Destinations in SEQ - national parks, wineries, country attractions

The wild expanses of national parks and the cheery hubbub of country markets, glorious vistas and folk music festivals, wineries, fine dining and freshwater fishing are all waiting for you just a short drive from Brisbane.

Head west and you’ll soon be in the cool of the mountains, winding through the Brisbane Forest Park to Mt Nebo. Beyond is Mt Glorious, clad with rainforest, and further north lie the lush hilltop pastures and state forests of Mt Mee. Drive north through Woodford and Kilcoy and you’re at the head of the "Valley of Lakes, here forests and crags inspire tales of yowies and other dark legends. But legends fade in the sunshine, and the shores of Lake Somerset and Wivenhoe offer perfect camping and picnic sites.

If you moved by the poetry of fine old buildings, take the motorway west to Ipswich and cruise its hilly streets to see stately homes, proud public buildings and quaint workers cottages. And just an hour south of Brisbane, climb to Mt Tamborine, Green Mountains, Binna Burra or Springbrook, and enter the Scenic Rim. Everywhere in these high places are towering rainforests, rainbow-lit waterfalls and dramatic views.

From Beaudesert to Boonah in the west and Rathdowney in the south, the townships cradled by the Scenic Rim have their own charm. Quench your thirst at an old put, try your luck at the races, sample the wares at a local market, go rock-climbing, do a spot of freshwater fishing or get a bird’s-eye view of the landscape from a hot-air balloon.

Must See's & Do's

Visit Laidley Pioneer Village for a trip back to the region's pioneering past. The village has maintained many of the original buildings including an authentic slab cottage, the blacksmiths and police cells, alongside a flora and fauna sanctuary.

Take a balloon flight over the Lockyer Valley and be wowed by the lush natural landscape. Like a bit more adrenalin with your aerial scenery? Skydiving is another alternative...

For a more sedate and grounded take on the Lockyer Valley's stunning panorama take a tour of the lookouts and differing perspectives on the valley. Do the rounds of Cunningham Crest, Balaam, and Schultz's Lookouts.

Heritage and motors more your things? The region is a veritable trainspotters' heaven, with the Workshops Rail Museum, Grandchester Model Steam Railway, and Rosewood Railway Museum. Follow the Brisbane Valley Heritage Trail along the old railway line from Brisbane to Yarraman through historic towns and villages.

Take a drive down Tourist Drive 29 and be lulled into holiday mode by the undulating green hills, and long views through to the bay.

Heritage and treasures from the past - there is a full day's worth of antique shops and bazaars to rummage through on a drive through Caboolture, Kilcoy and Pine Rivers.

You're spoilt for choice with great camping spots. Try Mt Mee, kitted out with walking tracks, picnic area, lookout, swimming holes, camping, and horse and bike trails.

For a day of family fun, take the kids to visit the animals at Alma Park Zoo.

Assemble a picnic with your pick of fresh produce, to be enjoyed wherever the fancy (or view) takes you.

Enjoy local hospitality and wines at Delaney's Creek and Glengarrif Estate.