Brisbane locals can rejoice with a wealth of summer getaway spots close to Brisbane.

Whether you want a day trip or to spend a weekend of sunshine at the beach or in the wilderness, this list of the best summer vacation spots is for you.

Bribie Island

Embark on a delightful escape from the vibrant heart of Brisbane to the serene Bribie Island, where the pace of life slows, and the gentle whispers of the ocean become your guide. A brief drive unfolds the island's enchanting charm, extending an invitation to uncover not only its history but also the idyllic beauty that graces its shores.

As you step onto Bribie Island, you'll be captivated by the tranquil ambiance and pristine beaches that stretch along its coastline. The serenity of the beaches provides the perfect backdrop for a leisurely stroll or a relaxing day by the water's edge.

Delve into the rich tapestry of Bribie's history at the Bribie Island Seaside Museum, where tales of the past come to life, weaving a narrative that connects the island's heritage to the present. The museum's exhibits offer a fascinating glimpse into the lives of those who shaped the island's destiny.

But the charm of Bribie extends beyond its historical sites; it permeates the very essence of the island's community. Discover the quaint town, where friendly faces and local shops create a warm and inviting atmosphere. Stroll through the streets, indulge in local delights, and feel the genuine hospitality that defines Bribie's character.

In every corner of Bribie Island, from its serene beaches to its historic landmarks and charming town, you'll find a haven of tranquillity, inviting you to savour the beauty of the present while honouring the echoes of the past.

Moreton Island

Moreton Island beckons as one of Brisbane's premier weekend getaways. Renowned for its secluded beaches, pristine waters, and a mesmerizing national park, Moreton Island is a haven for nature enthusiasts. Engage in underwater adventures around the Tangalooma Wrecks or experience the thrill of sandboarding in "The Desert."

With a staggering 95% of the island designated as a National Park, Moreton Island offers an array of breathtaking spots, including Honeymoon Bay and the iconic Cape Moreton Lighthouse. Optimal enjoyment comes from camping at various picturesque sites, or for a touch of comfort, consider a stay at Tangalooma Island Resort or one of the quaint guest homes.

Ready for an immersive island experience? Embark on a 30-minute drive from Brisbane to the Port of Brisbane, where a 90-minute boat ride awaits to transport you to the wonders of Moreton Island.

 

The Gold Coast

The Gold Coast is regarded as one of Australia's top vacation spots for good reason. This area has enormous appeal due to its well-known theme parks and beaches, breathtaking natural beauty, and a multitude of magnificent attractions. A top-notch foursome includes thrilling theme parks, the SkyPoint Observation Deck, visiting various beaches, experiencing the hinterland, and visiting national parks. For a cultural fix, visit the HOTA Gallery.

Even better options include taking a whale watching cruise or visiting Lamington National Park, where you can see waterfalls and go on a Tree Top Walk in the rainforest. In addition, there are several sports and adventure activities, such as kayaking, surfing, and bungee jumping.

There is little need to introduce the Gold Coast. This is a simple weekend escape close to Brisbane, and it is only a drive of 1-2 hours, depending on your destination and traffic conditions.

 

Bundaberg

Bundaberg is a favourite summer getaway from Brisbane. The city boasts many sandy beaches as well as a variety of activities that are enjoyable for visitors of all ages. Bundaberg is among the greatest weekend getaways around Brisbane because of its combination with one of the sunniest climates in the globe. Bundaberg welcomes visitors with enchanting old-world architecture and stunning river views.

The city features a vibrant restaurant and café scene that highlights the finest of the area's fresh products for foodies. A must-do whilst in Bundaberg is to check out well-known sites like the Bundaberg Rum Distillery, the Bundaberg Brewed Drinks Barrel, or a riverboat tour aboard the Bundy Belle.

The natural splendour of the area will also wow you. As you travel the 15 minutes to the Bundaberg beaches, you’ll pass leafy green sugarcane fields and the rich red soil. These unspoilt beaches are ideal for surfing, swimming, and snorkelling.

