Six of the Best Day Trips From Brisbane

Is there anything better than loading up the car, hitting the road, plugging in your favourite playlist and exploring Queensland on the big open road? If you're looking for a new adventure for the weekend or the school holidays, we've rounded up the best day trips from Brisbane, all within a couple of hours from the city. Beep beep!

Six of the Best Day Trips From Brisbane

1. Fernvale

Drive one hour west of Brisbane and you’ll hit Fernvale, a sleepy country town with a very special attraction. The Old Fernvale Bakery is an award-winning bakery attracting people from far and wide for their amazing pies, pastries and treats. The bakery is right on the highway and is the perfect spot to stop and grab your lunch before continuing on your day trip from Brisbane.

The town was originally known as Stinking Gully, which won’t thrill everyone but we know a few young boys who think it’s hilarious. The Fernvale Country Markets are on each Sunday from 6 am till noon, and they’re a true-blue country market sure to offer up some gems. 

Wivenhoe Dam is just 10 minutes up the road if you fancy a swim or want to throw a line in. All around, one of the best day trips from Brisbane!

2. Tamborine Mountain

Tamborine Mountain is a hidden gem that, once you know about it, you’ll keep returning to again and again as it’s only an hour and a half away (less if you’re a Southsider). There are some spectacular rainforest walks (Witches Falls is an easy one for little kids but keep an eye out for snakes in the warmer months), Botanical Gardens at Forsythia Drive, and Glow Worm Caves at Hartley Road.

The Rainforest Skywalk will get your heart pumping if you’re feeling brave, otherwise enjoy the myriad galleries and little shops dotted about. You’ll be spoiled for choice when it comes to dining, with plenty of European-inspired cafes and restaurants. 

If you’re lucky you might see the hang-gliders taking off from the side of the mountain, or come across some wallabies too. 

3. Fingal Head, NSW

Sometimes it's worth it to cross the border for a little change of scenery, and Fingal Head in NSW delivers the goods just two hours south of Brisbane. Less busy than its bigger nearby cousins Kingscliff and Byron Bay, Fingal Head is a great place to relax with the family, and perhaps even spot a few dolphins playing in the surf. 

Follow the Fingal Head Lighthouse walk for stunning views of the Gold Coast and northern NSW beaches, and hit the beach to relax and catch some waves.

4. Allora 

If you’ve wondered where all those Instagram sunflower pics are taken every summer, Allora is the answer. Sunflowers line the roads in the Darling Downs and when they’re in full bloom the view is spectacular!

If your day trips from Brisbane should include some stunning flowers, then take a drive through the massive sunflower fields the area is famous for, and visit the home of Mary Poppins author PL Travers on the main street in town. If you’re lucky and the owners are home, they’ll show you through for a gold coin donation. 

The Darling Downs are great for meat so pop into the butcher to stock up on lamb and beef, and head to the old pub for a great lunch. 

5. Bribie Island

Brisbane folks know it’s not easy to find a decent beach, but Bribie is a fantastic, family-friendly option. Connected to the mainland by a bridge, Bribie Island offers a super easy day trip from Brisbane. Bribie Island boasts a spectacular range of beaches, with a surf side and a calm side, plus it has great bushwalking tracks, fishing spots and dog-friendly Woorim Beach.

Don’t forget to stop in at the Sandstone Point Hotel for lunch and a quiet drink by the water. A great day out for the soul.

6. Eumundi

If a little market shopping will make your day trips from Brisbane even better, then Eumundi on the Sunshine Coast is an absolute must! More like a small town than a market, Eumundi Markets are held every Wednesday from 8 am to 1:30 pm, and Saturdays from 7 am to 2 pm. You’ll find all manner of gifts, furniture, toys, clothes and amazing food at the Eumundi markets. If you’re into pork, please don’t leave without trying the pork belly rolls - incredible!

There is also a range of quirky and interesting cafes and shops around the markets, plus a great pub, so don’t forget to explore a little as well. 

More Things to do in Brisbane

Where to see Sunflower Fields in Brisbane
Go Glamping in Brisbane
Free Campgrounds Near Brisbane
 

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