# Explore Queensland: Top Road Trips from Brisbane You Can't Miss
Author: Gaurav Singhal
Author URL: https://drivemate.au/blog/author/gaurav-singhal/
Published: 2024-07-22
Category: Discover Queensland
Category URL: https://drivemate.au/blog/category/discover-queensland/
Tags: Drive mate, Road trip , car sharing     , rent car brisbane, road trips brisbane
Tag URLs: Drive mate (https://drivemate.au/blog/tag/drive-mate/), Road trip  (https://drivemate.au/blog/tag/road-trip-2/), car sharing      (https://drivemate.au/blog/tag/car-sharing-2/), rent car brisbane (https://drivemate.au/blog/tag/rent-car-brisbane/), road trips brisbane (https://drivemate.au/blog/tag/road-trips-brisbane/)
URL: https://drivemate.au/blog/explore-queensland-top-road-trips-from-brisbane-you-cant-miss-clyx7adom00025rcvxffhpzgx/

Brisbane, offers an abundance of road trip opportunities for locals and new residents alike. Whether you're seeking scenic landscapes, charming towns, or cultural experiences, there's a perfect destination waiting for you. Allow [Drive mate](https://drivemate.au/) share some of the best road trips from Brisbane, ensuring your journey is as enjoyable as the destination itself.

## 1\. Maleny

![](https://prod.superblogcdn.com/site_cuid_cl6bp1qcz11281krsfq84u6zc/images/photo-by-tahlia-doyle-on-unsplash-1721666361014-compressed.png)

Photo by  Tahlia Doyle on Unsplash

Maleny, located in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland, is a delightful escape just 90 kilometers north of Brisbane. This charming town is known for its lush landscapes, artisan food, and welcoming community.

### Highlights:

\- Wander through the beautiful Maleny Botanic Gardens and Bird World.

\- Enjoy a cheese tasting at Maleny Cheese Factory.

\- Stroll along Obi Obi Boardwalk for serene creekside views.

### Travel Tips:

\- Visit on a weekend to experience the vibrant local markets.

\- Pack a picnic and enjoy the scenic views at Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve.

## 2\. Mount Isa

Mount Isa, a mining town in Queensland's northwest, is a fascinating destination with a unique blend of outback charm and industrial history. The journey from Brisbane to Mount Isa covers approximately 1,800 kilometers, making it a longer adventure perfect for those who enjoy extended drives through diverse landscapes.

### Highlights:

\- Visit the Outback at Isa Centre to learn about the town's mining history.

\- Explore the Underground Hospital and Museum, a relic from World War II.

\- Take in the stunning views from the City Lookout.

### Travel Tips:

\- Ensure your vehicle is well-maintained and equipped for long-distance travel.

\- Plan overnight stops to break up the journey and rest.

## 3\. Canungra

![](https://prod.superblogcdn.com/site_cuid_cl6bp1qcz11281krsfq84u6zc/images/photo-by-caleb-on-unsplash-1721666496709-compressed.jpg)

Photo by Caleb on Unsplash

Just an hour's drive south of Brisbane, Canungra is a picturesque town that serves as a gateway to the Scenic Rim. Known for its natural beauty and outdoor activities, Canungra is a perfect day trip destination.

### Highlights:

\- Explore Lamington National Park, home to lush rainforests and stunning waterfalls.

\- Visit O'Reilly's Rainforest Retreat for treetop walks and birdwatching.

\- Sample local wines at the Canungra Valley Vineyards.

### Travel Tips:

\- Wear comfortable hiking shoes for exploring national park trails.

\- Check weather conditions before heading out, as the area can be prone to rain.

## 4\. Stanthorpe

Stanthorpe, situated in the Granite Belt wine region, is a three-hour drive southwest of Brisbane. This region is renowned for its wineries, fresh produce, and beautiful national parks.

### Highlights:

\- Tour local wineries and sample award-winning wines.

\- Visit Girraween National Park for hiking and granite rock formations.

\- Enjoy fresh strawberries at one of the local farms.

### Travel Tips:

\- Consider visiting during the annual Apple & Grape Harvest Festival.

\- Plan a weekend trip to fully experience the region's offerings.

## 5\. Maryborough

![](https://prod.superblogcdn.com/site_cuid_cl6bp1qcz11281krsfq84u6zc/images/forest-6650130640-1721666667697-compressed.jpg)

Photo by Mohan Nannapaneni on Pixabay

Maryborough, a historic town located 250 kilometers north of Brisbane, offers a blend of history and culture. Known as the birthplace of Mary Poppins author P.L. Travers, this town has plenty to explore.

### Highlights:

\- Discover the Maryborough Military and Colonial Museum.

\- Stroll through the Mary Poppins-themed park and trail.

\- Explore the heritage-listed buildings and riverside parks.

### Travel Tips:

\- Check out the Maryborough Markets held every Thursday.

\- Visit the Bond Store Museum for insights into the town's colonial past.

