Road trips to take from Brisbane

You don’t have to journey far to embark on a roadtrip to remember this year. Here are some of the best options that depart from Brisbane.

Brisbane to Byron Bay

For some travellers, the journey is just as important as the destination, and this rings especially true when travelling from Brisbane to Byron Bay. Shake things up by veering off the coastal road and roaming along the Mt Lindsay Highway, continuing onto Lions Road and Rainforest Way to discover a unique, off-the-beaten-track part of the country. Start by heading off the M2 Ipswich/Toowoomba Motorway through Logan and continuing on to the Mt Lindsay Highway. Take note of the horse studs and cattle properties along the way, existing in harmony with the more sophisticated wineries in the region. Stop off in Beaudesert to explore some of the agricultural town’s many food, art and nature trails. Beaudesert is part of the scenic rim, which boasts eight World-Heritage listed National Parks and the largest remaining tract of sub-tropical ‘Gondwana’ rainforest anywhere in the world. Check out Mt Tamborine and Lamington National Parks, both of which feature dense rainforest canopies, waterfalls, gif trees, palms and some of the clearest, most enticing swimming holes in the region. Beaudesert is also one of Australia’s most popular places for hot air ballooning, so thrill-seekers may want to take the chance to try out this experience. Continue south along the Mt Lindsay Highway and notice the rugged valleys and rock formations that line the drive. Travel through eucalypt forest as you begin your ascent of the McPherson Range. It’s a good idea to stop for a breather and a bite to eat in this spectacular area. Check out the beautiful Captain Logan’s Lookout in Rathdowney, a historic village. If you’re in Rathdowney in March, make sure you head along to its very own Heritage Festival and Bush Poetry Competition.

Brisbane to Toowoomba

Antique lovers should take the trip from Brisbane to Toowoomba, as this journey offers plenty of cultural experiences along the way. Start from Brisbane and head along the Ipswich Motorway toward the Ipswich Antique Centre. This is one of the major retailer of antiques and collectibles in the South-East Queensland areas, displaying one of the widest ranges outside of Brisbane. You’ll find Australian, Country and English furniture alongside pottery, jewellery, vintage clothes and movie memorabilia. There’s even a special Retro Room to take you back in time. While you’re in Ipswich, check out its houses. It is home to the largest number of pre-1946 homes in all of Queensland, and has many heritage-listed buildings. Continue on to the Ipswich Art Galley, which is located in a restored colonial building in the heart of the CBD. Here you’ll find national touring exhibitions, local artists’ work, displays of Ipswich’s social history and highlights from the beloved City of Ipswich Collection. It’s open every day from 10:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. Finish up in Ipswich and hit the road toward Toowoomba, Queensland’s Garden City. There are over 240 public parks and gardens here, plus plenty of historical atmosphere to get you out in the great outdoors. One of Toowoomba’s best attractions is Picnic Point, located high on the Great Dividing Range and presenting sweeping views across the surrounding valley. The park has beautifully manicured gardens to stroll around, and rotundas and grassy spots to sit and relax at. If you’re in Toowoomba in September, head to Queens Park for the famous Carnival of Flower. This highlights the best of the city’s wine, food, gardens and entertainment. The park also hosts a regular Queens Park Craft Market from 8:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. on the third Sunday of every month.