring the eerily lit glow worm cave. When you’ve finished with outdoor activities, head to one of the wineries or cheese makers for some tastings.

The icing on the cake when it comes to Mount Tamborine is taking a hot air balloon over the Scenic Rim at sunset. Absolutely magical!

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#13 – Wivenhoe Dam

Recommended day trip for doing water sports.

• Try your hand at a number of water-based activities, including kayaking, swimming, and even sailing!
• Enjoy a picnic at one of the parks and picnic areas scattered around the shores of this manmade body of water
• Try and spot wild koalas high up in the eucalyptus trees

If you’d have been looking at this list before 1970, it would look very different as the Wivenhoe Dam didn’t even exist until then! It has so far succeeded in its quest to protect Brisbane from floods, and it’s an easy day trip if you just follow the path of the Brisbane River! The resulting reservoir created is a fantastic place for a number of water sports including swimming, kayaking, and sailing.

Do a little bit of research into where the water-based activities take place, as not all areas of the lake allow for activities due to safety reasons. When you’ve finished in the water, unfurl your picnic blanket and enjoy some quality time with your family, friends, or whoever your travel companions may be. The first one to spot a koala up in the treetops gets the last bit of cake…

Don’t stop the party! Read up on Melbourne ’s best party hostels too!

#14 – Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary

A must do for nature lovers.

• Witness colourful wild lorikeets up close
• Learn about the terrifying Tasmanian Devil (no, we don’t mean the cartoon!)
• See local wildlife, conservation of which is given priority at this sanctuary

Although we’ve already included Australia Zoo and Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, we couldn’t miss out this fantastic wildlife sanctuary, as Currumbin’s focus is geared largely towards the conservation and protection of the animals that call Queensland and Australia home.

Not only does this place allow you to get up close and personal with the animals, but it also has a great educational aspect too, so you can learn all about the animals and how they’re cared for at the centre.

There are a number of daily shows that you can enjoy with the animals, and there’s a miniature train inside the sanctuary too. Add in the Gruffalo trail, and the kids will have smiles plastered all over their faces. This is a really great day trip for both nature lovers and families travelling with small children!

Arriving late? Find the best hostels near Sydney AIRPORT for a worry-free arrival!

#15 – Toowoomba

• Immerse yourself in the peaceful environment of one of the best Japanese gardens in Australia
• Head to the farmers market to buy some fresh produce to cook back at your hostel or enjoy at a picnic
• Experience the thriving café culture that is fairly new to Toowoomba

This provincial day trip is 125 km from Brisbane, and it’s a great place to go if the hustle and bustle of Brisbane has gotten a bit too much but you still want to have some degree of urbanisation around you! In recent years, Toowoomba’s café culture has grown and is really beginning to thrive, so it’s the perfect place to have a coffee, a bit of cake, and people watch before strolling through the back alleys to find street art murals.

As well as that, you can enjoy the farmer’s market, cellar doors, and farmgate sales which offer delicious artisanal products. You’re covered when it comes to natural beauty too – Toowomba boasts a carefully manicured Japanese Garden and an impressive lookout point.

Not sure what to do in Melbourne? We break it down in this guide to Melbourne !

Conclusion to the Best Day Trips from Brisbane

Queensland’s capital city offers plenty for all types of tourists – from fascinating museums and galleries to a thriving food scene. A few days here is enough to get a hold on that before you might want to head out and see the incredible landscapes and wildlife that can be found surprisingly close to such a big city. If you’re planning a trip to Brisbane, I hope that this article has been helpful and useful in providing you with some ideas you mightn’t previously have considered. After all, Queensland has a lot to offer!

***Disclaimer*** Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. This means that if you book your accommodation through the site, One Weird Globe will earn a small commission at no extra cost to you . Your support helps me keep the site going :)

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10 Best Family Day Trips from Brisbane by Car

Looking for the best family day trip from Brisbane by car?

No need to look far because Queensland’s capital city is in the perfect position for day trips of any kind.

With a wide choice of great destinations near Brisbane, if you have a car, you’ll have a fun day out.

You can take your pick from picturesque beach escapes for the outdoor lovers, or theme parks for the thrillseekers!

Here are the top 10 Brisbane family day trips just a short drive away.

