📍13 Best Fun & Hidden Day Trips From Brisbane (Within 2 Hours 2026.)

WONDERING WHAT THE BEST DAY TRIPS FROM BRISBANE ARE?

Most people stick to the city sights, but there’s a world of incredible day trips from Brisbane waiting for you to explore, intrepid detective.

The Queensland capital is a vibrant city blessed with many outstanding things to see and do, such as climbing the Story Bridge, Australia’s longest steel cantilever structure, swimming at the beautiful South Bank Lagoons and catching the iconic City Cats up and down the river.

But that is just the beginning of what this vibrant destination has to offer. Having lived on the outskirts of the River City most of my life, I can tell you that the day trip destinations from Brisbane are truly elite and will likely be some of the best experiences you’ll have on your trip to the southeast corner of Queensland.

So, whether you’re looking to relax by the beach, get lost in the mountains, explore the pristine islands or discover the bustling cities nearby, here are the best day trips from Brisbane for those wanting to pack more into their itinerary. Make sure you stick around for ones that are two hours away, as they are the BEST!

You don’t have to venture far out of the CBD to discover some fantastic places to visit. Brisbane has some excellent choices within close proximity. Some may require a hop, skip and a jump to reach, but these places are more than worthy of the added expense to do so.

1. D’Aguilar National Park. (South).

Escape the city buzz and immerse yourself in the peaceful forest landscapes of D’Aguilar National Park, just a short drive from Brisbane.

If you’re a nature lover in search of an outdoor adventure, one of Brisbane’s best day trip destinations close by is D’Aguilar National Park. The southern section starts about 13km west of the CBD and is the most accessible and spectacular. With winding roads gently meandering through the mountains leading to some of the greater regions’ best lookouts along the way, such as Jolly’s Lookout and Wivenhoe Outlook, it’s easy to see why this stretch of road between The Gap and Wivenhoe Pocket is considered to be one of South East Queensland’s best drives.

Instead of heading back along the same road to Brisbane, this lovely drive can also be incorporated into a wonderful scenic loop by continuing west to the vast regional lake of Wivenhoe Dam, and then southwest to the stunning heritage city of Ipswich before heading back to the River City at the end of the day. This is perfect for those who love to see as much as possible within a short amount of time, especially so for seniors, as it doesn’t involve much walking.

As for those who’d like to do more than just drive and see the lookouts, this part of the expansive national park is also home to a Walkabout Creek, where visitors can go wild swimming and kayaking, and tackle a comprehensive network of trails where you can hike and bike to their heart’s content. There’s everything from short and easy family-friendly walks to long and challenging tracks for the more experienced. It even has remote camping grounds for those who want to make an overnight adventure out of it.

• Distance from Brisbane CBD: 25 km (~40 min drive)
• Car Accessibility: Smooth 2WD asphalt, perfect for all vehicles. Winding roads make it a favourite for car and motorbike enthusiasts.
• Cost: Free.
• Highlights: Wallabout Creek (kayaking), Jolly’s Lookout, Westridge Outlook.
• Duration: Half-day drive, or a full-day with walks.
• Best Time To Visit: Great year-round.
• Stay Longer?: I like Maiala Park Lodge. But there also are a few other options between Mt Glorious & Mt Nebo.

Pro tip: Arrive early to watch the valley wake up. It’s magical, especially when there’s fog!

2. Ipswich.

Discover the city-meet-country charm of Ipswich and its unique mix of nature, history and modern attractions.

Located just a 40-minute drive southwest of Brisbane by car or an hour by train, Ipswich is a notable heritage city with much to explore. The former mining town was once slated to be Queensland’s capital, but due to its narrow river making passage for shipping boats difficult, it lost the claim, and I personally am still feeling the ramifications of that loss. 😞 ANYWAY! Much of the infrastructure built from those bygone days still exists as a nostalgic nod to the past, particularly in the CBD.

Along with exploring the classic architectural style dating back to the late 1800s, some of the other places to explore its fascinating story are the Workshop’s Rail Museum, which showcases the city’s prolific railway history and the RAAF Amberley Aviation Heritage Centre, which pays homage to Australia’s military aircraft legacy and the critical role it played in various global conflicts and disasters.

But Ipswich is not all about reliving the past; it’s also got some fantastic attractions that allow visitors to live in the here and now. Two of those places are the Orion Lagoon, a fabulous resort-style pool completely free to use for those hot summer days and the beloved College Crossing, a popular nature reserve on the banks of the Brisbane River, perfect for a family outing with everyone, including the dog.

