7 Amazing Day Trips from Brisbane

Want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and explore some of what the beautiful South East Queensland has to offer?  Go adventuring through these destinations then return home in time for tea.

Samford and Mt Glorious

Just 45 minutes from Brisbane’s centre is the charming area of Samford which is home to a nest of goodies. Mt Nebo is a small township that sits in the mountain amongst the forest at 550m.  The whole area is full of village vibes and heritage buildings which you can learn more about at the Samford Museum.

History makes you hungry?  Across the road in an old converted church, the Flying Nun Café serves the goods to get you through the day – our favourites are the tempura zucchini flowers on the breakfast menu!  If nature is more your thing, venture to the aptly named Mt Glorious and walk amongst the rainforest to Green’s Falls which is just a 4.3km round trip and you’ll be able to take in beautiful countryside views and the crisp breeze of the mountains.

Moreton Island

How lucky we are to live in a city where day tripping to a national park island is a thing!  If you’re yet to visit Brisbane’s dazzling, crystal clear beaches of Moreton Island, stop what you’re doing right now and put it on the top of your to-do list.  Here’s why: this amazing hideaway only 40km from Brisbane is home to some of the South East region’s best four wheel driving, sandboarding and snorkelling.

There are guided 4WD tours and day trip packages including sandboarding gear, or you can go your own way.  You can take a glass-bottom kayak around the coral reef, or braver souls will want to plunge in deep among the 15 – that’s right, 15 – shipwrecks just offshore for some snorkelling where tropical fish and turtles abound.  Camping and whale watching are also on the Moreton Island menu so jump on ferry at the Port of Brisbane and 75 minutes later you will be in island bliss.

Eumundi Markets

For any Brisbane local, a day trip to the Eumundi Markets is a rite of passage.  If you are yet to visit this artisan paradise fear not, we have your complete guide to doing it right.

Set amongst ancient fig trees, Eumundi is a small town of the Sunshine Coast hinterland, 118kms from Brisbane.  Local farmers and artists have been selling their wares at the Eumundi markets since 1979, and the quality of fresh produce has made Eumundi a destination for tourists and locals ever since.

To satisfy your caffeine cravings, head to the Green Iguana Coffee Lounge.  Try the Pocahontas coffee with chai and coconut milk.  For authentic street food head to Claude’s for the best bahn mi outside of Ho Chi Minh City, but be sure to leave room for dessert.  Raw and Co Smoothie Bar dishes out all organic, all locally sourced ingredients for nourishing smoothies and acai bowls. Grab a smoothie to accompany you as you ramble through the marketplace.

For inspired gifts and handmade homewares check out Spun Mud for funky ceramics by artist Bec Lindemann and stop by Smart Pet Treats to pick up some all natural goods for you furry friend.  The markets are held in the centre of town on Wednesdays 8am – 1.30pm and Saturdays 7am – 2pm.

Springbrook National Park

Covering over 6500 hectares, Springbrook National Park is a stunning place to explore and it’s only about an hour south of Brisbane!  Split into four main sections, the plateau, Mount Cougal to the south east and Natural Bridge (which is stunning by the way) and Numinbah to the west, there is plenty to see in Springbrook for the nature-lover.

I’m a sucker for a good waterfall swim and Twin Falls does not disappoint. The moderate 4km walking track through palms and tree ferns to get there is definitely worth it and if you’re visiting after a big downpour you’re in for a treat!  Pack a picnic and stop at the Canyon lookout for scenic lush views and a heard earned lunch.

Lamington National Park

Sometimes the little voice inside you commands you to head off with a thoughtfully packed picnic basket and enjoy a bottle of wine by a peaceful creek.  If you’ve heard this little voice lately, maybe it’s time you visited the World Heritage listed (and deliciously named) Lamington National Park.

In the Green Mountain section of the park you’ll find Moran’s Falls, an easy stroll through native bush to a welcoming swimmable oasis at the foot of the 80m falls. Fifty minutes to the north is the West Canungra Creek circuit, where you may settle in for a lazy afternoon after wine tasting at O’Reilly’s Canungra Valley cellar door (tasting in the cellar door is available 10am – 4pm daily).  Here picnic baskets are available, or stay and dine in the Vintage Restaurant, which is open for lunch of Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.

Noosa National Park

The famous tourist town of Noosa is not all lattes and long boarders; this bustling town boasts one of the best national parks in our southern corner.  Noosa is 125kms from Brisbane, just the perfect distance for an impromptu day trip, and not too long keeping the kids cooped up in the car.  Noosa National Park overlooks the rugged coastline of Noosa Heads, stretching around from Main Beach to Sunshine beach on the southern side.  15kms of walking trails span the picturesque National Park.

Start your adventure at the Day Use Area where you can choose from 5 different trails, ranging from easy to difficult.  The Coastal Walk is 10.8kms and looks out over some of Queensland’s best surf breaks.  Keep your eyes peeled as you walk further down the shaded path and you will be sure to spot dolphins, manta rays and whales (in season) frolicking in the water

On your return you can take in a well deserved rest in the shade of the picnic area, or re-enter society and journey down Hastings Street for a bite to eat. Local spot Café Le Monde is not to be missed – their spanner crab omelette is the perfect way to complete coastal day trip.

Mt Warning

Once you’ve been bitten by the hike bite, you’ll never be satisfied to wander the flatlands again.  If you’ve dabbled in hiking and love the rush of fresh air, sense of achievement and breathtaking views that the wilderness offers at these altitudes.  If you’re ready to take your hiking to the next level, prepare yourself for glory on the 8.8km, five-hour return Summit Track walk at Mt Warning.

Expect serious panoramic views stretching from the Gold Coast to Byron Bay, and a range of different wildlife including birds, bandicoots and even carpet pythons.  Early risers will be rewarded with a splendid sunrise.  Make sure you bring plenty of water!

For the not-so serious hikers or those with children in tow, the Lyrebird Track takes you on a brief wander through lush tropical rainforest not too far from the Korrumbyn Creek Picnic Area.  So next time you want to tell someone to take a hike, you know exactly where to send them.

It’s all too easy to stay in our city comforts week in, week out.  But when you need to reset in some different surroundings, jump in the car and take one of these day trips for a rewarding escape.  Nature and adventure lie just beyond our doorstep.

Image: visitbrisbane.com.au