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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

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