Overview
No big deal, but just a 90-minute drive from Brisbane is where you'll find the most extensive area of subtropical rainforest in the world. Okay, actually it's a huge deal. Springbrook National Park is just part of the massive Gondwana Rainforests of Australia, which extends down to Newcastle, and you'll want to spend at least a day there. To be honest, you'll want to spend an entire day at the stunning Natural Bridge alone, where you'll find a rock arch and waterfall over a creek that's unlike anything you've ever seen before.
We could keep listing Springbrook's epic natural features, such as waterfalls, lookouts, swimming spots and walking trails, but that's the thing about National Parks, they just have so many. If Parks and Recreation's Leslie Knope was to visit, she'd fall in love instantly. Just remember to bring a hamper full of goodies for mid-hike snacking. Four of the park's picnic areas have barbecues, too.
Image: Jason Clark / Flickr.