12 Day Trips From Brisbane, Australia

day trips in brisbane
Nina
Nina 
Updated
| 4 min read

Brisbane is the heart of Queensland and is known as the third most populous city in Australia. This paradise is Australia’s sunshine spot where you can enjoy a sub-tropical climate with humid hot summers and warm sunny weather. In fact, any time of the year is a good time for adventurous outdoor arrays in Brisbane along the coast or river. Experience the most relaxing part of Brisbane by going to South Bank which offers cultural institutions like the Queensland Museum and Sciencentre and Queensland Gallery of Modern Art. For nature enthusiasts, travel to Tamborine Mountain, Noosa Heads, or Lamington National Park. 5-star hotels are available for your accommodation needs. For homier stays, there are short-term rentals in the city as well. Actually, there’s so much to explore in and around this paradise, if you’re itching to go now, read on. This article lists the best day trips from Brisbane, Australia!

1. Australia Zoo, Beerwah (from USD 93.19)

day trips in brisbane | australia zoo, beerwah

For more Brisbane’s wildlife escapade, the world-famous Australia Zoo welcomes you! Joining this six-hour tour, you and your family will have a great time until the end, from getting up close to some most awesome creatures on the planet to experiencing wildlife in action by watching Crocoseum Show and more. Don’t forget to bring your camera and capture the moments of fun and adventure.

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Brisbane: Australia Zoo Full-Day Tour

Duration: 9 hour

16 reviews

2. North Stradbroke Island


Everything is here at North Stradbroke Island, which is located 30 km (18.64 mi) southeast of Brisbane. This little paradise is known for its beautiful beaches, national parks, native plants and animals, freshwater lakes, clubs, galleries, cafes, culinary scene, and arts and sporting events - see, I told you everything is here. This place is a must go for those who love to surf, as the waves are really applicable for surfing.

North Stradbroke Island

Address: Moreton Bay, Queensland 4183, Australia

Website: North Stradbroke Island

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3. Bribie Island

day trips in brisbane | bribie island
Source: instagram

The northern part of Moreton Bay is really worth a visit, thanks to Bribie Island, which is encircled by natural beauty, from wonderful beaches to tranquil national parks and the awesome Pumicestone Passage. Every day is a celebration of life in this piece of paradise, from great restaurants to shopping areas to and vibrant bars and galleries, plus you’ll get the opportunity to witness spectacular birdlife when you take this day tour from Brisbane.

Bribie Island

Address: 5 Benabrow Ave Bellara, Queensland, Australia

Website: Bribie Island

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4. Surfers Paradise (from USD 110.0)

Experience a whale-watching cruise on the Pacific by joining this day trip to Surfers Paradise. Your eyes will twinkle as you journey through the Nerang River canals, where you can spot the rich marine life, and of course, get excited to see the humpback whales, playing during their yearly pilgrimage to the coast of Australia, while eating some delicious biscuits and sipping on awesome coffee.

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Whale Watching and Surfers Paradise Day Trip from Brisbane

Duration: 8 hours 30 minutes

10 reviews

5. Montville and Maleny


Going to Montville and Maleny is never a regret, as they are known for their lush environs, numerous scenic spots, and panoramic views. If you are looking for a serene place to visit near Brisbane away from the hustle and bustle of city life, then Montville and Maleny must be on your list. They offer plenty of natural wonders like Maleny Botanic Gardens and Bird World, Gardners Falls, and Kondalilla National Park.

Montville and Maleny

Address: Towns in Queensland, Australia

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6. Lamington National Park


Sure, the northern part of Queensland is worth visiting for, but, the southeast is never to be missed as well, thanks to Lamington National Park’s natural beauty and wonders, many visitors and travelers who seek a nature trip aim to go to this place. Ancient Gondwana Rainforests, Binna Burra, Green Mountains, McPherson Range, The Caves Circuit, Moran’s Falls - all of these beauties are waiting to be explored here. This is one fo the best day trips from Brisbane for families as it allows you to spend quality time with your loved ones.

Lamington National Park

Address: Queensland, Australia

Website: Lamington National Park

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7. Moreton Island (from USD 60.0)

Welcome to Moreton Island, the paradise which offers a wide range of activities, especially for those seeking extreme water adventures, from scuba diving to dolphin watching to cruising to stand-up paddle-boarding to hunting colorful fishes and snorkeling. Thanks to this incredible whole-day tour that travels from Brisbane to Tangalooma Island Resort on a luxury ferry. Indeed, this tour offers a true water adventure. Mark your calendar, call out your buddies and book now!

