Brisbane Day Trips You’ll Absolutely Love
“Where can I go within 2 hours in Brisbane?” If explorations beyond the city limits are on your bucket list for your upcoming trip, you’re in luck, because day trips from Brisbane are in abundance.
One of the most relaxing and sun-soaked coastal cities in Australia, Brisbane is quite literally surrounded by beaches, hinterland, islands and theme parks—and plenty of the most iconic day trip destinations are less than 2 hours away.
We’ve compiled a guide to the best day trips from Brisbane to fill your holiday schedule and point you towards the best that South East Queensland has to offer.
Head North to the Sunshine Coast for Mountains, Beaches & Zoo Fun
The Glass House Mountains
Credit: Visit Sunshine Coast
Just an hour’s drive north of Brisbane, the Glass House Mountains are a stunning cluster of ancient volcanic peaks that rise dramatically out of the landscape. It’s a top pick if you’re craving fresh air and a bit of adventure without having to drive too far.
There are walks and hikes for every fitness level, from easy strolls like the Glass House Mountains Lookout track, which rewards you with panoramic views, to more challenging climbs up Mount Ngungun.
If you’re into photography, the views at sunrise or sunset are unbeatable, as are the panoramic views from the Glass House Mountains Lookout. Pack a picnic and stop by one of the scenic rest areas, or visit a local café in the nearby hinterland towns of Beerburrum and Glass House Mountains Village for fresh produce and homemade treats.
Can you visit the Glasshouse Mountains in one day?
Absolutely. Most visitors make it a relaxed day trip, enjoying a walk, a leisurely lunch, and perhaps some time browsing local art galleries or farm gates. It's an absolutely gorgeous way to spend a day of your trip to Brisbane.
Sunshine Coast Beaches, from Caloundra to Noosa
Head north from Brisbane and you’ll hit the Sunshine Coast, home to some of Queensland’s most loved coastal towns and stunning beaches.
- Altitude Dining Experience: Enjoy a 3-course lunch or dinner paired with complimentary Skydeck entry and a VR tour—perfect for sampling Melbourne from above in just 90 minutes.
- Sky High Romance: Create an unforgettable moment with a private experience designed for proposals, anniversaries, or simply treating someone special.
- Voyager® Theatre: Settle into 6-D pod chairs for an immersive ride through 16 iconic Melbourne sights, blending thrill and discovery in a one-of-a-kind way.
Australia Zoo: An Aussie Icon
Credit: Australia Zoo
If you’re visiting Brisbane, you can’t go past a day trip to the legendary Australia Zoo. Just an hour north of Brisbane, this iconic attraction founded by the legend himself, Steve Irwin, is home to crocodiles, koalas, tigers, giraffes, and so many different kinds of native Aussie animals.
Watch wildlife shows (the world-famous Crocoseum crocodile display, often hosted by Robert Irwin, is an absolute must), feed kangaroos, or even book an encounter with a cheetah or rhino. It’s a brilliant day out for both kids and adults.
What’s the easiest way to get to Australia Zoo?
Driving is best. It takes just over an hour via the Bruce Highway, with clear signage all the way. If you’re without a car, you can take the train from Roma Street Station (under a 10-minute walk from Hotel Grand Chancellor Brisbane) to Landsborough Station, and then transfer to a bus or taxi for a short trip to the zoo.
Head South to the Gold Coast for Beaches, Theme Parks & Hinterland Hikes
Gold Coast Beaches, from Surfers to Burleigh
Sometimes you just want a classic beach day, and the Gold Coast delivers in spades (pun intended!). Less than an hour from Brisbane, you’ll find miles of golden sand, rolling waves, and bustling beachfront esplanades—all the most spectacularly stunning hotspots that have made this pocket of the world so famously sought-after.
Each spot has its own personality and reasons to visit:
- Main Beach is perfect for a swim and stylish brunch, and puts you in close proximity to family-friendly attractions like Sea World.
- Surfers Paradise is a totally unique blend of glitz, glam and chilled-out Aussie beach culture. Alongside fabulous nightlife venues like The Pink Flamingo and Dracula's, Surfers is also home to crowd-pleasing kid attractions like Infinity.
- Palm Beach and Mermaid Beach are very laid-back, ideal for sunbathing and long walks. Both offer a few less crowds than the more central GC beaches.
- Broadbeach mixes shopping with sun, sand, and delicious eateries. You'll also find the iconic Pacific Fair shopping centre here, the largest luxury shopping centre on the Gold Coast.
- Burleigh Heads is an upscale area bursting with luxury boutique shops, award-winning restaurants, stunning nature walks and lookouts (Burleigh Hill is perfect for a picnic), and a thriving surf culture.
If you're looking for weekend trips from Brisbane, we recommend a Gold Coast beach hop. Start at Main Beach, stop by Surfers, and weave your way through the smaller beaches until you arrive at Broadbeach and Burleigh.
Gold Coast Theme Parks
Credit: Dreamworld
Around an hour's drive from Brisbane city, you’ll find Australia’s biggest collection of theme parks that will thrill kids big and small. Dreamworld, Movie World, Wet’n’Wild and Sea World are the biggest contenders, with a few other parks like WhiteWater World (which opens seasonally from September to April) and the incredible Australian Outback Spectacular mixed in.