## 6\. Herberton

Herberton, located in the Atherton Tablelands, is a historic mining village that provides a glimpse into Queensland's past. It's approximately 1,700 kilometers from Brisbane, ideal for a more extended road trip.

### Highlights:

\- Wander through the Historic Village Herberton, an open-air museum.

\- Explore the Herberton Mining Museum and Visitor Information Centre.

\- Enjoy the scenic views and fresh air of the Atherton Tablelands.

### Travel Tips:

\- Allocate a full day to explore the historic village.

\- Combine your trip with a visit to nearby attractions like the Curtain Fig Tree.

## 7\. Longreach

![](https://prod.superblogcdn.com/site_cuid_cl6bp1qcz11281krsfq84u6zc/images/photo-by-kate-l-on-unsplash-1-1721666913705-compressed.jpg)

Photo by Kate L on Unsplash

Longreach, a town steeped in history, is located about 1,200 kilometers from Brisbane. Known for its role in aviation and the outback lifestyle, Longreach is a fascinating destination.

### Highlights:

\- Tour the Qantas Founders Museum and learn about Australia's aviation history.

\- Visit the Australian Stockman's Hall of Fame.

\- Take a scenic cruise on the Thomson River.

Travel Tips:

\- Allow at least two days to explore Longreach thoroughly.

\- Combine your visit with a trip to nearby Winton.

## 8\. Charleville

Charleville, in southwestern Queensland, is about 750 kilometers from Brisbane. This charming town offers unique outback experiences and starry night skies.

### Highlights:

\- Visit the Charleville Cosmos Centre for stargazing.

\- Explore the Bilby Experience to learn about this endangered marsupial.

\- Check out the WWII Secret Base and Charleville Heritage Trail.

Travel Tips:

\- Book a stargazing session in advance at the Cosmos Centre.

\- Visit during the cooler months to avoid the outback heat.

## 9\. Winton

![](https://prod.superblogcdn.com/site_cuid_cl6bp1qcz11281krsfq84u6zc/images/photo-by-trevor-mckinnon-on-unsplash-1-1721667103016-compressed.jpg)

Photo by Trevor McKinnon on Unsplash

Winton, located near Longreach, is famous for its dinosaur discoveries and outback charm. It's approximately 1,350 kilometers from Brisbane.

### Highlights:

\- Explore the Australian Age of Dinosaurs Museum.

\- Visit the Waltzing Matilda Centre.

\- Discover the scenic Bladensburg National Park.

### Travel Tips:

\- Wear comfortable walking shoes for the museum and national park tours.

\- Plan your trip around the annual Outback Festival for a unique experience.

## 10\. Townsville

Townsville, a vibrant coastal city, is about 1,300 kilometers north of Brisbane. Known for its tropical climate and Great Barrier Reef access, Townsville is a fantastic road trip destination.

### Highlights:

\- Explore the Reef HQ Great Barrier Reef Aquarium.

\- Stroll along The Strand waterfront promenade.

\- Visit Magnetic Island for hiking and snorkeling.

### Travel Tips:

\- Consider taking a ferry to Magnetic Island for a day trip.

\- Visit during the dry season (May to October) for the best weather.

## Car Sharing with Drive mate

![](https://prod.superblogcdn.com/site_cuid_cl6bp1qcz11281krsfq84u6zc/images/pqwtd-4n2pi-1721667159203-compressed.jpg)

If you're a car owner, you can [share your car](https://drivemate.au/become-a-host) with Drive mate safely and without any worries. By doing so, you can earn extra money while helping others enjoy the freedom of [renting a car](https://drivemate.au/) for their road trips from Brisbane.

Drive mate offers a reliable and secure platform for [car sharing](https://drivemate.au/), ensuring both car owners and renters have a seamless experience.

If you need to [rent a car](https://drivemate.au/) for a short trip or an extended journey, Drive mate has a variety of vehicles to suit your needs. From compact cars to spacious SUVs, you can find the perfect car for your adventure.

### Conclusion

Road trips from Brisbane offer endless opportunities to explore Queensland's diverse landscapes and charming towns. Whether you're heading to the outback, the coast, or the hinterland, there's a destination for every type of traveler. And with Drive mate, you can easily [rent a car](https://drivemate.au/) in Brisbane and across Australia or [share your car](https://drivemate.au/become-a-host). Whatever you decide, we wish you happy travels!

**Also read:** ​​

​ [6 Best Rooftop Bars in Brisbane for a Fun Night Out](https://drivemate.au/blog/6-best-rooftop-bars-in-brisbane-for-a-fun-night-out-clxd1gd1o0019vwvgy8vnc65g/) ​

[Discover the Magic of the Gold Coast: 12 Reasons to Visit](https://drivemate.au/blog/discover-the-magic-of-the-gold-coast-12-reasons-to-visit-clyfd4qye004hg60qy3003xy9/)

[Ultimate Winter Travel Guide: Best Places to See in Australia](https://drivemate.au/blog/ultimate-winter-travel-guide-best-places-to-see-in-australia-clyqyu0qu002mg0d21po0sqm7/)


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