Ultimate 5 Day Road Trip From Brisbane

Ready for an unforgettable 5-day road trip from Brisbane? Luckily, you don’t have to travel far to see the best this region has to offer - amazing stops are just a hop, skip and drive from the city centre.

Below, we’ve put together the perfect itinerary to help you do a loop of the Scenic Rim and take in as much as possible on one brilliant road trip. In under a week, you’ll come across a world-heritage listed rainforest, six national parks, quaint country towns and jaw-dropping panoramas. Read on to get road trip ready!

5-day road trip from Brisbane: stops you can’t miss

Total distance: about 362km | Recommended days: 5 days | Best time to do the route: between December and February | See route in Google Maps

1. Brisbane

First things first, sort out campervan hire in Brisbane. But before you take off on your Scenic Rim adventure, spend a day exploring this incredible city!

Start with a stroll along Brisbane’s waterfront at Southbank before taking in some amazing views of the city on the Wheel of Brisbane. River cruises are another one of the best ways to see everything on offer - pick out your favourite spots to explore on foot later! You’ll also discover plenty of places to eat as well, including Burrito Bar South Bank, Mado Turkish Restaurant, Shysh, The Jetty Southbank and more.

Then visit the Museum of Brisbane, take the kids for a visit to Queensland’s Museum and Sciencentre with their interactive exhibits, or head to the popular Queensland Art Gallery & Gallery of Modern Art (QAGOMA).

You could also pay a visit to some cuddly animals at Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, where you can get up close with more than 70 species of other Australian animals, including kangaroos, kookaburras, wombats, dingoes and snakes.

When you’re done, treat yourself to a spot of shopping at Queen Street Mall or the Brisbane City Markets to pick up some tasty treats to travel with. The Brisbane Twilight Markets are also worth checking out, as the only Brisbane market to sell 100% locally made products, you’ll find something truly unique as the perfect souvenir of your visit!

Lastly, pack yourself a picnic and head to the City Botanic Gardens, where you can relax and recharge before hitting the road.

2. Boonah

Boonah is just a 1 hour and 5-minute drive from the centre of Brisbane, so you don’t have to worry about stopping off along the way. When you hit Boonah’s High St, head to Maynard’s Store, a charming third-generation department store. You can also look for gifts at Duck Junction, or browse Boonah Jewellery and Gifts.

Boonah is also the perfect town to eat and drink your way around. Discover local delicacies on one of their farm gate tours that showcase locally grown fresh produce, wines and beers.

After you’re done feasting, take the chance to stretch your legs with some incredible views at Mount French National Park, it’s just a short drive from Boonah with plenty of walking tracks to be tested, all offering amazing views.

If you’re looking for something a little bit different, then book a visit to Kooroomba Vineyard and Lavender Farm. It’s just a quick 10-minute trip down the road, where you can settle back for a spot of afternoon tea while taking in the incredible mountain views around you.

For a more adventurous arvo, make the trip to Boon Gliding Club, where you can take a flight and have some hands-on time with a qualified instructor!

Head to Boonah Caravan Park after a big day exploring to set up camp.

3. Mount Barney

Next stop, Mount Barney. Just a quick 45 minute drive away, you’ll reach your destination in no time, ready to jump out and travel the sights.

At 1,359m high, Mount Barney is Queensland’s fourth-highest peak. Within the actual National Park, there are seven smaller peaks, which are all that remains of an ancient volcano, which erupted around 26-million years ago!

Once you settle into your campsite at beautiful Mt Barney Lodge, it’s time to get exploring. There are so many amazing tracks for you to check out.

If you’re looking for something easy, start with Yellow Pinch lookout, which is just a 2km return walk. The Lower Portals track will take you through a 7.4km return walk that ends at a deep pool in a rocky gorge. If you’re up for a long walk, take on Cronan Creek Falls walk, which is 12km return and explores some picturesque places.

4. Lamington National Park

Hop back in the campervan for a 1 hour and 40-minute drive to one of the most incredible national parks in Australia.

Known for its section of the ancient Gondwana Rainforests, there are plenty of trails for you to explore across the Lamington National Park’s two main areas: Binna Burra and Green Mountains. More than 225 million years old, along with Mount Barney, the park has earned its place on the UNESCO World Heritage List as the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia.

The great thing about this national park is that it caters to all abilities. Whether you’re an avid hiker looking to take on a challenge, or ready for an easy stroll to soak up the wonders of this place, there’s a track for you. In fact, there is more than 160km of track, all ranging from class 1-5 depending on what you’re seeking!

Start off easy with the Centenary Track, which will take you just 30 minutes and connect with more tracks as you go, if you’re feeling a little more adventurous. If you’re seeking the sights, climb into the canopy at O’Reilly’s Tree Top Walk for some amazing views. It’s a 4.6km return trip taking you to the picturesque Moran Falls, cascading in front of you.

O’Reilly’s campground is the perfect place to set up camp afterwards, with plenty of cafes and amenities nearby.

6. Tamborine Mountain

Your final stop for this Scenic Rim 5 day road trip from Brisbane is a simple 55-minute drive, where even more wilderness is waiting to be explored. Head straight for the Tamborine Rainforest Skywalk, which is one of the easiest ways to soak up the magnificent nature surrounding you.

If you’re after an unforgettable experience, then be sure to travel inside the cave at Cedar Creek Winery, where you can learn about glow worms and see thousands of them glowing brightly around you.

Or take a trip through Tamborine Mountain Botanic Gardens, where you can take a short walk to explore all the flora and fauna before stopping for a gorgeous picnic right next to the lake.

Then head into town and take a stroll down Long Road, where you can explore Gallery Walk. You’ll find everything from fudge and chocolate to vintage crafts. The ideal place to pick up a souvenir!

Finally, set yourself up for the night at Thunderbird Park, before ending your road trip back in Brisbane the next day, which is just a 1 hour and 5-minute trip.

Hire a van for your 5-day road trip from Brisbane

Once you sort out campervan hire in Brisbane, it’s time to head off on an incredible road trip around the Scenic Rim! The entire trip takes 5 days for you to soak up all the wonders, but if you’re short on time, you can definitely get through more in one day. The choice is yours!

And if you have more time to travel, why not take a look at some different road trips from Brisbane to keep you busy?

Head off on a North Queensland road trip to enjoy a tropical adventure, take on this Queensland Coast road tripfor an epic beach holiday, or try something a little bit different on this Outback Queensland road trip. Alternatively, go big with our ultimate Queensland road trip itinerary!

There are so many adventures just waiting for you, all you need to do is pack the campervan and hit the road.

Need more destination inspiration? Discover the top spots to go beach camping within 2 hours of Brisbane .

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