30 weekend country getaways near Brisbane

Southern Queensland Country is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and history buffs. Toowoomba is arguably the most prominent gateway to the region's national parks and countryside, but a drawcard in its own right thanks to its burgeoning arts scene and award-winning dining spots. 

1. Treat yourself to a weekend in the heart of Toowoomba, where heritage walking trails and museums meet an unbeatable urban arts scene, creative cafes and cocktail bars. Be sure to take in a show at the iconic Empire Theatre while you're here.

2. Step back in time on a visit to the historical township of Dalby, an easy 85km west of Toowoomba. Catch the action at one of Queensland's largest one-day cattle sales centres, tour heritage buildings, and soak up plenty of country-charm. 

3. Head to Warwick as the locals rug up the town’s trees at the Jumpers and Jazz Festival every July. Bring your crochet hooks, knitting needles and get in on the act, or pass through while tackling one of these scenic drives.

4. Time your visit to Toowoomba during the annual Carnival of Flowers, when the entire town comes alive with events, a food festival, markets, sideshows and is overtaken by the most magnificent floral displays.

5. Take a walk through Toowoomba's Queens Park during autumn. The temperature atop the Great Dividing Range is greatly different to the humidity of the coastal regions; the crisp mornings, in true autumn style, make the trees drop their leaves in a stunning display of orange, red and gold.

6. Lace up your hiking boots for a weekend of exploring the trails of Ravensbourne National Park and Crows Nest National Park, located just 30 minutes' drive apart. You can continue to savour the views from cosy cabin accommodation, or set up camp instead.

7. The Lockyer Valley is within easy reach for a weekend country getaway near Brisbane. A hidden gem between Ipswich and Toowoomba, work your way through the country cafes and food producers, then saddle up for a horseriding trek through glorious green hills, rocky outcrops and trickling riverbeds with Fordsdale Horseback Adventures.

8. Spend time among nature's finest in the rugged mountains of Main Range National Park, part of the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia World Heritage Area. The best of the Cunningham's Gap section, Mount Mitchell track is a 10km return hike to the summit, known as known as 'Cooyinnirra' to the Aboriginal people. The reward? Panoramic views of this once volcanic territory.

9. Take a drive north to Kingaroy, the peanut capital of Queensland, and grab a bag of peanuts from the Peanut Van on your way in. That's just the start of the goodies you'll find in this neck of the woods, so spend the weekend exploring the cafes, wineries and bakeries on a DIY food tour.

10. Head south of Brisbane just one hour to find the tiny country hamlet of Laidley. Here, visitors are able to camp on the edges of Lake Dyer, surrounded by vistas of Little Liverpool Range and Great Dividing Range - but if you're after more creature comforts, you'll find them at Branell Homestead. Throw a line in, jump on a stand-up paddleboard or take a dip for weekend getaways done right.

11. Stop by Awassi Cheesery in the Grantham Hills to stock up on their farmstead cheese (made from the milk of their on-site sheep), then linger for lunch in their shady avocado grove.

12. Take the ultimate road trip along the Great Bunya Drive; a jaw-dropping scenic route covering 390km of countryside from Toowoomba through to the Bunya Mountains. Once you arrive, you have all the magic of this National Park at your fingertips.

13. Be wowed by a truly impressive collection of retro automotive memorabilia, followed by a homemade cobb loaf or Devonshire Tea at The Barn and Scotty’s Garage in the Lockyer Valley. The crew here offers quirky trike tours too. 

Country weekend getaways in Granite Belt and Southern Downs 

From hiking trails to wine trails, the Granite Belt is Southern Queensland Country's food bowl, offering plenty of reasons for weekend country getaways near Brisbane.

14. Stretch your legs and climb the prehistoric boulders that formed about 250 million years ago in Girraween National Park. If you’re keen to tackle a challenging climb, try The Pyramid for breathtaking views. If you’re more about gentle exertion, check into Girraween Environmental Lodge and soak up the scenery from a hot tub instead.