Table of Contents

1. Girraween National Park

Only slightly over a three hour drive from Brisbane, Girraween National Park is one of the best places for a family day trip.

You’ll see dramatic landscapes, gorgeous wildflowers, and plentiful bushwalks.

For the wildlife lovers, there is an abundance of flora including golden wattles, yellow, red, and purple pea flowers, dainty orchids, amid forests of red-gum, stringy bark and blackbutt.

Girraween has 17km of walking tracks.

They range from a 280m stroll beside Bald Rock Creek to an 11km return walk to Mount Norman.

There’ll be a track suitable for all types of families

How far is Girraween National Park from Brisbane?

• Girraween National Park is about 3.5 hours by car from Brisbane, approximately 250kms away.

Official site

2. Springbrook National Park

Springbook National Park dominates the skyline west of the Gold Coast.

It is a perfect place for families looking for a taste of the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia World Heritage Area.

It is a close 100km (approximately a two hour drive) from Brisbane, making it the perfect day trip for nature lovers.

The park is divided into four sections – Springbook Plateau, Mount Cougal, Natural Bridge, and Numinbah.

Spectacular waterfalls, panoramic coastal views, and lush rainforest makes this nature reserve a wonder to visit.

The sanctuary is known for its diverse flora and fauna and wonderful views – be sure to check out bushwalking tours that are available so you don’t miss a thing!

How far is Springbrook National Park from Brisbane?

• Approximately 1hr and 40mins by car from Brisbane, 110kms away. Gold Coast would make a nice detour if you want to check out this buzzing city as well.

Book Tours Official site

3. Australia Zoo

The world-famous Australia Zoo was founded by the late Crocodile Hunter Steve Irwin.

It is dedicated to conserving wildlife through education and research, and is a perfect way to spend a day with your family.

The conservation centre aims to educate visitors about wildlife and help preserve endangered species for the future.

Experience up-close animal encounters including snakes, crocodiles, and free-flight birds.

Watch live feeding and demonstrations, including the always exciting Wildlife Warriors show at the Crocoseum!

All animal encounters are walked through by expert handlers, so those with young children do not have anything to be concerned about.

With almost twenty encounters, where else in the world can you experience so much hands-on wildlife action in one day?

How far is Australia Zoo from Brisbane?

• Approximately 1hr and 10mins by car from Brisbane, 75kms away.
• Most comfortable way to get there is to catch the Croc Express bus which departs at Brisbane Transit Centre (Roma Street) 9am, but make sure you book your seat.

Book Tickets Official site

4. Stradbroke Island

North Stradbroke Island is the second largest sand island in the world.

It is located just one hour by car from Brisbane, and it’s a guaranteed family fun day out.

While you are on Stradbroke Island , you can relax, soak up some sun, and forget the mainland for a day.

The island is easily accessible by water taxi or ferry, and when you get to the island there is a regular connecting bus and taxi service.

Upon arrival, swim in the surf or freshwater lakes.

Take a hike, view whales and other marine animals from the beach and coastal lookouts.

Visit small historic towns, or even go in search of the island’s population of wild kangaroos and koalas.

How far is Stradbroke Island from Brisbane?

• You’ll have to drive to Stradbroke ferries first to catch a water taxi (near Cleveland). This is approximately 45 minutes by car from Brisbane. From here, the water taxi will take you to Dunwich on Stradbroke Island, which is a cruisy 25 minute trip. Check the timetable and plan your day trip from Brisbane.

5. Fraser Island

Fraser Island is the world’s largest sand island.

It was World Heritage Listed in 1992 after a bitter struggle between conservationists, sand mining and logging interests.

It is composed almost entirely of vegetation covered sand, with over 40 freshwater lakes and dense rainforests.

Like many of the locations on this list, there is an abundance of precious ecosystems, abundant wildlife, and natural beauty to be explored.

You will be able to experience seemingly endless golden beaches encompassing towering hardwood forests, pristine rainforests, crystal clear freshwater lakes, shipwrecks, and prehistoric ferns.

Fraser Island is certainly for those who enjoy the great outdoors.

So make sure you bring along swimmers and lots of sunscreen, especially in the warm summer months!

How far is Fraser Island from Brisbane?

