The 9 Best Day Trips from Toowoomba

How far each place is, what to see there, and a plan for the day.

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There are 9 good day trips from Toowoomba, Australia, led by Brisbane, Caloundra, Southport. The closest is Redbank Plains, about 1 hr 25 min by car. Below: drive times, distances, what to see, and a sample day plan.

Built from 9 nearby places, with sights from real traveler trips, on Packy AI. Last updated November 2026 by the Packy AI Travel Team.

Day trips from Toowoomba

  1. 1

    Brisbane, Australia

    Full-day trip
    About 1 hr 40 min by car106 km east of Toowoomba

    Known for The Wheel of Brisbane.

  2. 2

    Caloundra, Australia

    Long day or overnight
    About 2 hr 15 min by car143 km north-east of Toowoomba
  3. 3

    Southport, Australia

    Long day or overnight
    About 2 hr 20 min by car149 km east of Toowoomba
  4. 4

    Buderim, Australia

    Long day or overnight
    About 2 hr 15 min by car146 km north-east of Toowoomba
  5. 5

    Caboolture, Australia

    Full-day trip
    About 1 hr 45 min by car112 km north-east of Toowoomba
  6. 6

    Upper Coomera, Australia

    Full-day trip
    About 2 hr 10 min by car136 km east of Toowoomba
  7. 7

    Morayfield, Australia

    Full-day trip
    About 1 hr 45 min by car110 km north-east of Toowoomba
  8. 8

    Redbank Plains, Australia

    Full-day trip
    About 1 hr 25 min by car90 km east of Toowoomba
  9. 9

    Labrador, Australia

    Long day or overnight
    About 2 hr 20 min by car148 km east of Toowoomba

A sample day: Toowoomba to Brisbane

  1. 07:30Leave Toowoomba
  2. 09:10Arrive in Brisbane (1 hr 40 min drive)
  3. 09:25The Wheel of Brisbane
  4. 11:25Lunch
  5. 12:40Explore the old town, markets and cafes of Brisbane
  6. 15:10Head back to Toowoomba
  7. 16:50Home in Toowoomba

Good to know

Frequently asked questions

What are the best day trips from Toowoomba?
The best day trips from Toowoomba are Brisbane, Caloundra, Southport, Buderim, Caboolture. The closest is Redbank Plains, about 1 hr 25 min away by car.
What is the closest day trip from Toowoomba?
Redbank Plains is the closest, 90 km east of Toowoomba, roughly 1 hr 25 min by car. Best as a full-day trip.
What is the biggest city near Toowoomba for a day out?
Brisbane is the largest city in day-trip range, 106 km east of Toowoomba and about 1 hr 40 min by car. With that much to see, start early or stay the night.
Where can I go for a weekend from Toowoomba?
For a weekend away from Toowoomba, pick the places far enough to be worth a night: Southport (149 km, 2 hr 20 min), Labrador (148 km, 2 hr 20 min), Buderim (146 km, 2 hr 15 min), Caloundra (143 km, 2 hr 15 min). Closer places on this list work better as a single day.
How far is too far for a day trip from Toowoomba?
Up to about two hours each way keeps the day relaxed. The farthest place on this list is Southport at 149 km, around 2 hr 20 min by car, which is better as a long day or an overnight stay.

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