6 Of The Best Sunday Drives From Brisbane

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Nothing says laid back like a Sunday drive – and we are all about switching off for a day and heading out to who knows where to discover who knows what. But if you’re piling the kids into the car you’d better have some sort of plan in mind, or you’ll be hearing “are we there yet?” before you’ve even left the driveway. 

The ellaslist team has been driving all over Brisbane and surrounds for years and we’ve discovered a few hidden gems you might like to check out too.

Next time you’ve got a Sunday free, why not try one of these: 

Tamborine Mountain

Tamborine Mountain is nestled in the Gold Coast hinterland and is a charming little hamlet – you guessed it – on top of a mountain. With little European delights like cafes and art galleries, there’s something for everyone. You can also go bushwalking, see the glow work caves, or check out the Rainforest Skywalk if you’re feeling brave.  Best of all, it’s all an incredibly pretty drive. One word of warning, the drive up and back is quite winding as you’re climbing a mountain, so if anyone in your car gets carsick, best be on high alert.

Where: Follow the M1 towards the Gold Coast and take the Tamborine Mountain turn-off. 

Fingal Head, NSW

Who doesn’t love driving along the coast? And we’ve got such stunning coastline to explore, this Sunday drive is sure to soothe all your savage beats. Best of all, if you need to stop and get out – or even if you don’t make it as far as your destination – there are loads of beaches along the way to check out. 

Less busy than it’s bigger nearby cousins Kingscliff and Byron, Fingal Head is a great place to relax with the family – and if you’re lucky you might see a few dolphins frolicking in the surf. 

You can also follow the Fingal Head Lighthouse walk for stunning views of the Gold Coast and northern NSW beaches, and hit the beach to relax and catch some waves.

Where: One of the longer drives, this one is about two and a half hours along Highway 15.

Allora

Allora is one of our favourites, if just for the pure insagrammability of the place. During the warmer months, the sunflowers along the road here are spectacular – and it’s worth the drive just to cruise down the road surrounded by giant sunflowers. 

You can also visit the home of Mary Poppins author PL Travers on the main street in town in Allora if you want to stop, or you can explore more of the Darling Downs. Don’t forget to stop at a country pub for lunch (and a drink if you’ve got a designated driver), and stock up on lamb and beef at the butcher – it’s fresh and local!

Where: Follow the M1 all the way across the border and stick to the coast. You can’t miss it.

Eumundi

Head north of Brisbane to Eumundi and you’ll feel like you’ve moved to the country. And if you dig markets, this is your Utopia. Eumundi Markets are a Queensland institution and they just keep growing – they’ll need their own postcode if they keep growing as they have been. You’ll find all manner of gifts, furniture, toys, clothes and amazing food at the markets every Wednesday from 8am to 1:30pm, and Saturdays 7am to 2pm. 

Along the drive you’ll also see the Glasshouse Mountains, and there are some other quirky little towns around Eumundi to explore, or you can head east and drive back along the coast for some stunning views.

Where: Head north on the M1 for about two and a half hours and follow the signs.

Fernvale

At ellaslist we are all about good food, and if you love bakery treats (who doesn’t?) this drive has a very special reward waiting at the end. Fernvale is a sleepy country town with a very special attraction: its bakery. The Old Fernvale Bakery has won a swag of awards for its outstanding pastries and treats, but don’t take our word for it – try them for yourself. The bakery is right on the highway so you can stop and grab something delish before continuing on your day trip if you like.

The Fernvale Country Markets are a rural delight – they’re on each Sunday from 6am till noon, and you can keep driving 10 minutes up the road to Wivenhoe Dam if you fancy a swim.

Where: Follow the M2 past Ipswich and follow the signs.

Bribie Island

Bribie is a fantastic, family-friendly day trip, with beaches (surf and a calm side – and a dog-friendly beach at Woorim), bushwalking, fishing, family-friendly pubs, and plenty of gorgeous scenery to take in. No need for a barge to get to this island, with a bridge connecting it to the mainland. 

Don’t forget to stop in at the Sandstone Point Hotel for lunch and a quiet drink by the water – oh, and the kids can pat the alpacas. What, doesn’t your local have alpacas? 

Where: Head north on the M1 for about two hours and follow the signs.

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Image credit: Aussie Towns - Allora

 

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