10 of the best family-friendly day trips from Brisbane this winter

While many Queensland holiday destinations always feel like summer, it’s time to forget the dreamy beaches - for just a moment - and share the season love.

From fascinating cave tours and wholesome farm visits (lambs and kids are always a hit) to hopping aboard a steam train, whale watching, or picking your own strawberries, you’re spoilt for choice when it comes to family-friendly adventures in Brisbane's backyard.

Ready to go? Grab the whole gang, embrace the cooler temps, and dive into these soul-warming day trips from Brisbane this winter.

1. Samford Village

Distance from Brisbane: 35 minutes

For a dose of country hospitality and a touch of magic just a short drive from Brisbane's CBD, escape to the charming village of Samford and head straight for The Store of Requirement for a warming glass of Butterbeer before browsing the incredible range of Harry Potter merchandise. In the village itself, you’ll find something to keep everyone occupied, from boutiques and quaint craft stores to the Samford Museum or even the impressive playground at John Scott Park.

Peckish? Tuck into black forest waffles at Little Tree Bake and Brewhouse while the kids test out the children's menu, before stopping for a drink at the historic Samford Hotel which conveniently has a kids' play area outside so you can enjoy your beer in peace.

2. Ipswich

Distance from Brisbane: 50 minutes

If you’ve got a soft spot for cultural heritage, go west to Ipswich and immerse yourself in the city’s rich past. At The Workshops Rail Museum, every age will marvel at the state’s largest model railway and if you want to stay on theme with trains, hop on board the vintage Queensland Pioneer Steam Railway to discover the area’s rich mining history.

Alternatively, lean into the outdoor heritage and visit Queens Park (one of the oldest parks in Queensland) filled with expansive green spaces, an impressive playground (with the city's coal mining history as its inspiration), and Ipswich Nature Centre, home to landscaped gardens and a range of Australian wildlife.

As delightful as Ipswich’s culture is, sometimes, a day in the country is needed and Haigslea EWE Nique Hobby Farm more than fits the bill for a fun family outing. Kids will enjoy petting the lambs, chickens, and peacocks, and whilst they’re having the time of their lives, grab a cup of tea and scones at the on-site Baa Baa Coffee Shed. There’s also The Llama Farm nearby where you can meet, feed and walk your very own llama, as well as Summer Land Camels, Australia’s largest camel farm.

3. Gold Coast

Distance from Brisbane: one hour

While Gold Coast beaches are stunning all year round, there’s so much to see and do away from the sea and sand. An excellent seasonal activity is whale watching as these gentle giants only visit the Gold Coast waters between late May and early November. Or to greet wildlife on land, check out Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary or Paradise Country. On that note, it’s also a great time of year to visit the theme parks too.

What else takes your fancy? You can visit the SkyPoint Observation Deck for 360-degree views from the coast to the hinterland, learn about Aboriginal culture on a Jellurgal Walkabout (there are little explorers workshops in the school holidays), see what’s on at HOTA, Home of the Arts, meet your favourite celebrities at the Gold Coast Wax Museum, or ignite your imagination at Infinity Attraction. If you're looking for one of the best family-friendly day trips from Brisbane, this is it. 

4. Tamborine Mountain

Distance from Brisbane: one hour

If your senses crave fresh air and greenery this winter, Tamborine Mountain in the Gold Coast Hinterland is the perfect day out in nature for you. Start your morning at Tamborine Mountain Coffee Plantation which has over half an acre of outdoor seating to take your pick from. As well as outstanding coffee, there’s all sorts on the menu, from breakfast classics and burgers to pizzas and tasty desserts.

Where first? Waterfalls get little legs very excited so choose between the equally gorgeous Curtis Falls and Cedar Creek Falls, or explore from above on the Tamborine Rainforest Skywalk. And if they’ve still got some energy to burn, Thunderbird Park is full of activities, including Thunderegg fossicking, crystal panning, and Australia’s largest TreeTop Adventure Park. For something a little more gentle yet no less thrilling, join an educational 30-minute tour at the Glow Worm Caves, and before you head off, pop into Chocolates on Gallery Walk for their signature Belgian hot chocolate.

5. Lamington National Park

Distance from Brisbane: two hours

Another hinterland beauty is Lamington National Park and O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat is the ideal base, even if you’re only there for the day. Get amongst the family activities here such as guided bird walks, animal shows, and the famed Tree Top Walk, and watch as the kids spark a connection with the outdoors.

