Brisbane is a great starting point for epic road trips to explore the most scenic landscapes and coastal gems in Queensland and East Australia! 

Whether you’re looking for a quick escape from the city for a day, a weekend getaway, or even longer trips to coastal towns and hinterlands, there’s something here for you! 

So pack your bags, grab some snacks, put on your seatbelts, and turn up the radio with your road trip playlist as we give you our ultimate road trip guide in Brisbane! 

Things To Know 

If you’re a local or a tourist planning a Brisbane country road trip for the first time, you should check out some essential things to know before you go! 

Familiarize Yourself with Traffic Laws

Before getting behind the wheel, take note that Australia uses left-hand traffic laws on the road, which means that they drive on the left and the steering wheel is on the right. 

So make sure to familiarize yourself with driving its roads as well as its traffic laws before your trip! 

For instance, speed limits are in kilometers per hour wherein the limit is 40 – 60 km/h in urban areas and 80 – 110 km/h in country roads and highways. 

Best Time to Go on a Road Trip

Australia generally has great weather all-year round. But if you’re curious about the best time to go on a roadtrip in Queensland, we recommend going during autumn from March to May as it’s not too hot nor too chilly, or the dry seasons from May to October. 

Always remember to check the weather, too, before you go so you know what to expect and always pack a raincoat and umbrella in case it pours! 

Plan Your Routes

It’s best to plan your routes before heading out on a trip. You’ll also know where you can stop for a toilet break or where you can fuel up along the way. 

Bring Snacks!

Of course, don’t forget the snacks! Bring enough food and drink for the duration of your trip and store them in your esky (cooler) to keep the drinks cool throughout the journey.

We also like bringing reusable bottles for every passenger as well as our own insulated cups for coffee (make sure the cups can fit your car’s cup holder for convenience). 

Book Accommodations Early

If you’re planning on staying for a couple of nights at your destination, it’s always best to book early as accommodations might fill up fast depending on the season. 

Take note of school holidays and public holidays as you can expect more people taking a vacation and more vehicles plying the roads. 

Check Your Vehicle

Make it a habit to check your vehicle before going on a road trip. Check the tires, brakes, lights, etc. – or better yet, have it serviced to make sure it’s in tip-top shape!

A reliable vehicle will surely make the journey smooth, safe, enjoyable, and hassle-free! And of course, make sure to get enough rest before your trip!

Day Trips from Brisbane (under 3 hours each way)

Need a quick breather? These destinations are less than three hours each way – just the perfect break from the bustle of the city!

Lamington and Springbrook National Parks

Website: https://parks.des.qld.gov.au/parks/springbrook

https://parks.des.qld.gov.au/parks/lamington

Location: Queensland, Australia (approx. 100 kilometers south of Brisbane)

Travel Time: Approx. 2 hours or less

Contact: 13 QGOV (13 74 68)

Are you up for some wilderness exploring, forest bathing, or a leisurely walk through Queensland’s breathtaking hinterlands? Lamington and Springbrook National Parks are the perfect destinations for you! 

These two parks are both part of the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia World Heritage Site. It’s the most extensive subtropical rainforest area in the world and is home to a diverse range of protected flora and fauna. 

The two parks are just less than 2 hours south of Brisbane and the drive there is just as breathtaking as you’ll be passing by Canungra and Tamborine Mountain. 

Pro Tip: 

• Tamborine Mountain is the halfway point of your drive to the parks. You can opt to make a stopover here as the area is worth exploring as well. 

• Canungra, a rural town in the Scenic Rim region, is about 10 km from there. You can also choose to make a stop at this charming little town where you can find a vibrant cafe culture and some boutiques. 

• Before heading to Lamington and Springbrook National Parks, check their websites for any announcements on weather forecast and trail conditions.

Noosa – Sunshine Coast

Website: https://www.visitnoosa.com.au/

Location: Sunshine Coast, QLD

Travel Time: Approx. 90 mins north of Brisbane

Contact: n/a

For those who’d like to soak up the sun, there are plenty of beaches north of Brisbane when you drive up to Sunshine Coast. 