15. Join the slow-food movement and explore the best seasonal produce the Granite Belt has to offer at your own pace with a self-drive trail or these local’s only food and wine tips.

16. Work your way through the best Granite Belt wineries - and stay the night at one, too. 

17. Check out the chef hats on Spicers Peak Lodge, Australia’s highest non-alpine lodge. World-class dining is matched with a luxurious day spa, a spectacular network of hiking trails, and endless ways to immerse yourself in country life. It’s a 10 out of 10 when it comes to romance factor, and duly named one of the best honeymoon spots in Queensland.

18. If you like your produce organic, you’ve come to the right place. Southern Queensland Country is bursting with fresh fruit and vegetables that come straight from the tree. Check out the weekly Granite Belt Farmer’s Markets each Friday from 7.30am at Stanthorpe's Railway Precinct. Better yet, shop your way through the town's food producers and then take your picnic among the vines. 

19. Book into a restaurant that puts the paddock on the plate during your country weekend getaway in Stanthorpe. Essen has made a real name for its home-style cooking with hyper-local ingredients, while Varias serves up seasonal ingredients alongside wine education opportunties at The Queensland College of Wine Tourism. Complete your weekend with a luxury glamping experience at Alure - your dog can come too. 

20. Waterfalls, creeks and crystal clear rivers are just about everywhere you look in Southern Queensland Country and if you fancy a dip, make sure you visit any of these top 10 waterholes. But if you're after a roaring waterfall that'll keep you enchanted, Queen Mary Falls is worthy of a country road trip adventure - and best after a bit of rainfall.

21. Fall under the spell of quiet Killarney, where rolling hills meet 4WD adventures. 

22. Pay a visit to Sutton’s Juice Factory and Cidery in Stanthorpe, Australia’s most famous apple-producing region. Come hungry; their pies, crumbles and ciders are award-winning.

23. Explore the Granite Belt Region on two wheels. Day hire bicycles and self-guide, or join a local tour of orchards, cellar doors and artisan produce.

24. Just 10 kilometres south of Stanthorpe, Storm King Dam is the spot to bliss out for a weekend. Fish, swim, sail or water-ski across this picturesque expanse of water, then enjoy a picnic on its grassy shores.

25. Set out on a hiking adventure following one of these nine trails.

Weekend getaways in Western Country (including Balonne and Western Downs)

Historic country towns and farms, winding rivers and famous public houses, and a world-famous watermelon festival; Western Country is as quirky, and as Australian, as it gets.

26. Give the regular routine a shake-up and check into an authentic farm stay experience. Taabinga Homestead and Bestbrook Mountain Farmstay are amon the best for hands-on weekend getaways from Brisbane. 

27. Explore a number of quaint country towns along the Sunset Way Tourist Drive. Travel west from Tara until you reach Surat, three hours west, right on the edge of Queensland’s Outback. A deeply nostalgic drive, cruise through the Australian country towns of old, stopping in at local pubs and tiny bakeries as you go.

28. Take a drive to some of Queensland's quietest corners to explore quirky art in the most unlikely of places - including some massive scale silo art. Make your way to Thallon to meet William, a giant statue of a northern hairy nosed wombat, as well as the famous grain silo piece titled ‘The Watering Hole’. Yelarbon's 'When the Rain Comes' displays the rich history of the community, and if you continue driving west you can explore the Goondiwindi Art and Sculpture Trail.

29. Home to a quarter of Australia’s watermelon exports, it stands to reason that Chinchilla has a festival to match its melon capital status. This biannual festival takes place every other February so save the date and make a country weekend getaway out of it with this guide.

30. Tackle the famous fare at Nindigully Pub, one of the most iconic pubs in Southern Queensland Country.

Looking for more weekend getaways near Brisbane? Discover wide open spaces and food galore on a Scenic Rim long weekend - the accommodation options alone will make you want to stay a while longer.