If you plan a trip to the East Coast of Australia, you will likely have Brisbane on your itinerary. Located halfway between Sydney and the Whitsundays Islands, Brisbane is the capital of Queensland and the gateway to many attractions and day explorations, from coastal places of the Sunshine Coast and the Gold Coast to national parks and inland day drives.
Here are my picks for day trips from Brisbane. They are all doable on a half-day, i.e. some on 1 or 2 hours; and you can do all trips solo.
Best Day Trips From Brisbane
Many trips from Brisbane allow you to discover this impressive subtropical region and its natural attractions. Having visited Brisbane and explored its surroundings by car and public transport, I listed some of the best day drives from Brisbane worth adding to your trip. Some can be done in half a day by public transportation, whereas some are best suited for a whole-day self-drive. Some are ideal for a stop-over night on the Gold Coast.
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See wildlife at the Australia Zoo
If you love wildlife, you must plan a day trip from Brisbane to the Australia Zoo in Beerwah, the largest zoo in Australia. The Australia Zoo Brisbane is enormous; you will need at least 6-8 hours to visit it all, so plan a whole day. This zoo offers the largest natural environment for all Australian native animals, from kangaroos, Koalas, Wombats, and the entire world, with various educational shows.
The highlight is the crocodile show, which is presented every day. Moreover, you can visit the Wildlife Warriors Hospital, one of the largest wildlife hospitals in Australia. It’s located just next door to the Australia Zoo. They proudly rescue and save thousands of sick and injured native animals annually. You can get to Beerwah by train, and you need to catch a taxi from there, so booking a transfer to Brisbane may be convenient.
Book Your 👉 Transfer From Brisbane and Entry to the Australia Zoo
Trek at the Glass House Mountains
A trek at the Glass House Mountain will be an opportunity to get your muscles to work and take you to some of the most picturesque panoramic views you will ever see. You could also go on a stroll or upgrade the adventure and test your rock scrambling skills. The best routes include walking around the base of Mt. Tibrogragan and to the top of Mt. Ngungun. It is a beautiful, safe, and exciting place for all adventure seekers. This trip is best on a self-drive from Brisbane, as a car will give you more flexibility to explore the area.
Go for a walk in Burleigh Heads National Park
Along the magnificent beaches, you will come across the coastal suburb of Burleigh Heads. It is well known for its incredible scenic lookouts, beaches, and attractive fresh markets. Head to the beach and relax on the sand or dip in the protected waters of Tallebudgera Creek.
The Tallebudgera Creek Tourist Park in Burleigh Heads also offers great campgrounds. Depending on your needs, it provides luxurious waterfront villas or budget accommodations. You can get there by train and bus from Brisbane.
Take a Dip at the Northern Gold Coast Beaches
Home to some fantastic beaches, the beaches at the Northern Gold Coast are great spots for a day trip. Dubbed as the surfer’s paradise, you will discover many beaches in the area which would satisfy your “at the beach day”. Broadbeach, Mermaid Beach, and Surfers Paradise are some of the best beaches on the Northern Gold Coast. There are also beautiful walking trails and coastal and natural attractions for nature lovers.
Visit the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary
The Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary is the best wildlife park to feed wild lorikeets and witness entertaining Aboriginal performances. It is well known for the Free-Flight bird show, where the audience can see the incredible birds flying freely against the sanctuary’s natural environment. The park also offers many adventurous activities, such as the TreeTops Challenge High Ropes Course. This wildlife park on the Gold Coast gets very busy, and I recommend going there early in the morning to avoid long queues.
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Spend a day at Mount Tamborine
Another incredible drive is from Brisbane to Mount Tamborine. Get a drink at a relaxing hinterland café at Mount Tamborine and chase one of the majestic waterfalls in the area, or watch paragliders take off the hills into the deep, lush valley. A must-go is Curtis Falls, surrounded by lush forests that would satisfy your adventurous soul. You can also choose to visit the Mount Tamborine Botanic Garden, which, among other things, features a lake with lilies, ducks, and a charming bridge.
Go hiking in the Lamington National Park
If you prefer to dive into the ancient forest, Brisbane’s surrounding area offers some gorgeous places for hiking. The Lamington National Park features beautiful hiking trails, picturesque villages, and historic sites. The nearby Binna Burra section of the Lamington National Park is a paradise with 24+ walking trails and awe-inspiring vistas. If you are adventurous, the 5-hour return walk through the world’s oldest subtropical rainforests to the summit of Mount Warning is the right thing for you.
