With its subtropical climate and natural beauty in every direction, Brisbane is a paradise for anyone who loves getting out and about.
Go coastal for unspoiled beaches and sandy islands – or head to the hinterland for hidden waterfalls and strolls through rainforest that hasn’t changed for millions of years.
Plus, if you don’t have time to leave the city, then you’ll find plenty of things to do in the CBD.
Whichever way you travel, you’ll be in the know with our local’s guide to Brisbane’s great outdoors.
SECRETS OF THE HINTERLAND
When you think of Brisbane, you probably think of sun and surf. The city and its surrounds have these a-plenty, but some of its more fascinating adventures are to be had in the hinterland.
On a hot day, skip the crowds swarming to the beach, and make a beeline for a hidden waterfall. 90 minutes’ south of the city, you’ll find Twin Falls, which are just 20-minutes’ walk from Tallanbana Picnic Area. They’re in Springbrook National Park – part of Australia’s UNESCO World Heritage-listed Gondwana Rainforests.
Meanwhile, a 90-minute drive north will take you to mystical Kondalilla Falls, surrounded by enchanting woods.
On a cooler day, take a walk deep into rainforest. One of the closest national parks to Brisbane is D’Aguilar, where the 1.9-kilometre circuit on Mount Glorious takes you through a picturesque valley dotted with palm trees, along a babbling stream and among ancient trees.
Alternatively, head south for an hour to reach the Witches Falls Walk on Mount Tamborine, a 3.6-kilometre journey through giant strangler figs, beside gorgeous lagoons and to a lookout over Witches Falls.
BEACHES WITHOUT THE CROWDS
Keen to get into the sea near Brisbane, but don’t want to be battling other bodies? Believe it or not, there are beaches where can escape the crowds.
Begin your adventures at Wellington Point, making sure you’re there at low tide. This is when a temporary beach appears, allowing you to walk along the sand to King Island. It’s particularly stunning at sunset. Just don’t spend too long away from the mainland – you don’t want to get stranded!
Next stop is Tweed Heads, and, particularly, Fingal Head, which is 75 minutes’ drive south of Brisbane. You’ll find ample space to roll out your towel at Fingal Head Beach, a gorgeous strip of white sand between the river and the sea.
On the way home, swing by Currumbin Beach, which is surprisingly quiet, given it’s on the Gold Coast.
To visit our final favourite secret beach, you’ll need to jump on a ferry to North Stradbroke Island. You can take your car with you. North Stradbroke might be a well-known destination for swimmers, but one stretch of sand where you can still relax in peace is South Gorge Beach.
ISLAND LIFE
Brisbane is the gateway to some of Australia’s most beautiful islands. North Stradbroke, as mentioned, is pretty busy, but others don’t attract as many crowds.
One spot that locals love is South Moreton Bay, where you can spend days island hopping. It’s off the Redlands Coast, southeast of the Brisbane CBD.
Your first stop should be Coochiemudlo (aka ‘Coochie’), which is just seven minutes by ferry from Victoria Point. Spend the day lazing about on main beach, exploring the red cliff and visiting a train farm.
Then, on Russell Island, dive into history at the Southern Moreton Bay Island Bay Museum.
And, on tiny Karragarra Island, which is just two kilometres long, escape the world of commerce – there are no shops here – and focus entirely on picnicking and swimming.
OUTDOORS IN THE CITY
Want to get into the outdoors without leaving the city? You’ll find loads of things to do.
Challenge a mate to a game of table tennis at one of the open-air courts along the Brisbane River. Among the most scenic is in Orleigh Park, near the West End Ferry wharf. Just don’t forget to take your own paddles and balls.
Alternatively, hire a bike and cycle the Brisbane River Loop, which stretches from South Bank to Indooroopilly. The full route is around 40 kilometres; but, if that’s too long, then take the mini loop, which is around 20 kilometres. Of course, you can also cycle shorter sections to suit your itinerary.
One of Brisbane’s more popular but nonetheless worth visiting attractions is Streets Beach. This is the only human-made beach in an Australian city, and you’ll find it among the 17 hectares of parklands on South Bank. There’s a pretty swimming spot, complete with white sand and lifeguards, as well as a water play park for kids. Entry is free all year round.
GETTING TO BRISBANE
Brisbane lies ten hours’ drive north of Sydney. If you’re doing that road trip, you’ll find some helpful tips and an itinerary over here.
Another option is to fly to Brisbane Airport, then jump into a SIXT hire car.