Plus, you can also kick off the morning with a magical hot air balloon ride at sunrise, an exhilarating rally-racing car experience during the day and an exciting racing event at the Willowbank Raceway at night, perfect for solo visitors, couples, families & seniors.

Psst: If you’re wondering whether you should drive, all public transport is 50c across the board, so you can just catch the train there, saving you 40 minutes to an hour od being on the roads, then hire a car for the rest of the time that you’re there.

• Distance from Brisbane CBD: 41km. (~1hr drive)
• Car Accessible: 2WD. Highways and asphalt.
• Cost: Cheap. – Most attractions are free.
• Highlights: Hot air balloon rides, Orion Lagoon.
• Duration: Half to a full day.
• Best Time To Visit: Great year-round, but spring and summer if you want to swim.
• Other Places To Visit En Route: Mt Cootha Lookout & Botanical Gardens.
• Wanna Stay Longer?: Quest Ipswich is my pick, but there are many others to choose from in Ipswich too.

Psst: Pack your camera and seek out the lookouts. There are plenty of great views that don’t get talked about!

7. Lady Elliot Island.

Did you know that you can dive into the Great Barrier Reef from Brisbane? You do now!

When people think of the River City, they don’t usually think of the Great Barrier Reef. That’s a thousand miles away, right? But what surprises many is that the southern part of this globally recognised region of outstanding marine biodiversity is much closer to the Queensland capital than many people realise.

This is what makes visiting Lady Elliot Island one of the most unusual and hidden day trips from Brisbane, and one of the most magnificent. Although it’s expensive, booking a day tour with Lady Elliot Island Eco Resort will pay you back tenfold with memories that will last a lifetime.

The all-inclusive trip starts and ends with a spectacular 80-minute flight from Redcliffe Aerodrome to the breathtaking coral cay, 260km north and includes activities such as a glass-bottom boat excursion and snorkelling, where you’ll encounter the likes of majestic sea turtles and friendly reef sharks swimming around the incredible underwater formations like bommies, arches and caves.

At least that’s what I experienced when I did it, departing Bundaberg, and I can’t speak highly enough of it. It is an exceptional trip, especially if you didn’t think you’d ever get the opportunity to experience the Great Barrier Reef, as there were no plans to head north to one of the gateways, such as Cairns, the Whitsundays, Gladstone or Bundaberg, but always wanted to see what this renowned marine environment is all about.

• Distance From Brisbane CBD: 390km. (~2 hrs 40min drive & flight.)
• Car Accessibility: None. Private flight only.
• Cost: $$$. – But well worth it.
• Highlights: Snorkelling/ diving with sea turtles and reef sharks!
• Duration: Full day.
• Best Time To Visit: Spring and summer for sea turtles nesting and hatching. Winter for whales.
• Wanna Stay Longer?: Lady Elliot Island Eco Resort is the only accommodation on the island, but it’s excellent!

Psst: You absolutely must bring your underwater camera! It’s extraordinary under there.

8. Noosa Heads.

Lap up the seaside vibe at Noosa, and discover why it’s an elite coastal destination!

A little way north of Brisbane, the Sunshine Coast is a paradise for all those who love nature and a slower pace, making it full of unforgettable day trips and weekend getaways from Brisbane for couples who love nature and adventure. Between the quaint coastal and country towns, the endless beaches and the lush mountains, stunning lookouts and serene waterfalls, the beautiful region spoils you for choice, with the most incredible being Noosa Heads.

This dream town, two hours north of Brisbane, epitomises the idyllic Australian lifestyle, boasting a relaxed atmosphere, pristine beaches, and a breathtaking national park with undoubtedly the best rugged coastline this far north or south of the capital.

Most notable are Hell’s Gate and the Devil’s Kitchen, rocky headlands with sheer cliffs that are a mesmerising sight to behold. Between those incredible formations lies Alexandria Beach, one of the best, pristine and isolated stretches of sand you’ll find. It’s like something you’d experience as a pirate washed up on a foreign shore. At least, that’s how it felt to me.

And that’s just the start of the outstanding adventures you can have here. From taking a kayaking trip or a cruise down the gorgeously glassy Noosa Everglades via Lake Cootharaba, remote 4WD adventures in the Cooloola Section of Great Sandy National Park to jumping out of a perfectly good plane and going jetboating across the ocean, a day trip here can be non-stop action if you so please.

And along with easily accessible beachfront, the general relaxing vibe of the town and a picturesque river to enjoy, there’s no shortage of fantastic things to do and places to enjoy in this spectacular seaside town. This also makes it one of Brisbane’s best coastal weekend escapes.

