Weekend Getaways Brisbane –
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Weekend Getaways Brisbane – great short breaks in 2021 Brisbane may be a big, bustling metropolis, and an attraction in itself, but when you feel like you’ve seen enough of the city and you where do you go? Weekend Getaways Brisbane have found plenty of places to escape from the city – some practically on the doorstep, some a couple hours’ drive, but all of them worth your time. Contents hide 1 THE GOLD COAST 1.1 How to get to the Gold Coast 1.2 Things to do on the Gold Coast 1.3 Where to stay on the Gold Coast Weekend Getaways Brisbane – great short breaks in 2021 2 THE SUNSHINE COAST 2.1 How to get to the Sunshine Coast 2.2 Things to do on the Sunshine Coast 2.3 Where to stay on the Sunshine Coast 3 THE SCENIC RIM 3.1 Where to stay in the Scenic Rim 4 MORETON BAY ISLANDS 4.1 Where to stay on Stradbroke and Moreton Islands 5 Northern New South Wales 5.1 Where to stay in Northern NSW 6 Southern Queensland Country 6.1 Where to stay in Southern Country Queensland The diversity going on here means that there’s something for just about everyone to enjoy as a weekend getaway from Brisbane. You may just want to catch a ferry from the city itself and hop over to Stradbroke Island – or any one of the other Moreton Bay Islands, for that matter. Or you may want to get some supplies together and head out on a road trip south to the surfing communities strung out near Byron Bay. If you’re the more adventurous type, there are mountains, hiking galore, and a whole lot more in the Scenic Rim area, which might as well be Brisbane’s back yard. Or you may want your adventure with a hefty side of luxury – in which case, the Whitsundays are calling. Whatever you’re looking for – wineries, surfing, snorkelling, history, mountains, or just a cooler climate to escape the heat – there’s no doubt you’ll be able to find a spot for you on a trip from Brisbane. And with heaps of places to stay along the way – from glamping to full-blown high-end resorts – you’re going to have no trouble staying comfortable as you go. We are members of the Booking.com and Airbnb affiliate programs. If you Weekend Getaways Brisbane – great short breaks in 2021 decide to book a property, please do so through one of our links so we can earn a small commission. This goes towards the running costs of this site. THE GOLD COAST This aptly named slice of Aussie coastline is certainly worth it. With its sub- tropical climate, sunny days, and incredible surfing beaches, it’s a popular destination for good reason. How to get to the Gold Coast There are a number of ways you can get to the Gold Coast. Flying to the Gold Coast The airport is located at the Southern end of the Coast near Kirra. If you don’t Weekend Getaways Brisbane – great short breaks in 2021 wish to hire a car you can stay at the lovely nearby beach towns of Kirra, Tugun or Coolangatta although many hotels further on can organise transfers. Flights are currently servicing the major capitals and normally there are some international flights as well. Driving to the Gold Coast It takes about an hour to cruise from Brisbane to the Gold Coast, just over 70 kilometres to the south. From NSW the A1 becomes the M1 near Byron Bay and passes right past the Gold Coast Airport and on to Brisbane. Exit at Tweed Head/Coolangatta and join the Gold Coast Highway or Currumbin, Palm Beach or the other many exits. Train to the Gold Coast It is possible to catch the train from Brisbane to the Gold Coast, in fact, the Airtrain leaves from Brisbane Airport, connects in Brisbane City and goes on to Varisty Lakes with stops connecting to Southport, Main Beach, Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach via the G:link light-rail. Things to do on the Gold Coast Half covered by pristine mangroves and ancient forests on the one hand, with beaches and great surf on the other hand, in between, you’ll find amusement parks, animal sanctuaries, skyscrapers, and buzzing nightlife. If you’re keen on thrills and you’ve got kids with you, you may want to hit up one of the many theme parks in the area. From Dreamworld – the biggest theme park in the country – and Warner Bros. Weekend Getaways Brisbane – great short breaks in 2021 Movie World to the futuristic Holoverse and Australia’s Sea World, there’s a lot to choose from. Nature may be more your thing, and there’s no shortage of natural attractions and national parks to explore. In Springbrook National Park, for example, you can visit the amazing Natural