Hit the road

Itching to escape the city? From beach breaks to country escapes, you don’t need to travel far for family fun with these weekend road trips from Brisbane, writes

Surf, rainforest and laid-back locals

4 hours return

Combining picture-perfect beaches, hinterland rainforests and bohemian towns, this looping road trip between Byron Bay and Brisbane has a little bit of everything: food, culture and stunning scenery.

Galleries and rainforests

5 hours return

A list of road trips from Brisbane wouldn’t be complete without mentioning the Scenic Rim, a diverse region encompassing lush rainforests and waterfalls to vineyards and antique stores.

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Get up close to fascinating Australian native wildlife including koalas, kangaroos, Tasmanian devils and, of course, crocodiles, at Australia Zoo.

Take a scenic drive to Glass House Mountains Lookout for sweeping views of the mountaintops and beyond.

Take a whale-watching tour between July and November with Whale One or Sunshine Coast Afloat, or get even closer with Sunreef’s 'Swim with Whales' experience.

• Jump in the driver’s seat on Australia’s largest commercial go-kart track, Mooloolah’s Big Kart Track.

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Say howdy to SEA LIFE Sunshine Coast’s resident seals, sharks, turtles, jellyfish, sea horses and penguins.

• Go koala spotting at Noosa National Park. This breathtaking coastal setting is renowned for its furry friends, but you’ll also spot lizards, pythons and birds.

Sample treats, enjoy the live music and indulge in a spot of shopping at the Eumundi Markets.

Hire a SUP from Noosa Stand Up Paddle to explore the sheltered waters of Noosa River.