North of Brisbane, a variety of beautiful parks and national parks await exploration, offering opportunities for outdoor activities and immersion in nature. D'Aguilar National Park, located in Brisbane's vicinity, boasts remote gorges, stunning swimming holes, and views of the Glasshouse Mountains, along with intriguing features like the elusive platypus and abandoned gold mines. Tamborine National Park in the Gold Coast hinterland provides walking trails and wildlife spotting chances, such as red-legged pademelons and Albert's lyrebirds, within an hour's drive from Brisbane.
Venman Bushland National Park, a 40-minute drive from the city, offers an authentic Aussie bush walk experience, housing koalas, wallabies, possums, and sugar-gliders amidst eucalypt and melaleuca trees and vibrant flowering shrubs in springtime. Fort Lytton National Park, another park in the Brisbane vicinity, delves into the city's historical roots and allows exploration of coastal fortifications. Girraween National Park in the Southern Downs and Granite Belt stands out for its natural rock formations and breathtaking landscapes.
Similarly, Main Range National Park in the same region presents a variety of walks and trails, including the popular Mt Cordeaux track with its stunning mountaintop views. These parks cater to diverse experiences, from canopy exploration at D'Aguilar National Park to the awe-inspiring landscapes of Girraween National Park.