• You’ll need to catch a ferry from River Heads or Kingfisher Bay Resort, both approximately 3hrs and 40mins from Brisbane by car, 300kms away. From here, its a brief cruise across to Fraser Island. Check the timetable and plan your arrival.
• It’s a long journey from Brisbane, so it’s best to join a tour in case you get lost along the way. It’s good to have a local guide on this tricky trip to Fraser Island.

6. Moreton Island

Moreton Island is the world’s third largest sand island.

Most of the island is a protected national park without paved roads, so a 4WD is an essential mode of transportation.

The island is known for its gorgeous scenery and pristine waters.

You’ll also see giant sand dunes where you can partake in sandboarding if you are the adventurous type.

When sandboarding, you can reach speeds of up to 50km an hour.

However, everyone from beginners to experts can enjoy the activity and modify it to their comfort level.

After the excitement of sandboarding, be sure to head to the Tangalooma Shipwrecks.

You can snorkel around the 15 submerged shipwrecks, and watch a range of aquatic life swim around the vicinity (including parrotfish, clown fish, and blue-tang surgeonfish).

How far is Moreton Island from Brisbane?

• Catch a ferry departing from Tangalooma Island Resort Ferry Terminal. It will take approximately 1hr and 15mins by car to reach Tangalooma Island Resort Jetty at Moreton Island. Check the timetable and plan the day ahead. You’ll see a number of day tour offers at various offices on arrival.

Book Tour Official site

7. Whale Watching at Surfer’s Paradise

Surfer’s Paradise is one of the prime locations for taking whale-watching cruises on the Pacific.

Be sure to join a day-cruise where you’ll be able to watch whales at play in their natural habitat whilst hearing commentary from a marine naturalist.

Many tours will cruise by the Australian Whale Sanctuary.

This is a protected piece of the ocean surrounding Australia that is part of the annual migration of humpback whales.

They make their way to these subtropical Pacific waters to give birth every May to October.

Here, you may see the whales showing off with jumps and splashes, as well as other marine life such as loggerhead turtles, orcas, dolphins, and seabirds.

This experience is truly breathtaking, and will be enjoyable for all families!

How far is Surfer’s Paradise from Brisbane?

• Approximately 1 hour drive by car, 75kms away from Brisbane. It’s easiest to join a tour from Brisbane and enjoy the coastal scenery on the way.

8. Gold Coast Theme Parks

The theme parks on the Gold Coast are renowned in Australia for their thrills and family entertainment.

From high-octane roller coasters to live shows and waterslides, kids will love all the fun activities.

It is known as the ‘theme park capital of Australia’, with various parks to choose from including Dreamworld, Movie World, Sea World, Wet n Wild, and WhiteWater World.

Pick one of the parks to spend the day with your family!

There are also multiple theme park passes if you plan on visiting more than one.

How far is Gold Coast from Brisbane?

• Gold Coast is approximately 1 hour by car from Brisbane, 75 kms away. If you’re planning to visit most of the themeparks, its best to book a hotel there for a few days and save on travel time.

Check Packages Official site

9. Great Barrier Reef

One of the seven natural wonders of the world, the Great Barrier Reef is the world’s largest coral reef system.

It is composed of over 2,900 individual reefs and 900 islands stretching for over 2,300 kilometres – and is even visible from outer space.

Although it is recommended to stay a few days exploring the Great Barrier Reef, it is possible to take a day trip from Brisbane if you are up for it.

Depending on the time of year, you can spot turtles and visit one of the world’s largest turtle research centres.

Learn about turtle conservation, or look for humpback whales out on the water.

One of the many popular activities besides snorkelling in the Great Barrier Reef include taking a ride out on a glass-bottomed boat, or scuba diving or deep-sea fishing.

The iconic Great Barrier Reef is blessed with its breathtaking beauty.

It is home to countless species of colourful fish, molluscs and starfish, in addition to dolphins and sharks.

How to get to Great Barrier Reef from Brisbane?

• Most travellers actually base themselves in Cairns or Port Douglas. It’s a pretty far trek from Brisbane, however, if you have no choice, but to stay in Brisbane, there is a tour that will organize a complete trip for you. Just make sure you spare 3 days out of your itinerary.

