BRISBANE ATTRACTIONS
POPULAR DESTINATIONS IN BRISBANE
Festivals and Events
Galleries
Museums
Parks and Gardens
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Views of the River
WILDLIFE ENCOUNTERS
BRISBANE DAYTRIP
2 hours from Brisbone CBD
The quickest way to get to the northern end of the Sunshine Coast if you’ve only got one day is via Beach Highway between Rainbow Beach and Noosa, a glorious 70-kilometre drive along the beach-yes you read that right, the beach is actually a designated road. The catch is you’ll need a 4WD and to time your trip for low tide, but there are plenty of tours available if you don’t fancy getting behind the wheel yourself. As far as great ocean roads go, it’s hard to beat.
1 hour from Brisbane CBD
You don’t have to go very far out of the CBD to get into the bush – the mountainous hinterland north-west of the city is a largely untouched swathe of bushland and rainforest. Take a lovely long drive to explore this beautiful area. From Brisbane, head out of town via The Gap to Mount Nebo and Mount Glorious. Continue driving north-west along the Northbrook Parkway and through quiet country towns like Kilcoy and Woodford. Loop back to the capital along Route 58 and through the Samford Valley. Cool off in one of many swimming holes, trek to waterfalls and soak in the views from hilltop cafes or lakeside picnic areas.
1.5 hours from Brisbane CBD
Linked to the mainland by a bridge, Bribie Island is a fantastic offshore escape without the need to get on a ferry-Only 65 kilometres north of Brisbane. Enjoy beautiful coscenery, hire a boat and explore the Pumicestone Passa (if you’re lucky you may see dolphins, dugongs or turtle, go fishing, birdwatching or crabbing. There are t
marked bushwalking trails that crisscross the island,or you can explore it by 4WD. It’s a delightful destination year-rounde several you although wildflowers are at their most impressive in spring.
1 hour from Brisbane CBD
A combination of golden beaches and the most varied theme-park attractions in Australia make the Gold Coast one of the country’s most popular holiday playgrounds. Sixty-five kilometres south-east of Brisbane, the region’s 42-kilometre coastline stretches from Southport to Coolangatta – with most of the nonstop action found in the built-up areas around Surfers Paradise, Broadbeach, Main Beach and Southport. There’s something for everyone on the ‘Goldy’. with top-notch eateries, high-end shopping, glitzy live shows and fun-filled family adventures.
1 hour from Brisbane CBD
Explore the Gold Coast’s wilder side in the mountainous hinterland beyond the beach. The drive there is steep,
winding and narrow, but the cool air and the views from the plateau make it all worth it. Explore the villages of Mount Tamborine, Tamborine Village, North Tamborine and Eagle Heights-shoppers should head for Gallery Walk on Long Road- or lace up the walking boots and hit one of the many trails through the World Heritage-listed rainforests in Lamington, Springbrook or Tamborine national parks.
3 hours from Brisbane CBD
One of the largest sand islands in the world. Moreton Island, a 75-minute ferry ride from Brisbane, is almost entirely national park, with an astonishingly diverse range of wildlife, freshwater lakes, wetlands, forests and achingly beautiful coastline. The island is best known for the pod of wild dolphins that swims up to the sheltered waters in front of the island’s only resort each night to be handfed. During the day it’s a great place to snorkel (or dive) the 15 sunken wrecks just off the beach, nd board or quad bike the towering dunes, or explore the 420 kilometres or so of 4WD tracks.
1 hour from Brisbane CBD
Grab yourself a set of wheels and head beyond the popular tourist trail to explore the Scenic Rim, the lush ring of rainforest-clad mountains, hills and pretty valleys that arcs around the Gold Coast hinterland. Small towns such as Boonah, Killarney and Kalbar are full of classic Queensland architecture, while the larger town of Warwick has grand stone buildings, including a very impressive town hall. Must-see sights include Queen Mary Falls, the views at Spicers Gap and picnic-perfect Lake Moogerah.
1 hour from Brisbane CBD
Driving the back roads of the Sunshine Coast hinterland and winding through the very pretty Mary Valley is a great one-day roadtrip from Brisbane. It’s the verdant scenery that will steal the show, but other highlights include the late Steve Irwin’s Australia Zoo at Beerwah and the nearby Glass House Mountains – you’ll get a superb view of the rocky volcanic peaks from Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve, a patch of rainforest near the mountain-top village of Maleny. Maleny itself is crammed with art galleries, boutiques, second-hand bookshops, restaurants and cafes.