Discover these 5 places to visit this long weekend
There’s nothing like a long weekend to feel the excitement of exploring not just your own city, but short destinations near Brisbane. With everything now opening up there’s no excuse, so fill up the car, strap yourselves in, and check out some of these ideas for trips this weekend.
A fantastic drive west as you leave the city, you’ll wind your way through preserved bushlands and forests, seeing jaw dropping outlooks of Mount Nebo, through the picturesque Samford Valley and Samford Village. Along the way you’ll find the township of Mount Nebo, and roughly 20 minutes further (with a stunning view west on the way from Westridge Outlook), you’ll be at Mount Glorious. You’ll be enjoying the lush rainforest walks and stunning views in no time.
Image By @brittanyyi_
Now before you head off to the beauty that is Mount Tamborine, be sure to (if you’re using GPS like Google Maps), to enter “Tamborine Mountain”. Trust us! Mount Tamborine, in the Gold Coast Hinterland, has everything you could ask for in one area with lots of little pockets for exploring. Rainforests and bush walks, cosy bed & breakfasts to stay at, quirky restaurants, cafes, tea rooms, artisanal shops galore, a Sky Walk, wineries, glow worm caves, and a distillery. Start from Mount Tamborine’s most popular precinct, the “Gallery Walk”, where you’ll easily find yourself walking both sides of the street to try one of the many rustic cafes, quirky galleries and gift shops and South East Queensland’s only Cuckoo Clock shop.
Image by @alexjgregg
Have you ever wanted to visit a secluded little island? There’s actually one on our doorstep here in Brisbane. Coochie Mudlo Island dubbed “Coochie” by locals, is one of Moreton Bay's most secluded sub-tropical islands, lying quietly just a short 10-minute ferry ride from Victoria Point jetty. As such it is a fantastic destination for swimmers, cyclers and walkers. With the island just five square kilometres in size, cars can be left on the mainland. The path around the island can be easily covered by bike or a relaxing walk. Chill on your own patch of sand, or if you’re looking for something a little more active, try your hand at paddle boarding, or kayaking. The passenger ferry service runs every half hour.
Image by @timothy_liam
Open all weekend, Saturday to Monday, Yatala Drive-In is one of the few remaining in Queensland, and a unique “retro” way of enjoying a night out. Your trip wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the snackbar. The menu is your original Drive-In Theatre Menu, going back to the Golden Years of Hollywood. All your favorites. Burgers, Hot Dogs, Hot Chips, Dagwood Dogs, Donuts, Choc Tops, Popcorn, Sweets & many more!
Image by @yataladriveintheatre
How about a picnic this weekend? So something closer to home is always an option. River Quay, is a perfect spot from which to enjoy breathtaking views of the city and Brisbane river. Pack a rug, relax, and watch the world go by. Some of the restaurants that line one side of River Quay, may also be open for take-away, so it’s worthwhile checking when you get there.
Need to know - River Quay Green is a wet licensed area, meaning you can consume alcohol there between 10am and 8pm daily. Please note however, that to consume alcohol at South Bank, you must be 18+, drink responsibly, and you must have food to accompany your drinks.
Image by @ausfeels