• Distance From Brisbane CBD: 145km. (~2hr 10 min drive.)
• Car Accessibility: 2WD.
• Cost: Free-$$. Most things are free, with many of the other things not being too expensive.
• Highlights: Noosa National Park, Noosa Everglades.
• Duration: Full Day.
• Best Time To Visit: Spring and autumn, when its not too hot to hike and kayak.
• Other Places To Visit En Route: Banana Bender Pub, Big Pineapple.
• Wanna Stay Longer?: Noosa River Retreat Holiday Apartments is my pick, although Noosa has no shortage of excellent accommodation.

Psst: I highly recommend doing the Noosa National Park Coastal Walk early in the morning and watching the sunrise from these breathtaking coastal landmarks.

9. Tamborine Mountain.

Craving family-fun rainforest adventures? Then beeline to this spectacular mountaintop destination.

For those who love peace and tranquillity, the capital city’s southern neighbour, the Gold Coast, is home to one of the best places to visit near Brisbane. Tucked away from the hustle and bustle in the hinterland, Mt Tamborine is just over an hour’s drive southwest of Brisbane and provides a serene escape from the chaotic nature of the two cities. This place is especially great for families, as there’s plenty to keep the kids engaged and excited to be out in nature.

One of the top unmissable attractions is Thunderbird Park, where the Tree Top Challenge has the fun and physically challenging Ropes Course and exhilarating Canyon Flyer Zipline Tour, Australia’s longest zipline tour, which both are set in beautiful bushland. Another highlight is unearthing gorgeous, thousand-year-old Thunder Eggs forged from prehistoric volcanic lava at the Thunder Egg Mine, the world’s largest, which is a fascinating forage into the planet’s ecological processes.

As for walks, two of the best trail offerings include the 1.1km return or 2.5km circuit walk to the gorgeous rainforest-shrouded Curtis Falls and the 1.1km return track to the stunning rock pools of Cedar Creek Falls, where a refreshing dip in the cooling mountain-fed waters is a must.

Mt Tamborine is also home to some spectacular viewpoints, with the most easily accessible being Robert Sowter and Rotary Park Lookouts, which are particularly romantic spots to watch the sunset over the vast plains of the Scenic Rim. The former is also a hang glider launch area, so if you’re lucky, you may see even pilots and paragliders taking off while you’re there. (Usually on weekends and when conditions are favourable.)

• Distance From Brisbane CBD: 75km. (~1hr 25min drive.)
• Car Accessibility: 2WD.
• Cost: Free-$$. Most attractions are free.
• Highlights: Zip lining adventures, and waterfalls where you can wild swim!
• Duration: Full day
• Best Time To Visit: Spring and Autumn when it’s not to hot to hike
• Wanna Stay Longer?: Mt Tamborine has plenty of great accommodation options, but if you ask me, The Polish Place is the top choice.

Psst: A roadside, honesty stall on Lahey’s Road often sells avocados. Whenever I visit, I always get some if there’s any left!

10. Springbrook National Park.

Hike through one of the most spectacular waterfall-dense rainforests in Queensland!

Inland from the bustling beaches, towering skyscrapers and vibrant city lights of the Gold Coast lies another fantastic place to visit near Brisbane: the unspoilt Gondwanian rainforests of Springbrook National Park. This magnificent wilderness plateau, 106km south of the CBD is a haven full of pristine natural beauty, and with a fantastic network of trails leading to clifftop viewpoints and towering waterfalls, it has, undoubtedly, some of the best hiking trails on this side of the capital.

One of the highlights is Purlingbrook Falls. There are some easy access lookouts at the top, but follow the 4km, grade 3 trail to the base, and the reward is peering up at a gorgeous horsetail waterfall plunging magnificently off a sheer 106m cliff face into the rocky plunge pool below from a suspension bridge.

Canyon Lookout is another captivating spot within the park. From this roadside vantage point, you can enjoy uninterrupted panoramic views of the rugged volcanic landscape, with its deep gorges and dramatic cliffs. It’s particularly beautiful at sunset when the soft golden light touches the sheer escapements.

Down from the plateau is perhaps the most magical part of Springbrook National Park, the Natural Bridge, a stunning waterfall flowing through the collapsed roof of a cave. Being inside the natural amphitheatre is incredible. Feeling the sheer power of the water gushing through made me feel spiritually connected to the Earth, which was both intimidating and enlightening at the same time. And if you don’t mind getting back to Brissy late, I also encourage you to stay until after dark, when glow worms living in the cave emit a soft green light you can’t help but be enchanted by, making it one of the most unusual day trips from the Queensland capital.

