Day Trips in Brisbane

If you’re based in Brisbane and itching to get out for the day, you’re in luck. The city sits right on the edge of some brilliant spots that don’t demand an early alarm or a long drive. Take a slow wander through Mt Coot-tha’s walking trails, then grab a coffee at the cafe overlooking the city – not many tourists tap into this. Or how about cruising down the Brisbane River itself? You can hop on a CityCat and relax as the skyline drifts past, then dock near New Farm Park for a picnic.

Fancy a change of scenery? Jump in your car and head 90 minutes north to the Sunshine Coast hinterland. The little town of Maleny is a breath of fresh air. You can poke around local galleries, sample homemade jams at the farmers’ market, or just sit with a book in the gardens at Flaxton Gardens. Just a heads up, weekends get busy there, so if you prefer quiet, try a weekday.

And don’t underestimate the south side: the Gold Coast’s natural side with its national parks like Springbrook is just over an hour away. You can easily catch a waterfall or two and be back home by dinner. My tip? Pack lunch and water because some of the best spots don’t have anything open nearby. Brisbane locals have it good with these quick escapes – it's about knowing where to go and when.