Bridge. Part of Australia’s World Heritage area, this bridge has been formed by the force of a waterfall. Here you can spot all sorts of tropical birds and wildlife. Elsewhere, the sprawling Lamington National Park boasts the incredible Green Mountains, with waterfalls, lush forests, and breathtaking vistas. Tallebudgera Creek, with its beautiful beaches and glistening water, is the place for people who like swimming, kayaking, kicking back on the beach, and camping out under the stars. Back in town, Gold Coast hots up after dark. There are hundreds of restaurants open late into the night, or you could head to Miami Marketta, a local hotspot for street stalls and plenty of bars selling locally brewed beer. If chilling out is more your scene, you can always opt for a spa or wellbeing experience in the city. Surfers Paradise is the centre of everything, complete with skyscrapers and an amazingly long beach. This is the place to stay if you want to be in arms’ reach of just about everything you need in a Gold Coast getaway. Highlights of The Gold Coast Heading to the beach – a day spent on the sand is not to be missed! Weekend Getaways Brisbane – great short breaks in 2021 Going whale watching; hit up a whale-watching centre in Surfers Paradise. Making a beeline for the rainforested Gold Coast Wildlife Sanctuary. Learning how to surf – it’s Surfers Paradise after all. Visit the Theme Parks including Sea World, Dreamworld and Movie World. Explore the waterfalls and rainforest of Springbrook National Park Catching a live show at Home of the Arts, an outdoor stage for music and performances. Gold Coast Flexi Attractions Pass Buy a 3,5 or 7 attraction pass for major savings! Aquaduck, CatchaCrab, Jetskiing, Kayaking, River Cruises, Jetboating, Infinity and more…. BUY NOW Weekend Getaways Brisbane – great short breaks in 2021 Where to stay on the Gold Coast As one of Australia’s premier holiday destinations, there is no shortage of places to stay on the Gold Coast. At the northern end, you will find many big brand luxury hotels such as Sheraton Grand Mirage near Main Beach, the QT Gold Coast -which is also pet-friendly!, Peppers at Broadbeach and The Star Casino. There is a plethora of self-contained holidays homes and apartments and many such as Meriton Suites Southport and Q1 Resort and Spa at Surfers Paradise have spectacular views and every amenity and facility you would expect of those brands. For a super relaxed vibe and less traffic and tourists, the southern end of the Gold Coast is where many people head and favourite places to stay of ours include Nirvana by the Sea in Kirra and the super funky Pink Hotel in Coolangatta. There are also a number of excellent van parks and camping spots to choose from as well. Weekend Getaways Brisbane – great short breaks in 2021 THE SUNSHINE COAST Popular as a holiday destination for years, this coastal area runs from Caloundra to upscale Noosa, with mangroves, lakes and the Coral Sea just about everywhere in between. How to get to the Sunshine Coast There are two main ways to get to the Sunshine Coast in Australia; drive or fly. Flying to the Sunshine Coast The airport is located at Mudjimba which is north of the Maroochy River and Weekend Getaways Brisbane – great short breaks in 2021 roughly in the middle of the coast. If you don’t wish to hire a car you can stay at the lovely nearby beach towns of Mudjima, Maroochydore or Cotton Tree although many hotels further on can organise transfers. Flights are currently servicing the major capitals as well as new flights that have started to Cairns. Driving to the Sunshine Coast If you are coming from the South you simply get on the M1, which passes close to Brisbane airport, and head north. You will see turnoffs for Caloundra & Mooloolaba ( and their neighbouring suburbs, and you can either deviate off the Mooloolaba turnoff to head further north or keep going on the M1 and turnoff at Nambour, Yandina or Eumundi. One hundred kilometres north of Brisbane (around an hour and a half by car), you’ll find the Sunshine Coast. Things to do on the Sunshine Coast At one end, Noosa could be the getaway from Brisbane you were looking for. With its fantastic setting, there are yoga classes on the beaches, cool boutiques to browse around, cafes to chill out at, and a laid-back surfing scene. It’s all located alongside the Noosa National Park, an area of rugged coastline, including the iconic Noosa Heads, rainforests, and secluded sunbathing spots. If beaches are your thing, the Sunshine Coast couldn’t get much better.