Weekenders From Brisbane 

With our partners at Nissan, we’re highlighting inviting QLD locations that create the ideal weekend road trip from Brisbane.

Noosa

In a sentence: This Sunshine Coast favourite blends brilliant beaches and other waterways with sprawling hinterland and a vibrant café culture.

The drive: A 135km journey northwards along the Bruce Hwy – with glimpses of the jagged peaks of the Glass House Mountains – before veering either towards the coast or cutting through the hinterland.

Top attractions in Noosa

• Noosa Main Beach: Spacious, sheltered, and sparkling.
• Noosa National Park: Stroll among captivating coastal scenery.
• Hastings St: Dining and shopping precinct that oozes cool.
• Noosa River cruise: Enjoy the good life.
• Noosa Everglades: Kayak among astounding scenery.
• Noosa Regional Gallery: Plenty of colour and activity within these walls.
• Noosa Shire Museum: Fascinating local history lesson.

What’s nearby: The gorgeous town of Eumundi is worth the short drive, particularly for its famous markets that are held each Wednesday and Saturday.

Stay at: BIG4 Ingenia Noosa.

Warwick

In a sentence: A pretty riverside city in the Southern Downs region, Warwick possesses a diverse selection of attractions that creates heightened appeal.

The drive: A 155km route that steers in a southwest direction, largely following the Cunningham Hwy and slicing through majestic Main Range National Park.

Top attractions in Warwick

• Australian Rodeo Heritage Centre: Barrel-loads of fun for all.
• Warwick Art Gallery: A rich Australian landscapes collection is a highlight.
• Warwick Museum: Well-presented buildings and relics vividly capture past tales.
• Downs Explorer heritage railway experience: All aboard for family fun via regular rail tours.
• Self-guided heritage trail: Admire Warwick’s many superb sandstone buildings.
• Mary Poppins House: Explore a heritage structure once lived in by Mary Poppins’ author, PL Travers.

What’s nearby: Granite Belt Maze, Darling Downs Zoo, Granite Belt wine district, and treasure-packed national parks are among many neighbouring highlights.

Stay at: BIG4 Freedom Lifestyle Warwick.

Maroochydore

In a sentence: Often referred to as the beating heart of the Sunshine Coast, this vibrant river-meets-coast location pits visitors within arm’s reach of experiences ranging from adventurous to sedate.

The drive: A 100km journey northwards along the Bruce Hwy where suburbia soon gives way to the majestic sight of the Glass House Mountains, before steering towards the sea.

Top attractions in and around Maroochydore

• Maroochydore Beach: Among myriad sparkling strips of sand here.
• Maroochy Wetland Sanctuary: Boardwalk exploration.
• SEA LIFE Sunshine Coast Aquarium: Marine life mania!
• Chambers Island: Surrounded by Maroochy River, accessed via a footbridge.
• Point Cartwright Lighthouse: Soak up the views.
• Sunshine Castle: Family fun at Australia’s biggest castle.

What’s nearby: Head to the hinterland and visit attractive small towns, stop by cellar doors, spy waterfalls, and much more.

Stay at: BIG4 Maroochy River.

Toowoomba

In a sentence: Lauded for its parks and gardens, QLD’s largest inland city blends wide open spaces and classic countryside with modern conveniences.

The drive: After a short tilt south, this 125km path heads in an almost straight line west towards Ipswich and then via various small towns.

Top attractions in Toowoomba

• Picnic Point lookout: Vibrant valley vistas.
• Queens Park: One of oh-so-many botanical beauties in these surrounds.
• Cobb+Co Museum: Action-packed trip back in time.
• Street Art Trail: A visual feast.
• Empire Theatre: Art deco beauty.

What’s nearby: Rainforest-clad Ravensbourne National Park has ‘daytrip must’ written all over it.

Stay at: BIG4 Toowoomba.

Want more? All BIG4 parks in QLD are here.

For weekender ideas in other state capitals, head here.