Short Breaks and Weekend Getaways From Brisbane
Locals have it good in Brisbane.
Not only is the Queensland capital a buzzing city, but Brisbane is within driving distance of many first-class holiday destinations.
Yep, Brisbanites, there’s no excuse not to hit the road for a short break with BIG4.
BIG4 parks 1-1.5hr from Brisbane
(All times approximate)
Moreton Bay (Sandstone Point)
Occupying prime real estate on glorious Pumicestone Passage, and within the easiest reach of Bribie Island, Sandstone Point boldly shouts ‘location, location’. Its idyllic setting feels so far removed from city life that it’s easy to forget Brisbane’s heart is only an hour’s drive or so away.
Best outdoor attraction: Definitely a day trip across the bridge to action-packed Bribie Island.
Best rainy-day attraction: Bribie Island Seaside Museum punches above its weight, tackling various compelling themes from years gone by.
Underrated attraction: Step back in time at Caboolture Historical Village, 20min away. It’s a heritage gem.
Budget tip: Go boat spotting at Spinnaker Sound Marina.
Accommodation: BIG4 Sandstone Point.
Gold Coast region
It’s with good reason that the Gold Coast is rated among Australia’s favourite holiday destinations. With its famous theme parks and beaches, incredible natural beauty, and a wealth of spectacular attractions, this region has vast appeal.
Best outdoor attraction: It's hard to nominate just one! Thrilling theme parks, SkyPoint Observation Deck (kinda outside), beach hopping, and exploring the hinterland and its prized national parks are a quality quartet.
Best rainy-day attraction: Surf World Gold Coast for a colourful culture hit, or try the quirky Ripley's Believe It or Not! for something different.
Underrated attraction: Infinity. It's hard to explain what it is. Our advice is to just visit and see for yourself.
Budget tip: Beach hopping, then a picnic within the Gold Coast Regional Botanic Gardens or Macintosh Island Park. Or try the action-packed HOTA Gallery for a cultural fix.
Accommodation: BIG4 Gold Coast and NRMA Treasure Island.
Tweed Heads (NSW)
Situated directly south of the QLD border, Tweed Heads brilliantly blends a buzzing vibe with a relaxed atmosphere. And the city is the perfect base to explore the great outdoors: sparkling coastline, winding rivers, and leading national parks are all within easy reach.
Best outdoor attraction: Relax on a Tweed River cruise as it snakes past glorious scenery. Various options are available.
Best rainy-day attraction: Swap grey skies for an array of vibrant colours that explodes from the walls of Tweed Regional Gallery in nearby Murwillumbah.
Underrated attraction: Take advantage of the enticing beaches dotted both north and south of Tweed Heads. Or daytrip to Lamington National Park for a world-class wander through rainforest.
Budget tip: The 3.8km return Boat Harbour to Point Danger-Rainbow Bay walk is littered with bedazzling sights.
Accommodation: BIG4 Tweed Billabong.
Sunshine Coast region
There is so much to love about the Sunshine Coast. Glittering beaches and other waterways mingle with a gorgeous hinterland full of ranges and rainforest. Among it all is a cluster of vibrant locations that boasts myriad outstanding attractions. And that’s just the start.
Best outdoor attraction: Embrace those gorgeous national parks; Glass House Mountains, Noosa, and Mt Coolum are top picks. Alternatively, the many beautiful beaches are captivating. Or head to the hinterland's wineries.
Best rainy-day attraction: The Queensland Air Museum in Caloundra has a mighty collection; myriad marine creatures are on show at SEA LIFE Sunshine Coast aquarium in Mooloolaba; or visit the entertainment-laden Ginger Factory in Yandina.
Underrated attraction: Mapleton Observatory is a hinterland hidden gem.
Budget tip: Stroll along Caloundra's coastal pathway or the Coolum Boardwalk. Or get your culture on at Caloundra or Noosa Regional Gallery.
Accommodation: BIG4 parks are found in key locations within the Sunshine Coast region:
Additionally, Partner parks are located in:
BIG4 parks 1.5-2hr from Brisbane
Toowoomba
Toowoomba bills itself as the Garden City, and with 150-plus parks and gardens it deserves that tag. If the sun is shining, this is a wonderful place to be. If it’s not, usher yourself indoors to uncover historical gems.
Best outdoor attraction: You can’t go past the gardens. Laurel Bank Park, the State Rose Garden in Newtown Park, and the Japanese Garden are top picks.
Best rainy-day attraction: Enthralling attractions abound in the Cobb+Co Museum, led by a huge collection of horse-drawn vehicles. Or catch a show at the striking Empire Theatre.
Underrated attraction: Toowoomba has a vibrant collection of street art to admire.
Budget tip: The cost for climbing to the top of majestic Table Top Mountain is measured in calories, and the reward for reaching the top is sparkling views.
Accommodation: BIG4 Toowoomba Garden City or Toowoomba Motor Village.
Warwick
Spotted south of Toowoomba in the Southern Downs region, Warwick is a distinctive and likeable riverside town. It delivers a broad range of attractions and activities for all types.
Best outdoor attraction: While here, day-tripping to explore the immense treasure within nearby Main Range National Park is essential.
Best rainy-day attraction: The Australian Rodeo Heritage Centre will hook you in. A must-visit no matter the weather.
Underrated attraction: Warwick Art Gallery. Small but engrossing.
Budget tip: Take the self-guided Warwick CBD Heritage Walk and admire a rich collection of striking structures led by the town’s signature sandstone buildings.
Accommodation: BIG4 Freedom Lifestyle Warwick.
Time for a break? Choose a location above or see all BIG4 parks in QLD here.