 

Coffs Harbour

One of the finest vacation spots close to Brisbane is Coffs Harbour, which is a fantastic experience. Getting to Coffs Harbour by car from Brisbane takes about five hours and it is a wonderful vacation spot with gorgeous beaches and fun theme parks. At Jetty Beach, unwind while admiring the scenery from Sealy Lookout. Wheelchair accessible Forest Sky Pier offers a vast view of the mountains.

Animal enthusiasts will love Dolphin Marine Conservation Park, a waterside aquarium offering exhibits and activities as well as the chance to swim with dolphins and seals. Visit Dorrigo National Park, which is one hour away, if you want to see waterfalls.

The skywalk, which offers a great perspective of the local bird life, is the most intriguing feature. Enjoy yourself while observing different species of butterflies at Conns Harbour Butterfly House. Coffs Harbour has a tonne to offer and should be on your list for a summer getaway.  

 

Kingscliff

Near the Queensland border, on the shore, in the Northern Rivers Region of the Tweed, Kingscliff is about an hour and a half's drive from Brisbane. Frequent vacationers from Brisbane who travel to Kingscliff prefer to keep Kingscliff a secret.

Vacationers here can have a wonderful beach vacation a without having to contend with the crowds of visitors, heavy traffic, and high-rise buildings that the residents of the Gold Coast have to contend with just up the road. Kingscliff is a quaint, relaxed beach community where the beaches are the main focus.

There are miles of wonderful surf beaches in every direction, and towards the southern end of the town is the Cudgen Creek region, which is a great place for swimming, fishing, and paddle boarding.

Boutique clothing stores, sports and surf shops, as well as a wide variety of top-notch eateries, can all be found in the charming hamlet. There are some fantastic weekend markets, and there are many fascinating hikes, such as a long stroll along the coastline and a visit to the nearby lighthouse. Kingscliff is the perfect weekend away.

 

Tweed Heads

Tweed Heads, which is located immediately south of the Queensland border, combines a lively atmosphere with a calm ambience. Additionally, the city serves as an excellent home base for exploring the great outdoors, with access to glistening coastlines, flowing rivers, and renowned national parks. Unwind as you sail down the Tweed River past stunning landscape.

Visit the Tweed Regional Gallery in neighbouring Murwillumbah or take advantage of the alluring beaches that are scattered both north and south of Tweed Heads. For nature enthusiasts and hikers, take a day trip to Lamington National Park for a top-notch rainforest stroll.

 

The Sunshine Coast

The Sunshine Coast is filled with so many wonderful qualities. A stunning hinterland full of hills and forests coexists with glittering beaches and waterways. A collection of energetic places that are home to several excellent attractions can be found among it all. And that's only the beginning.

Take advantage of stunning national parks, including the Glass House Mountains, Noosa, and Mt. Coolum. Relax on the numerous stunning beaches or visit the vineyards in the hinterland. The Queensland Air Museum in Caloundra offers a sizable collection and preserves Australia’s aviation heritage, the SEA LIFE Sunshine Coast aquarium in Mooloolaba exhibits a wide variety of marine life, or go to Yandina's entertainment-packed Ginger Factory. Mapleton Observatory is a treasure of the countryside and an underrated destination, or visit the regional galleries in Noosa or Caloundra to get your culture on.

Given that the Sunshine Coast has some of Australia's greatest beaches and that this region of the world often has warm, sunny weather, getting away from Brisbane for a beach vacation is a major draw.

 

Ballina

The little coastal town of Ballina is about a two-hour drive south of Brisbane. Ballina is a terrific option for a summer vacation in Queensland for couples, families or friends as it's close to Byron Bay but isn't overrun with backpackers. You can choose from a wide variety of outdoor activities to fill your weekend. Choose from options like fishing, coastal walks, a calm beach day, surfing, and dolphin spotting. Alternately, go inland and stop by the macadamia and avocado farm at Summerland Farm. Why not travel to the relaxing subtropical rainforest known as Victoria Park Nature Reserve.

