30 things to do with kids in Queensland before they grow up

1. Undara Volcanic National Park

Heading west of Cairns? Be sure to consider a visit to Undara Volcanic National Park, where families can explore one of the world’s longest lava tube cave systems, formed after a volcanic eruption nearly 200,000 years ago. While you’re there, brush up on your bird watching skills, explore the savanna woodland on a beginner-friendly bushwalk, or pack a picnic and make use of the onsite facilities.

2. Qantas Founders Museum

If you’ve got a budding pilot or aviation enthusiast in the family, a visit to the Qantas Founders Museum is a must. Based in the heart of Outback Queensland in Longreach (the birth place of Qantas), this one-of-a-kind museum tells the narrative of our national airline, and is home to an impressive collection of historical aircraft and full-size replicas to boot. 

3. Dinosaur Trail

Practising palaeontologist on-board? Give them something to knock ‘show and tell’ out of the ballpark with a trip to Outback Queensland’s Dinosaur Trail. Witness the only known evidence of a dinosaur stampede, stand in awe Australia’s largest dinosaur fossils, and fossick to find your own.

4. Cape Hillsborough National Park

Want to meet wallabies in the wild? You can at the natural wonderland that is Cape Hillsborough National Park, located near Mackay. It’s here that the bush meets the sea, and wallabies come to feed on the beach at sunrise - the perfect spot to get a pic. Young adventurers can also discover eucalypt forest teeming with wildlife, ancient volcanic rock formations, and tidal pools.

5. Natural Bridge

Springbrook National Park’s Natural Bridge is like stepping back in time, with ancient Gondwana rainforest weaved with walking trails that are not too challenging for little legs. Not far from the Gold Coast, your kids will love the after dark version too, so join a tour to visit caves home to glow worms and forests filled with fireflies.

6. Kuranda Scenic Railway

See the Wet Tropics from an entirely different vantage point aboard the Kuranda Scenic Railway. - a train ride that the kids will talk about for years. Journey through million year old World Heritage-listed rainforest from Cairns to Kuranda and watch as rugged mountains, verdant rainforest and tumbling waterfalls pass by.

7. Bunya Mountains National Park

Lace up the kids’ sneakers and pack the sandwiches. Bunya Mountains National Park has jungle-like rainforest, cascading waterfalls, and epic viewing platforms to explore. Not to mention it’s home to the largest crop of ancient bunya pines in the world, plus a dazzling display of birds – from king parrots to satin bowerbirds – and other wildlife species. BYO tent if you’re feeling extra adventurous.

8. Surf the sand dunes

Here we don't just surf waves, we surf sand dunes. From islands to the outback, there's plenty of spots to hit high speeds sandboarding. One of the best? Buckle up and embark on an off-road adventure to Birdsville and scale the famous ‘Big Red’ – otherwise known as an epic 40-metre high sand dune that sits pretty in the heart of the Simpson Desert. 

Wonderful wildlife encounters

9. Mon Repos Turtle Centre

Take your little eco-warriors to see sea turtles at Mon Repos Turtle Centre near Bundaberg. It’s home to the largest nesting population on the Australian mainland, and one of the most rewarding things to do with kids in Queensland. The nesting season kicks off in November and runs through to late March. Take a ranger guided tour, and expect a late night as the turtle time is anywhere between 7pm and 2am. For a chance to see the nests erupt with tiny turtles, January to March is the best time.

10. Fraser Coast Discovery Sphere

Hervey Bay on the Fraser Coast is the whale watching capital of Australia, but you can also learn more about this pristine marine playground at the Discovery Sphere (open to all for a gold coin donation). Challenge the kids with interactive and immersive activities, and snap a pic with the 12-metre high life-like sculpture of Nala, one of the resident whales of Hervey Bay.

11. Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary

Head to Brisbane's Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, the world’s largest koala sanctuary. Your entry fee supports the critical work undertaken at the Sanctuary’s new koala science and research facility - not only can you meet koalas, but you can tour the hospital, and meet and feed plenty of other Aussie animals including kangaroos.

