If you intend a visit to the East Coast of Australia, Brisbane will probably be in your itinerary. Located midway between Sydney and the Whitsundays Islands, Brisbane is the capital of Queensland and the gateway to many points of interest and day explorations, from coastal locations of the Sunshine Coast and the Gold Coast to nationwide parks and inland day drives. Here are my picks for day journeys from Brisbane. They are all doable in a half-day, i.e. some on 1 or 2 hours; and you are able to do all journeys solo.
Best Day Trips From Brisbane
Many journeys from Brisbane mean you can uncover this spectacular subtropical area and its pure points of interest. Having visited Brisbane and explored its environment by automotive and public transport, I listed among the finest day drives from Brisbane value including to your journey. Some may be executed in half a day by public transportation, whereas some are finest for a whole-day self-drive. Some are perfect for a stopover night time on the Gold Coast.
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See wildlife on the Australia Zoo
If you’re keen on wildlife, you should plan a day journey from Brisbane to the Australia Zoo in Beerwah, the most important zoo in Australia. The Australia Zoo in Brisbane is big; you have to no less than 6-8 hours to go to it, so plan an entire day. This zoo presents the most important pure surroundings for all Australian native animals, from kangaroos, Koalas, Wombats, and all the world, with varied academic exhibits.
The spotlight is the crocodile present, which is introduced day-after-day. Moreover, you may go to the Wildlife Warriors Hospital, one of many largest wildlife hospitals in Australia. It’s positioned simply subsequent door to the Australia Zoo. They proudly rescue and save hundreds of sick and injured native animals yearly. You can get to Beerwah by prepare, and you’ll want to catch a taxi from there, so reserving a switch to Brisbane could also be handy.
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Trek on the Glass House Mountains
A trek to the Glass House Mountain can be a possibility to get your muscle groups to work and take you to among the most picturesque panoramic views you’ll ever see. You may additionally go on a stroll or improve the journey and take a look at your rock scrambling abilities. The finest routes embody strolling across the base of Mt. Tibrogargan and to the high of Mt. Ngungun. It is a phenomenal, secure, and thrilling place for all journey seekers. This journey is finest on a self-drive from Brisbane, as a automotive offers you extra flexibility to discover the realm.
Go for a stroll in Burleigh Heads National Park
Along the magnificent seashores, you’ll come throughout the coastal suburb of Burleigh Heads. It is well-known for its unimaginable scenic lookouts, seashores, and enticing recent markets. Head to the seashore and loosen up on the sand or dip within the protected waters of Tallebudgera Creek.
The Tallebudgera Creek Tourist Park in Burleigh Heads additionally presents nice campgrounds. Depending in your wants, it gives luxurious waterfront villas or funds lodging. You can get there by prepare and bus from Brisbane.
Take a Dip on the Northern Gold Coast Beaches
Home to some unbelievable seashores, the seashores on the Northern Gold Coast are nice spots for a day journey. Dubbed because the surfer’s paradise, you’ll uncover many seashores within the space which might fulfill your “on the seashore day”. Broadbeach, Mermaid Beach, and Surfers Paradise are among the finest seashores on the Northern Gold Coast. There are additionally stunning strolling trails and coastal and pure points of interest for nature lovers.
Visit the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary
The Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the best wildlife park to feed wild lorikeets and witness entertaining Aboriginal performances. It is well-known for the Free-Flight chook present, the place the viewers can see the unimaginable birds flying freely towards the sanctuary’s pure surroundings. The park additionally presents many adventurous actions, such because the TreeTops Challenge High Ropes Course. This wildlife park on the Gold Coast will get very busy, and I like to recommend going there early within the morning to keep away from lengthy queues.
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Spend a day at Mount Tamborine
Another unimaginable drive is from Brisbane to Mount Tamborine. Get a drink at a soothing hinterland café at Mount Tamborine and chase one of many majestic waterfalls within the space, or watch paragliders take off the hills into the deep, lush valley. A must-go is Curtis Falls, surrounded by lush forests that might fulfill your adventurous soul. You may select to go to the Mount Tamborine Botanic Garden, which, amongst different issues, includes a lake with lilies, geese, and an enthralling bridge.
Go mountain climbing within the Lamington National Park
If you favor to dive into the traditional forest, Brisbane’s surrounding space presents some beautiful locations for mountain climbing. The Lamington National Park options stunning mountain climbing trails, picturesque villages, and historic websites. The close by Binna Burra part of the Lamington National Park is a paradise with 24+ strolling trails and awe-inspiring vistas. If you’re adventurous, the 5-hour return stroll by means of the world’s oldest subtropical rainforests to the summit of Mount Warning is the proper factor for you.
