Getting to Sunday afternoon and realising you’ve spent the third weekend in a row watching Netflix isn’t the best feeling in the world. Sure, we 100% believe TV weekends can be just the right type of R&R we need sometimes. But, there’s no denying they eventually get old.
Maybe you’ve been planning to venture outdoors and take a weekend road trip, but you’re not sure where to start, so you instead travel to LA by streaming ‘Selling Sunset’. If you would love some weekend road trip inspiration, you have come to the right place. Read on for our round-up of the best weekend adventures near Brisbane that’ll leave you coming into Monday feeling like you’ve just got back from a mini-holiday.
Noosa
Located just a two-hour drive from Brisbane, it’s hard to believe we have a beach town as iconic as Noosa just up the road! Noosa is bursting with natural beauty. From its lush national parks to its pristine beaches and cute boutique shops, there is plenty to do in a weekend at Noosa.
If you love hiking and stunning views, the Hell’s Gates walk is for you. This gentle hike through Noosa National park offers beautiful beach views and natural wonders along the way. Keep your eyes peeled for the local wildlife – you may spot Ospreys and pods of dolphins playing in the waves as you walk by. Once you get to the top, you’ll be rewarded with glorious 270-degree views spanning across the coast.
To cool off after the hike, you may stop at one of the smaller beaches along the way back, or alternatively, you can head to Noosa Main Beach. And, of course, for a post-hike snack, be sure to grab a scoop or two of gelato from one of the ice cream shops along Hastings Street.
Tweed Heads
For a quiet weekend away, why not venture to the peaceful beach town of Tweed Heads? This beach town, situated between Queensland and New South Wales, is located a 90-minute drive from Brisbane. Tweed Heads treats visitors to some of the best beaches for surfing, with the long-stretching beaches setting surfers up for a nice long ride. Just a few of the top beaches to visit in Tweed Heads include Rainbow Beach, Snapper Rocks, Greenmount Beach and Coolangatta Beach.
Bribie Island
Beach lovers and boating fanatics both have plenty to love on Bribie Island. Just a 90-minute drive from Brisbane, Bribie is the ideal weekend adventure near Brisbane for those who want the coastal experience, minus the crowds.
Boaters can take the Pumicestone Passage, home to local dugongs, dolphins and other wildlife, and navigate down to Caloundra for a scenic morning or afternoon on the boat. Beach lovers can make their way to the flagged Woorim Beach, where they can later enjoy a scrumptious lunch from any of the local cafes or the Surf Club.
Maleny
If you’re looking for a quaint, countryside weekend road trip as opposed to a beach adventure, add Maleny to your wish list! Aside from the drive itself treating you to beautiful views of rolling green hills, there is plenty of beauty to find in the town of Maleny.
At Maleny Botanic Gardens and Bird World, you can stroll through vibrant gardens, complete with tranquil ponds, waterfalls, paintings, and lush rainforest surrounds. You’ll also be treated to views of the iconic Glass House Mountains here.
Another ideal spot for nature lovers is the Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve. This reserve comprises 55 acres of subtropical rainforest. This rainforest reserve serves as a living museum for diverse flora and fauna. The Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve offers multiple boardwalks, walking tracks and viewing platforms where walkers can take in the peaceful beauty of the rainforest while learning about its various species and history.
Maleny is also a delicious town for the foodies. The warm climate and lush pastures have positioned the Sunshine Coast as one of Australia’s best dairy producers. If you love your milk, ice cream, and yogurt (as well as adorable cows), stop by the famous Maleny Dairies on your Maleny road trip. You can taste all these items at the farm, and pick them up to purchase on your way out too.
Lamington National Park
A 90-minute drive from Brisbane, Lamington National Park is perfect for those who want a rainforest escape south of Brisbane. Lamington National Park is the perfect spot to relax, unwind and reset by immersing yourself in the beauty and nature of this lush location. As you wander through the rainforest, be sure to keep your eyes peeled for animals, birds, and local fauna. If you’re looking for the ideal romantic getaway, look no further than O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat. This location is complete with pamper packages, picnic spots and spa services.
If you want to blow off steam, there are plenty of action-packed activities at Lamington National Park, including hiking, rock climbing, camping and mountain biking.
Service Your Car Before Your Next Weekend Adventure
We hope this blog has helped you plan out your next weekend adventure. Of course, to make sure your car is up to the weekend road trip ahead, you’ll want to be sure it is up to date on its services. To help connect car owners with quality car services in Brisbane they can trust, WinWin Service has partnered with Goodyear Autocare to offer labour free servicing. For a limited time, we are covering the cost of labour for three services as well as the maintenance. Our service package, valued at $1281, costs a mere $179. Learn more about our service vouchers here, or don’t hesitate to get in touch with our team if you have any questions.
