SITE PARTNER:

10 Top Weekend Escapes

from Brisbane

Updated: Jul 26, 2025

Looking for a luxury escape without the long journey? From Byron Bay to the Scenic Rim, here are 10 top places within 2.5 hours drive of Brisbane, including rainforest villas, tiny eco houses, luxe farm stays, a hilltop bubble dome and wine barrel cabins in a winery:

Petrichor Estate & Dome Experience

This luxe, 3-bed villa and a bubble dome boasts jaw-dropping 360 degree views of the Glass House Mountains and the sea

The Brooklet

Escape from the hustle & bustle and unwind in the tranquil surrounds of this 125 acre oasis nestled in the Byron Bay hinterland

Barrel View Luxury Cabins

These giant wine barrels have been converted into luxury state-of-the-art cabins in the heart of wine country

Pethers Rainforest Retreat

Situated amidst 15 acres of breathtaking sub-tropical rainforest, Pethers Rainforest Retreat offers a unique luxury boutique experience

Beechmont Estate

A magnificent luxury retreat set on a picturesque 75 acre property in the beautiful Gold Coast Hinterland

Mayan Farm Luxe Villas

Mayan Farm Luxe Villas is a stunning property for those seeking isolation, space, and luxury, nestled in the Sunshine Coast hinterland

Blackbird

Blackbird Byron is a boutique, adults-only retreat, offering a secluded haven for guests to slow down and connect to nature

essence

essence is a stunning boutique hotel and collection of beach homes nestled on the edge of the Noosa National Park and just a short stroll from Peregian Beach

The Firebreak

Luxury off-grid accommodation with stone fireplace, wood-fired hot tub, outdoor bath & breathtaking views of the Bunya Mountains

Narrows Escape Retreat

A rainforest paradise with eight luxury self-contained villas nestled in nature, four with private plunge pools

Archie Moore: kith and kin

Archie Moore's kith and kin makes its Australian premiere at GOMA

Until Oct 18, 2026

The 39 Steps

A turbo-charged, Olivier and Tony Award-winning comedy smash

Oct 7-19

Camerata: Your Eternal Memories

Stories and music create the unforgettable - as Camerata has captured

Oct 9

Brisbane Writers Festival at Brisbane Powerhouse

Brisbane Writers Festival 2025

Brisbane Writers Festival has launched its 2025 program

Oct 9-12

Leanne Kenneally & Alex Raineri

One of Australia’s and Brisbane’s very own great lyric soprano, Leanne Kenneally

Oct 10 & 11

Ariat Warwick Rodeo

Bringing together the best of Australian rodeo, campdrafting & country hospitality

Oct 20-26

Milton House Spring Social

Milton House Spring Social is a four weekend pop-up bar

Oct 10 - Nov 2

Plantapalooza Plant Festival

The Plantapalooza plant festival returns to the Saturday Fresh Market

Oct 11

Waltzing the Wilarra

Step inside the world of Waltzing the Wilarra, a powerful, entertaining and music-filled night

Oct 11

Best Picnic Spots Around Brisbane

When it comes to picnic spots, Brisbane offers no shortage of stunning locations to lay out a rug and soak up the spring sunshine. Here's 8 of the best

Best Picnic Spots in Brisbane

MUST DO

Brisbane Writers Festival

Brisbane Writers Festival (BWF) unveils an exciting new chapter with a star-studded program of events, held for the first time at the Brisbane Powerhouse

Brisbane Writers Festival 2025

Crowd under dome at Eat Street Northshore

THIS WEEKEND

Top Things to Do Oct 3-6

From a 2 day CelticFest, The Veronicas at The Triffid. a stunning art exhibition and Oktoberfest at Eat Street to a mega country music festival, the top things to do this long weekend

This Weekend Oct 3-6

COMING UP

What's on in November in & around Brisbane

From Brisbane's top foodie night feast, Halloween at Eat Street, 2-day chilli festival, Melbourne Cup events and Supanova ComicCon to a free pop up riverside concert, what's on in November

What's On in November 2025