10. Lamington National Park

Part of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Godwana Rainforests of Australia, Lamington National Park is a delightful destination for taking a day trip to explore Queensland’s beauty.

Soak up spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean from atop Mt Tambourine, and create your own adventure at O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat.

You will be able to encounter flocks of king parrots and other native bird species on the treetop canopy walk.

You can even try feeding the birds at a ground level bush walk.

There will be countless opportunities to take family photos with the scenery and wildlife as the backdrop!

How far is Lamington National Park from Brisbane?

• Driving directly to Lamington National Park from Brisbane will take approximately 1hr and 40mins by car, 105 kms away. However, if you have time, take an extra 15 minute detour and visit Gold Coast. It’ll make a good stopover for breakfast or lunch.

Check Tours Official site

Besides the theme parks, you can see there are plenty of natural wonders to explore on family day trips from Brisbane.

If you’re a nature lover, you definitely won’t go wrong with any of these options.

So jump in your car, pick a place and get ready for a fun family trip away from Brisbane.

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Photos emerge in Brisbane Lions WhatsApp group chat crisis

Details of the photos accidentally leaked during the Brisbane Lions’ Las Vegas trip have emerged with the club in crisis mode.

AFL investigating Cats star’s phone use

AFL star’s ‘remarkable’ treatment slammed

‘Drama at the MCG’: AFL brought to a halt

New details about the photos accidentally leaked during the Brisbane Lions’ Las Vegas trip have emerged with the club now in crisis mode.

Football club figures have denied rumours there is a rift in the dressing room stemming from one group of players’ off-season trip to the United States in November.

Lions club leaders came together on Good Friday to hold crisis talks after it emerged a WhatsApp group chat , which detailed what the players were getting up to in the United States, was seen by one player’s partner.

The Herald Sun reported one of the players accidentally uploaded the group chat to iCloud on his Apple Phone, before it was accessed on a shared device by his partner back home.

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The player’s partner is then said to have shared the messages with other partners who became enraged with what was unfolding on the trip which ended in Las Vegas in November.

Further details emerged on Sunday with The Herald Sun describing the photos as “compromising”.

There is no suggestion those players pictured are responsible for any wrongdoing.

Lions board member and three-time premiership coach Leigh Matthews was on Sunday night asked if there is any potential rift within the playing group.

The football icon responded: “No. To my knowledge. Apart from this popping up on the weekend. I’m around the club occasionally and I’ve never had any feeling there is any kind of angst among the playing group or disunity or anything like that.

UPDATE: Lions break silence on WhatsApp drama

“Everyone I speak to around the club, they say, ‘Absolutely no way there’s any disunity’.

“It has nothing to do with the fact they’ve lost three games.”

Details surrounding what the messages said remain unclear, however, football journalist Caroline Wilson shared fresh information over the incident which saw players depart the end of season trip early.

The veteran journo also confirmed one key Lions player and his partner had called time on their relationship.

“Some photographs, nothing hugely incriminating, but some photographs that partners weren’t happy about might have accidentally been sent home,” Wilson said on 3AW.

“Some players went home early as a result of this and at least one key player and his partner have broken up.

“Whether that was purely because of what happened on the trip or not I don’t know.

“It is also true that some players were not happy that they might have been exposed.

“Danny Daly the head of footy at the Lions, as a result of the reporting and the rumours on Monday called Harris Andrews and he called Lachie Neale and he said ‘look you have to come clean with me is there anything in this? Is there a split in the playing group, are people blueing?’

“The two leaders vehemently denied this.”

Lions chief executive Greg Swann backed up the thoughts of the captains and said the off-field drama has nothing to do with their on-field performances.

“If the question is, ‘Is there a split in a group?’ Well, no there isn’t,” Swann told the Herald Sun.

“It’s just bulls***. There’s no split in the group. This was in November, by the way. It’s not the reason we’re going no good.”

AFL journalist Sam McClure however said it was causing headaches within the walls of the club and had led to “tough conversations” being held.

“From what people inside the club have told me, it’s certainly been a few headaches since the trip to America late last year between 10 players, a fair chunk of which were Brisbane players,” McClure said on 3AW

“It ended in Las Vegas and certain information got home to loved ones that didn’t go down too well.

