4 Different & Fun Day Trips from Brisbane

Take a drive through Moreton Bay Region and discover some fun and interesting activities exclusive to this hinterland paradise. You’ll be surprised at just how much you can get up to and experience within one hour of Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast.

Hike through sprawling nature parks, swim at a rock pool, or just stroll through the townships you come across along the way. You never know what you might find away from the chain stores and same-same offerings of the big smoke.

Don’t forget to check the weather forecast and bring along a cardigan, or jumper to snug up in as the day wears on (it can become quite cool of an evening up in the hinterland), plus the usual necessities – sunscreen, a hat, good footwear for walking/hiking and so on.

Rise early to start your Moreton Bay Region adventure by arriving in time for a hearty breakfast in the quaint township of Samford. You’ll be best served* (pun intended) fuelling up at The Flying Nun Cafe.

#1. Day Trips from Brisbane Swimming in Samford Surrounds

The kids will love a 20 minute trip to Cedar Creek after brekky for a splash in the shallows and some safe creek swimming fun. Leave Flying Nun and drive up Mount Samson Road, turning left at Cedar Creek Road to get there. Note that there is private property south of the bridge at the main parking area, please do not trespass.

#2. What’s on Offer for a Day Trip From Brisbane Atop Mount Glorious

If you’re exploring the Moreton Bay Region hinterland with a friend or family, there's plenty to see and do. With hiking trails abound and plenty of cafes, you can definitely fill a whole day at Mount Glorious. As one of the best north Brisbane bushwalking destinations (including family-friendly trails), Mount Glorious has a number of well-maintained tracks that cut through the rainforest. After encountering tall palms, figs, and birds of all kinds, you can enjoy an intimate picnic at the Maiala Day Use Area.

#3. Splashing Day Trips from Brisbane - Water-based Activity Ideas

Get back onto Mount Samson Road and make another stop at Lake Samsonvale for a look see at the lake, some play at the park with the kids, or if you’ve got a fishing permit from the Samsonvale Water Sports Association, or the Pine Rivers Fish Management Association, you can throw a line in from the shore and catch some dinner.

If you’d like to do some water sports out on the lake you will also need a permit.

There are a couple of gorgeous natural creeks and crossings nearby Lake Samsonvale and a few Council managed water parks as well for those keen to get wet without a permit.

#4. Day Trips from Brisbane aren’t Complete Without a Visit to D’Aguilar Surrounds

Another great Moreton Bay Region hinterland experience not to miss is the Somerset Trail and/or Gantry in D'Aguilar National Park. Continue along Mount Mee and veer left onto Sellin road for a 5 minute drive (suitable for all vehicles) to Somerset Dam’s the Gantry day use area for a gander at the Gantry, what was once an active sawmill operating between 1879 and 1981 supplying Brisbane and the Moreton Bay Region with timber.

Check out the Piccabeen Walk, a short 20 to 30 minute hike through dense rainforest, or go all out trekking the Somerset Trail. Beware though, this is a 13km hike and will likely take you around 2 and half hours, or more to complete at a steady pace with water pit stops.

Explore other Great Day Trips from Brisbane Ideas in the Moreton Bay Region Hinterland

  • Take your tastebuds on a Food Trail Day Trip through the Moreton Bay Region Hinterland
  • Hop in the car and take a tour of the highlights of Moreton Bay Region Hinterland
  • Pop into one of the region's Accredited Visitor Information Centres, the volunteers have a wealth of knowledge about things to do and see in the Moreton Bay Region.

Share your explorations with us on Insta #visitmoretonbayregion or tag us on Facebook @visitmoretonbayregion!

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Acknowledgement of Country - We would like to acknowledge the traditional owners of the lands and waterways of the Moreton Bay Region, the Kabi Kabi/Gubbi Gubbi, Jinibara, and Turrbal people and pay our respects to their Elders, past, present and emerging. We recognise the ongoing connection that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have to this land and recognise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people as the original custodians of this land.