12. Spot platypus at Eungella National Park

Mackay’s Eungella National Park’s Broken River is a platypus-spotting sanctuary, where, if you’re quiet, you might spy the shy marsupial in its natural habitat. Camping is permitted if you want to stay a night or two, while the dedicated picnic area is wheelchair accessible and also ideal for day-trippers.

13. Lady Elliot Island

Perched on the southern tip of the Great Barrier Reef, Lady Elliot Island is the place for kids to learn about our magnificent reef and its marine life. And if your kids don’t mind getting wet, it’s a great place to swim with turtles, spot manta rays and humpback whales (in season) too. Turtles visit its sheltered lagoons (which can easily be accessed via the beach), making it a perfect place for kids to snorkel out a short distance to see them. A resident marine biologist is on hand to share information about the Island’s fascinating ecosystem, take you on guided ecology tours and teach kids more about conservation.

14. Discover the underwater world from dry land

If you can’t make it out to the Great Barrier Reef or your kids aren’t quite ready to snorkel in open waters yet, include a visit to Cairns Aquarium, the only aquarium in the world to exclusively showcase the aquatic wildlife from Tropical North Queensland’s two World Heritage-listed areas – the Great Barrier Reef and the Wet Tropics Rainforest.

Down south on the Sunshine Coast is SEA LIFE, home to the region's only colony of Little Blue Penguins. Explore the depths of the ocean by walking through the 80m Ocean Tunnel to watch the majestic Grey Nurse Sharks swim past, and make sure to watch the daily fun and educational Seal Presentation, a family favourite.

15. Australia Zoo

Made famous by the late Steve ‘the Crocodile Hunter’ Irwin and his family, this sprawling 1000-acre wildlife sanctuary is home to over 100 different animal species, as well as a dedicated team of conservationists. Its state-of-the-art animal hospital, designed by Steve and dedicated to his wildlife pioneer mum Lyn, holds tours and also allows zoo patrons to fully observe the team of vets as they save the lives of local wildlife.

16. Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary

Equal parts educational and fun, it’s here that kids can hand feed ‘roos, interact with cheeky lemurs in the Lost Valley, watch eagles soar at the Free Flight Bird Show, or visit one of the busiest wildlife hospitals in the world. This is one of the best things to do with the kids in Queensland, and a must on every Gold Coast family itinerary. 

17. Rainforestation Nature Park

Located only 30 minutes from Cairns and ten minutes from Kuranda Village, Rainforestation Nature Park where you can board an amphibious World War II Army Duck for a unique rainforest tour on land and water, while your driver identifies and introduces fascinating plants and wildlife. The park also features wildlife presentations throughout the day, and the Koala and Wildlife Park gives you the opportunity to hand-feed kangaroos and wallabies and see the best of this region’s unique wildlife.

18. Find incredible crocodile encounters

Eye off with one of the most feared, and largest living reptiles in the world – the estuarine (or saltwater crocodile) – in their natural habitat aboard Whitsunday Crocodile Safari’s River Runner. There are thought to be over 150 of these fascinating prehistoric creatures that call the Proserpine River home, so keep your eyes peeled and your camera at the ready.

Over in Cairns, jump aboard a Lagoon Boat Cruise at Hartley's Crocodile Adventures to see Saltwater Crocodiles up close and personal, or wander around more than 2500 metres of timber boardwalks and pathways to see an array of wildlife, including tropical birds, wallabies, reptiles, insects and more.

Beach-time

19. Tallebudgera Creek

One dip in this crystalline creek will be enough to get your kids begging you to stay for the whole day. A patrolled swimming beach, Pandanus-shaded picnic spots, and gentle SUPing conditions make for the ultimate (and free!) family day out. And when hunger strikes, the kiosk right next to the sand delivers creek-side coffee, sweet treats and savoury eats perfect for beachgoers.

20. Tangalooma Island Resort

A short ferry ride from Brisbane, Tangalooma Island Resort on Moreton Island is a natural Queensland wonder with a host of water and land-based activities that will keep kids occupied from sun up ‘til sun down. Wild bottlenose dolphin feeding is the hero here, with these gentle ocean creatures visiting each sunset. But with wrecks to snorkel, sand dunes to toboggan, and water sports to tackle, this place certainly makes the grade as one of the best things to do with kids in Queensland.

