Take the plunge at Moreton Island

Did you know you can visit a subtropical island without leaving the Brisbane city limits? Outdoorsy types will be able to make the most of the 300 or so days of good weather that blesses the aptly named Sunshine State annually by jumping on the 90-minute ferry to Moreton Island and its iconic Tangalooma Wrecks. Partially-submerged in pristine blue waters, these sunken ships are home to a wealth of aquatic critters — including 100 species of reef fish — making them a must-visit for snorkelers and divers. Picture: Tourism Events Queensland

See the Scenic Rim at Lamington National Park

Any roundup of Brissie day trips wouldn’t be complete without a mention of the Scenic Rim. The Gold Coast hinterland is home to some of most spectacular bushwalks in the country and there’s more than 260-kilometres of walking tracks to choose from and the Great Walk in Lamington National Park is definitely one of the best. Just under two hours away, the 40 million-year-old rainforest rewards travellers with lush rainforests and ancient trees that are worthy of its World Heritage-listed status. And a hike here can easily be combined with a visit to one of Australia’s best picnic spots, the aptly named, Picnic Rock, which can be easily accessed via a 3.5-kilometre rainforest walk from O'Reilly's Rainforest Retreat. Picture: Destination Gold Coast

Get an Indigenous immersion at Mooloolaba

Given that we’re living on the land occupied by the world’s oldest continuous culture — a culture that stretches back at least 60,000 years — how many of us actually have an understanding of Australia’s rich, indigenous heritage? Not many, unfortunately. You can remedy this cultural knowledge gap by hitting the road and heading north to the Sunshine Coast where Saltwater Eco Tours offer traditional sailing experiences on a meticulously restored timber ‘ketch’ in the traditional waters of the local Kabi Kabi or ‘saltwater people’. Led by an indigenous guide, visitors will be regaled with Dreamtime stories while cruising past beautiful coastal hinterland and the dramatic peaks of the Glass House Mountains. Picture: TravMedia

Follow in the footsteps of Thor at Tamborine Mountain

Chosen as a location by Marvel Studios, filming of the third Thor movie took place in southeast Queensland and one of the most identifiable locations is the lush green rainforest on Tamborine Mountain. An hour’s drive from Brisbane, there’s walks and waterfalls here in abundance, but a more unique attraction are the manmade caves filled with thousands of glowworms. Picture: Destination Gold Coast

Bigger is better on the Sunshine Coast

Load the car with the kids and introduce your brood to the quintessential Aussie road trip from your childhood — an open road journey ticking off ‘big things’. The Sunshine Coast might be famous for beaches and hinterland, but tucked between the two is a haven of big things worthy of any road trip detour. Head north towards the juicy national tourism icon, the landmark, the Big Pineapple (alongside the fibreglass main event there’s also a zoo and zip line) before heading further along the Pacific to the famed 1982 Commonwealth Games star, Matilda the Kangaroo, who now stands 13-metres high by the road in Kybong.

Feed your inner foodie at Burleigh Heads

Roughly an hour from the CBD lies the Gold Coast suburb of Burleigh Heads. And while the iconic high-rise skyline may be in the distance, the feel here couldn’t be further from that of the the Goldie and its identikit casinos and fast-food chains. Burleigh has gone from motley backwater to hip, Byron Bay-esque foodie favourite. A few standout gems include Rick Shores (pictured), which is positioned on one of the most prized beachfront locations on the coast (water literally laps under the restaurant windows) meaning that diners can gorge on delectable Asian-fusion fare while watching surfers carve it up outside. And lauded eatery, The Fish House, including its signature Patagonian toothfish marinated in miso, which could easily give Nobu’s famed black cod a run for its money. Picture: Tourism and Events Queensland

Ride the rainbow at Rainbow Beach

The wind in your hair as you gallop along miles of pristine beach — who would have thought a road trip away from Brissie and you can make your cowboy (or cowgirl) fantasies come true? At the Sunshine Coast’s Rainbow Beach (named due to its rainbow-hued sands comprised of 70 different colours and tints) Rainbow Beach Horse Rides offer a magical riding experience along the shores of the picturesque sand. Picture: Tourism and Events Queensland

Spa like a boss in Tallebudgera Valley

Drive an hour from Brisbane’s busy CBD and you’re in wellness Mecca. A frontrunner in the concept of digital detoxing, Gwinganna Lifestyle Retreat in the Gold Coast’s Tallebudgera Valley is both the largest spa in the Southern Hemisphere and a multiple winner of Australia’s Best Wellness Retreat. Here, you can indulge in a tome of spa ritual options, in addition to taking advantage of the complex’s meditation suites. Given that Hugh Jackman is a part-owner, don’t be surprised if you end up sharing pool space with the Wolverine star. Picture: Destination Gold Coast

Go beyond Byron in Mullumbimby

While Byron gets all the hype (and the tourist traffic) a mere 15-minutes north and inland from the holiday hotspot (and two hours drive from Brissie) lies the charm-infused town of Mullumbimby. Still firmly embracing its counterculture roots, the picturesque fusion of rural and alternative lifestyles has created a thoroughfare of art galleries, antique stores, yoga studios, organic groceries, and a lively cafe scene. While there, no visitor should miss out on an hour or two at Kiva Spa. Reminiscent of a day spa in Bali or Thailand, this literal oasis is hidden down a suburbia laneway and is comprised of outdoor bubbling hot tubs, cold plunge pools, and gorgeous wood-fired sauna, which combined makes for a blissful few hours. Picture: Facebook/Kiva Spa

Hang ten at Snapper Rocks

There’s good reason that surf gods including Mick Fanning call the Sunshine State home: surfing, lots of surfing. Queensland’s beaches are famed for some of the best breaks on the planet and Julian Wilson and Stephanie Gilmore are just a few surfing greats who have honed their skills on them. And the ultimate pro surf spot of choice? Snapper Rocks. Located on a rocky outcrop at the southern end of Rainbow Bay on the Gold Coast, this legendary multi-barrelled ‘super bank’ isn’t just a go-to for surfboard carrying, wetsuit-clad salty surfers from across the world, it’s also the location of the annual World Surf Leagues’ Quiksilver and Roxy Pros. Picture: Tourism and Events Queensland

Check out the newest hipster hangout in Buderim

If you want to get the jump on the town that’s touted as the newest hipster hood in Queensland, then make a beeline to Buderim. Known for its lush rainforest, these days — thanks to an influx of tree changer bohemian creatives — the formerly unassuming quaint village is quickly gaining a reputation as a new hipster hood. You can see this transformation firsthand via the swag of trendy coffee shops that have opened their doors, including shipping container turned cafe, Rue Bourbon, and brunch hotspot, John Kyle Espresso.Picture: Tourism and Events Queensland

Be a literal castaway on Peel Island

If you harbour unfulfilled Robinson Crusoe castaway fantasies then Peel Island is for you. Undoubtedly one of Brisbane’s more rugged isles, this small heritage-listed island is accessible only by private watercraft. It’s also devoid of any inhabitants and facilities, which means that you’ll need top-notch camping skills and a backpack full of every overnight necessity. Picture: Tourism and Events Queensland

See also:
- 14 things to do in Brisbane this summer
- A guide to Brisbane’s hip city laneways