How to spend a 7-day family holiday in South-East Queensland

10am: Cruise the Brisbane River to Koala-land

For over 70 years, Miramar Cruises has been transporting guests to and from Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary via the Brisbane River. Departing the Southbank Boardwalk at 9 and 11 am, the kids will be begging for window seats on this scenic 40-minute journey; watch them point at all the historic homesteads and modern mansions that line the river.

At Lone Pine, cuddle a koala, hand-feed kangaroos and get up close to other Aussie animals, including platypus, wombats, dingoes, crocodiles and kookaburras. Take a seat at one of the daily shows to learn about the animals you’ve met from animal-loving experts.

Note: Only 20 seats are available per cruise, so book ahead of time.

3pm: Visit SparkLab

Got some budding scientists on your hands? They’ll love investigating the 40 interactive exhibits at Queensland Museum’s SparkLab.

Ideal for kids aged 6 to 13, this impressive space is dedicated to science, technology, engineering and maths and is so much fun that the kids will be learning without even realising it.

Bonus: children under five enter free.

7pm: Dinner at the Story Bridge

No trip to Brisbane is complete without paying homage to the iconic Story Bridge and we’ve found the perfect vantage point from which to see it in all its glory.

The Bavarian at Eagle Street Pier is an excellent family-friendly spot for bridge views and delicious food. Even the fussiest of eaters will be pleased here, with a kids menu featuring a range of tasty items perfect for little taste buds.

Day two: Tangalooma Island Resort

10am: All aboard

Day-tripping to Tangalooma will be a highlight of your family holiday in South-East Queensland, because who doesn’t love a boat ride and some island time?

Drive to Holt Street Wharf at Pinkenba, park the car, and hop on a high-speed catamaran to Tangalooma. You’ll be there in 75 minutes.

With 80 family activities on offer, it can be hard to know where to start, but you can’t go past the nightly wild dolphin feeding - it’s an absolute must-do. Another popular activity is sand tobogganing (Tangalooma is the third-largest sand island in the world!), quad biking, kayaking (around shipwrecks, no less!), and discovering The Eco Centre, which is dedicated to marine education and conservation. 

Day three: Sunshine Coast

9am: Australia Zoo

An hour’s drive north of Brisbane is Australia Zoo—a destination dedicated to animal conservation.

Don’t let the size of the zoo overwhelm you; instead, follow this guide to make the most of your time. Don’t miss the Wildlife Warriors show in the Crocoseum, where keepers interact with snakes, soaring birds and saltwater crocodiles.

Your kids will love spending hours here, seeing iconic Aussie critters that they usually only see in books or on screens.

3pm: Sea Life

Want more animals on the agenda? Get acquainted with ocean creatures at Sea Life.

With over 10,000 marine animals, from jellyfish and starfish to turtles and sharks, little animal lovers will be in heaven. The Tidal Touchpool is a surefire hit, as kids can see and feel an array of marine life, such as sea stars and cucumbers. Experts are also on hand to answer all their burning questions, so they’re bound to learn something they didn’t know before they arrived.

7pm: Dine at Mooloolaba Esplanade

Mooloolaba Esplanade is a dining and shopping precinct with views of the picture-perfect surf beach. There’s plenty of cafes and restaurants to dine at, with many serving famous Mooloolaba prawns straight from the trawlers at the nearby wharf. 

Day four: Noosa, Sunshine Coast

11am: Noosa Surf Club

Drive 40 minutes further north for some quality time in the beautiful coastal town of Noosa.

Sit down for lunch at Noosa Heads Surf Club for the best view and a hearty feed. Dig into an iced bucket of Mooloolaba prawns, classic fish and chips, or garlic prawns with lemon linguine if you're feeling fancy.

2pm: Soak in the Queensland sun

What’s a Queensland holiday without a dip in the ocean?

Put on your togs, smother yourself with SPF50+, and head to Noosa Main Beach for equal parts water, sand and sunshine. 

Soak it up knowing you’re in one of the best spots in the world.

6pm: Sunset dinner at Noosa Boathouse

Drive to Noosaville (just 10 minutes west of Hastings Street) to indulge in the region’s finest flavours.

Overlooking the stunning Noosa River, Noosa Boathouse dishes up local produce such as Moreton Bay bugs and Mooloolaba prawns. The kids will love choosing from a menu made just for them; all meals (think calamari and chips, bangers and mash, and penne Napoli) are just $12.

Day five: Broadbeach, Gold Coast

9am: Be a one-day superhero

Another unmissable activity for family holidays in South-East Queensland is visiting one of the Gold Coast’s famous theme parks. From the Sunshine Coast, it’s just a two-and-half-hour drive south to local favourite, Warner Bros. Movie World.

Movie World has thrilling rides that will have the kids entertained all day - don’t miss the Batwing Spaceshot and Superman Escape. When it’s time to take a break from rides, watch the stunt show ‘Hollywood Stunt Driver’ and the daily Streets Star Parade.

Alternative option | 9am: Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary

If some members of the family aren't thrill-seekers, complete the trifecta of South-East Queensland wildlife experiences with a visit to the iconic Gold Coast Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary. 

Just 20 minutes from Broadbeach, experience the wild lorikeet feeding, free-flight bird shows and Aboriginal performances. With a huge outdoor themed playground, Wild Island, there is plenty of entertainment for kids to enjoy as they tour the sanctuary on a miniature train.

7pm: Dinner at Broadbeach

After a day of adrenalin-pumping rides, Moo Moo Wine Bar and Grill is the perfect place to wind down and refuel. This eatery is located just half-an-hour south of Movie World, in Broadbeach.

This top-notch steak restaurant is the perfect place for meat lovers, but Moo Moo caters to all tastes and dietary needs, including gluten-free and halal options.

Day six: Surfers Paradise, Gold Coast

10am: Learn how to surf

The Gold Coast is famous for its world-class surf, so why not learn how to ride it with Get Wet Surf School?

Get Wet run beginner lessons with the guarantee that every participant will stand up on their first lesson; if not, you get another lesson free! There’s also kid-only lessons for 6 to 12-year-olds during school holidays.

5pm: Twilight at Skypoint Observation Deck

Watch the sun set into the horizon from the sixth tallest residential building in the world—Q1. At the bistro and bar, you can eat and drink while taking in the spectacular views that only come from being 230 metres above sea level. Visit on the weekend and you’ll be lucky enough to experience some live entertainment while you dine.

Up for a challenge? Embark on Australia’s highest external building climb and soak in 360-degree views of the Gold Coast with SkyPoint Climb. Note: All climbers are required to meet a minimum height of 130 cms and children aged between 12 and 15 years must be accompanied by a paying adult. 

7pm: Dinner and late-night shopping

Return to ground zero and take a seven-minute stroll down Surfers Paradise Boulevard until you reach Cavill Avenue. Here, endless restaurants and bistros serve up dinner, and shopping centres and arcades are open for late-night shopping. Don’t forget to check out Surfers Paradise Beachfront Markets (every Friday and Saturday night) to pick up unique hand-made trinkets.

Day seven: Tamborine Mountain, Gold Coast