Are you looking for ideas for destinations for your next long weekend? Here are some of my favourite four-day road trips from Brisbane. I have focused on trips that can be reached by car, as flying would open a myriad of destinations for a weekend away. I have also not included destinations too close to Brisbane that can be visited just on a short weekend.
The numbers on this list correspond to those on the map at the end of the article and are not intended to rank the destinations. Each location offers unique experiences, making it challenging to determine which ones are better than others. So I’ve ordered them from north to south.
1. Wop-pa (Great Keppel Island)
Wop-pa (Great Keppel Island) is a fantastic destination for families and adventurers alike. While on the island, we spent our time hiking, scuba diving and kayaking. If you prefer a more laid-back vacation, you can simply enjoy the stunning beaches and relax while watching the picturesque sunset views from the bar and restaurant.
I recommend starting the journey in the evening and taking a break for rest along the way, allowing you to catch a boat to Wop-pa around lunchtime the next day, ensuring that you can fully enjoy your three-night stay on the island. If you’ve got time, Bluff Point is a lovely walk close to the marina in Yeppoon.
2. Heron Island
If you enjoy snorkelling or scuba diving, you will love the idea of spending a few days on Heron Island. To board the boat in Gladstone (eight hours north of Brisbane) in the morning, you will need to start the drive the night before and find a place to sleep along the way. The boat comes back from the island in the afternoon so you can spend three nights on the island and drive back at night on your last day. If you only have one driver, you may have to sleep somewhere on the way back. Keep in mind there are no boats available on Thursdays and Tuesdays, so plan your long weekend away accordingly.
3. Carnarvon Gorge
If you’re into hiking, you should definitely consider going to Carnarvon Gorge. But be ready for a long drive from Brisbane (at least 8 hours). We like to leave in the evening to break the drive into two parts and have 2.5 days to explore Carnarvon Gorge.
We have done this trip twice on four-day weekends from Brisbane, once during the off-season in summer and once during the peak season for Easter. On both occasions, we found limited accommodation options, with many fully booked or closed. But we always found a spot at Takarakka Bush Resort (BIG4 Breeze Holiday Park)*. Make sure you book in advance to secure the best accommodation for your needs.
4. North Burnett road trip
Our road trip around the North Burnett region was a lovely experience out of the beaten track to less visited places in Queensland. Despite having to do a lot of driving to visit three beautiful national parks in just three days, we enjoyed every moment. However, an additional day would have been a welcome addition to the trip.
5. Bundaberg region
Bundaberg is a great destination for a four-day long weekend from Brisbane. There are a lot of things to do in Bundaberg (it’s not just about the rum!) and the Woongarra coast near Bargara. We particularly enjoyed scuba diving and snorkelling at Barolin Rocks and Lady Musgrave Island. Mon Repos beach is a fantastic place to learn more about sea turtles and even see turtle nesting and hatchlings if you’re visiting between November and March.
Are you covered for scuba diving by your travel insurance? It’s worth double-checking. If not, I recommend DAN (Divers Alert Network) for those who dive regularly. WorldNomads* and Covermore* also make it easy to add adventurous activities like scuba diving to your plan.
6. K’gari (Fraser Island)
I find four days is the perfect amount of time to explore K’gari (Fraser Island) without having to rush. A 4WD is needed to drive on the world’s largest sand island. If you cannot bring your own, it’s easy to rent or join a tour. Watch the tide times to build your itinerary to see the most famous attractions on K’gari.
K’gari is a popular destination so make sure you book accommodation and permits well in advance.
7. Hervey Bay
Honestly, Hervey Bay may not be the top pick for a four-day long weekend if you’re travelling outside the whale migration season from mid-July to mid-October. However, if you’ve already explored all the suitable destinations for your travel lifestyle on this list, it can still offer a delightful weekend getaway. We really enjoyed staying in a hotel with sea views* and having an easy access to various nature-based activities, such as kayaking and scuba diving.
8. Granite Belt
The Granite Belt is only three hours from Brisbane, so it’s a great destination for a weekend or three-day road trip from Brisbane. But there’s so much to do in the region that you’ll want to spend a few more days there!
You’ll find there Queensland’s best wineries and fantastic hikes. The most iconic walk is going to the summit of The Pyramid in Girraween National Park. The nearby Bald Rock National Park is also worth a detour.
9. Waterfall Way
After spending one day driving down the coast to Coffs Harbour, you can begin exploring inland towards Armidale for a couple of days. You can stop at Bellingen and marvel at the stunning waterfalls along the way, such as Crystal Falls, Dorrigo, Ebor Falls, and Dangar Falls, as well as enjoy the beautiful national parks, such as the Oxley Wild Rivers National Park. To complete the journey, you can make a loop by heading back inland to Brisbane via the Granite Belt.
10. NSW Mid North Coast road trip
Byron Bay is a great option, but if you have a four-day weekend, why not venture further south along the coast? We are scuba divers, so we have taken a few trips to South West Rocks (Fish Rock Cave) and the Solitary Islands (accessible from Coffs Harbour or Minnie Waters) for some underwater fun. And if you don’t scuba dive, there are plenty of other fun activities to do in South West Rocks and Coffs Harbour. If you love waterfalls, don’t miss the Waterfall Way in this region (see below).
What are your favourite destinations for a four-day road trip from Brisbane? Share your experience in the comments below!
