Top 5 Scenic Drives Near Brisbane
Stepping onto the open road can be both liberating and exciting. By carefully planning, you can experience some of Australia’s greatest scenic drives near Brisbane.
Start off your trip in Port Macquarie – an iconic seaside town known for its beaches and cuddly koalas! Head to Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary for the chance to hold one in your arms.
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1. Caves Beach
Caves Beach is known for its extensive network of caves lining its coastline, making for an idyllic environment in which to spend an enjoyable day. At its southern end is patrolled by lifeguards while rock pools make an excellent place to splash around or search out marine creatures.
At low tide, these caves can be best explored. Surprisingly easy to traverse on foot, their many crevasses and dark corners will stimulate kids’ imaginations and provide hours of exploration fun!
Mylo’s Caves Beach, situated below the surf lifesaving club, provides a picturesque and relaxing escape. Perfect for family picnics and romantic strolls alike, its location provides a quiet sanctuary away from crowds while its spectacular view of coal ships at sea offers another attraction; more adventurous visitors may wish to follow its coastal walking track southward towards Pinny Beach in Wallarah National Park for even greater enjoyment!
2. Port Macquarie
Port Macquarie is a top pick on NSW mid-North Coast for its beaches, laidback atmosphere and sophisticated dining scene. Situated at the mouth of Hastings River and offering plenty of natural attractions such as dolphins playing on its waters; whales lingering during migration; and koalas sleeping peacefully overhead – Port Macquarie makes for an idyllic coastal experience!
Town boasts the world’s first Koala Hospital, where visitors can visit its cuddly residents and learn about rehabilitating sick or injured koalas. If you want an adrenaline rush, take an exhilarating two-hour hike up Tomaree Head Summit!
Brisbane, the relaxed yet sophisticated capital city of Queensland. Enjoy a glass of wine from a nearby vineyard or go on an epic search for koalas at Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary where you can even hold one!
3. Mount Glorious
Mount Glorious, just an hour’s drive from Brisbane, boasts a charming mountain village featuring stunning lookouts over Lake Wivenhoe with lush rainforests descending from surrounding mountains and Lake Wivenhoe itself. For optimal viewing experiences, plan a visit near dusk or dawn.
Nature enthusiasts will also find paradise here with walking trails, waterfalls and scenic viewing areas aplenty. Additionally, heritage-listed buildings such as Cloverlea Falls Cafe and an old school house can be explored – plus residents have shared their reminiscences via MEPA website so visitors can learn about its history through reading reminiscences collected by local historians on its MEPA site!
From here, head north along the coast to surf carnival town Mooloolaba or craft beer-crazy Noosa for world-class beaches and national park scenery. Or venture inland to charming mountain village Boonah or Maleny’s artisanal food markets for some unique food experiences and stunning mountain vistas with fragrant lavender fields and vines!
4. Mount Nebo
Mount Nebo and Mt Glorious lie just 40 minutes west of Brisbane city and make for an exciting day or weekend trip. Starting at The Gap, follow the winding road past Enoggera Reservoir before winding through eucalypt forest before passing Dr Red Vineyard before arriving at Mount Nebo with its lush subtropical rainforest walks – an experience not to be missed!
Thylogale Walking Track from Jollys Lookout provides an ideal option for exploring parts of a national park while taking advantage of an 8 kilometre round-trip rainforest trail suitable for most levels of fitness. This trail takes around three hours to cover.
Mount Nebo Road provides access to this hiking trail, however its parking area tends to fill quickly on weekend mornings. An alternative would be Boombana Picnic Area or Cafe in the Mountains (formerly Mt Nebo Cafe). When hiking Pitta Circuit look out for palms, climbing ferns and orchids as you traverse different forest types.
