You don’t have to travel far from Brisbane to swap the city skyline for mountains surrounded by hinterland or to get your dose of beach relaxation. Less time spent in the car, means more time on holiday! (That’s also less time listening to the kids’ favourite songs on repeat and the chant of these four words: are we there yet?)
Here’s our pick of some of the top getaways less than three hours’ drive from Brissy.
1. Mt Tamborine
Tucked away behind the golden beaches in the Gold Coast hinterland you’ll find Mt Tamborine, only an hour’s drive from Brisbane. From rainforest walks past waterfalls and adventure activities, to vineyards and cellar doors, it ticks the box for a family getaway or a holiday for two.
Whether you’re a big kid at heart or the kids like a sense of adventure, make your way to Mt Tamborine’s adventure playground Thunderbird Park. Here you can fly through the treetop canopy on a zip line, go horse riding, team-up and play mini golf or have a game of laser skirmish.
For lunch, stock up on goodies from the cafes, fudge shops and the cheese factory at the end of the walk, then make your way to the Botanic Gardens. The region is also home to boutique vineyards including the Mount Tamborine Winery, Mason Wines and Witches Falls Winery. If you prefer a good beer, the Fortitude Brewing Co. is based in Mount Tamborine and offers a top notch tasting panel with some of their favourite beers.
Finish the day at Robert Sowter Park. The view as the sun goes down is worth the trip alone.
2. Montville
Only one and half hours’ drive from Brisbane is this quaint town in the Sunshine Coat hinterlands. Montville is a cool and relaxing getaway hidden in the clouds of the Blackall Range. The laidback, quiet town makes for a relaxing getaway from the crowds of the city.
The mountain village centres on the main street with plenty of art galleries, coffee shops and restaurants to explore and satisfy your appetite. For a picnic spot with a view across the rainforest valley and scenic walking trails, head to Kondalilla National Park. It’s also an easy walk to the Kondalilla Falls, perfect for a cool dip on a hot spring or summer’s day.
3. Bribie Island
Pack for a beach getaway and drive one and a half hours north of Brisbane, crossing over the bridge to arrive at Bribie Island. This is the only Moreton Bay Island that you can drive to which makes it a super convenient (and cheap) island getaway.
Bribie has all your water sport options covered including stand up paddle boarding, windsurfing, snorkelling, diving and jetskiing. It’s also a great spot for fish and chips – a coastal holiday must!
4. Burleigh Heads
A favourite with surfers and families, Burleigh Heads is just over an hour’s drive from Brisbane. It has the best of both worlds: great surf and also beaches with calm waters. For a relaxed paddle, head to Echo Beach on the edge of Tallebudgera Creek. To jump the waves or take the kids boogie boarding, head to Burleigh heads.
The local Surf Life Saving Club, right on the beach is the best spot to have lunch with a view over the breakers. In between lunch and swimming, take a walk around John Laws Park and the headland to take in the spectacular views across the Gold Coast.
5. Glasshouse Mountains
For travellers that enjoy mountain walks and the outdoors, add the Glasshouse Mountains in the Sunshine Coast hinterland to your getaway list. An hour’s drive from Brisbane will find you surrounded by eleven hills with walks for all fitness levels, from the eager hikers to a stroll with the kids.
For a great view across the Glass House Mountains, trek to the top of Mount Ngungun (it will take you about two hours return). Pack lunch, for a bite to eat once you’re at the top of the mountain. If you prefer to stay on flatter ground, drive through the national park and stop off at the Glass House Mountains Lookout track, a 800m return walk. And if you’re looking to stay in the area longer than just a day trip, book a hotel for the night on the Sunny Coast.
Inspired? Get booking!