“It’s caused rifts in some relationships. It’s caused other relationships to end between players and partners.

“There’s even suggestions put to me today that it has caused some tough conversations to be had between teammates as to what went on on that US trip.”

Lions coach Chris Fagan earlier said it’s wrong to “catastrophise” his side’s ordinary start to the season.

The Lions remain without a win after three games, with two of their defeats, including Thursday night’s 20-point loss to the Magpies, coming at the Gabba, where Brisbane went undefeated last season.

“We certainly haven’t had the start that we hoped for, and we’ve dropped two home games which has been very unusual for us over the last period of time, so we’ve got a bit of work to do to find ourselves,” Fagan admitted.

“It’s not a great start, but let’s not catastrophise it either, would be the way I’d look at it.

“We’re zero and three, and there’s 20 games to go.”

Fagan said he wouldn’t “press the panic button” with players that were down on form.

“Some of our players are not at their best at the moment. I can’t explain to you why, and that’s sport for you,” he said.

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“Sometimes you go through form slumps … so we’ve got to keep working away with those guys.

“I’ve trusted them for a long time and they’ve delivered so I’m not going to jump off them just because we’ve lost three games in a row.

The Lions face the winless North Melbourne at Norwood Oval on Friday in Gather Round.

On a day where Tom Hawkins played his 350 AFL game, the Cats star was caught out using a phone during a lightning delay.

The tables have turned against AFL livewire Jack Ginnivan and footy greats have slammed the “remarkable” treatment he’s receiving.

The Easter Monday AFL clash was stopped mid-game for an anticlimactic reason that had legends scratching their heads.

Geelong beats Hawthorn by 36 points after fourth quarter of Tom Hawkins's 350th AFL game delayed by threat of lightning

Sport Geelong beats Hawthorn by 36 points after fourth quarter of Tom Hawkins's 350th AFL game delayed by threat of lightning

Geelong has celebrated Tom Hawkins's 350th AFL game with a 36-point win over arch-rivals Hawthorn in a sodden Easter Monday clash.

The weather was so woeful at the MCG that the fourth quarter started about 40 minutes late due to the threat of lightning.

The Cats were already leading by six goals, so the weather merely delayed the inevitable coronation for milestone man Hawkins, who kicked four goals, including a late gift when Jeremy Cameron handpassed to his forward-line partner from the goalsquare.

Perhaps more concerning than the 17.4 (106) to 10.10 (70) loss for the 0-3 Hawks were injuries to Mitch Lewis, who missed the entire fourth quarter with a hamstring complaint, and rookie Nick Watson, who limped off with an ankle injury in the final minute of the match.

Follow the action in our live blog.

• 8h ago 8 hours ago Mon 1 Apr 2024 at 7:44am FT: The Cats see it through to beat the Hawks by 36 points
• 9h ago 9 hours ago Mon 1 Apr 2024 at 6:58am Play will begin at 6:11pm AEDT
• 9h ago 9 hours ago Mon 1 Apr 2024 at 6:30am The game has been stopped for lightning

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By Dean Bilton

That's it for the blog for round three

What started on Thursday evening has ended later than expected on Monday night, but we've had a lot of fun to get here.

And good news! Gather Round is only a couple of days away! It all kicks off again on Thursday night when Adelaide and Melbourne get SA's festival of footy underway.

I hope to see you then!

Tom Hawkins is chaired off the MCG

And spare a thought for Jeremy Cameron and Mitch Duncan, who look like they're just about to burst trying to lift all of Tom Hawkins off the field.

Still, a day Tom Hawkins and his family will never forget.

FT: The Cats see it through to beat the Hawks by 36 points

It was an odd afternoon at the MCG, but in the end a relatively comfortable Geelong win and a perfect way to celebrate Tom Hawkins's 350th game.

The Hawks made their charge in the second quarter, and threatened to repeat the dose after the weather delay in the last, but there was a calmness to Geelong that shone through in the tough moments. Once they got a grip on the clearances again, they were able to nullify the Hawks and bring their brilliant forwards into the game.

There was a bit to like for Hawthorn, but once again a dreadful first quarter has basically cost them the game. They were beaten by a far more experienced side today though, a Cats team that has made a fine start to this season. They look destined for a relly good run at this year.