Related Post: 👉 Explore The Gold Coast Hinterland
Visit Coolangatta
Coolangatta is located at the end of Queensland’s Gold Coast. Once there, stroll along the impressive promenade and look back at the Surfers Paradise’s silhouette in the distance. Off the coast of Coolangatta Beach, enjoy watching spectacular surf at Kirra Beach.
On its southern end, you can visit Rainbow Bay Beach, the gateway to Snapper Rocks, another excellent surfing place. If you are looking for shady swimming spots, you will find one amidst the lush greenery of Greenmount. Lastly, you must check out some of the beautiful festivals held here. Consider staying longer for combined explorations of Byron Bay and the surrounding areas.
Spend a day in Byron Bay
You cannot leave Brisbane without stopping by Byron Bay. This little village, known among locals as the “sons of flowers village,” is a haven for surfers, nature lovers, and those who want to escape the city buzz. The beaches and waves are superb, and the hinterland is a top location for keen hikers.
Byron Bay is about 200 km south of Brisbane. You can access it through the Greyhound buses, which operate daily. This trip is ideal as a day road trip from Brisbane since hiring a car will immerse you in all the bay offers – including a detour drive to Ballina for more beautiful beaches.
Go on a self-drive trip to Mooloolaba
Mooloolaba is probably one of the best beaches in Queensland’s Sunshine Coast. It features crystal clear waters, white sand, fun swimming, sports, and many beach activities. A half-day trip to Mooloolaba is best from the afternoon to the evening. You can indulge in delicious coffee from several cafes while strolling along the beach and enjoying the sweet sea breeze and sunset. You can try body surfing or go on a river cruise tour.
Book a 👉 Whale Watching Tour in Mooloolaba
Mooloolaba is perfect for a half-day drive from Brisbane to walk on the beach, dine out, and enjoy a stunning sunset. It also offers excellent facilities for BBQs and beach parties. The Loo with a View of Public Toilets is just off the busy Esplanade. A toilet complex offering showers and toilets has become a natural gathering point for locals.
Book a 👉 Sunset River Cruise in Mooloolaba
Take in the beauty of Noosa
With dazzling sunshine, peaceful beach days, calm waves, natural national parks, and various mouth-watering dishes, Noosa is undoubtedly a place to be. The love for the environment expressed by the locals reflects the area’s beauty.
It is also home to exciting events like the Noosa Triathlon, Noosa Open Studios (a niche art event), and NOOSA Alive, a performing arts festival.
Book a 👉 Guided Day Trip from Brisbane to Noosa
If you go on a day trip, take a coastal walk in the Noosa National Park and enjoy strolling along shops, boutiques, and fine restaurants on Hastings Street. Truly, Noosa is a destination for all travellers and shouldn’t be missed. Noosa is quite a drive from Brisbane. I’d suggest leaving early on a long day trip by bus (it takes 2.5 hours) or by car. Or if you plan to stay overnight, you may consider a 3-day road trip.
Check out the 👉 Best Places to Stay in Noosa
Explore Moreton Island on a boat tour
Moreton Bay makes for a great island day trip to see more of Brisbane’s surroundings. Catch the 75-minute ferry at South East Brisbane to all four islands that form Moreton Bay. The best way to explore the bay is by boat or kayak.
I went on a half-day kayaking adventure and loved it. This allows you to cross over, border the inlets and smaller islands, and marvel at the beautiful mangroves. Stop at Stradbroke Island for sandboarding or a stroll on its vast dunes. There is no public transportation, so the best way to explore the island is to go on a guided tour.
Book a 👉 Moreton Island Full Day Trip Kayaking and Snorkeling
How to Plan Your Day Trip from Brisbane
Day trips are lots of fun, and Queensland has almost perfect weather. However, you must plan your day trip properly to cross off all the top spots in your itinerary. Brisbane offers an excellent public transportation network. Thus, some day trips to coastal destinations can be easily made by train or bus.
Guided Activities and Tours From Brisbane
Hiring a car is best if you plan to visit more places inland and hike in the national parks. Consider what works best for you and the distances. If you don’t like hiring a car and prefer going on guided day trips, check out the list below.
Are you wondering where to stay in Brisbane and the Gold Coast Area?
Check out our guide 👉 Where To Stay In Brisbane
Check out our guide 👉 Where To Stay In The Gold Coast
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Related Posts:
The Gold Coast Solo Travel Guide
Things To Do In Brisbane Alone
Go Back to Rocky Travel
First published in 2017, last updated in March 2024
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