21. Hamilton Island

The Whitsundays is perennially popular as a family-friendly holiday destination and Hamilton Island has kid-cred in spades. Roll out a towel at Catseye Beach, feast on a fish and chips from Popeye’s, challenge each other to a friendly game of mini golf or try go-karting, tubing, wake-boarding or water skiing nearby. You can also hop on a tour to nearby Whitehaven Beach or the Great Barrier Reef from the Hamilton Island Marina. Your kids will love having breakfast with the koalas at the Hamilton Island Wildlife Park.

22. Daydream Island

Stop dreaming and start planning your family getaway to this Whitsundays island paradise. Daydream Island is a short ferry ride from Airlie Beach or Hamilton Island and home to the only resort in Australia with a living reef. Kids can join the Junior Reef Program to learn about coral and crustaceans, visit the underwater observatory, or join the daily stingray feeding beside marine biologists who will be able to answer all their fishy questions. A giant lagoon pool with kids wading area awaits and you can kayak, SUP or snorkel from the beach.

23. Streets Beach at South Bank

A beach in the middle of a city may sound like an oxymoron, but trust us when we say you’re going to want to pack your swimmers if you’re heading to Brisbane with your family. Streets Beach is a kid-friendly lagoon-style swimming spot at South Bank, ideal for families wanting to beat the city heat this summer with plenty of green space, playgrounds and places to grab a bite nearby too.

24. Fitzroy Island Resort

Headed to Cairns? Add Fitzroy Island to your itinerary. The family will find sheltered lagoons, fringing coral reef to explore and one of Australia’s best beaches – Nudey Beach. If you kids aren’t as keen to go snorkelling, try kayaking or join a glass-bottomed boating tour to see the incredible marine world beneath the surface from another perspective.

Thrills, spills, eats and chills

25. Wet ‘n’ Wild

A rite of passage for any Gold Coast kid growing up, Wet ‘N’ Wild is still as popular with local and visiting families today as it was when it first opened in the 80s. And while the thrill-factor has been turned up a notch, there’s still that balance of good-time nostalgia combined with crowd-pleasing fun for all ages. Book a cabana to spoil the family and have a shady spot to retreat to.

26. Aussie World

No trip to or from the Sunshine Coast is complete without a pit stop at Aussie World. Easily spottable from the Bruce Highway, let the little ones burn off some energy at the giant slides, mini golf, dodgems and thrill rides; tuck into some classic pub grub upstairs; or simply grab a few road trip essentials from The Village.

27. Eat Street Northshore

Round up your hungry kids when in Brisbane and sample your way through myriad multicultural stalls serving everything from Japanese pizzas to Spanish-inspired paella at Eat Street Northshore. You’re not going to want to miss dessert, so save a little room for ice cream cronuts, candy floss creations and loaded donut fries. Open every Friday, Saturday and Sunday, and kids 12 years and younger get in for free.

28. Paronella Park

A fairy tale-like, century-old ruined Spanish castle that sits amongst acres of tropical surrounds, Paronella Park is a magical, heritage-listed site that draws crowds of families from far and wide, featuring ethereal gardens, fountains and falls.

29. Ginger Factory, Yandina

All aboard the 118-year old ginger train, taking you on a guided tour of the grounds of one of the world’s largest ginger suppliers. Kids will love the dedicated play zone, interactive boat ride and honey tastings, while parents can browse local wares at Ginger Town and stock up on tasty pantry essentials at the Ginger Shop. Round it out with a scoop of the sweet stuff (ginger-inspired of course!) at the ice creamery upon exit. Entry is free for families, with a fee for tours.

30. Gold Coast theme parks

It’s no secret that the Gold Coast serves up fun by the tonne in the way of its theme parks, which always make the cut for top things to do with kids in Queensland. So whether your tribe likes to get their thrills from sky-high coasters at Dreamworld, character cuddles at Movie World, or animal encounters at Sea World, there’s a park to suit your family’s style.

Looking for more adventures together? Check out the best kid-friendly beaches in Queensland.