Scenic drives in the Brisbane Region
Take the road less travelled and explore hidden pockets of nature and history waiting to be discovered on a scenic drive through the Brisbane region. Whether you’d like to stay near Brisbane City or travel further afield, there’s a scenic route sure to drive you wild.
Brisbane City
You don’t need to venture too far from home to discover something new. These scenic drives are just a hop, skip and jump from the heart of Brisbane.
01. Mt Coot-Tha, West Brisbane
Take the twists and turns up Sir Samuel Griffith Drive on the glorious route to Mt Coot-Tha Lookout. Beginning at the Brisbane Botanic Gardens, circle up the road towards the peak and be rewarded with views across Brisbane and beyond.
02. Mt Gravatt, South Brisbane
Head south of the city centre and take a drive through the suburb of Mt Gravatt. Your final destination is Mt Gravatt Lookout, which faces north-west towards the city, producing epic sunset views. We recommend you time your drive around dusk to take in all this lookout point has to offer.
Scenic Rim
The Scenic Rim is located about an hour’s drive south of the city. As one of Lonely Planet’s Top 10 ‘must visit’ regions, make sure you have enough time to explore the heritage listed rainforests and indulge in the delicious, fresh produce this region is renowned for.
03. Canungra, Beechmont and Lamington National Park
From Canungra, make your way along Lamington National Park Road past two local wineries. Explore the World Heritage-listed Lamington National Park or escape to a world of crystal-clear creeks and fresh mountain air at O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat.
04. Tamborine Mountain
Get snap-happy along one of Tamborine Mountain’s picturesque drives. Pull in at one of the many vantage points along Main Western Road that offer spectacular views of the valley below.
05. Beaudesert and Lost World Valley
Get back to basics with a drive through Lost World Valley at the wilderness end of Lamington National Park. This tranquil valley is the perfect place to go horse riding, milk a cow or take in a scenic bushwalk.
06. Mt Barney and Rathdowney
If it is magnificent scenery you are after, then don’t miss the Boonah-Rathdowney Road that loops between the two towns, running past Mt Barney and the Maroon Dam.
07. Boonah
Follow one of the area’s four themed heritage trails and soak up the region’s history, inspirational artists and works of art and serene scenery or indulge in a spot of native birdwatching.
Moreton Bay Region
Only 30 minutes north of Brisbane you can escape to the Moreton Bay region. Where the countryside meets the bayside, the area offers outstanding views of the bay, beautiful mountain scenery and lush farmland.
08. Northern Moreton Bay Drive
Beginning at the Redcliffe Aerodrome, this relaxing drive takes you to the Redcliffe Botanic Gardens, Redcliffe Art Gallery and Redcliffe Museum. Soak up some local history with a stop at the Sandgate and District Historical Society and Museum before heading to the Shorncliffe Pier.
09. Mount Mee – D'Aguilar National Park
The striking D’Aguilar National Park is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna. The Mount Mee section takes in the northern part of the park and extends to Woodford. Mount Mee is a 90-minute drive north-west of Brisbane.
10. Mt Glorious and Mt Nebo – D'Aguilar National Park
Scenic lookouts are scattered throughout South D’Aguilar National Park. . Head along Mount Nebo Rd towards Mount Nebo and Mount Glorious, then loop around and visit charming Samford Village on your way back to Brisbane.
Redlands Coast
The Redlands’ beautiful bayside villages and picturesque islands of Moreton Bay each have their own adventures to offer. An easy 30-minute drive south-east from Brisbane’s CBD will have you in the heart of the Redlands, ready to explore the history and strong foodie culture.
11. Southern Moreton Bay Drive
The first port of call is the Port of Brisbane. If you have the time, hop aboard and set sail to historical St Helena Island or stay on the mainland and visit Fort Lytton National Park in Wynnum and Redlands Indigiscapes Centre in Capalaba. Self-guided exploration is easy – just follow the brown road signs with the Dugong symbol.
12. Minjerribah
Drive onto the vehicle ferry and take the car over to Minjerribah (North Stradbroke Island) for stunning beach views. With four wheels you can wind between three villages on the island and stop by the Brown Lake – a giant freshwater tea tree lake. Keep an eye out between May and November for whales that are often seen offshore.
Ipswich
Ipswich, one of Queensland’s oldest cities, has a rich history as well as a vibrant cultural scene, a combination that makes it an ideal destination for a weekend drive. Only 40 minutes from Brisbane, it is also a gateway to the neighbouring Scenic Rim region.
13. Rosewood, Marburg and Ipswich
Brisbane St, in the heart of Ipswich, has one of the longest stretches of heritage façade in Australia. The nearby towns of Rosewood and Marburg offer an insight into the region’s rail history.
City of Logan
Just 30 minutes south of central Brisbane, the City of Logan is bursting with things to do, places to see and mouth-watering multicultural eats.
14. Logan City
Choose your own adventure and discover Logan City’s best-kept secrets as you drive the streets and back roads of this urban treasure trove. From artisan producers and coffee shops to heritage arts and crafts to stunning wetlands and sprawling parks, there’s always something new and surprising to discover.
15. Beenleigh
Let your stomach be your guide as you indulge in rum, chocolates, honey and strawberries while meandering through the sweeping southern agricultural region of the City of Logan. Refuel at one (or all) of the city’s local sweet spots including Beenleigh Rum Distillery, Poppy’s Chocolates, Bee All Natural and Chambers Flat Strawberry Farm.
