Visiting the Sunshine State? If you’re looking for naturally beautiful destinations to visit in the South-East Queensland area near Brisbane, we’ve got some beauties that you simply can’t afford to miss!
The Bunya Mountains National Park
One of the cooler places to be found in Queensland, the Bunya Mountains soars above the surrounding plains at an elevation of around 1100 metres above sea level. This wonderfully scenic and peaceful rainforest paradise offers a surprisingly and refreshingly cool climate that is a delight in all seasons.
There’s plenty of rainforest walking tracks to traverse, where you’ll find lookouts with delightful views, waterfalls, rockpools, ancient Bunya pines, rainforest trees and eucalypt forests, as well as plenty of local (and very friendly) wildlife. You can even hand feed the wallabies and native parrots that flock around the centrally located café that provides fresh and delicious local food.
There’s plenty of accommodation to be had at the Bunya Mountains too, with over 100 properties available for rent have a look here: https://bunyamountains.com.au/accommodation-search/
Lamington National Park
Take a walk in Lamington National Park, where you’ll find yourself in a cool, green world of ancient trees and lush rainforest that well deserve their World Heritage-listed status. Located just a two-hour drive from Brisbane, Lamington offers walks ranging from 30 minute circuits to eight-hour treks, through thick rainforest, waterfalls, majestic scenery and camera-worthy views at every turn.
There’s even a Tree Top Walk set 16 metres above the ground that will take you over nine suspension bridges high among the treetops. The drive to Lamington National Park is beautiful and the reward at the end is a stunningly scenic destination that you won’t want to leave.
The area also provides a shop, a café, car parking, BBQs, plenty of picnic space and accommodation right at the park entrance (ranging from camping spots to luxury apartments). The birdlife and wildlife are extensive, and you’re sure to spot a huge variety of different animals and birds.
Queen Mary Falls
Considered one of Queensland’s best waterfalls, Queen Mary Falls is located just outside the small township of Killarney on the Darling Downs. The drive is scenic, the falls are World Heritage-listed, and it’s only a 30-minute walk to view them.
As well, Killarney is home to four other waterfalls, which are all worth a visit; five waterfalls are definitely better than one! There’s a café in the area providing delicious food, and lookouts to view the attractive scenery.
The Glasshouse Mountains
The Sunshine Coast hinterland is home to the legendary Glasshouse Mountains, where you’ll find a pristine nature reserve, plenty of walking tracks, characterful country towns and delicious food stops. With over 880 hectares of heritage-protected national parkland, the
area has significant cultural and historic importance, and is a must visit for those seeking outdoor adventure in dramatically beautiful surroundings. There are waterfalls to swim at, scenic walking tracks to explore and plenty of adventure activities on offer, including rock climbing, abseiling, canyoning, rappelling and mountain biking.
The area is dotted with small and scenic towns such as Beerwah and Maleny, where you can find a place to stay and visit some of the many cafes, restaurants and cultural attractions on offer.
Moreton Island
An island retreat is always an attractive prospect, and Moreton Island will certainly fit the bill. Located a 90-minute ferry ride from Brisbane, Moreton Island is a paradise of sand dunes, coastal swamps and ocean views from every angle.
Here you can snorkel over wrecks, try your hand at four-wheel driving, quad biking, sandboarding or paragliding, feed wild dolphins or explore the scenic island. Most things are within walking distance, and the island offers a resort, shop and café for those wanting to stay a bit longer.
Springbrook National Park
Offering stunning scenery and excellent National Park walks, Springbrook National Park comes highly recommended by visitors. Located on the Scenic Rim, Springbrook offers plenty of walking tracks, lookouts where you can gaze over scenic vistas, rainforest scenery and waterfalls. Bring a picnic lunch and enjoy relaxing after a trek through the rainforest.
Mary Cairncross Reserve
With 55 hectares of sub-tropical rainforest located in the Sunshine Coast’s Blackall Ranges, Mary Cairncross Reserve is an excellent place for a wilderness trek.
You’ll find well-developed walking paths and boardwalks snaking through the peaceful rainforest scenery, as well as plenty of local wildlife, including pademelons, birds and the blue endangered mountain crayfish.
If you’re travelling from Brisbane, some of these trips can be completed within a day, while for others, you may need to spend one (or more) nights to really be able to experience the place.