5 Day Trips from Brisbane | Budget Car Rental

Brisbane is the urban and cultural heart of the Gold Coast in Queensland. It’s the perfect launchpad for some of the best day trips from Brisbane that Australia has to offer. 

After soaking up the city life, it’s time to branch out — and nothing beats having your own set of wheels to explore the region.With Budget car rental Brisbane, you can get to the good stuff faster. No waiting for tour buses or worrying about schedules — just easy, hassle-free adventures at your own pace.

Here are our top 5 best day trips from Brisbane

 

1. Hervey Bay Road Trip

Ready to meet the giants of the sea? A Hervey Bay road trip is a must for wildlife lovers. Just a few hours north of Brisbane, Hervey Bay offers some of the best whale watching in the Southern Hemisphere between August and November. Full and half-day boat tours depart from Urangan Harbour, offering unforgettable close encounters with migrating humpback whales.

While you're there, take a ferry or flight over to Fraser Island — the world’s largest sand island. Whether you’re fishing, kayaking, or simply strolling along the endless beaches, it’s an incredible escape from the city buzz.

Tip: Hire a car in Brisbane so you can take the scenic route along the Bruce Highway and stop wherever you please!

Be sure to take a guided or self drive tour of Fraser Island, arriving either by air or ferry. It’s an idyllic place to escape to and enjoy the ocean. Fishing, swimming, snorkeling and SCUBA, jet skiing, kayaking, sailing, or just walking the beach and enjoying the sun are all options. You’ll feel a million miles from the bustle of the city!

 

2. Springbrook National Park Road Trip

A pleasant 100 kilometer drive south of Brisbane will find you at Springbrook National Park. There is so much to do here that you could easily spend an entire week camping or staying in one of the bed and breakfasts in the region. Be sure to explore the Natural Bridge at least twice: once during the day to see the beautiful waterfalls, and once at night to have a peek at the glowworms.

There are several ranger guided experiences that are well worth your time. Observe turtle nesting, hatching and conservation at Mon Repos, where loggerhead turtles lay their eggs and make the perilous journey back to the sea. Don’t miss the Chillagoe-Mungana Caves with their stunning limestone formations and ancient aboriginal rock art!

It’s a good idea to check for Park Alerts before you go, as flooding and bad weather can affect the availability of some sections of the park!


3. Mount Tamborine Road Trip

While it’s not exactly a mountain in the strictest sense, it’s sure to be a high point in your journey. Surprisingly isolated feeling for being only a thirty minute drive south from Brisbane, the villages of Mt. Tamborine are the perfect way to spend a day, or a weekend, out of the city. The two primary villages of North Tamborine and Eagle heights are home to around 7000 permanent residents. Tourism is a major industry in the area and you’ll find no shortage of little shops, quaint markets and cottage industry that is delightfully local.

There are natural adventures to be had, from the tamer sort: walks and glowworm caves, to the physical challenges to be had at Thunderbird Park to off road 4WD tours that will definitely stretch your horizons.

Three classics not to miss:

  • The gallery walks, you can’t miss them. With over seventy shops, galleries and local gems to explore, you’ll definitely find something to fall in love with. 
  • The wineries and distilleries:  Cedar Creek Estate is a good one, and located right across the street from the glowworm caves, which makes for a fun combination. 
  • Witches Chase Cheese: a great lunch stop, with far more than cheese on offer. Besides, you’re going to need something to take home to go with your wine. 

 

4. St. Helena Island

Take a trip back into Australia’s colonial and penal past with a visit to St. Helena Island. The ruins of Australia’s maximum security prison for men is a sobering peek into the country’s unusual colonial origin. Once known as the “Hell Hole of the Pacific” this prison was a model of efficiency and production for its time. 

There are ghosts here, and the walls whisper stories. Take a guided tour to see the whole place, or you’ll be relegated to the public area only. The ruins are crumbling and somewhat dangerous, so only guests with guides can explore the best parts! It's a short ferry ride from Brisbane, making it one of the most unique things to do near Brisbane.

 

5. North Stradbroke Island Road Trip

Only thirty minutes from Brisbane, North Stradbroke Island will feel like a vacation from your vacation. It is, in a word, idyllic. It’s the second largest sand island in the world and with three small villages on the island and plenty of beach you’ll find lots of room to relax and enjoy, especially in the off season. Ecologically minded, plastic bags have been banned on the island and efforts are being made to preserve the landscape and the wildlife.

You’ll find everything from whale watching to deep sea fishing, SCUBA diving and all sorts of water sports, as well as a wide range of land based adventures. If you’ve got traveling companions with diverse interests, this island will make everyone happy, from the shoppers, to the gallery hoppers, to the campers, to the adrenaline junkies. There really is something for everyone.

 

Why Hit the Road with Budget?

  • Multiple Brisbane pick-up locations including Airport, CBD, and suburbs
  • Wide range of vehicles perfect for day trips and weekend escapes
  • Hassle-free rentals with digital booking and fast pick-up options
  • 24/7 roadside assistance for peace of mind on the open road
  • Great value without hidden surprises

Wherever you’re headed, Budget car rental Brisbane makes it easy to pack more into every trip.