Welcome to the Queensland capital of Australia, and today, learning about all the different things to do in Brisbane with Kids. It’s a brilliant place for families and is known for its outdoor lifestyle.
Brisbane is the capital of Queensland and is located in the Southeast corner of the state. There is a population of over 2 million people and more than 15 square kilometres in size. Therefore, you have many options on where to stay in Brisbane and find something suitable for your situation.
Overall, Brisbane is an outstanding city for a vacation or even a stopover somewhere else. It has a lot to offer in terms of entertainment, education, and enjoying an outdoor lifestyle. Here are some of our best-loved things to do in Brisbane with Kids.
Swim at Streets Beach
Streets Beach is located in Southbank, right across from the main central district of Brisbane. It’s a free, man-made beach, perfect for kids and the adults to sit back and relax.
The beach comes with its own white sandy shores, different pools, bridges, and an interactive splash section for the little ones. You also have helpful conveniences like bathrooms, picnic tables, and Barbeques. With its close proximity to the city, Streets Beach is really easy to get to and a perfect way to stick to a budget.
Snorkelling at Moreton Island
Moreton Island is the third largest and one of four sand islands along the Queensland coast. It takes a short 1.5 hours to get from Brisbane to Tangalooma Resort on a privately owned catamaran. Therefore, making makes it a popular destination for those looking for the beachside and to escape the city.
The island is well-known for its 15 shipwrecks, which you can snorkel around and explore. As a result, you can expect to run into an overabundance of underwater life, including fish, sting rays, and wobbygong sharks.
Whether you’re looking to sit back on the beach or swim, Moreton Island & the Tangalooma Island Resort can keep you entertained for hours.
Learn Australian Culture at the Museums
The cultural precinct in Southbank, Brisbane, is home to some of the state’s more popular museums. GOMA (Gallery of Modern Art), the Queensland Museum, and the Art Gallery are all located within the precinct, making it the perfect place to learn about Australian culture and Art.
The museums offer a wide range of exhibits, from live animal displays, dinosaurs, to modern or contemporary Art. In addition to the museums, the precinct also includes several cafes and restaurants, making it the perfect place to spend a day exploring Brisbane’s rich culture.
Ride the Wheel of Brisbane
The best views of Brisbane can be seen from the highest point of the Wheel of Brisbane (A Giant Ferris Wheel). Standing 60 metres tall, the Wheel offers 360-degree views of the city centre and beyond. The ride takes roughly 10 to 15 minutes, and during that time, you’ll get to appreciate the best sights and a running commentary of the town’s history.
The cost is $19.95 for adults and $15.20 for children, but there are group discounts and savings for purchasing online. This makes it an affordable activity for families and something everyone can enjoy.
Body Boarding at Stradbroke Island
Stradbroke Island, or “Straddie” as the locals call it, is a small island located just off the coast of Queensland, Australia. The island is best known for its beautiful beaches and surfing conditions. Point Lookout is the best spot on the island for shops/cafes, and where you’ll find the best surf beach.
To get to Stradbroke Island, you can take a car or passenger ferry leaving from the suburb of Cleveland. The journey takes about 45 minutes and departs several times a day. When you get there, you can choose to get around with your own vehicle, use public bus transport, or hire a scooter for the day.
Apart from Surfing or Body Boarding at Point Lookout Beach, you have the North Gorge walk or other swimming beaches within easy reach.
Storey Bridge Adventure Climb
The Story Bridge in Brisbane is an iconic landmark that was completed and opened in the 1940s. It stands 74 metres high and offers breathtaking views of the cityscape and the Brisbane River below.
For those looking for unique things to do in Brisbane, the Story Bridge also offers the opportunity for an adventure climb. This involves suiting up and following a railing system to the top, for an unrivalled 360-degree view of the surrounding area.
You can rest assured that the climb is safe and suitable for all ages, with experienced staff on-hand to provide guidance and support. So whether you’re admiring the architecture or enjoying the panoramic views, the Story Bridge will surely be a memorable experience.
