While it can be fun to experience all Brisbane has to offer, sometimes it’s nice to head off the beaten track for a little adventure.
Here are three exciting day trips you can take in your Brisbane car rentals.
Tomewin Mountain
If you want to see the famous hinterland of the Currumbin Valley, this is the closest spot you can get to from the southernmost beaches of Brisbane and the Gold Coast.
Tomewin Mountain straddles the border between Queensland and New South Wales and as you head up to this destination, you will spot a bright yellow ute on the right-hand side.
It is well worth pulling over here as Freeman’s Fruit Stall is not only a local landmark, but a great place to pick up some bananas in honour of Arthur Freeman who pioneered the banana industry in Australia.
The Freeman family has continued his legacy with the fruit truck and its sustainable farm is known throughout the region for its top quality, organic fruit and vegetables grown on fertile volcanic soil.
If you’re not distracted by all this fruit, make sure you also cast your eyes over to the spectacular views of Mt Cougal, Mt Tallebudgera and Springbrook Mountain.
The scenery will make this journey well-worth the trip. As you head further up the hill you will be able to spot a gorgeous vista of Springbrook Plateau, Border Range peaks and southern coastal communities.
Australia Zoo
If you are travelling with children, this day trip is a must.
Founded by the famous Irwin family, this zoo was once home to the ‘Crocodile Hunter’ Steve Irwin himself, and is still staffed by a team passionate about conservation efforts.
The kids will relish the opportunity to cuddle a koala, walk with a Sumatran tiger, hand feed a kangaroo or watch the crocodiles at play.
It only takes around an hour each way to get to the zoo from Brisbane, but allow plenty of time to look at all the animals!
Make sure you visit the world famous Crocoseum for some lessons about how these animals act and live in the real world.
Every day at 10 a.m you can take part in the Wildlife Warriors exhibit where you will be able to see snakes, elephants, birds and crocodiles, all the while learning about the conservation issues facing the world today – crikey!
Redcliffe: Home of the Bee Gees
Located approximately 35 minutes north of our Brisbane Airport car rentals office, this quaint seaside village was once the top seaside destination for Brisbane residents and became the home of Barry, Maurice and Robin Gibb in 1958.
In fact, it was here that the Bee Gees had their first break at the Redcliffe Speedway. Make sure you include this destination on your itinerary as it is now their tribute walkway, having been carefully curated by Barry Gibb in February 2013.
Other highlights to include in your visit include a trip to Pelican Park in Clontarf to view pelican feeding time. You could leave the car behind here and partake in the Clontarf Redcliffe coastal walk, which will have you stopping at other must-see landmarks such as the Gayundah Wreck, the remains of one of the Australian Navy’s first ships.
You might also walk past the Palace Hotel, where the Bee Gees had their first gig.
Make sure you give yourself plenty of time to take in the wonders of the English-style Margate foreshore with its art deco decorations and Spanish Mission bathing pavilions.
If you happen to head to this location on a Sunday, make sure you pop down to the Redcliffe Picture Palace, which is a museum of Australian cinematic history. This boasts a mini theatrette where you can catch a rare pre-1961 movie while seated on chairs salvaged from old demolished Brisbane cinemas. And the best part? A cup of tea and a biscuit are included in your ticket price.