Tips for Traveling with Kids in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
1. South Bank Parklands
A large urban park by the Brisbane River with plenty of green space and kids' play areas. Perfect for a family picnic or to let the children run off some energy.
- Green Space: Offers vast green spaces for families to enjoy outdoor activities.
- Kids' Play Areas: Provides play areas specifically designed for children of all ages.
- Picnic Spots: Features various picnic spots for families to enjoy meals together.
2. Brisbane Botanic Gardens Mt. Coot-tha
Home to a large variety of plants and animals, this botanic garden offers interactive displays and guided walks for children.
- Interactive Displays: Offers interactive exhibits that educate kids about different plant species.
- Guided Walks: Provides guided walks for families to learn more about the garden's flora and fauna.
- Animal Encounters: Features various animal encounters, including a batty house and butterfly cage.
3. Science Centre and Aquarium
A combined science centre and aquarium offering hands-on exhibits and a variety of sea creatures.
- Hands-On Exhibits: Provides interactive exhibits that engage kids in learning about science.
- Aquarium: Offers a wide variety of marine life to observe, including sharks and seahorses.
- Planetarium Shows: Hosts planetarium shows that teach kids about the stars and constellations.
4. Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary
A sanctuary dedicated to koalas, where visitors can cuddle the marsupials and observe other Australian wildlife.
- Koala Cuddles: Allows visitors to cuddle koalas for a unique, up-close experience.
- Wide Variety of Wildlife: Showcases various Australian animals, including kangaroos and Tasmanian devils.
- Indigenous Culture: Features demonstrations of indigenous culture, such as boomerang throwing and didgeridoo playing.
5. Wheel of Brisbane
A giant Ferris wheel offering panoramic views of the city. Perfect for a family outing.
- Panoramic Views: Provides stunning views of Brisbane's cityscape.
- Night-time Experience: Offers a breathtaking night-time experience with the city lights below.
- Accessible to Kids: Cabins are fully enclosed and comfortable for children.
6. Brisbane River Cruises
Boat tours along the Brisbane River offering different themed cruises, including dinner and party options.
- Sightseeing Tours: Allows families to explore the city from a unique perspective on the water.
- Themed Cruises: Offers various themed cruises, such as dinner or party options for a fun night out.
- Kids' Activities: Includes activities like face-painting and crafts to keep children entertained during the cruise.
7. Dinosaur Museum
A museum dedicated entirely to dinosaurs, featuring life-sized models, fossils, and interactive exhibits.
- Life-Sized Models: Displays lifelike dinosaur models that fascinate children.
- Interactive Exhibits: Offers interactive exhibits, such as fossil digging and dinosaur footprint casting.
- Dinosaur Workshops: Hosts workshops where kids can learn about the history of dinosaurs.
8. Brisbane Zoo
A large zoo housing a variety of animals, including lions, tigers, giraffes, and penguins.
- Large Variety of Animals: Showcases a wide variety of animals from around the world.
- Animal Encounters: Offers animal encounters, such as feeding giraffes and holding snakes.
- Conservation Efforts: Supports conservation efforts for endangered species through breeding programs.
9. Australia Zoo
Steve Irwin's former zoo, featuring a wide variety of wildlife and animal shows.
- Steve Irwin Legacy: Honors the legacy of Steve Irwin, the Crocodile Hunter.
- Animal Shows: Offers animal shows like the famous crocodile feeding show.
- Wildlife Rescue Centre: Runs a wildlife rescue centre for injured or orphaned animals.
10. Underwater World Sea Life Mooloolaba
A marine park located on the Sunshine Coast, featuring an oceanarium with sharks and sea turtles.
- Oceanarium: Features a large oceanarium with sharks, seals, and sea turtles.
- Interactive Exhibits: Offers interactive exhibits like touching starfish and holding sea cucumbers.
- Sunshine Coast Location: Situated on the beautiful Sunshine Coast, offering a chance to explore the region after visiting the marine park.
11. Inflatable World
An indoor inflatable play centre with giant slides, ball pits, and bouncy castles.
- Indoor Play Centre: Provides an indoor space for active play during rainy days.
- Giant Slides: Features giant slides that excite children and allow them to burn off energy.
- Bouncy Castles: Includes bouncy castles for younger children to enjoy.
12. Adventure Park
A theme park with water slides, roller coasters, and other thrilling rides.
- Water Slides: Offers a variety of water slides for families to enjoy during the summer.
- Thrilling Rides: Features roller coasters and other adrenaline-pumping rides for older children.
- Kids' Area: Has a dedicated kids' area with smaller, gentler rides.
13. Brisbane Tram Tour Company
A hop-on, hop-off tram tour of Brisbane, allowing families to explore the city at their own pace.
- Hop-On, Hop-Off: Allows families to hop on and off the tram at various stops throughout the city.
- Informative Commentary: Provides informative commentary about Brisbane's history, landmarks, and culture.
- Flexibility: Offers flexibility to explore the city at a pace that suits your family.
14. Streets Beach
A man-made beach located within the South Bank Parklands with clear waters and lifeguards on duty.
- Man-Made Beach: Provides a safe, man-made swimming area for families.
- Clear Waters: Offers clear waters ideal for swimming and snorkeling.
- Lifeguards on Duty: Ensures a safe environment with lifeguards always present.
15. Brisbane Powerhouse Workshops
A cultural centre offering workshops for kids in art, music, and drama.
- Art Workshops: Provides workshops for children to explore various forms of art.
- Music Workshops: Offers music workshops for kids to learn about different instruments and rhythms.
- Drama Workshops: Conducts drama workshops where children can learn acting skills and perform on stage.