One of our favorites is Noosa, located on the northern tip of the region. It’s that laid-back little surf town you’ve always dreamed of coming home to!

If you’re staying longer, a deeper exploration of Noosa is a must! You can discover the diverse ecosystem at the Noosa National Park which is a UNESCO Biosphere reserve. 

Within this reserve, you can explore the Noosa Everglades where you can take a kayak, an eco-cruise, or if you’re up for it, you can also swim its pristine waters! There are only two everglades in the whole world and the other one can be found in Florida. 

Pro Tip:

• If you only have time for a short trip, you can also explore the other beaches on the Sunshine Coast as it has over 60 kilometers of beaches. Caloundra and Mooloolaba are also worth the visit!

• Bring a tent or umbrella so you can set up your own little beach hut once you find your perfect spot on the sand.

Kooroomba Vineyard and Lavender Farm

Website: https://www.kooroomba.com.au/

Location: 168 F M Bells Rd, Mount Alford QLD 4310

Travel Time: Approx 1 hour and 20 minutes southwest of Brisbane

Contact: [email protected] / 07 5463 0022

How about a relaxing escape where you’ll indulge in good wine, exquisite flavors, and breathtaking scenery? Plus, the drive to this destination is truly spectacular as you’ll be taking in the majestic vistas of the Scenic Rim Region! 

Kooroomba Vineyard and Lavender Farm is perfect for a day trip if you wish to unwind or take a quick romantic getaway just over an hour away from Brisbane. 

This little sanctuary not only produces fine wine, but also treats you to a lovely field of lavenders! What’s more, they also offer a variety of lavender products that you can purchase at their gift shop. 

Pro Tip:

• Making a reservation is a must! Be sure to check their operating days first as their schedule might vary from time to time. 

• You can avail of free wine tasting when you purchase a bottle from their cellar door.

Weekend trips from Brisbane (3 – 5 hours each way)

How about a weekend getaway to sprawling vineyards, prehistoric boulders, and bucolic western towns? Check out some ideas for weekend road trips 3 to 5 hours away from Brisbane! 

Stanthorpe

Website: https://www.sdrc.qld.gov.au/our-region/region-information/stanthorpe

Location: Southern Downs Region, QLD 4380

Travel Time: Approx. 3 hours southwest of Brisbane

Contact: [email protected] / 1300 My SDRC (1300 697 372)

If your kind of adventure includes hopping from one cellar door to another, wandering vast vineyards, and taking your taste buds on a gastronomic feast, then Stanthorpe is for you! 

It’s an ideal place to go on a weekend getaway with your loved ones and don’t worry, it’s kid-friendly, too! Now, the most difficult part is choosing which wineries or vineyards to visit since there are over 50 vineyards that can be found in Stanthorpe and the Granite Belt. 

But not to worry, you can join food and wine tours that will guide you through your flavorful journey!

Pro Tip:

• The best time to visit Stanthorpe is during the summer season from December to February. It’s also a great time to go in winter but the town is busiest during this season and is known to be the coldest area in Queensland. 

Where to Stay: 

• Allure Stanthorpe
• Barrel View Luxury Cabins
• The Folly Ballandean

Girraween National Park

Website: https://parks.des.qld.gov.au/parks/girraween

Location: Pyramids Rd, Ballandean QLD 4382

Travel Time: Approx. 3.5 hours southwest of Brisbane

Contact: 13 QGOV (13 74 68)

Just a little ways past Stanthorpe is Girraween National Park. While national parks in Queensland are well known for their lush forests, Girraween is a little different as it’s mostly covered in rocks! 

The area is composed of prehistoric boulders that were formed around 250 million years ago and the only way to truly appreciate its beauty is to climb! 

If you’re up for the challenge, you should definitely climb “The Pyramid” which is more than a 3-kilometer walk up to see sweeping views of the area including Balancing Rock. 

For more seasoned hikers, there are other trails such as Castle Rock Trail, The Sphinx, and Turtle Rock. And those keen to tackle Girraween’s most challenging hike can try traversing Mt. Norman. 

For the ultimate nature escape, you can opt to pitch a tent at one of their camping sites! 

