As the capital city of Queensland, there’s more to Brisbane/Meanjin than meets the eye. This city is brimming with bountiful opportunities to explore arts and culture, many of which you can discover with a road trip from the CBD to the rolling hills on the outskirts of the city.
With your Hertz rental car, visiting all the best that Brisbane and beyond has to offer in arts and culture isn’t just easy—it’s beautiful too. Wind the windows down, take the scenic route and enjoy the ride as we guide you to the best places to visit on a weekend road trip for art and culture lovers.
Begin Your Journey in the Heart of the City
There’s no better place to start your weekend road trip of arts and culture than in the centre of the city. The CBD is filled with museums, galleries and theatres, featuring all kinds of art and experiences. The absolute must-see museum to begin with is the Queensland Art Gallery and Gallery of Modern Art. This duo of art centresis situated in the Southbank precinct in Brisbane, looking out over the Brisbane River. The state’s premier art gallery, as well as one of the country’s most visited art institutions, QAGOMA is the epicenter of creativity in the city. There is always a plethora of exhibitions to explore—many of them being free to enter. Just nearby QAGOMA is the incredible Queensland Museum. Their rotating exhibitions feature fascinating artefacts from across the world, so you can be transported to places like Ancient Egypt and beyond whilst still standing in Brisbane’s CBD. If a night at the theatre sounds good to you, make sure to pay a visit to the phenomenal Brisbane Powerhouse. An old power station that has been transformed into a hub of creativity and performance, rest assured that anything you see at the Powerhouse, from comedy to music to plays, will be a night you won’t forget.
Get Going to Explore Arts and Culture Beyond the City
While Brisbane provides an eclectic hub of arts and culture to explore, there are also plenty of options to discover these experiences beyond the city limits. Once you’ve spent some time in the CBD, get going on a scenic drive to Tamborine Mountain, about an hour’s south of Brisbane. This picture-perfect town is nestled into the lush hinterlands, providing a plethora of opportunities for adventure and culture.A great place to begin your time at Tamborine Mountain is by exploring the iconic Gallery Walk. Park your rental car and get out on foot to make the most of this thriving corner of the town. The Gallery Walk boasts over 60 art, craft and gift shops to wander through, with plenty of options to purchase a souvenir to remember Tamborine Mountain by. For unique knick-knacks and interesting gifts, make sure to check out The Glass Studio and Capanart Gallery. The Gallery Cafe is also a great spot to stop off for a relaxing coffee and treat before you continue your way.
Elevate Your Art Experience at Tamborine Mountain
The weekend is the best time to visit Tamborine Mountain as every Sunday there are markets to explore. Each Sunday, the Tamborine Locals Producers’ Markets offers a glimpse into the fresh local produce on offer from sellers across the region. Depending on the Sunday you are visiting, you might also catch the Tamborine Mountain Country Markets or the Tamborine Mountain State School Markets. Indulge in lunch at the historic St Bernards Hotel as you overlook the majestic hinterlands as they stretch out before you. While this is a delicious dining experience, St Bernards is also brimming with cultural significance. This almost-150-year-old hotel holds history in its hinges, the breathtaking pub is both a top-notch dining experience as well as offers a beautiful insight into a Tamborine Mountain of the past. Continue your arts and culture adventures with the legendary Witches Falls Cottages walk in the afternoon. This quirky walking trail will lead you along the Palm Grove Rainforest, allowing you an insight into the untamed beauty of this environment. The trail continues through Olde Eagle Heights—a charming English village that delivers sweeping views of the surrounding land, all the way out to the ocean. Admire the architecture of the buildings and let yourself be transported to a world of cottages and fairytales. Finish your trip with a visit to Cedar Creek Estate. Whilst predominantly a winery, this estate is home to some fascinating pieces of art that you can explore between world-class glasses of wine. Make sure to remember to always have a designated driver when you’re consuming alcohol.
From the bright lights of Brisbane’s city to the rolling hills of the hinterlands, this region of sensational arts and culture is best explored in your Hertz rental car.