Related Post: 👉 Explore The Gold Coast Hinterland
Visit Coolangatta
Coolangatta is positioned on the finish of Queensland’s Gold Coast. Once there, stroll alongside the spectacular promenade and look again on the Surfers Paradise’s silhouette within the distance. Off the coast of Coolangatta Beach, get pleasure from watching spectacular surf at Kirra Beach.
On its southern finish, you may go to Rainbow Bay Beach, the gateway to Snapper Rocks, one other glorious browsing place. If you’re in search of shady swimming spots, you will discover one amidst the luxurious greenery of Greenmount. Lastly, you should try among the stunning festivals held right here. Consider staying longer for mixed explorations of Byron Bay and the encompassing areas.
Spend a day in Byron Bay
You can’t depart Brisbane with out stopping by Byron Bay. This little village, identified amongst locals because the “sons of flowers village,” is a haven for surfers, nature lovers, and those that wish to escape the town buzz. The seashores and waves are excellent, and the hinterland is a high location for eager hikers.
Byron Bay is about 200 km south of Brisbane. You can entry it by means of the Greyhound buses, which function every day. This journey is good as a day street journey from Brisbane since hiring a automotive will immerse you in all of the bay presents – together with a detour drive to Ballina for extra stunning seashores.
Go on a self-driving journey to Mooloolaba
Mooloolaba might be top-of-the-line seashores in Queensland’s Sunshine Coast. It options crystal clear waters, white sand, enjoyable swimming, sports activities, and lots of seashore actions. A half-day journey to Mooloolaba is finest from the afternoon to the night. You can take pleasure in scrumptious espresso from a number of cafes whereas strolling alongside the seashore and having fun with the candy sea breeze and sundown. You can attempt physique browsing or go on a river cruise tour.
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Mooloolaba is ideal for a half-day drive from Brisbane to stroll on the seashore, dine out, and luxuriate in a shocking sundown. It additionally presents glorious amenities for BBQS and seashore events. The Loo with a View of Public Toilets is simply off the busy Esplanade. A rest room complicated providing showers and bathrooms has turn into a pure gathering level for locals.
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Take in the great thing about Noosa
With dazzling sunshine, peaceable seashore days, calm waves, pure nationwide parks, and varied mouth-watering dishes, Noosa is undoubtedly a spot to be. The love for the surroundings expressed by the locals displays the realm’s magnificence.
It can also be dwelling to thrilling occasions just like the Noosa Triathlon, Noosa Open Studios (a distinct segment artwork occasion), and NOOSA Alive, a performing arts competition.
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If you go on a day journey, take a coastal stroll within the Noosa National Park and luxuriate in strolling alongside outlets, boutiques, and high-quality eating places on Hastings Street. Truly, Noosa is a vacation spot for all travellers and shouldn’t be missed. Noosa is kind of a drive from Brisbane. I’d recommend leaving early on a protracted day journey by bus (it takes 2.5 hours) or by automotive. Or should you plan to remain in a single day, chances are you’ll think about a 3-day street journey.
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Explore Moreton Island on a ship tour
Moreton Bay makes for an excellent island day journey to see extra of Brisbane’s environment. Catch the 75-minute ferry at South East Brisbane to all 4 islands that kind Moreton Bay. The finest approach to discover the bay is by boat or kayak.
I went on a half-day kayaking journey and cherished it. This means that you can cross over, border the inlets and smaller islands, and marvel on the stunning mangroves. Stop at Stradbroke Island for sandboarding or a stroll on its huge dunes. There is not any public transportation, so one of the simplest ways to discover the island is to go on a guided tour.
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How to Plan Your Day Trip from Brisbane
Day journeys are plenty of enjoyable, and Queensland has virtually good climate. However, you should plan your day journey correctly to cross off all the highest spots in your itinerary. Brisbane presents a wonderful public transportation community. Thus, some day journeys to coastal locations may be simply made by prepare or bus.
Guided Activities and Tours From Brisbane
Hiring a automotive is finest should you plan to go to extra locations inland and hike within the nationwide parks. Consider what works finest for you and the distances. If you don’t like hiring a automotive and like occurring guided day journeys, try the record beneath.
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First revealed in 2017, final up to date in May 2025
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