- Dreamworld is officially Australia’s biggest theme park, with looping roller coasters, wildlife encounters, family rides, and DreamWorks-themed attractions. Thrill-seekers will love the infamous Giant Drop, while smaller children can enjoy the Big Red Planes and Bananas in Pyjamas Carousel and Fun Maze.
- Movie World is exactly what it sounds like: a Hollywood-style park featuring the biggest and most legendary cinema characters through various mini worlds. The park is packed with superhero shows, big stunt performances, themed rides and character meet-and-greets.
- Wet’n’Wild is perfect for summer months. This water lover’s paradise features giant slides, wave pools, lazy rivers and splash zones for all ages. The River Rapids and The Black Hole are among the most popular rides for those who love a thrill in the water.
- Sea World Gold Coast combines marine life shows and animal exhibits with rides and family attractions. It truly ticks every box, with wild rides like the Leviathan for thrill-seekers, plus immersive tunnel walks for younger kids and those after a more relaxed, yet just as amazing, experience. You'll enjoy dolphin, seal and penguin encounters, which take place multiple times a day.
If you’re travelling with kids (or if you're a big kid yourself), these parks easily turn a day trip from Brisbane into a memorable day full of excitement. To save time, many visitors buy multi-park passes and plan return visits over several weekends.
Mount Tamborine
Just over an hour south of Brisbane, Mount Tamborine is a little slice of mountain village life surrounded by lush tropical rainforest. It’s famous for its tranquil walking trails, including the easy Curtis Falls track, which winds through eucalypt forest to a lovely waterfall.
Don’t miss the Tamborine Rainforest Skywalk, an elevated walkway that lets you explore the canopy from above. Afterwards, browse the boutique shops and artisan studios along Gallery Walk, or pop into a cellar door to sample local wine and fudge. If you’re after a slower pace and plenty of charm, Tamborine is hard to beat.
Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary
Alternatively, head an hour south to the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary on the Gold Coast. This heritage-listed park has been delighting families for decades with its tree-lined paths, daily lorikeet feeding sessions, and fascinating displays of Australia’s native animals. It’s a wonderful way to get up close with everything from kangaroos to crocodiles.
Escape to the Islands for Snorkelling, Dolphins & Scenic Walks
Moreton Island
Credit: Queensland.com
If your idea of a perfect escape involves turquoise water and white sand, Moreton Island is a must. A scenic ferry ride from Brisbane, it’s home to the famous Tangalooma Wrecks, a series of sunken ships now teeming with colourful fish and marine life. Snorkelling here is like swimming in a natural aquarium.
Moreton Island is also one of the few places in the world where you can hand-feed wild dolphins at the shore. Whether you try sand tobogganing down massive dunes, hire a quad bike, or simply chill on the beach, it’s the kind of island adventure that feels a world away from the city.
How long is the ferry to Moreton Island?
The ferry from Brisbane to Moreton Island takes about 90 minutes, with options to drive on-board if you’re taking the hire car. The ferry departs from the Port of Brisbane, which is around a 30-minute drive from Hotel Grand Chancellor Brisbane.
North Stradbroke Island
Is North Stradbroke Island worth visiting? Absolutely. It’s one of Brisbane locals’ top picks for a quick island escape and is a beach lover’s dream. There are wide sandy stretches, dolphins playing in the surf (if you’re lucky enough to spot them), and spectacular coastal walks.
Highlights include the North Gorge Walk at Point Lookout, where you might spot turtles and manta rays, plus relaxed cafés and gelato spots dotted around the island. If you’re after a day trip that’s all about slowing down and soaking up the sea breeze, Straddie’s the place.
How do you get to North Stradbroke Island?
The ferry from Toondah Harbour in Cleveland takes 45-50 minutes. It’s an easy trip, but best booked ahead, especially during holidays. To get to the Cleveland ferry terminal from Hotel Grand Chancellor Brisbane, you can drive via hire car, taxi or ride share (50 minutes), or catch the train from Roma Street to Cleveland Station (1-hour train trip plus short walks).
Bribie Island
Just over an hour from Brisbane, Bribie Island is a breeze to reach if you’re hiring a car—no ferry needed thanks to the handy bridge connection. It’s the perfect spot for a laid-back day trip, with calm beaches at Bongaree ideal for swimming and fishing, surfing at Woorim Beach, and loads of coastal walks.
Nature lovers can explore Bribie Island National Park by 4WD, paddle the wildlife-rich Pumicestone Passage, or visit the local museum and butterfly house.
How far away is Bribie Island from Brisbane?
Bribie is a little further north than the other islands, so you might want to get up early in the morning for a day trip to Bribie. It takes about 2-2.5 hours via car, or 1.5 hours via public transport (though this includes transport changeovers and doesn’t include walking to and from stations).
Hotel Grand Chancellor Brisbane is Your Day Trip Home Base
Whether you’re chasing waterfalls, wildlife encounters, island adventures or simply a lazy beach afternoon, there are endless day trips from Brisbane to suit your style. And if you decide to stretch it into a longer escape, many of these spots make for ideal weekend trips from Brisbane, too.
Get the best of all worlds (beach, hinterland, island and city) by staying at Hotel Grand Chancellor Brisbane as your home base. We're centrally located and close to both Roma Street Station and Central Station, which offer train and bus lines in all directions throughout Brisbane.