Have you been spending way too much time indoors? You guys, you gotta get off that couch and slowly back away from the Netflix. If you live in Brisbane (or the South East Queensland region) or are planning a trip and want to get outdoors, I’ve pulled together a whole bunch of the very best hikes and day trips to stack your weekend with! These are a great opportunity to explore more of Brisbane, find some hidden and unique spots and get some much-needed fresh air and sunshine. The hikes are also a very good way to stretch your legs and get in some sneaky exercise! Perfect for feeling healthy, happy and just generally great about life.

Planning your trip?
ā€¢ā€¢ā€¢
Hotels, we use Agoda
Rentals: Discover Cars
Transfers: Welcome Pickups
Insurance: Cover-More
SIM Cards: Simify


1. Toowoomba

Jump in the car and take the 1.5-hour drive west, from Brisbane City to Toowoomba. It turns out, Toowoomba has quietly been cultivating an amazing food scene out there. Youā€™ll find so many great restaurants and cafes as well as a slew of amazing thrift stores for savvy shoppers. Explore the local shops, immerse yourself in stunning views, go for a hike or drive through farmland.

2. Stanthorpe

A slightly bigger commitment, but well worth the trip, youā€™ll find Stanthorpe offers up the perfect winter escape. Visit art galleries, the Granite Belt Brewery, take a trip to the beautiful Storm King dam, visit wineries and Suttons Juice Factory too. If you like to get active, try a hike through Girraween National Park. If you plan on visiting in spring, be sure to stop in at the amazing lavender farm.

3. Lamington National Park

Drive south to Canungra, grab a bite to eat then head into the Lamington National Park. Youā€™ll find a whole host of walking trails and towering trees just waiting to be explored. Follow the winding road all the way to Oā€™Reillyā€™s Rainforest Retreat and do the treetop walk, climbing up to the top of ancient figs for stunning views.

Lamington National Park Ā© Little Grey Box
Lamington National Park

4. Venman Bushland National Park

Youā€™ll find the Venman Bushland National Park on Brisbaneā€™s Southside, about 25 minutes south of our fine city. This place is an oasis, offering up gorgeous, dense bushland as itā€™s one of the largest remaining areas of eucalyptus forest in the coastal lowlands near Brisbane, which means you might spot a Koala. Try the 2.5km Tingalpa Creek Circuit or the 7.5km Venman Circuit, winding along the banks of the Tingalpa Creek, through melaleuca swamp and the eucalyptus forests.

5. St Helena Island National Park

This beautiful little island happens to be one of the most historic in Queensland as it once served as a maximum-security prison for men. Not only can you recreate your favourite Orange Is The New Black scenes, but you can also explore the island to see a part of our region youā€™ve probably not seen before. Catch the boat over from Manly, spend a day exploring, then head back home.

6. Girraween National Park

Itā€™s an all-day commitment, but itā€™s well worth it to take a trip out to Girraween National Park. The drive takes around 3 hours one-way, but who doesnā€™t love a good roadie? Once youā€™re there, youā€™ll be treated to a wonderland of bright blue sky, beautiful trees and massive granite boulders to play on. Warm-up with the 1.4km circuit to Granite Arch, then try the 3.4km return trip to The Pyramid or the 5.2km return trip to Castle Rock, both offer stunning views.

Girraween National Park Ā© Little Grey Box
Girraween National Park

7. Purga Nature Reserve

It takes 50 minutes or so to drive from the heart of Brisbane to the beautiful Purga Nature Reserve. This hidden gem, South-West of Brisbane, is home to the largest protected area of endangered Swamp Tea Tree in the world as well as wallabies and koalas. The raised tea tree boardwalk is the perfect starting point, winding along the paperbark trees. Then, head out along the Melaleuca Circuit. Both are short but sweet, perfect for newbies and kids!

9. Tambourine Mountain

There are so many amazing viewpoints at Tambourine youā€™ll be spoilt for choice. Head down for the day and stop at as many as you can, soaking in views and snapping off beautiful photographs. The drive up is, of course, gorgeous, taking you through winding roads and bushland. Have lunch atop the mountain, stock up on fudge then drive home with a full belly. Itā€™s nap time.

8. Dayboro

Spend a day exploring Samford and Dayboro, sifting through antique shops and loading your car up with all your vintage finds. This area is home to quaint cafes and killer pub meals. Weā€™re talking Devonshire Tea in the morning and a hearty pub roast with a nice cold beer for lunch. Be sure to stop in at the Famous Sausage Man to stock up on top-notch snags and visit some of the historic sights in the area, like the Dayboro Cottage.

Dayboro Ā© Little Grey Box
Dayboro

10. Bunyaville Conservation Park

The Bunyaville Conservation Park is tucked between Albany Creek and Everton Hills. It offers some beautiful open spaces, perfect for kicking a footy around or setting up a well-deserved picnic post-hike. Warm-up with the short Tree Discovery Circuit then tackle the 1.6km Bunyaville Track, leading you through eucalyptus forests and beautiful bushland.

11. Daisy Hill Regional Park

Another Southside gem, the Daisy Hill Regional Park sits 25 minutes out of the city. Take the trip out to The Old Quarry, tucked deep inside the park and offering a really beautiful hidden escape from the world. Take the Stringybark trail from the carpark and head into the forest to the Buhot Creek Circuit. Continue along until you cross over to the Neville Lawrie Reserve, continue on a few more hundred metres to the quarry. The 3km walk will see you rewarded with the beautiful quarry, adorned with lily-pads and bouncing beautiful reflections off it. Also, itā€™s dog-friendly! (On-leash only).


Global Work & Travel logo

Be more than a tourist and see the world in a meaningful way with Global Work & Travel. Explore new countries. Meet new people. Gain new skills. Use code LITTLEGREYBOX for a $50 trip discount.



Best travel resources for your trip!

If you found this post useful, please use the affiliate links below. Iā€™ll make a small commission at no extra cost to you. Rest assured, these are the products and services I love and use. Read the disclaimer for more information. Thanks for your support! – Matt.

Agoda – hotels
Booking.com – hotels
Cover-More – insurance
Motorhome Republic – RVs
Discover Cars – rentals
Simify – SIM cards
Skyscanner – flights
Surfshark – VPN
TourRadar – tours
Welcome Pickups – transfers


Similar Posts