Things to do in Brisbane with kids: 7 day city and sand family holiday
Itinerary
By Danielle Reckless
Unpack your bags and settle in: the only reason you’ll want to leave this subtropical city is to explore her neighbouring world-class sand islands. From the city to the sea, adventure awaits for the young AND young at heart.
If you’re looking for things to do in Brisbane with kids and got a week to spare, we’ve got you covered with this itinerary.
Day 1: Dive into culture, and an inner-city beach
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The best way to get your bearings of the River City is to get a bird's eye view (especially if its your first time to Brisbane). Jump on The Wheel of Brisbane in South Bank Parklands for a 360-degree view of her glistening glory.
This southern side of the river has become the cultural and lifestyle hub of Brisbane. And the jewel in its crown? Australia’s only man-made CBD beach. Streets Beach is a lagoon of epic tropical proportions, complete with white sand and palm trees, and patrolled all year round. The nearby Aquativity water-play park will keep kids amused, and after a dip you can hop over to the Riverside Green playground before checking out the giant Epicurious Garden.
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There's no doubt that South Bank was designed for kids. It’s here you’ll find the Queensland Museum and interactive Science Centre. The Gallery of Modern Art and Queensland Art Gallery (QAGOMA) are also super kid-friendly, with hands-on activities year round. For more museum-fun, Brisbane’s best museums as the low-down.
Eat
There's plenty of dining options throughout South Bank, so really the choice is yours. Queensland Performing Arts Centre’s (QPAC) Melbourne Street Green has plenty of open space plus live music Friday evenings.
You'll find some of the city's best accommodation along Grey Street if you want to stay and play close to the action (including the Emporium Hotel South Bank).
Day 2: Take it to the heart
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You've seen the heart of the city, but it's time to discover its real heart with a tour of its indigenous culture and history. BlackCard Cultural Tours' local Aboriginal tour guides will take you on a 90-minute walking tour through the cultural precinct galleries and public artworks, or take the 3-hour bush tucker trail from riverside to local parklands.
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It's time to put your feet up. But in Brisbane, that's not quite what you think.
Riverlife Adventure Centre’s 2-hour kayak tour will have you paddlin’ like a pro under the city's biggest icons from Story Bridge to South Bank.
If the kids still have energy to burn afterwards, you can also hire scooters, rollerblades or bikes to explore the riverside paths.
Eat
There's a reason Eat Street Northshore makes every 'must-do' list. It's one of the best things to do in Brisbane with kids if you're in town Thursday to Sunday.
Forget trying appease fussy eaters, this food market mecca has more than 150 colourful shipping containers serving bites from around the world, from Asian street food to American barbeque. There's also market stalls, live entertainment, bars and a dessert alley that must be visited at least twice while you're here.
Day 3: Screen time, then green time
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Holidays are usually about avoiding screen time, but you should make an exception today. A 10-minute walk from the city centre is The Cube: 48 interactive touch screens featuring scientific and educational games and activities for the whole family. It's open every day at Queensland University of Technology (QUT), and admission is free.
When you’re done, take a leaf out of the locals' book and take a stroll through the nearby City Botanic Gardens, fringed by the Brisbane River. It has one of the best all-abilities playgrounds going around.
For more budget-busting ways to see Brisbane, check out this post.
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Photo by @bridge2brisbane
From one garden to another. Catch the free City Loop bus, changing to Spring Hill loop to dsicover an inner-city oasis.
Roma Street Parkland on the north side of the city features 16 hectares of sprawling lawns, gardens, lakes and even waterfalls. A cute kiddy-size train will take you around the park for just a gold coin donation and there are two playgrounds to choose from.
A short journey from here will have you at Victoria Park Golf Course and an 18-hole putt-putt sporting views over the city. It’s open every day, no bookings required.
Eat
Victoria Park Golf Course Bistro has a great menu for kids and adults featuring produce from their very own garden, and a lovely alfresco dining area to enjoy it.
Day 4: Meet the locals
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Photo by @lonepinekoala
Get back on the river, today you're off to see some wildlife at the iconic Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary. Take in the view from Mirimar Cruises on the way there, because you’ll be admiring your snaps of cuddly koalas, cheeky kangaroos, crocs, dingoes and devils all the way back.
It's the world's first and largest koala sanctuary, and you'll have the chance to meet some of the 130 koalas that call it home, as well as hand-feed kangaroos and wild lorikeets, and say hello to other cute and cuddly creatures.
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Head to the Botanic Gardens at the base of Mt Coot-tha (5km from the city centre) for a tropical-inspired geodesic dome and hide ‘n seek children’s trail. The gardens also house the Sir Thomas Brisbane Planetarium, open every day with free entry.
Eat
Take in the city views as you dine at Kuta Café or Summit Restaurant, at Mt Coot-tha. On a clear day you can see across the bay to Moreton Island.
But do you want a closer look?
Day 5: Set sail for an island life
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Photo by @hb.adventures
Cast away from the city to one of the most special places on earth, where you'll find some of the best sunsets and best adventures Queensland has to offer.
Moreton Island, traditionally named Moorgumpin (place of sandhills), is nature at its very best. The island is 4WD access only (unless you visit Tangalooma Island Resort), but the MICAT car ferry will take you there in just under two hours.
Moreton’s famous wrecks are not far from the landing and teeming with marine life to explore. Australian Sunset Safaris can show you this underwater wonderland via transparent kayak or snorkel tours, or book a guided tour through Tangalooma.
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If you're staying at Tangalooma Island Resort, settle into your accommodation and get ready for your kids to experience an encounter they'll remember forever. Each evening at sunset, wild bottlenose dolphins visit the jetty to say hello and accept a few hand-fed fishy treats.
Day 6: Hit the water
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Adventure awaits on all sides of the island, so after another morning swim it's time to explore further afield.
Moreton’s Blue Lagoon (accessed via Bulwer-Blue Lagoon Road or surfside) is a 42-hectare, tea-tree-infused freshwater lake perfect for family-friendly swimming. Pack a picnic; you’ll be relaxing on the white sands for a while.
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Head to the northern tip of the island for naturally formed Champagne Pools which fill with bubbles as waves crash over the rock wall. Not far from the pools is the iconic Cape Moreton Lighthouse and Harper’s Rock with desert-inspired red rock formations.
Eat
Hitch your dinner wagon at locals’ fave Castaways café in Bulwer. They also have glamping accommodation options if your kids and camping don’t mix, but you want something a little more back-to-basics for your final night on island time.
Day 7: Feel the rush
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Photo by @the_travelling_tribe_
Moreton is the third largest sand island in the world, so it should come as no surprise that its sand holds as many thrills as its sea. This morning, head inland to The Desert for some serious sand boarding fun.
Little Sandhills is accessible from the eastern surf beach and Big Sandhills from the western side. BYO boards, or book with a local tour operator (you can do so at the resort).
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Check out some WWII relics at Rous Battery via the walking tracks, before heading back to Brisbane. Ferries generally leave around mid-afternoon with additional services during school holidays. If you want to stay a little longer, it’s worth reading up on how to spend 48 hours on Moreton Island.
if you've got a few more days up your sleeve in Brisbane, here's some ideas to get you started:
- Pitch a tent at these top Camp Spots Near Brisbane for kids
- Dine at best Kid-friendly Restaurants and Cafes in Brisbane
- See more sides of South East Queensland with the Best Day Trips from Brisbane
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