A trip to Brisbane with kids in tow is filled with fun and adventure that’s sure to last your entire holiday.
Brisbane is a bustling hub of activities with great places to explore and some incredible landmarks. No doubt, one of the first of the city’s icons you will see is The Wheel of Brisbane. And it can’t be overlooked as one of the most iconic activities you can do with your little ones on a day or night out in Brisbane. It’s engraved into nearly every photo of the South Bank and for good reason. Enclosed seats rise 60m above the ground for a pleasant view of the Brisbane River and cityscape.
Streets Beach
A man-made beach in the middle of the city, South Bank Parklands offers white sand, palm trees and turquoise waters. You will feel as if you’ve stepped into a tropical oasis, the plus side is there’s no need to worry about the many environmental hazards a real beach can present. Streets Beach is also patrolled by lifeguards all year round and is completely free to enjoy for all.
Queensland Museum
The museum is always a fun place to go for a day out with the kids. The Museum of Queensland regularly holds exhibitions for children that operate all year round. From masterful creations of Lego and interactive exhibitions with electricity, your kids will be amused for hours.
Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary
Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary is the largest Koala sanctuary in the world. A day trip out to the sanctuary will teach your kids all about Australian native wildlife. There is a working sheepdog show, bird show and plenty of Kangaroo’s, birds, and reptiles to gaze, admire and interact with – some even roam around the sanctuary at their own whim.
Go-Karting
There aren’t many places that offer indoor go-karting fun. This means rain, hail or shine, Slideways Brisbane is open. The track is 425m long and operates over two differing levels. They have cadet and intermediate karts for use during children and family sessions.
Bike Trails
Hire mountain or electric bikes and head out on the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail. Open all year round and completely traffic-free, the trail is 161km of a peaceful disused railway line. There are some sections that are rather difficult to traverse so consider your skill levels. Otherwise, the activity will have you surrounded by nature and fellow riders who are always nodding their heads as they ride past.
Kayaking and Abseiling
There’s an opportunity for children eight or above to test their bravery. Riverlife in Brisbane holds activities adjacent to Brisbane’s famous river. Both activities are fully guided, so whether you want to take to the water or descend the 20m Kangaroo Point Cliffs, the choice is yours as long as you meet the age requirements.
Stradbroke Island
Stradbroke Island is a great day out for all and it’s only 30 kilometres from Brisbane with a 25-30 minute ferry ride from Toondah Harbour at Cleveland. Walk along scenic headlands and frolic on the sandy beaches. There are activities on the island such as quad biking in sand dunes and bush walks. Cylinder Beach is patrolled by lifeguards every day of the year so it’s a safe and relaxing destination to take the kids for a day out.
Brisbane River to Moreton Bay
Close by to Brisbane, Moreton Island offers a similar experience for families. A 75-minute ferry ride from Brisbane will land you on the popular 4WD’ing Island. You can take your vehicle over to the island on the Micat ferry or on the Amity Trader. If you don’t have a 4WD to explore the island, don’t worry as there are plenty of opportunities to tour around the island and even snorkel the Moreton Island Wrecks. Check out River to Bay for Moreton Bay Island touring options.
Brisbane with kids |Heading a little further afield
Thunderbird Park has a TreeTop Challenge for juniors aged 3 to 7 years. The TreeTop course is Australia’s largest zipline attraction and it is built entirely for children. The course aims to build confidence by taking children out of their comfort zones. Trainers are on hand for any assistance and guidance needed as children don’t need any prior experience to join in on the fun. To complete the courses it will take around 2 hours 30 minutes (includes an induction) at $35 per person. The children’s course is designed for those under 160cm tall. Children over 160cm will be required to participate in the adult adventure parks. From the heart of the city, Tamborine Mountain is approximately an hour’s drive by car which is the quickest and most hassle free way to get there.
Theme Parks
The theme parks are without a doubt an iconic day out for any family – enjoying roller coasters and live shows with the chance to meet Batman himself. Although not directly in Brisbane, there are multiple transport options from the city that will get you there. Usually, it’s very busy and very hot during the summer months so pack the necessities and bring some water as the line for drinks can get quite long. Unfortunately, there is no family or group pass to the Village Roadshow theme parks: Sea World, Warner Bros. Movie World and Wet n Wild. If you’re headed up for a brief few days or a week consider purchasing an Escape Pass valid for 3 days. Adults and children (3 to 13 years) tickets cost $139.00 each which allows you to visit each park once over 3 days. You can also visit one park for one day at $79.00. There are, of course, multiple choices so be sure to check the website and see what fits right for you and your holiday.
Dreamworld is another option and it’s slightly cheaper. They offer a deal much the same but at a price of $119.00 for 3 days valid over 12 months. You can also visit Whitewater World and Skypoint with this pass. Their single day visits cost $99 for adults and $89 for children aged 3 to 13.
Travel to Brisbane
Rex flies to Brisbane. Learn more and book your tickets on their website here.
