On (And Off) The Road Short Camping Trips Near Brisbane

Picking up your new off-road camper or caravan is exciting and no doubt you’ll want to start adventuring ASAP. We totally understand! But when it comes to new caravans Brisbane owners can learn a lot by taking a few short camping trips near Brisbane first. It’s the best way to get to know your caravan and learn all the ins and outs of van life before you head away on bigger trips. Short caravan trips allow you to learn the basics of towing and setting up your new caravan – and if you run into any first-timer obstacles, you’re not far from home.

And living in Brisbane means that you don’t have to travel far to find incredible destinations and unforgettable adventures.

Scenic Rim – 80 km from Brisbane

Located 80 km from Brisbane, it’s an easy drive and perfect for a weekend getaway in your new caravan. The Scenic Rim is a tourist hot spot with lots of small villages to visit and a range of stay options from basic powered sites to fully equipped caravan parks with all the modern conveniences. The kids will LOVE the wallabies and kangaroos of the Scenic Rim. They’re more curious about you than you are them, so will take time to give you, and your children, lifelong happy camper memories.

So where should you explore? Highlights include:

• Beaudesert – a farming town with a thriving CBD that includes an art gallery, cafes, and charming country pubs.
• Kooroomba Vineyards and Lavender Farm – take in the stunning lavender fields and views of the Scenic Rim mountains and enjoy a delicious meal at the Kooroomba Kitchen.
• Towri Sheep Cheesery – enjoy a spot of delicious artisan cheese tasting.

This short trip is an ideal chance to gain experience with towing, hitching and unhitching your van, and if you have one, operating your pop top. Take the opportunity to practice your towing skills including manoeuvring and reversing.

Imbil State Forest – 2 hours from Brisbane

Charlie Moreland Campground

Imbil State Forest is just an hour from the Sunshine Coast and two hours from Brisbane and boasts plenty of things to see and do for families and couples who just want to get away for the weekend. From the Conondale National Park walks, to wildlife spotting, Imbil State Forest has a ton of family memories just waiting to be made.

Highlights Include:

• Yabba Creek – stunning and very swimmable, perfect for keeping the kids occupied
• Fig Tree Walk – Easy walk through some magnificent scenery and some 150 year old fig trees. Keep an eye out for all the wildlife keeping an eye on you!

Learn more about Local Campgrounds for Newbie Brisbane Campers

D’Aguilar National Park – a VERY Short Camping Trip near Brisbane

Fifteen minutes, that’s got to be Brisbane’s shortest camping trip! The D’Aguilar National Park stretches far beyond its entry point near The Gap. Escape the city and head to D’Aguilar National Park to experience the natural beauty of sub-tropical rainforests, eucalypt woodlands, and bush rock pools. It’s one of the most popular short camping trips near Brisbane, so don’t expect to have the place to yourself. And the best part – you only have to drive 15 minutes from Brisbane CBD before you’re immersed in the glorious landscape of this vast nature reserve. Keep driving north and be enchanted by 36,000 hectares of unspoiled national park.

Highlights include:

• Rocky Hole at Mt Mee – pack a picnic and take a dip in this picturesque location.
• Jolly’s Lookout – grab a camera to capture the breathtaking panoramic views over Enoggera Forest Reserve.
• Café in the Mountains – head to Mt Nebo for a delicious meal in a serene mountain setting.

You’ll find a range of camping options available. Consider the amenities offered by each – what do you want and what do you need? Immersed in rustic nature or with access to mod cons and luxury, try a variety of sites to discover what you prefer!

Glass House Mountains – 1 Hour from Brisbane (Maybe)

Leave the urban life behind and embrace the Sunshine Coast’s majestic Glass House Mountains. The rocky outcrops were formed over 25 million years ago after volcanic activity. Today, they’re the perfect place to explore for those with new caravans – Brisbane is just an hour away making this ideal for a weekend adventure. And yes, they’re just one hour from Brisbane on the Sunshine Coast hinterland, unless, you know, someone got a flat tire on the highway, then it could be weeks 😉 If you’re buying your off-road caravan on the Sunshine Coast, you probably think you know all that the Glass House Mountains has to offer. Hit the off road for a short camping trip, and discover so much more.

Highlights include:

• Climbing Mount Ngungun – hike to the summit for breathtaking views, and if you’re an early riser, time your ascent to experience the most unforgettable sunrise.
• QCamel – if cuddling a camel is on your bucket list, then a visit to this organic camel dairy is a must!

Browse your accommodation options for the ideal place to park. This is a great opportunity to test out kitchen and ensuite facilities. Think about how you’ll dispose of waste and note whether the site you’re considering allows for campfires and the use of generators before you book.

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