We’ve got it pretty good here in Brisbane. We’re a stone’s throw from the beaches of the Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast, as well as a short drive from hinterland beauties such as the Scenic Rim and other national parks. And within awesome destinations like this, there are some truly extraordinary places that we wouldn’t believe are right at our fingertips: until now. Here are 8 places you won’t believe are near Brisbane.
1. Lincoln Bomber Plane Wreck, Main Range National Park
Around 1.5 hours from Brisbane, nestled in Main Range National Park, you’ll find the remains of a RAAF Avro Lincoln Bomber below the southern summit of Mt Superbus, South East Queensland’s highest peak. This plane crashed back in 1955 and nature has since taken over the wreckage.
You can hike to the Lincoln Bomber Wreck from Head Road at Teviot Gap. However, it will require some effort. The 8.4km return track is considered a “very hard” hike and requires sometimes a whole day to complete. It’s recommended that you download a GPS navigation app such as AllTrails before attempting hikes like this. All in all, you’ll be rewarded with finding this interesting plane wreck in the middle of nowhere.
2. The Bush Chapel, Mt Coot-tha
Mount Coot-tha’s main attraction is its summit and stunning views of the city: especially at sunrise and sunset. But Brisbane’s resident also has an unusual attraction tucked away in the forest. The Bush Chapel gets overlooked a lot of the time, and some might say they had no idea that this even existed. You can find it for yourself along the Mahogany Trail.
3. Brisbane’s secret food foraging spots
We’ll let you in on a little secret. Brisbane is full of secret foraging spots, where you can find free food growing in public areas. There’s even a map named Edible Brisbane on Google Maps of current places you go to find fruit trees such as avocados, bananas, guava, and mangos, as well as herb gardens and macadamia nuts. Did someone say day trip foraging around the city?
4. Tamborine Mountain Glow Worm Caves
When you think Tamborine Mountain, wineries and waterfalls might be the first things that come to mind. And yes, these are both attractive reasons to visit the region. But Mt. Tambo is also home to an illuminated glow worm cave. Best of all with this cave too: you don’t need to wait until dark to see the glow worms. In fact, you can only visit during the day and bookings are essential. Tamborine Mountain Glow Worm Caves are located on Cedar Creek Estate, so you wander through the caves and then go try a local drop at the winery.
5. Toowoomba Japanese Gardens
Take a trip to Japan without leaving South East Queensland. The Toowoomba Japanese Gardens are the perfect spot for a stroll amongst the greenery, around 2 hours west of Brisbane. This three-hectare garden is known for its traditional Japanese design and features a central lake, three separate “islands” and tree groves.
6. Noosa Fairy Pools, Sunshine Coast
If you love beachside rock pools, then you’ll love this hidden gem on the Sunshine Coast. Found along the Noosa Coastal Track, Noosa Fairy Pools are best at low tide, where the pools are disconnected from the sea, ready to take a dip in. To find this natural ocean spa, walk to the far end of Granite Bay and then scramble down the rocks to the pools.
7. The world’s largest vegetated sand dune
Moreton Island is mostly known for its beaches and shipwreck snorkelling. But it’s also home to a mountain that you can summit, which also happens to be the world’s largest vegetated sand dune. After a steep climb, you’ll reach the Mount Tempest lookout, with epic views out to the island and ocean.
8. The Pyramid, Girraween National Park
Located around 3hrs from Brisbane, Girraween National Park is full of massive granite boulders which tower over those who walk under them. The Pyramid is one of the park’s main attractions, which entails a 3.6km return trail to the top of a huge granite dome. Enjoy breath-taking views over the national park.
Happy exploring with these extraordinary places near Brisbane!