Pro Tip:

• If you’re going to hike up Girraween National Park trails, it’s best to wear shoes with good traction. 

• When it’s rainy, it’s not advisable to climb the trails. 

Where to Stay: 

• Girraween Environmental Lodge
• Girraween Country Inn
• Logger’s Rest Bed & Breakfast

Western Downs

Website: https://www.westerndownsqueensland.com.au/

Location: Western Downs, QLD

Travel Time: Approx. 4 hours west of Brisbane

Contact: [email protected] / 1300 268 624

Western Downs is an exciting drive inland to the outer edge of the outback where you’ll truly experience a rural retreat! You can pitch a tent at one of their campsites or spend the weekend at a cozy farmstay. 

They have a number of activities such as outdoor adventures, heritage tours, birdwatching, or a crawl to several country pubs in their friendly little towns. 

A weekend may not be enough to explore the expanse of this region. Extended weekend? Yes, please! 

Some must-visit attractions include Chinchilla Weir, Miles Historical Village, Yelarbon Silos, Caliguel Lagoon, and Bunya Mountains National Park.  

Pro Tip: 

• The Western Downs is really a vast region and there’s just so much to discover! So we highly recommend mapping out your day-to-day itinerary and you can also stop by Visitors Information Centers in each town to know more. 

Where to Stay: 

• The Laurels of Chinchilla
• Rosebank Cottage – Dalby
• Acacia Motel

Long Weekend Trips from Brisbane (5 – 8 hours each way)

Planning a long weekend road trip? Head to these amazing destinations further up north and down south from Brisbane!

K’gari (Fraser Island)

Website: https://parks.des.qld.gov.au/parks/great-walks-kgari-fraser

Location: Wide Bay–Burnett Region, QLD

Travel Time: 4-hour drive, 1 hour ferry/barge ride

Contact: 13 QGOV (13 74 68)

If you own a 4 x 4 vehicle, K’gari, formerly known as Fraser Island, is a must-visit! It’s the largest sand island in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage site. 

What even makes it more special is that it’s the only place in the world where a rainforest thrives on sand dunes! It’s truly an island full of wonders with a 75-mile stretch of beach that you can traverse on a 4 x 4 vehicle or on foot. 

If you don’t have an off-road vehicle, don’t worry as you can still make that road trip up north from Brisbane, then just ride the ferry to the island. You can also choose to hire a vehicle or join guided tours. 

Pro Tip:

• If you’re planning on taking your own 4 x 4 vehicle to the island, it’s best to have another vehicle with you in case you get stuck in a remote area. 

• If you’re leaving your car at the jump-off point on River Head, there are secure parking options available then you can join a guided tour to the island. 

• There are plenty of camping sites on the island, so make sure you bring complete equipment. Otherwise, you can stay at glamping sites or resort accommodations. 

Where to Stay: 

• K’gari Beach Resort
• Cathedrals on Fraser
• Kokomo at Kingfisher Bay

Yeppoon and Capricorn Coast

Website: https://www.visitcapricorn.com.au/

Location: Livingstone, QLD

Travel Time: 8 hours north of Brisbane

Contact: (07) 4939 4888

Yeppoon on Capricorn Coast is another fantastic family road trip destination with loads of activities for everyone! You get to revel in the beauty of the Keppels and catch a glimpse of the Southern Great Barrier Reef. 

The Yeppoon Lagoon invites you to a full day of frolic in clear sparkling water with stunning views! While kids can play at the Keppel Kraken, an outdoor water playground by the sea. 

Plenty of mouthwatering feasts await in this little coastal town, plus there’s even more activities in store. Other attractions that you should consider are the Capricorn Caves, Byfield National Park, or better yet, take a tour of the islands! 

Pro Tip:

• If you want to experience living on your own private island, you can escape to Pumpkin Island! You can rent out this little piece of paradise nestled in the Southern Great Barrier Reef, perfect for families and groups of up to 34 guests.