 

Toowoomba

With more than 150 parks and gardens, Toowoomba claims to be the "Garden City," and it is deserving of that name, and another great getaway from Brisbane. The gardens are the best outdoor attractions. The State Rose Garden at Newtown Park, Laurel Bank Park, and the Japanese Garden are excellent choices.

Visit Cobb+Co Museum, which has a massive collection of horse-drawn vehicles as its centrepiece, or see a performance at the impressive Empire Theatre. Toowoomba has a lively collection of street art to enjoy, which is an underappreciated attraction. With a growing collection of more than 80 large-scale street artworks by brilliant local and international artists gracing the town's walls, the town has also recently become one of Australia's largest outdoor galleries.

Hikers can enjoy themselves on the ascent to the magnificent Table Top Mountain where the stunning vistas are worth it. Visit Picnic Point Lookout and Parklands for breath-taking views of the Great Dividing Mountain and the Lockyer Valley. It is positioned on the summit of the range.

You can also drive a little outside of the city to discover the Bunya Mountains' lush rainforest and charming little villages like Crows Nest, which is 35 minutes away by car and has a national park walking route that leads to a waterfall and breath-taking views of the Valley of Diamonds.

Just over 90 minutes from Brisbane, Toowoomba is noted for its collection of picture-perfect gardens and painstakingly conserved heritage structures. There are many speciality cafés, delis, and fantastic restaurants in the area because they have access to some of the best local produce in Australia.

 

Stanthorpe

A rural community on the NSW border, Stanthorpe is around 2.5 hours' drive from Brisbane. While Stanthorpe is a particularly well-liked weekend break during the colder winter months, it is also a great place to visit in summer.

Visiting the beautiful vineyards in the region is the most loved activity in Stanthorpe, which produces internationally recognised wines thanks to its high altitude and cold environment. At the cellar doors, guests can sample these wines and buy a couple bottles to take home.

Stanthorpe is highly recognised for its delectable regional food in addition to wine. With its spectacular scenery and granite outcrops, Girrawaeen is stunning, and there are a variety of fantastic walking treks for individuals of all various fitness levels.

 

Maleny

Only one hour and twenty minutes from Brisbane lies the town of Maleny, which is perched atop the Blackall Range with a view of the Sunshine Coast Hinterland. You can either detour at Caboolture and take a more picturesque route between the Glass House Mountains and D'Aguilar National Park, or you can travel the majority of the distance via the Bruce Highway.

The Maleny Botanic Gardens and Bird Park are a must-see for nature enthusiasts, and the Gardens are among the most magnificent in Queensland. With views of the Glass House Mountains the entire time, you can stroll along the length of the Gardens' vast walking paths.

Maleny's main street is gorgeous; it's kept up well, is full of character, and—most importantly—has fantastic boutique shops and cafés. If you enjoy cheese, you can take a tour of the Maleny Dairies farm; this is a wonderful family adventure because kids are welcomed and encouraged.

The surrounding communities of Montville and Landsborough are also worth visiting from Maleny. The Sunshine Coast Hinterland offers a wealth of historical sites to discover, including the Landsborough Museum. Maleny offers a broad variety of wonderful lodging alternatives to fit a variety of budgets and is a great option if you’re not a beach lover looking for a summer getaway.

The Scenic Rim

The Scenic Rim Trail is a fantastic way to stay active when on a getaway from Brisbane. A World Heritage site with a rough alpine terrain, the Scenic Rim is about one hour south of the city. The region includes the Gondwana Rainforest as well as the Tamborine Mountains, Great Dividing Range, and Border Range.

The Scenic Rim Trail offers a variety of hiking options. While serious hikers can go on multi-day walks while bringing all of their supplies and equipment with them, many residents choose to explore the area on day hikes, conquering one section after another.

The Scenic Rim is a terrific option to get off the beaten path and enjoy authentic Australian bushwalking and enjoy one of Australia's most picturesque areas.

Escape the Urban Hustle with GoGet!

Looking for hassle-free car or van rental by the hour or day to embark on your next adventure away from the city?

Discover the convenience of GoGet Carshare today. Search for GoGet vehicles near you, available precisely when you need them, and join today for a seamless and stress-free getaway experience.