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Moreton Island Day Trip from Brisbane

Duration: 12 hours

8. Tamborine Mountain (from USD 98.0)

tamborine mountain
Source: www.viator.com

All you have to do is relax and enjoy this full-day tour from Brisbane which gives you the opportunity to experience nature at its best. The highlight of this tour is visiting Mount Tamborine, where glowworm caves, stunning waterfalls, and wonderful rainforests are waiting. Of course, joining this tour will let you taste Aussie food and wine in a laid-back and scenic setting.

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Waterfalls, Rainforest and Glow Worms Mt Tamborine Full Day Tour From Brisbane

9. Springbrook National Park (from USD 91.0)

Visit the famous Springbrook National Park by joining this wonderful full-day tour from Brisbane to Springbrook National Park. A great time is guaranteed here, from discovering subtropical and temperate rainforest to admiring the breathtaking lookout points and cascading waterfalls to relaxation at Purlingbrook Falls, which gives you the opportunity to enjoy the natural freshwater pools and see the foliage up close on nature walks. This is really a memorable nature break for everyone.

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Springbrook National Park Discovery Full-Day Bushwalking Tour

Duration: 10 hours

118 reviews

10. Burleigh Heads

Gold Coast Skyline viewed from Burleigh Heads National Park
Source: Photo by Flickr user Steve Austin used under CC BY-ND 2.0

Located on the Gold Coast, Burleigh Heads is about an hour and a half’s drive from Brisbane, making it an easily accessible day trip option.

The Burleigh Heads National Park is a must-visit, with its walking trails providing breathtaking views of the coastline. Visitors can also spot local wildlife, such as wallabies and bush turkeys. The Burleigh Heads Beach is also a popular spot, with its crystal-clear waters providing the perfect place to swim, sunbathe, or simply relax.

Aside from its natural attractions, Burleigh Heads also has a vibrant culture and art scene. The James Street Precinct is a trendy area, boasting an array of cafes, restaurants, boutiques and shops. Visitors can enjoy a leisurely lunch while taking in the ocean views, or browse the local stores for unique souvenirs. Street art lovers will also be pleased to find numerous vibrant murals scattered throughout the area.

Burleigh Heads

Website: Burleigh Heads

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11. Boonah

BoonahCommercialHotel
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Mattinbgn used under CC BY-SA 3.0

Boonah is a charming rural town located in the Scenic Rim region, and is approximately an hour’s drive from Brisbane. Visitors can explore Lake Moogerah, go hiking on the Scenic Rim Trail, visit local wineries for wine tasting (unfortunately the designated driver will have to sit out on this activity), check out the Boonah Regional Art Gallery, or take a scenic drive to Maroon Dam or Mt. French. Boonah also has historic buildings and local markets for visitors to explore.

Boonah

Website: Boonah

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12. Noosa Heads

Noosa Heads
Source: Photo by Flickr user dronepicr used under CC BY 2.0

The Noosa region is the capital of everything, from stunning beaches to biking to boats to birds to baristas to biospheres and boutiques - all are waiting for you in this piece of paradise. Besides the amazing beaches, visitors from all over the world are attracted because it is abundant in natural beauty, plus the cosmopolitan lifestyle and lively calendar of events are also available here, which means there is no shortage of fun in Noosa. It’s now time to fulfill your Brisbane vacation in Noosa Heads.

Noosa Heads

Address: 61 Hastings Street Noosa Heads, Queensland

Website: Noosa Heads

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Brisbane is the heart of everything

Blessed with natural beauty, Brisbane will always amaze you! Pristine and beautiful beaches, wildlife, waterfalls, parks, kangaroos, whales, surfing, food scene, and more water activities - Ah, almost everything fun is already in Brisbane. From night to day, Brisbane has plenty of adventures for everyone. Yes, in Brisbane, you can do a lot of things because this piece of paradise is the heart of everything.

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Frequently asked questions about day trips from Brisbane, Australia


  • What are the best day trips from Brisbane for families?

    Families looking for a fun getaway experience can explore the many natural wonders of Lamington National Park, including the Ancient Gondwana Rainforests, Green Mountains, and The Caves Circuit. A full-day tour in Australia Zoo also provides interactive experiences with wildlife that can be enjoyed by travelers of all ages.

  • What are the best day trips from Brisbane with dogs?

    The Burleigh Heads Beach welcomes on-leash dogs. Furry friends are also allowed on both the water taxi and vehicle ferry when you travel to North Stradbroke Island. If you want to visit an off-leash dog beach, off-leash dog parks, and dog-friendly cafes, then Bribie Island is the place to be.

Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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Nina aspires to live life to its fullest and yearns to journey abroad with her loved ones. She believes in her inherent artistic nature and embraces the motto that "God is good all the time" as her...Read more

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