Living in Brisbane has its perks – a relaxed vibe, riverfront lifestyle and 300 days of sunshine each year – but sometimes the hustle of the city calls for a weekend escape. Luckily, the heart of Queensland has countless destinations with their own unique appeal just a few hours away, making Brisbane the perfect launchpad for weekend getaways. Whether you’re craving beach bliss, hinterland hikes or gourmet country fare, there are plenty of Brisbane getaways that promise rest, adventure and a change of scenery.
Moreton Island
Just 1.5 hours by ferry will have you at Moreton Island, where adventure meets island paradise. The vehicle-accessible island is a haven for those chasing a weekend getaway where you can spend most of your time enjoying the great outdoors. Snorkel the Tangalooma Wrecks, feed wild dolphins at sunset, sandboard down giant sand dunes and 4WD along the beach or inland tracks.
Toowoomba
For an idyllic country escape, stop and smell the roses in Toowoomba. The Garden City is only 2 hours west of Brisbane and offers a mix of lush parks and blooming gardens, elegant heritage buildings, cosy cafes, antique shops and vintage markets, and sweeping views over Great Diving Range. While Toowoomba really shines in Spring with the Carnival of Flowers and blooms galore, this Brisbane getaway destination can really be enjoyed year-round.
Glass House Mountains
Located 1 hour north of Brisbane in the Sunshine Coast hinterland, the Glass House Mountains are a spectacular destination for an outdoorsy weekend escape. Farm stays and eco-lodges allow you to really take in the natural beauty of the area, with nature-immersed cabins and panoramic mountain views. Take it all in with a short lookout trail, scenic drive or stargazing around an open fire.
Byron Bay
It’s technically across the NSW border, but Byron Bay has long been a favourite Brisbane getaway destination for good reason! Head south 2 hours and you’ll reach the iconic surf town with an energy so relaxed you’ll wish you were staying longer. What makes Byron Bay so popular is that it’s got something for everyone – creative and locally sourced eateries for the foodies, artisan markets and open-air installations for the culture fiends, and coastal walks and water sports for those who love the outdoors.
Redcliffe
If you’re short on time but need a quick recharge, Redcliffe is ideal for a weekend or even an overnight option. A short 40 minute drive north of Brisbane, the bayside town features waterfront charm and local flavour. The Redcliffe Esplanade is central to the key attractions so you don’t have to journey far for a wide spread of things to do – plus this makes it one of the more popular weekend getaways for families. You can cycle along the scenic waterfront bike bath, fish off the jetty, try paddleboarding or kayaking, or chill out at the lagoon equipped with BBQs, playgrounds and waterfront picnic spots.
Make Airtrain part of your Brisbane getaway
Whether you’re leaving Brisbane or returning home, you can count on our reliable and affordable service to travel between Brisbane Airport and Brisbane City, or to your final stop on the Gold Coast.
If you’re planning a Brisbane weekend getaway, purchase Airtrain tickets online in advance to enjoy exclusive specials and get to skip the queue at the station. You can also get around with a go card which can be used on all Translink transport, including Airtrain, throughout Greater Brisbane, Ipswich, Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast. Alternatively, you can pay for your journey with Smart Ticketing – simply tap and travel using your Visa, Mastercard and American Express debit and credit cards.