Sometimes, we can all get a bit fed-up with the same-old weekend routine. Sure, going out drinking, meeting your friends at the same spots can be a nice weekend ritual, but sometimes we all crave a bit more escapism than just the usual activities.
For musical escapism, Brisbane, you already have it all. Try the new jazz show at the Grand on Ann, earning rave reviews, or the upcoming Ed Sheeran concert. For something soothing and soul-lifting, the renowned Candlelight concert series pairs beautiful music with striking venues — and it’s even proven to boost your mood.
But for those craving something more adventurous, just two hours from Brisbane lies a hidden paradise. Not K’gari, but arguably even more impressive — a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the largest expanse of subtropical rainforest on Earth. Secluded and spectacular, the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia are closer than you think.
2 Hours From Brisbane: This UNESCO World Heritage Site Is The Largest Subtropical Rainforest On Earth
Over 180 million years ago, predating the world as we know it, the Gondwana Rainforests once covered one-fifth of the earth’s surface. And now, it stretches 366,500 hectares from South East Queensland down to Newcastle in central New South Wales, making some of its most stunning parts accessible from Brisbane.
For nature lovers, hiking lovers, and anyone really with a form of curiosity, the Gondwana Rainforests do truly have something for everyone. Lamington, Springbrook, Mount Barney and Main Range National Parks, are all the accessible parts from Brisbane and tick all the scenic boxes. Springbrook’s towering Antarctic beech trees, the one-of-a-kind Natural Bridge, and the aptly named “Best of All Lookouts” truly amplify that ‘immersed-in-nature’ feeling.
Getting to the Gondwana Rainforests from Brisbane
Driving is the easiest option from the center of Brisbane, and it’s more than possible to do in a day trip. If you’re using public transport, catch a train to Nerang or Robina and then a bus or rideshare up to Springbrook — it takes longer, but it’s doable with a bit of planning.
Discover more Brisbane escapism: The Candlelight Concerts In Brisbane Reimagining Iconic Hits — Glowing Reviews, Warm Atmosphere And More Reasons Why People Keep Going Back