Stanthorpe (2 hours and 52 minutes from CBD)
Stanthorpe is one of the absolute highlights to be found in the Granite Belt region, surrounded by lush, abundant fruit farms, wineries and more recently, microbreweries. It would have to be said that Stanthorpe has really developed into a foodies paradise. Due to the colder weather of the region (it is considered to be Queensland’s coldest town so make sure you pack your beanie and scarf) apples grow abundantly, so many eateries have made the most of having some of Australia’s best produce on their doorstep! For the ultimate ‘homey’ experience, we recommend a visit to Sutton’s Farm to sample one of many delicious treats they have on offer but their apple pie is one of the best you’ll ever taste! You might not be in New York, but Stanthorpe really is the Big Apple (of Queensland at least!)
If nature is more your cup of tea, make sure you visit the stunning Girraween National Park. With walks ranging from 1-20km, there is something to tick the box on any interest or fitness level. Once in the park, make your way to Balancing Rock- the highlight of the park and an absolute natural marvel! 
Image: Queensland Australia
Mount Alford (1 hour and 20 minutes from CBD)
Located in the famous Scenic Rim Region, Mt Alford is the perfect day (or perhaps overnight) trip for all the alcohol fans among us! Throw a stone and you’ll hit an award-winning winery or even the adorable, family-owned Scenic Rim Brewery. The Scenic Rim Brewery produce a range of ‘Aussie themed’ beers, so make sure you grab a six-pack of Shazza, Giddy Gout, Beauty and Blue, Diggas or even a Fat Man Maroon Ale to take home with you! If you’re feeling a bit classy, the Kooroomba Vineyard has an incredible cellar door, allowing you to sample their famous Chardonnay (once again, we recommend grabbing a case to take home to add to your collection, as it does age exceptionally well). Pro-tip: If you need to stretch your legs after a bit of time in the car, stop at Moogerah Peaks National Park. Take a leisurely stroll up to the Mt French lookout to take in the stunning panoramic views of the region. You won’t regret it!
Image: Scenic Rim Brewery
Mount Tamborine (1 hour 7 minutes from the CBD)
Mount Tamborine is an absolute must visit for all guests exploring the Pacific Rim region. If you're a cheese fiend (and let’s be honest, who isn't!), a visit to Mount Tamborine is not complete until you delve into all that is offered at the award winning, Witches Chase Cheese Company. At Witches Falls Winery, you can even pick-your-own cheese platter and pair it with a glass of locally produced wine! Treat yo self!
For something a bit different, learn about the fascinating lives of glow worms and then see them up close and personal at the cave located at Cedar Creek Estate (30 minute tours are conducted daily between 10am-4pm).
There are lots of fantastic walks to undertake in the Tamborine National Park, but you can’t go past Curtis Falls, an easy, 1.5km walk that winds through beautiful forest. A locals favourite however, is the Cedar Creek Falls. There are two options here- a 500m walk will give you stunning views of the falls, or you can complete the full journey to the base (1.5km) and enjoy a swim under the waterfall in the process!
Image: Jonny Melon
Ipswich (38 minutes from CBD)
This inclusion is a little sneaky, as you barely have to leave the Brisbane CBD to find yourself in beautiful Ipswitch, also known as the second oldest local government in Queensland. Although Ipswich has modernised to an extent, you’ll definitely come across plenty of incredible heritage listed buildings strewn across the suburb, just waiting for your admiration!
During your visit, make sure to pack a picnic lunch and head to the 26 hectare Queens Park. Established in 1842, it is the oldest park in Queensland and the perfect spot to spend a lazy afternoon cloud or people watching!
If you have an interest in locomotives (or machines in general) the award-winning Workshops Railway Museum is a must visit, with over 200 trains constructed on the premises. If you’ve ever fancied yourself as a train driver, you can even try your hand with a train simulator! In Keeping with the train theme, if you are looking for a creative activity or even a little bit of an obscure date, join a murder mystery onboard the QLD Pioneer Steam Railway! These are extremely popular, so make sure you plan ahead and book in advance to secure your spot! All aboard!
Image: Visit Brisbane
Montville (1 hour 26 minutes from the CBD)
If you’re looking for one of the most scenic drives out of Brisbane, your best bet is to make your way deep into the hinterland to the charming township of Montville. Here, you’ll have access to the Kondallilla National Park, which is just bursting with incredible natural wonders. Whether it’s rock pools or waterfalls, Kondallilla has you covered! 
Image: Queensland
After all that exploring, you’re probably starving, am I right? Well, Fudgyboombahs isn’t just a great name, they also have an incredible selection of fudge to help replenish your sugar levels. If nature and relaxation is on the agenda, Montville should be on your list.
Maryborough (3 hours from the CBD)
A few hours drive North of Brisbane will find you in Maryborough (known affectionately as ‘Heritage City’), one of the more historical towns on the Sunshine Coast. With streets lined with historical buildings and traditional style ‘Queenslander’ homes, you’ll feel as though you’ve taken a short step back in time.
The Maryborough Port was one of the major entry points for immigrants in the 19th century and because of this, was one of the only locations in Australia to be impacted by the pneumonic plague. Because of this, the Maryborough ghost tours offer a slightly morbid appeal and have become quite the tourist experience for travellers. Not for the faint of heart, these ghost tours wind through the local cemetery after dark, but are not only scary but educational!
Fun fact: Maryborough is the birthplace of Helen Lyndon Goff, author of Mary Poppins. There is a statue of the world's most famous Nanny erected on Richmond Street, which is a fantastic photo opportunity!
