Top 5 Winter Road Trips from Brisbane

Winter in Brisbane is the perfect time to enjoy a road trip, with cooler days, cosy nights by the camp fire, fewer crowds, and off peak prices. There are plenty of destinations to explore in and around Brisbane, from coastal towns to stunning national parks. Brisbane campervan hire is a perfect way to get out on the road in the winter time. With no need to set up tents, you can easily travel between locations! If you’re looking for destination inspiration, here are some suggestions to plan your next epic winter road trip in Queensland.

Gold Coast Hinterland

The Gold Coast Hinterland is a beautiful place to explore in the winter, with cool temperatures and stunning views. Just an hour’s drive from Brisbane, you’ll find the Lamington National Park, a world heritage site known for its incredible biodiversity. Here you can enjoy scenic walks, birdwatching, and breathtaking views of the surrounding rainforest.

Next stop is Tamborine Mountain, a charming mountain town with stunning views of the Gold Coast. Here you can visit wineries, distilleries, and breweries, or take a walk through the beautiful rainforest. If you’re looking for something more adventurous, try out the Tamborine Rainforest Skywalk, a 1.5km walk through the rainforest canopy.

Sunshine Coast

The Sunshine Coast is another excellent destination for a winter road trip from Brisbane. Here you can enjoy beautiful beaches, picturesque hinterland towns, and some of the best seafood in the country. Start your trip in Caloundra, where you can enjoy a swim at one of the beautiful beaches, or take a walk through the stunning Pumicestone Passage.

Next stop is the Glass House Mountains, a collection of volcanic peaks that offer spectacular views of the surrounding countryside. Here you can take a hike through the rainforest, or climb one of the peaks for an unforgettable experience.

Noosa is the perfect destination for foodies, with an abundance of world-class restaurants and cafes to choose from. The town is also known for its beautiful beaches, making it the ideal place to relax and unwind.

North Stradbroke Island

North Stradbroke Island is a fabulous destination for a winter road trip from Brisbane. During this time of the year, the island experiences fewer crowds, and you can enjoy the beautiful scenery in peace. The island is accessible by vehicle and passenger ferry from Cleveland, and the journey takes just over one hour.

Once you arrive, you can explore the island’s stunning beaches, or walk along the North Gorge Walk, which offers breathtaking views of the coastline. It is a popular location for spotting whales and dolphins during their migration season, which is over the winter months from May!

North Stradbroke Island is also home to a diverse range of wildlife, including kangaroos, wallabies, and koalas, which you can spot in their natural habitat. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can go sandboarding on the island’s sand dunes, or join a 4WD tour through the island’s rugged terrain.

Toowoomba

Toowoomba is a charming city located around two hours’ drive from Brisbane city, and is a perfect destination for a winter road trip. Known as the “Garden City,” Toowoomba is home to many beautiful parks and gardens that are especially stunning during the cooler months.

One of the most popular parks to visit in Toowoomba is the Japanese Garden. This garden is a peaceful oasis and features stunning cherry blossoms, traditional Japanese architecture, and a beautiful lake. It’s a perfect place to spend a crisp winter morning.

Stanthorpe

Stanthorpe is a charming country town located in the Granite Belt region of Queensland, about 220 kilometers southwest of Brisbane. Known for its wineries, apple orchards, and stunning natural scenery, it’s the perfect destination for a winter road trip from Brisbane.

One of the main attractions in Stanthorpe is the Granite Belt Brewery, which offers tastings of their craft beers, ciders, and local wines. They also have a restaurant with a delicious menu that features locally-sourced produce.

Another must-visit destination in Stanthorpe is the Girraween National Park, a stunning natural wonderland of massive granite boulders, wildflowers, and native wildlife. Here you can go on scenic hikes, relax by rock pools, and take in the breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside.

Conclusion

Brisbane is surrounded by incredible destinations that are perfect for a winter road trip. From the Gold Coast Hinterland to the Sunshine Coast and Granite Belt, including foodie destinations, natural attractions and charming cities. With fewer crowds and better prices, winter is the perfect time to hit the road and explore Queensland’s stunning landscapes.