Where to Stay:

• Yeppoon Beach House
• Yeppoon Surfside Motel
• The Coast Motel

Barrington Tops National Park

Website: https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/visit-a-park/parks/barrington-tops

Location: Gloucester Tops, New South Wales

Travel Time: 8 hours south of Brisbane

Contact: 1300 072 757 (13000 PARKS) 

Now let’s head down south to New South Wales where you can find Barrington Tops National Park which is also a part of the heritage-listed Gondwana Rainforests. 

You can see how expansive this heritage-listed site is as it extends From Queensland to New South Wales! There are bushwalking trails that take you to different types of forests, from subtropical to ancient beech forests and spectacular subalpine woodlands.

You can spend days exploring this natural wonder and it has lots of picnic areas, too! Some notable attractions include Aeroplane Hill, Gloucester Falls, Careys Peak Lookout, Antarctic Beech, Barrington Trail, and Devils Hole Lookout.

Pro Tip:

• The best times to visit Barrington Tops National Park are during Spring, Summer, and Autumn where you can look out for seasonal flora on your walks. 

• There are several camping grounds with toilets and picnic facilities, so it’s also a great place to spend the night under the stars amidst the lush forest. 

Where to Stay:

• Hidden Haven Barrington Tops
• The Allyn Riverside Cabins
• The Steps Barrington Campgrounds

Multi-Day Trips from Brisbane

For the ultimate road trip adventure, you can make your way to outback Queensland, up to Cairns, or down to Sydney with some stopovers along the way!

Winton

Distance: 1,357 kilometers northwest of Brisbane

Queensland is best known for its pristine beaches and breathtaking hinterlands, but if you want to go off the beaten path, you should explore the Queensland outback! 

This is one of the best multi-day road trips that you can take from Brisbane! Take the whole family on an epic adventure inland all the way to the town of Winton in Queensland’s central west where you can take several stopovers in rural towns. 

You can make your first stop at Roma, then head to Carnarvon Gorge, Jericho and Barcaldine, and finally, Winton! 

Pro Tip: 

• Since you’re going to take several stopovers, book your accommodation in each town in advance for easy check-ins and a hassle-free stay. 

• You can stay one night per stop so the trip can be completed in 5 – 6 days. But of course, you’re always welcome to extend!

Cairns

Distance: 1,799 kilometers north of Brisbane

With the Brisbane to Cairns route, you can immerse yourself into quintessential Queensland! 

First stop? Sunshine Coast! 

You can go straight to Noosa for some sun, surf, and sheer relaxation. And you can also explore the wonders of the Noosa Everglades!

After soaking up the sun, you can wander the lush forests of Noosa National Park, then you can head to Agnes Water, Cape Hillsborough, then Airlie Beach. 

You can spend more time on Airlie Beach if you wish to explore the Whitsunday Islands that’s nestled in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef. 

After your island adventure, you can head to Ingham, Mission Beach, Atherton Tablelands, then Cairns! You can take your time in Cairns to discover the treasures of this northern jewel. 

Its top attractions include Kuranda State Forest, Mossman Gorge, the Great Barrier Reef, Cairns Esplanade, and so much more! 

Pro Tip: 

• If you wish to stay in Cairns longer, then one night per stopover will be enough as there’s so much to do and discover! 

• Other stopovers we recommend are Bundaberg, Yeppoon, and Townsville. Or better yet, explore the road less traveled and take the Great Inland Way!

Sydney

Distance: 1,105 kilometers south of Brisbane

Heading down south from Brisbane to Sydney is a whole new adventure! You’ll also be driving to coastal towns, but the vibe would feel a little different with more bars abuzz with crowds, but you’ll come across some laid-back and even secluded spots, too. 

You can follow these stops – Gold Coast, Byron Bay, Ballina, Yamba, Minnie Water, and Woolgoolga. Then head to Coffs Harbour, Nambucca Heads, Port Macquarie, Forster, Port Stephens, New Castle, and Sydney! 

It’s up to you to choose where you’ll rest for the night or just make it a day trip and then proceed to the next stop. 

Pro Tip:

• The Brisbane to Sydney trip is shorter than the 2 routes above, but make sure to plan your itinerary well as there’s so many attractions that are worth visiting!

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