A graduate’s guide to the best day trips from St Lucia campus
UQ graduate Anna Ghioni writes on the importance of getting back to nature for good work-study balance.
The St Lucia campus is not lacking in natural beauty, with lakes complete with turtles, blossoming jacarandas, and sprawling ovals.
However, I found venturing beyond campus for a few hours or a whole day could put me in a better headspace, let me achieve more, and help me manage stress and anxiety.
With my on-campus study years now over, I look back and see my weekend days at the beach, under waterfalls, and hiking as a key part of my routine that kept me sane during the gruelling – yet rewarding! – university life.
I have included my top picks for weekend adventures that are easy to get to from campus if you have a car, or access to one (if you don’t, check out Car Next Door for accessible, cheap car hire!).
If hiring a car isn’t a viable option for you, you can join one of the UQ clubs and ride share, take a look at the UQ Mountain Club, Fishing Club, and Surfers Club.
Cedar Creek
Distance from campus: 36km (45 minute drive)
In the lush, inviting Samford Valley, North Brisbane, there is a popular swimming hole – Cedar Creek.
With a long history as the best water hole in Brisbane with the locals, Cedar Creek is quickly becoming a favourite amongst university students, but it still isn’t too crowded.
It offers the whole waterhole package – a waterfall, swing rope, and flat river beds perfect for rock hopping.
There is even a local dog you might spot, awkwardly dragging a stick half its size across the rocks.
Gold Creek Reservoir
Distance from campus: 18km (25 minute drive)
If you live west of campus, check out Gold Creek Reservoir!
In Brookfield, past Chapel Hill and Kenmore, you’ll find stretches of greenery dotted with horses and surrounded by bush, forest, and eye-catching estates.
Head to Gold Creek Reservoir Carpark, which is next to the reserve.
There’s a walk around the whole reservoir (wear covered shoes; snakes like it here), easy-access swimming, and heaps of space to set up a picnic.
Stradbroke Island
Distance from campus: 44km (50 minute drive)
Stradbroke Island, or “Straddie” to the locals, is a true natural Queensland beauty.
From peaceful whale watching, snorkelling, and bike riding, to adventure-filled 4WDing, scalings and dunes, and diving, Straddie will let you forget about study for a day or a whole weekend.
There are often deals on Groupon for cabins and activities, which I love using if I’m with a big group.
You can take your car over on the ferry (50 min trip), or park and ride the water taxi (20 min trip).
If you take your 4WD over (remember to get a permit), check out Flinders Beach, Main Beach, and the designated bush areas.
We did up a friend’s 4WD to make it ready for as many off-road adventures as we could fit in between lab tests, lectures, and group meetings.
The 4WD was scored off Gumtree, then we just jumped on Sparesbox for the accessories.
Mt Coot-tha
Distance from campus: 6km (10 minute drive to the picnic area)
Do you even live in Brisbane if you haven’t snapped a skyline shot of the city from Mt Coot-tha?!
Jokes aside, even if you have already been to the lookout and botanical gardens, there are also many walks that wrap around the mountain.
I enjoy the 1.9km Summit Track, which begins at the JC Slaughters Falls Picnic Area (37 Sir Samuel Griffith Drive, Toowong) and finishes at the lookout (and café… where you can grab a well-earned ice cream or coffee).
Expect working up a sweat, lots of bush, and getting through a bottle of water – but it doesn’t take very long and can be a great short break.
Keep your eyes peeled for owls, goannas, and echidnas!
There are other trails, too, that you can check out on the Mt Coot-tha track map and information leaflet.
Bribie Island
Distance from campus: 71km (just over an hour)
My favourite place to truly relax around Brisbane is Bribie Island, where you can enjoy lying on the jetty while you watch the blue jellyfish beneath you or go for a traditional seaside fish and chips.
If you don’t enjoy the bigger swell of the Gold Coast or Sunshine Coast, the calm lapping tide of Bribie Island could be just what you’re looking for.
Right before the bridge to the island sits Standstone Point Hotel, which is a great area for lunch with a view, as you sit in the sprawling outdoor area and listen to local live guitarists.
Whether you feel like rock hopping, hiking, getting salty, exploring the bush, or just really need to clear your head from your studies for a day, there are so many places in Brisbane and beyond that are ready when you are!
