Brisbane is a great city, but one of the best things about it is how many amazing places sit just a short drive or ferry ride away. If you’ve got a free day and feel like getting out of the city for a while, there are plenty of options. From beautiful islands and wildlife parks to rainforest walks and wine tasting, here are some popular day trips from Brisbane worth adding to your list.
Moreton Bay
Moreton Bay is one of the easiest escapes from Brisbane. It’s right next to the city and is a paradise of calm water, sandy beaches, reefs and plenty of outdoor activities. Locals usually visit for boating, kayaking and fishing while visitors often opt for Moreton Bay sailing, dolphin watching, snorkelling and beach hopping!
You can book one of the guided Moreton Bay cruises from Brisbane for a seamless experience. Guided tours usually include a few activities with equipment provided so you don’t have to go through the hassle of hiring them separately. This is a great day trip if you love the ocean but don’t want to travel too far. The water is pristine blue and the scenery will make you forget that you were in the city a few hours ago!
Australia Zoo
About an hour north from Brisbane is the Australia Zoo – one of the most famous zoos in the country if not the world! Created by the Irwin family, this zoo is the epitome of wildlife conservation and rehabilitation.
Made famous by the late Steve Irwin, also known as the “Crocodile Hunter”, the zoo is home to hundreds of animals from Australia. One of the highlights is the live wildlife shows. The crocodile feeding demonstrations are especially popular and give you a close look at how powerful these animals really are. The zoo is large so it is best to keep most of the day aside to explore.
North Stradbroke Island
Often called “Straddie” by the locals, North Stradbroke Island is a favourite getaway for Brisbane residents. It’s accessible by ferry and only an hour away from the city. The island is known for its beautiful beaches and wildlife. You are very likely to spot dolphins, turtles, manta rays and whales (during the migration season).
Few spots to visit on the island are Point Lookout and Horseshoe Bay for those iconic sweeping views of the ocean. The beaches are also perfect for swimming and surfing. If you want a day that feels like a mini holiday, Stradbroke Island is hard to beat.
Sirromet Winery
If you’d prefer a slower and quieter day trip, Sirromet Winery is a great option. It’s located about 30 minutes from Brisbane, amongst rolling hills and vineyards. Join the wine tasting session where you’ll get to sample different wines produced at the estate. The staff usually explain the flavours, the grapes used and how the wine is made.
There’s also a restaurant on site, so many people combine the wine tasting with a long lunch overlooking the vineyard. It’s a peaceful break from the busy city.
Lamington National Park
For nature lovers, Lamington National Park is one of the best day trips from Brisbane. It’s about a two-hour drive and honestly worth it because the national park is famous for its ancient rainforest, waterfalls and walking tracks. The park is also part of a World Heritage area and is home to hundreds of bird species and remote forest areas.
There are many walking trails, from short scenic walks to longer hikes. Most of the tracks cross through popular areas like O’Reilly and Binna Burra where you get the best view of the national park and food or coffee. Along the trail, you’ll cross suspension bridges, often spot colourful birds and hear the sounds of waterfalls all around you!
One of the best things about visiting Brisbane is how easy it is to escape the city and explore the surrounding region. Within just a couple of hours, you can find beaches, islands, wildlife parks, vineyards, and ancient rainforest.
Whether you want adventure, nature, or a relaxing day out, these day trips give you a chance to see another side of Queensland. So if you have an extra day in Brisbane, consider heading out of the city and exploring what’s nearby.