• Distance From Brisbane CBD: 106km. (~1hr 43min.)
• Car Accessibility: 2WD.
• Cost: Free.
• Highlights: Twin Falls, Canyon Lookout, Best Of All Lookout.
• Duration: Full day.
• Best Time To Visit: After heavy rain
• Other Places To Visit En Route: Hinze Dam.
• Wanna Stay Longer?: Springbrook Mountains Chalets is absolutely gorgeous. Pick your ideal mountaintop accommodation here.

Psst: If you walk from the campground along the back track to the Purlingbrook Falls trail, you can discover a hidden little piece of this rainforest’s pioneer history.

11. Lamington National Park.

Undertake epic hikes through unspoilt ancient Gondwanian rainforests.

Further inland from Springbrook lies Lamington National Park, an even more expansive wilderness rainforest well worth a day trip or weekend escape from Brisbane. Comprised of two sections, Binna Burra is the closest at 106km away and takes between 1.5 half to two hours to reach, while the Green Mountains section is slightly further away at 114km, but takes at least two to two and a half hours to reach because while both have winding roads through the national park, the latter is longer, narrower and requires more concentration as it narrows to one lane in many areas.

While you could give a quick visit to both sections, it’s best to just stick to one if you only have a day. The short walk highlight of the smaller Binna Burra is the Caves Track. The name is a little misleading; there are no caves along this circuit, well, unless you count a small archway, but rather two stunning rock overhangs that are well worth visiting. It’s essential to note that the track ends at a different location along the road from the start, offering the option to simply visit the overhangs and head back, or proceed to the other side and then return along the asphalt.

Green Mountains, or O’Reilly’s as it’s also commonly known, has more variety when it comes to short and long trails. Some of the best ones accomplishable in a day included the family-friendly Tree Top Walk, which features a suspension bridge going up into the canopy and a ladder to climb a tree even higher to a viewpoint to overlook the rugged landscape and the Python Rock & Morans Falls track which both have spectacular viewpoints, and Picnic Rock, Elabana Falls & Box Falls, which is a fantastic little trifecta at the intersection of several trails.

• Distance From Brisbane CBD To Binna Burra/ Green Mountains: 106km /114km.(~1hr 48min/ 2hr 13min respective drive times.)
• Car Accessibility: 2WD. Narrow road not suitable for caravans and buses etc.
• Cost: Free.
• Highlights: Tree Top Walk, caves, lookouts and waterfalls.
• Duration: Full day.
• Best Time To Visit: After heavy rain.
• Wanna Stay Longer?: Binna Burra Sky Lodges. (Binna Burra.), O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat. (Green Mountains.) are two top-tier places to stay.

Psst: Kamarun Lookout on the way up to Green Mountains is an absolutely gorgeous pitstop and picnic area.

12. Glass House Mountains.

Take physically demanding hikes to epic volcanic peaks that have the most incredible views.

If there’s one thing to see on the Sunshine Coast, it’s the Glass House Mountains. This dramatic series of 13 shard-like peaks rising out from the plains offers plenty of epic and challenging hiking experiences that lead to some of the region’s most magnificent lookouts. Two of my favourite ones, easily accomplishable in a day, are Wild Horse Mountain and Mt Ngungun.

Wild Horse Mountain is a short but physically demanding 1.4 km return hike along a relentlessly steep, exposed concrete driveway to a fire watchtower, that’s bound to leave your calves and buttcheeks in better shape than before. From the 123m elevation, enjoy breathtaking sweeping panoramic views of the other Glass House Mountains, Bribie Island, Pumicestone Passage and the Bruce Highway.

As for Mt Ngungun, it lies in the centre of these magnificent formations. The scenery from this spectacular 2.8km return, grade 4 hike is unforgettable. The exposed 253m high summit provides a captivating, 360° uninterrupted panoramic view showcasing all the other volcanic plugs rising dramatically up out of the landscape in all directions, providing what is no doubt one of the most majestic natural vantage points in South East Queensland.

But definitely don’t discount the many other peaks, such as Mt Beerburrum, Mt Coolum, Mt Ninderry, Mt Coochin, Mt Elimbah, and Mt Tibberoowuccum, which provide even more exceptional and hidden day trip destinations from Brisbane for keen hikers.