Into the last two minutes

Both teams exhausted, conditions still so tough. Not making for the prettiest end to this one.

Injury prevention probably the order of the day now.

Gryan Miers makes sure of it for Geelong

And with that set shot goal, the Cats are out to a game-high 38-point lead and can begin the celebrations.

They've been so good inside 50 today, both in kicking for goal and picking the best options when going forward. This is going to be a highly professional win.

Tom Hawkins shuts the gate on the Hawks! Cats by 32

And that should be that! For all the Hawks' effort, they haven't been able to get the run of goals on to really make this interesting.

Jeremy Cameron marked at the top of the square and gave off the charity handball to the milestone man. Hawkins has four, and the Cats will take four points.

Ollie Henry settles Geelong down! Crucial goal!

The Cats stopped with the fancy stuff and just got the footy forward. Conway punched it forward, Bowes belted it off the ground as far as he could and it landed luckily in Henry's arms.

He kicks the goals, and a bit of air comes out of the Hawthorn comeback.

Nick Watson! The Wizard snaps one through!

He's been good in this last quarter, and his clean hands and clever snap have pulled the Hawks back with 20 points. There's time! This isn't over yet!

The Hawks have missed some chances in this quarter

They've kicked 1.4 in this last quarter. The opportunity has been there, but there's only 12 minutes to play.

If it's going to happen for Hawthorn, it has to happen quickly.

The Hawks are making the running, but time is ebbing away

We've already knocked almost five minutes off the game clock, and the Hawks still need to find five more goals. It's such a slog out there, it's hard to see scores coming quickly.

One Geelong goal might kill it.

Jack Ginnivan kicks a quick one! Do the Hawks believe?

It's just going to be about forcing the footy forward and hoping for the best, and it worked out that time for Hawthorn. Ginnivan marked at the top of the square, played on quickly and smashed it through.

Could they?

Ready to go for this delayed final quarter

We've been off the field for about 40 minutes, but we are belatedly ready to finish this game off, with Geelong currently leading it by 36 points.

Some bad news for Hawthorn though — Mitch Lewis is out of this game with a hamstring injury.

It is TIPPING DOWN at the MCG. This is awesome.

Play will begin at 6:11pm AEDT

Good news. The players will begin their warm ups at 6:03pm AEDT with the game to restart eight minutes after that.

That means we're about 13 minutes away from the last quarter getting underway.

When have we seen this before?

This is now the third time in four seasons that something like this has happened. There was a West Coast-Melbourne game in Perth in 2021 that was interrupted by lightning.

And then last year's Gabba blackout in the Brisbane-Melbourne match.

In both occasions, the games got back underway. In both occasions, the team that was trailing staged a massive comeback and nearly pulled off crazy wins.

What happens next?

It's still pouring with rain and the radar is looking a bit nasty. But there is hope that the danger of lightning will clear off in the not too distant future.

The players are off the field for a minimum of 20 minutes (we've been off for about 10 minutes already), but we have to get back on within an hour otherwise the game will be called off with the current score standing.

The game has been stopped for lightning

The last quarter will not begin on time, as there is lightning in the area and players have been told to go immediately to their changerooms for at least 20 minutes.

This has happened a few times in recent years. It's almost lucky that this time it's happened at three-quarter-time, so there doesn't have to be an artificial stoppage mid-game. The teams will head to the rooms and wait for word from the head honchos, then will get some time to warm back up before play starts again.

3QT: Geelong make a stand and lead again by 36 points

It is absolutely tipping down at the MCG right now. Perfect conditions for holding a six-goal lead.

The Cats got back on top around the stoppages in that quarter and very quickly found themselves back on top of the game. They've been absolutely ruthless inside 50 all day, Geelong, taking almost every chance that has presented itself.

You can't rule the Hawks out, because they have basically come back from a hole like this once already today. But it's going to be a tough ask in the rain.

Some concern for Tom Stewart

Sounds as if he is going through the concussion protocols as we speak after copping Mabior Chol's knee to the back of the head.

Max Holmes gets Geelong back out to a 36-point lead

And that is as big as the lead has been all day. The Hawks may have fired their best shot, but this Geelong team remained composed and fired right back.

The rain is starting to hit the 'G, so things might be about to get scrappyy.