5 South East QLD Road Trips Your Weekends Will Thank You For

Explorer Alex has hot-footed his way all over the Sunshine State, and knows the coastline and mountain ranges of South East Queensland like the back of his sweaty palm. Here are five of his road trip recommendations for a weekend in nature.

We Are Explorers acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the Countries on which these adventures take place who have occupied and cared for these lands, waters, and their inhabitants for thousands of years. We pay our respects to them and recognise that sovereignty was never ceded.

Life’s short, weekends are shorter. Luckily, South East Queensland is packed with road trip-worthy adventures that’ll have you pursuing cascades, climbing mountains, and stretching out on pristine beaches in no time. Whether you’re craving salty air, misty rainforest, or a cheeky country escape, we’ve got you covered with five killer road trips to make your weekends feel longer (and way more fun).

Read more: Remember to leave no trace

1. Gold Coast to Springbrook & Lamington National Park

Distance: 100-150km (depending on your route)
Duration: 2 days
Highlights: Waterfalls, glow worms, epic hikes, and rainforest retreats

Think again if your perception of the Gold Coast is all surf and skyscrapers. Just an hour inland, you’ll hit the lush, ancient rainforests of Springbrook and Lamington National Park. Hop in the car and take the scenic route up to Springbrook for views that’ll have you questioning if you’ve stumbled into a National Geographic doco.

Binnaburra

The Best of All Lookout? It’s got views that’ll straight-up take your breath away! Afterwards, chase waterfalls at Purling Brook Falls and Twin Falls Circuit. Check out the glow worms at Natural Bridge at night – trust me, it’s magic.

For a real challenge, hit up the Warrie Circuit, a 17km loop that takes you past multiple waterfalls and deep rainforests. If you’d rather chill, head to O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat for a treetop walk.

Don’t forget to pack a picnic – Springbrook and Lamington have some of the best picnic spots in South East Queensland, surrounded by ancient Antarctic beech trees and with the sound of rushing waterfalls as a backing track.

Camp at The Settlement Campground or splurge on a cozy rainforest lodge in Lamington National Park. Before you leave, swing by The Bottle-O on Chevron Island, Surfers Paradise, for those well-earned post-hike refreshments. There’s nothing quite like sitting around a campfire in the crisp mountain air with a cold one in hand.

Sunset at O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat

2. Sunshine Coast to Noosa & Rainbow Beach

Distance: 150km
Duration: 2-3 days
Highlights: Coastal hikes, kayaking, sand dunes, and beach camping

Picture this: sunrise over Noosa National Park, waves rolling in along the points, and a sunset beer at Rainbow Beach. Sounds dreamy, right?

Winch Cove

You can pack it all into one weekend! Kick things off with a coastal walk through Noosa National Park (Winch Cove and Tea Tree Bay are ripper swimming spots), then hire a kayak and paddle through the Noosa Everglades – one of only two Everglade systems in the world! This mirrored waterway is a slice of pure serenity, where the reflections of paperbark trees and mangroves make you feel like you’re gliding through a painting.

Read more: Staying Safe Around Swimming Holes and Waterfalls

If you’re up for more adventure, head north to Rainbow Beach and race up the Carlo Sand Blow for a sunset you won’t forget. The towering sand dunes feel like you’ve been teleported to the Sahara.

Feeling extra daring? Sign up for a tandem skydive over the coastline – because why not make the weekend legendary? For a different kind of thrill, take a 4WD along the beach highway that stretches from Noosa to Rainbow Beach. You’ll be cruising right next to the ocean with salty air whipping through the windows.

Camp right on the beach at Inskip Peninsula, and don’t forget to grab some sundowners from The Bottle-O at Coolum Beach on your way up. Prefer something cushier? Noosa’s got boutique stays for days – try Halse Lodge for a luxe retreat among the trees.

3. Brisbane to Scenic Rim and Tamborine Mountain

Distance: 300-400km (depending on stops)
Duration: 2 days
Highlights: Hiking, wineries, mountain views, and country town vibes

If you’re in the mood for mountains and wine (who isn’t?), the Scenic Rim is for you. Start with a sunrise climb up Mt Cordeaux or Mt Mitchell, then cruise through Boonah for some small-town charm (and an epic country bakery).

The drive through Main Range National Park is unreal, and you’ll want to check out Queen Mary Falls while you’re there. The waterfall plunges dramatically into the rainforest below, and the short circuit walk takes you through lush greenery to some picture-perfect vantage points.

Feeling fancy? The region is home to some top-notch wineries – Witches Falls and Kooroomba Vineyards are worth visiting for a tasting session with a view. If you prefer hops over grapes, Fortitude Brewing Company in Tamborine Mountain has you sorted with craft beers and wood-fired pizzas.

View from Tamborine Mountain

Set up camp at Thunderbird Park or treat yourself to a stay at The Tamborine. Before departing Brisbane, visit any one of the many The Bottle-O locations around the city to ensure you’re stocked up on refreshments.

4. Gold Coast to Minjerribah/Stradbroke Island

Distance: 100km + island driving
Duration: 2 days
Highlights: Island vibes, surf, swimming, and coastal walks

Who needs the Amalfi Coast when you’ve got Straddie? A quick ferry from Cleveland lands you on this absolute paradise of an island, where life moves at a slower, saltier pace. First stop: Cylinder Beach for a swim, then head to Point Lookout to spot dolphins and manta rays. The North Gorge Walk is an easy must-do, and if you’re keen to surf, Main Beach is where the waves are at.

Main Beach

For a complete island experience, take your 4WD and explore Flinders Beach and Blue Lake. The sunsets here are next-level, so find yourself a west-facing position and watch the sky light up in dramatic shades of pink and orange.

Stay at Adder Rock Campground or book a beachfront Airbnb – plenty are available. On your way to the ferry, grab a six-pack of local brews from The Bottle-O Ormeau – but no cracking one until you’re safely parked up at camp. State laws still apply while beach driving!

Read more: How to Drive Safely on the Beach

Lake Bummiera

5. Brisbane to Girraween National Park

Distance: 450-500km
Duration: 2-3 days
Highlights: Granite boulders, hiking, and stargazing

Want to feel like you’ve landed on another planet? Girraween’s giant granite boulders and epic rock formations will do the trick. Hike to the top of The Pyramid for unbeatable views, then cool off in Bald Rock Creek.

When night falls, prepare for some of the clearest stargazing in Queensland – zero light pollution, just a sky full of magic.

For a slower pace, explore the town of Stanthorpe. Love cheese? Make a pit stop at Stanthorpe Cheese for a platter that pairs perfectly with a local vino. Better yet, grab a bottle of something from the wide selection at any of The Bottle-O’s Brisbane’s metro stores before leaving.

Pitch a tent at Castle Rock Campground or go boujee with a Cedar Chalet at Stanthorpe Holiday Park. Before you leave, hit up St Jude’s Cellar Door in Ballandean for a slap up breakfast – everyone knows camping requires sufficient fuel.

There you have it, five road trips that’ll turn any weekend into an adventure. Whether you’re chasing waterfalls, conquering peaks, or just soaking up some coastal serenity, South East Queensland is packed with the good stuff. So, rally your mates, pack the car, and don’t forget to swing by a local The Bottle-O store for those well-earned sundowners. Reality can wait: your next road trip can’t!