SITE PARTNER:  

10 Best Brisbane Day Trips

Updated: Apr 18, 2026

Looking for a quick, easy and cheap escape from Brisbane this weekend? How about a good old fashioned Sunday drive combined with a walk? Then check out 10 of the best bush, bay and island day trips all within an hour of the city:

Samford

Samford pioneer hut

Less than a half hour from Brisbane CBD, this picturesque country style town in a beautiful valley has great cafes, a Saturday market, fascinating museum, historic pub, rail trails and a top tapas bar...more

Springbrook National Park

springbrook-best-of-all-lookout-antarctic-beech-trees

One of the most spectacular day trips to be had in south east Queensland takes in a natural wonderland of beautiful waterfalls, dramatic escarpments, ancient forests and cute cafes...more

Redcliffe

The seaside peninsula that was once home to the Bee Gees has plenty to fill a day – pelican-feeding, jetties, seafront promenades, a shipwreck, quaint cafes and Bee Gees Way...more

Sandgate

Brisbane’s 19th century seaside village still retains a lot of its historic charm, including its town centre. Take a promenade along the seafront to the jetty and dine at one of its funky little cafes...more

Dayboro-Mt Mee

A winding drive passes through hills with jaw-dropping views and cafes perched atop cliffs, with a stop on the way to explore the gorgeous country town of Dayboro and an optional rainforest walk...more

Cleveland

This charming bayside village is awash with history, with a splendid heritage trail to follow, Queensland’s first pub, a 19th century lighthouse, and an old courthouse-turned restaurant...more

Mt Glorious

Winter is a great time to visit Mt Glorious – rug up and enjoy a picnic with a stunning view, take in giant figs, trek through beautiful rainforest and stop for refreshments at cosy chalet style cafes...more

Wynnum

One of Brisbane’s most scenic waterfront walks is from the Wynnum mangroves to Manly Harbour and return, stopping for fish’n’chips in one of the parks, combined with some op shopping in town...more

Tamborine Mountain

There’s plenty to fill a day in beautiful Mt Tamborine – rainforest walks, arts and crafts shopping, tea and cake in cosy cafes, a treetop jaunt on the Skywalk, and a lunch with views...more

Coochie Mudlo Island

Only a 10 minute ferry ride from Victoria Point, Coochie Mudlo is a world away from Brisbane. Take a walk around the island and drop by the kiosk (the island’s only eatery) for a hearty breakfast or lunch...more

Top Things To Do In Brisbane This Week

A Gold Coast escape is calling at Paradise Resort
Brisbane’s annual lantern-lit moonlight walk to fight MS
Ladbrokes Spring Racing Carnival 2026 is bringing colour, fashion and plenty of trackside fun from 10 Oct to 14 Nov
The Plantapalooza plant festival returns to the Saturday Fresh Market
Brisbane Celtic Festival is a lively celebration of Celtic culture,
Experience the most beloved animated movie soundtracks
Horror Movie Campout is a full-on immersive overnight horror camping experience
Discover this northside art trail over two art-filled weekends
The 2026 Let’s Go Explore Caravan and RV Expo is rolling back into Brisbane
EDITOR'S PICK

Botanic By Night: NightGlow

A spectacular after-dark experience has transformed Brisbane's Botanic Gardens into an illuminated wonderland of native wildlife
Botanic By Night: NightGlow
MUST DO

The Book of Mormon

Brisbane, the Mormons are back! The Tony®, Olivier® and Grammy® Award-winning The Book of Mormon is now playing at QPAC
The Book of Mormon
THIS WEEKEND

Top Things to Do Oct 2-4

A massive Jim Henson exhibition, Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers, Anastasia The Musical, a lantern-lit trail and endless school holiday fun! Here are the top things to do in Brisbane and beyond this weekend:
This Weekend Oct 2-4
COMING UP

What's on in November in & around Brisbane

From Spring Carnival racing and Melbourne Cup events to Supanova Comic-Con, blockbuster theatre, world-first exhibitions and adults-only arts and crafts parties, what's on in November
What's On in November 2026
THE GUIDE

September School Holiday Guide

Spring into the September school holidays with these fantastic activities, shows and events in and around Brisbane
September School Holidays 2026
MUSIC

Art of the Score: The Music of Joe Hisaishi

Experience Joe Hisaishi’s iconic Studio Ghibli music live with Queensland Symphony Orchestra in Brisbane
Art of the Score: The Music of Joe Hisaishi
BEST OF BRISBANE

50+ Best Restaurants in Brisbane

Looking for the best restaurants in Brisbane? Then check out this guide for the must-do dining experiences from the city to the suburbs
Best Restaurants in Brisbane
Best Of Brisbane

Brisbane's Best 50 Bars

Whether you're after breezy drinks by the river, a stiff whiskey in an underground bar, a cosy laneway hideaway or a rooftop with views, here's 50 of Brisbane's best bars
Best Bars in Brisbane
A brand-new Nutcracker is coming to Brisbane
CONTENT RESUMES ON SCROLL
ADVERTISEMENT