There is nothing better than a weekend drive around the sunshine state, and it doesn't have to exclusively be all beaches and theme parks either.
- Canungra, Scenic Rim
- Eumundi, Sunshine Coast
- Toowoomba, Darling Downs
- Ipswich, Brisbane Region
- Montville, Sunshine Coast
Okay, so the beaches, theme parks, zoos and many other attractions on either the Gold Coast or Sunshine Coast are obvious destinations for a short-ish drive out of Brisbane. For some alternatives outside of Queensland’s bustling capital city, thanks to the MINI Countryman SUV, here are five to get you started.
While this Weekend Drives article lists five towns to road trip to, there are many more in each pocket of the country which we encourage you to visit also. Think of this as your starting point. The devastating bushfires have affected many regional towns across the country so there has never been a more important reason to pack the car with mates and an empty esky and visit the towns around your region to support local and in many cases, family businesses.
Canungra, Scenic Rim
This pretty town was founded as a sawmill operation back in the 1880s and it’s difficult to believe you’re only an hour south of Brisbane. Canungra has an easy-going, country atmosphere: on the last Saturday of the month there’s a village market; there’s a small museum of local artefacts; picnic by the Canungra Creek and keep an eye out for a platypus; or take a walk through the Lahey’s Tramway Tunnel, once used to transport timber but now solely for pedestrians. Try the picturesque Canungra Hotel or the Outpost Café for a feed, and O’Reilly’s Vineyard can do picnic baskets and bottles of chilled white.
Eumundi, Sunshine Coast
The Sunshine Coast hinterland village of Eumundi has become famous for its sprawling, vibrant market held every Wednesday and Saturday and for good reason. Local artists, new-age hippies, tropical fruit growers and many more flood the town and make for a memorable event. It’s only a 90 minute drive north of Brisbane and Eumundi’s main street is also lined with galleries, cafes and restaurants, while the heritage and visitor centre has plenty of artefacts and historic info. Stop for a treat at the Eumundi Bakehouse, take a break under one of the huge fig trees or drop into the Imperial Hotel for a local brew.
Toowoomba, Darling Downs
Head 90 degrees inland from Brisbane for about 130km and you’ll find Toowoomba, known as the Garden City for its temperate climate, many public parks and annual flower show. It’s also the capital of the rich farming region known as the Darling Downs. Its history is preserved in heritage buildings such as the old City Hall (Queensland’s first), the St James church and the Cobb & Co. Museum. Ruthven Street is the main drag for good shopping and eating options. Visit the historic Imperial Theatre or discover your inner Zen at the marvellous Ju Raku En Japanese Gardens. Cool in summer and even cold in winter, Toowoomba is Queensland with a difference.
Ipswich, Brisbane Region
Yes, Ipswich is only about 40 minutes from Brisbane, and you’ll feel you’ve hardly left suburbia. But this bustling city is being revamped with a serious café culture (check out the Rafter & Rose), explorable laneways, retro clothing and collectable shops such as The Vintage Advantage, while antique hunters will love the two-storey Ipswich Antique Centre. Queens Park is Queensland’s first public garden, and when you’re ready for a break try one of 72 craft beers, many locally brewed, on tap at the Prince Alfred Hotel.
Montville, Sunshine Coast
Located north-west of the Glasshouse Mountains and inland from the Sunshine Coast, the adorable town of Montville has something for everyone. Park anywhere along the main drag and you’ll immediately be overwhelmed with locally sourced artisan boutiques and gourmet delights. Stop by the Wild Rocket cafe for lunch before taking a mesmerising journey through the local cuckoo clock shop. Go on the hour and witness hundreds of clocks singing in unison – the kids will love it. Pack a thermos and pick up a kilo of award-winning fudge at Fudgyboombahs before visiting Lake Baroon on the outskirts town for afternoon tea.
Keyword: MINI Weekender: Five towns near Brisbane you should road trip to this weekend