Or, if you want to get out and see the national park for yourself, order ahead for a packed lunch or picnic hamper and set off on a scenic trail. The sealed Centenary Walking Track (1.8km return) is an easy 30-minute walk, or have a go at the Pythron Rock Track (3.1km return). For refreshments, O’Reilly’s Mountain Cafe and the Rainforest Bar are open to visitors.

On the way home, you may want to stop at O’Reilly’s Canungra Valley Vineyards to pick up a bottle of their finest and peek in at the alpaca farm where you walk a furry friend around the vineyards all by yourself.

6. Sunshine Coast Hinterland

Distance from Brisbane: one and a half to two hours

Beyond the golden stretches of the Sunshine Coast is a green wonderland filled to the brim with amazing food and kid-friendly activities — it’s up to you how you want to curate your day. One suggestion is a trip to Maleny’s vibrant Maple Street for a wander and brunch ahead of visiting The Ginger Factory for tastings and train rides; or if you want a sweet treat, pop into Montville to taste quality homemade fudge at fudgyboombahs, or a range of chocolate goods at Chocolate Country. While you’re there, don’t miss stopping at the working Montrose Water Wheel on Main Street which kids always find fun to watch.

7. Mount Barney Lodge

Distance from Brisbane: one hour 50 minutes

Sitting adjacent to the World Heritage-listed Mount Barney National Park, Mount Barney Lodge has more than just accommodations options; it also offers a year-round program of guided adventure activities including rock climbing, abseiling, bushwalks, navigation courses, and camp-outs. The nature-based kids' activities are designed with families in mind, so you can spend your day together exploring wildlife paths, racing your handmade eco boats down the creek, or building a campfire. There are no cafes on site but this gives you a reason to venture out and find a country pub.

8. Toowoomba

Distance from Brisbane: two hours

Nestled in the Darling Downs, Toowoomba combines small-city vibes with country living, offering visitors the best of both worlds. Usually famous for the spring Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers, there’s plenty to experience in the cooler months too, starting with coffee and exceptional baked goods at The Baker’s Duck. On that note, Toowoomba has a flourishing food scene so it’s absolutely worth structuring your day around lunch.

You can still visit the picturesque Queens Garden (it’s a predominantly evergreen backdrop in winter) though kids will especially like the huge all-abilities playground there. For more outdoor leisure, make your way to Picnic Point Lookout for sweeping panoramic views over Main Range and the Lockyer Valley, or spend some time exploring the city’s street art-lined laneways.

History buffs will appreciate browsing Australia's finest collection of horse-drawn vehicles at Cobb + Co Museum, or why not catch a show at Empire Theatre, Australia’s largest regional performing arts complex? A little further out is Darling Downs Zoo featuring animals from Africa, South America, and Southeast Asia including lions, tigers giraffes, and zebras.

9. Warwick

Distance from Brisbane: two hours

Warwick is a popular country town known for roses, rodeos, and sandstone heritage buildings. While young minds might zone out from those interests (although there’s no harm in taking them for a walk through the town centre), what they will love is the nearby spectacular 40m-high Queen Mary Falls where you can leisurely stroll along the circuit track to both the top and the bottom for a wonderful view.

Another attraction for all ages is the scenic Downs Explorer, a unique heritage railway experience on the Darling Downs and Granite Belt. Departing from Warwick, you’ll travel all the way to Wallangarra and back again, stopping for morning tea and lunch. You may also like to visit the Granite Belt Maze where the whole family can work together to solve the riddle and navigate their way out (includes a game of mini golf too).

10. Stanthorpe

Distance from Brisbane: two hours 45 minutes

It’s the furthest of these days out but a trip to the heart of Queensland Country is the ultimate winter outing — perhaps you’d like to stay the night? At this time of year, Stanthorpe has the ‘coldest town in Queensland’ title with the occasional dusting of snow, so it’s the perfect opportunity to wrap up warm and enjoy the slither of frost while it lasts.

After hitting the road early, snap a picture of the Big Apple on your way in and rejuvenate at Suttons Juice Factory to taste its famous Suttons apple pie (delicious). From here you can choose your own itinerary but we suggest a big outdoor excursion to Girraween National Park, home to incredible natural rock formations. A short, easy hike that still packs a punch is the peaceful Granite Arch trail which takes around 30 minutes to complete, or The Junction return which takes around two hours. Finish up at the warm and inviting Granite Belt Brewery where of course, you need to sip on an apple cider, and there’s a dedicated kids menu to please even the fussiest of eaters.

For more ideas, check out these winter events in Queensland.