Whichever way you leave Brisbane, you’re bound to hit stunning scenery. Head west for ancient rainforest and rugged mountains, east for pretty islands and sleepy villages, north for the incredible beauty of the Sunshine Coast, and south for the endless beaches of the Gold Coast.
Here are three scenic drives to explore. If you’re keen to travel in comfort without harming the environment, then hire one of SIXT’s state-of-the-art electric vehicles. There are plenty of charging stations on the road.
FOR ANCIENT RAINFOREST, WATERFALLS AND COFFEE: BRISBANE TO TAMBORINE MOUNTAIN
The most leisurely drive to Tamborine Mountain is via the Beaudesert Beenleigh Road (route 92), which gradually winds its way up the mountainside, travelling through ancient rainforest, past stunning lookouts and via picturesque villages. It takes around 90 minutes.
Once you’ve reached the top, there are plenty of things to do. Visit Tamborine Mountain Coffee Plantation for organic coffee grown in fresh mountain air. Take a stroll along a walking trail to a waterfall – be it the 1.5-kilometre track to Curtis Falls or the accessible, 500 metre-boardwalk to Cedar Creek Falls. Or sample a range of locally-made wines at Witches Falls Winery.
Head home the way you came or make it a loop by returning more directly via the Pacific Highway, which will take around 50 minutes.
FOR WILDLIFE, STUNNING LOOKOUTS AND CUTE VILLAGES: BRISBANE TO D’AGUILAR NATIONAL PARK
Another mountainous route is the drive to D’Aguilar National Park, which lies to Brisbane’s west.
Follow route 31, making your first stop Walkabout Creek Discovery Centre. Here, you can swim in Enoggera Reservoir, go kayaking, enjoy a coffee at the Walkabout Cafe and attend a wildlife discovery show.
Soon enough you’ll start climbing the mountain, and there are plenty of lookouts along the way affording spectacular views – including Jollys and Westridge. Keen walkers should stop at Boombana Picnic Area for two excellent trails – the 1.1-kilometre Pitta Circuit, which loops among ancient fig trees, and the 8-kilometre Thylogale Walking Track through rainforest.
Also unmissable are the villages of Mount Nebo and Mount Glorious, where you’ll find cute cafes, Phoenix Sculpture Garden and Mount Glorious Biological Centre, home to an extraordinary butterfly collection.
FOR ISLANDS, BEACHES AND (MAYBE) WHALES: BRISBANE TO MINJERRIBAH (NORTH STRADBROKE ISLAND)
Head east of Brisbane along the M1 and M4 until you reach the Port of Brisbane. From here, you can jump on a boat to explore the fascinating history of St Helena Island, formerly a colonial gaol and now a national park.
Drive south along Moreton Bay, passing several spots where you can stretch your legs, take a dip or soak up gorgeous views, including the Wynnum Mangrove Boardwalk, Pandanus Beach, Inspiration Point, historical Ormiston House and Old Cleveland Lighthouse.
In Cleveland, drive aboard the vehicle ferry to Minjerribah (North Stradbroke Island). This slice of paradise is an alternative world of sleepy villages, pretty beaches and heavenly sunsets. There’s a lot to explore, so do be tempted to stay overnight.
GETTING TO BRISBANE
Brisbane is 10 hours’ drive north of Sydney and 19 hours’ drive north of Melbourne. If you’re hitting the road, our Sydney to Brisbane road trip guide will help you find all the best spots to spot along the way.
Don’t have the time to drive? Fly to Brisbane Airport and jump into a SIXT car rental.
Looking for more inspiration in and around Brisbane? Check out our local guide to Brisbane’s great outdoors and our tips for road tripping to Noosa.