If you’re Ethan Hunt-level fit and prefer climbing cliff faces vertically like Spiderman scaling buildings, you can also go rock up these mighty fine volcanic plugs. Head to these elite rock climbing mountains with your own gear and some buddies, or let the professionals handle all the safety and logistics by joining a guided tour.

• Distance From Brisbane CB To Mt Ngungun: 74km. (~1hr 30min drive)
• Car Accessibility: 2WD.
• Cost: Free to hike. $$ for a climbing tour.
• Highlights: Mt Ngungun and Wild Horse Mountain.
• Duration: Full day.
• Best Time To Visit: Winter, early spring or late autumn when it’s cooler.
• Other Places To Visit En Route: Banana Bender Pub.
• Wanna Stay Longer?: Highwood Park Guest Lodge is my pick for accommodation, but there are heaps to choose from nearby, especially in Caloundra.

Psst: The views are even more epic at sunrise or sunset!

13. Toowoomba.

Discover stunning lookouts, gardens, lakes and valleys at Queensland’s largest inland city.

The Darling Downs lies just outside South East Queensland but offers a peaceful country escape from Brisbane City’s hustle and bustle. This beautiful region, known for its rolling hills, rich farmland, and stunning rural scenery, is one of the best places to visit near Brisbane by car to experience a more peaceful way of life.

Head out from the CBD past Ipswich, then west along the Warrego Highway for 125km, and you’ll find yourself in Toowoomba, Queensland’s largest inland city, uniquely perched upon the continent-spanning Great Dividing Range.

At 700m above sea level, it enjoys a much cooler climate than the surrounding areas, perfect for hot days, but that also means it can get windy. That aside, its mountaintop position means, along with its many attractions, it also has several beautiful lookout points, especially at Picnic Point, which has stunning views looking across the vast plains of the Lockyer Valley, and, most dominatingly, Tabletop Mountain, which distinctly has a flat summit. It’s not just for gawking at either, as it’s home to one of the region’s best walking trails!

• Distance From Brisbane CBD: 127km. (~1hr 40min drive.)
• Car Accessibility: 2WD.
• Cost: Most attractions are free.
• Highlights: Picnic Point Lookout. Tabletop Mountain, Crows Nest National Park.
• Duration: Full day.
• Best Time To Visit: September/ October for Toowoomba Carnival Of Flowers.
• Other Places To Visit En Route: Ipswich, Cunningham’s Crest Lookout, (Laidley.)
• Wanna Stay Longer: Toowoomba has lots of comfortable hotels, with Altitude Motel Apartments being where I’d go.

Psst: Spring is the best time to visit, especially before and during the Carnival Of fFowers. But be warned: September is magpie swooping season, and the flowers are gone after the three-week event finishes in early October.

Day Trip Destination.	Distance From Brisbane.	Travel Time.	Highlights.
D’Aguilar National Park.	25km.	40min.	Gorgeous scenic drive with stunning lookouts.
Ipswich.	41km.	1hr	Heritage attractions and scenic walks.
Surfers Paradise.	79km.	1hr 15min.	Beaches and thrills!
North Stradbroke Island.	46km.	1hr 25min. (incl. ferry transfer)	Beautiful beach scenery and hiking trails.
Lake Wivenhoe.	73km.	1hr 25min.	Picturesque lake with fantastic kayaking opportunities.
Moreton Island.	45km.	1hr 55min. (incl. ferry transfer.)	Magnificent snorkelling and kayaking amongst 15 shipwrecks.
Lady Elliot Island.	390km.	2hr 40min (incl. flight)	Great Barrier Reef snorkelling & diving!
Noosa.	145km.	2hr 10min.	Epic coastlines and beaches.
Tamborine Mountain.	75km.	1hr 25min.	Family-friendly rainforest walks and thrill-seeking activities.
Springbrook National Park.	106km.	1hr 45min.	Lookouts and waterfalls in a lush rainforest.
Lamginton National Park.	106km/ 114km.	1hr 50min/ 2hr 13min.	Spectacular hiking trails to lookouts, waterfalls & caves.
Glass House Mountains.	74km. (To Mt Ngungun.)	1hr 30min.	Dramatic volcanic mountains with epic views.
Toowoomba.	127km.	1hr 40min.	Beautiful lookouts and gardens.

Looking for a quick escape from the city? 🌞 Whether it’s the Gold Coast’s energy, the Glass House Mountains’ epic views, Lake Wivenhoe’s peaceful vibes, or Moreton Island’s island paradise, these day trips from Brisbane are the best reasons this city and region are worth visiting! Which one will you choose first?”

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