Go-Karting at Kingston Park Raceway
The Kingston Park Raceway is located on the south side of Brisbane, just 30 minutes from the city centre. Go-Karting is a fun and thrilling activity that is fun for anyone who loves to go fast (in a safe environment)! It’s also a superb way to spend time with family or friends and the perfect holiday activity.
The age limit for riders is 10 years old, but if you are accompanied by an adult, you may be able to ride at a younger age. Also, the more rides you purchase, the cheaper it becomes overall! This makes go-karting an excellent activity for groups of all sizes, especially the ones that feel the ‘Need for Speed.’
Meet the animals at Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary
The Lone Pine Sanctuary opened in 1927 and is primarily a large Koala Sanctuary. It is home to over 100 koalas and other Australian wildlife, such as kangaroos, wallabies, echidnas, and Tasmania devils.
Visitors can get their photo taken with a koala, feed the kangaroos, or learn about the different animals through one of the many ranger-led programs.
The sanctuary is located just outside Brisbane, making it an easy day trip for those visiting the city. So whether you’re looking to grasp more about Australian wildlife or want to cuddle a koala, the Lone Pine Sanctuary is definitely worth a visit.
Go for a round at Victoria Park’s Mini Golf.
Mini golf, also known as Putt-Putt, is a type of game played on a smaller scale than traditional golf. It is usually played on a course with 18 holes, and the objective is to record the lowest number of strokes.
Mini golf is often seen as a casual game and a popular activity for birthday parties and family gatherings. Victoria Park is one of the few places you can play mini golf in Brisbane, and open every day for your convenience. The cost to play mini golf at Victoria Park is $20AUD per adult and $14AUD per child.
Challenge an Abseiling at Kangaroo Point
If you’re looking for an exciting way to take in the sights of Brisbane, abseiling at Kangaroo Point is a great option. The Kangaroo Point Cliffs are only 20 metres high, so it’s perfect for those who are after a bit of a thrill without overextending a fear of heights.
And don’t worry if you’ve never done this before! It’s perfect for beginners, and the staff will give you a safety briefing and all the equipment you need to make your descent safely. Trust me, it’s a lot of fun.
Climb Mount Coot-Tha for the views
Mount Coot-tha is the highest mountain so close to Brisbane City and a popular place to watch the sunrise. You can choose to drive up the winding roads to the summit or take the challenge and hike the 40 mins to the top.
From there, you can see the incredible views of Brisbane’s high-rise buildings, surrounding suburbs, and even the ocean on a clear day. It’s open 24 hours a day or during general business hours to grab a quick snack or a coffee from the local cafe.
Sunset Kayak on the Brisbane River
The Brisbane River snakes around the city centre and eventually ends up in Moreton Bay. Another unique experience available here is sunset kayaking because it is fun for everyone and great exercise.
You’ll be provided a life jacket and safety lights and taken on a specific section of a river in a group. This via’s you away from the general river traffic and, in turn, is safer.
It’s best to stay warm with layers when kayaking at night and dress in something you don’t mind getting wet. Secondly, you’ll want to ensure you don’t bring any electronic devices. This includes phones, cameras, and even watches that aren’t waterproof.
Walk to King Island
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King Island is a small island located near Wellington Point in Brisbane. You can walk to the island in about 30 minutes, but interestingly enough, this can only be done at low tide. Therefore, the water is too deep at high tide, and instead, you would need to swim out.
The island is a great spot to take your dog for a walk, exercise, see the wildlife, and find plenty of places to explore. Overall, King Island is great for spending a leisurely afternoon exploring the Queensland coastline or watching the sunset.
Conclusion
With so many entertaining things to do in Brisbane with kids, you’ll never be bored on your next visit. Whether you want to explore an island, learn in a museum or get some exercise outdoors, there’s something for everyone.
So what are you waiting for? Start crossing off items on your list the next time you visit Brisbane!
BIO
Chris Fry is the writer and photographer behind Aquarius Traveller, where she shares her journeys, provides valuable information and inspiration for your land and underwater travels. She lives in Australia, and has travelled to 36 countries and across Australia
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