7 Must Do Queensland Country Drives

Craving wide-open spaces, rolling hills and a weekend that feels worlds away from the city? That holiday feeling is just a Queensland Country drive away. Within a few hours of Brisbane, you’ll find scenic lookouts, boutique wineries and country towns as quirky as they are charming. Here’s our list of must-do Queensland Country drives, starting right in Brisbane’s backyard.

From the rugged gorges of Carnarvon to the sparkling Sapphire Gemfields, there’s nothing like hitting the road in this hidden gem of Queensland Country. Drive Queensland’s Great Inland Way, and stop in at Queensland Central Highlands for starry skies and unforgettable sunsets.

Two hours from Brisbane, fresh mountain air, heritage streets and lush gardens await. Wander art-filled laneways, sip sensational coffees in cafes, and hit the boutique brewery scene for local craft brews and laid-back vibes. Don’t miss sweeping views from Picnic Point for that perfect Toowoomba insta-moment.

Cellar doors, orchards and granite landscapes make this region perfect for hiking, sipping local wines and enjoying farm-to-table delights. Just three hours from Brisbane, the vineyards and vistas of the Southern Downs and Granite Belt make for the perfect blend of holiday and road trip. 

Just one hour from Brisbane, Australia’s cycling mecca (and the country’s longest recreational rail trail), the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail awaits. Cycle, hike and then take a splash at Lakes Somerset or Wivenhoe while unwinding in nature’s finest.

Rolling hills, local markets and country cafes that give paddock to plate perfection, make for a scenic, leisurely Lockyer Valley drive. Less than two hours from Brisbane, it’s a taste of country life that fills hearts and tummies alike. 

Formed 30 million years ago, the Bunya Mountains are a timeless piece of Queensland’s geological history. Explore Queensland’s wild side, step back in time to experience rich regional heritage and enjoy hearty country pubs. Just three hours from Brisbane, the Western Downs is a place of big skies, bold adventures and true country hospitality.

Learn stories of the land, take riverfront walks and discover larger than life art installations that are dotted throughout this enchanting region. Just four hours drive from Brisbane, a Goondiwindi getaway gets you back to nature and nurtures the soul. 

With escapes like these, right on Brisbane’s doorstep, it’s easy to see why we all need a little country drive. Thanks to Queensland Country Tourism’s “We All Need a Little Country Drive” Giveaway, one lucky winner will enjoy five days behind the wheel of a luxury vehicle and the chance to choose one of three incredible Queensland Country getaways valued at more than $5000 each. Enter for your chance to win here.

Queensland Country Tourism is a valued partner of Must Do Brisbane.com