While Sydney and Melbourne often steal the spotlight, Brisbane deserves way more credit than it gets. Brisbane is often missed, especially by families searching for a great place to enjoy their holiday. Many people might think Brisbane does not have much for kids or family fun, but that is not true at all! This laid-back city is actually a treasure trove of family fun that most tourists do not know about. Brisbane is full of fun experiences, beautiful parks, and attractions for all ages.
The best part? Unlike its flashier sister cities, the top attractions in Brisbane are easier on the wallet, less crowded, and designed with families in mind. This article will share some of the best things to do in Brisbane with your family, showing why this hidden gem deserves to be on your travel list.
Did you know the largest and the first koala sanctuary in the world is right in Brisbane? It gives you a special chance to see the favourite animals of Australia, up close. Just 12km from Brisbane’s heart, this place is a total hit with kids. You can cuddle the cute koalas, feed kangaroos that roam freely, watch platypuses swim, and see exciting bird shows. The best part? Unlike busy city zoos, Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary feels peaceful and natural. Go early in the morning when the koalas are most active. Make sure to pack your camera for some awesome vacation shots!
Imagine a beach right in the middle of a city – that’s South Bank for you! This free park by the water is a popular place for families in Brisbane. The Streets Beach, a lagoon-style pool with real sand, is perfect for kids splashing around while parents relax under palm trees. The lush parklands are great for picnics, and there are plenty of cafes in the vicinity for a quick snack. South Bank also hosts markets, cultural events, and outdoor activities, making it a lively spot for all ages. It is like a beach holiday without leaving the city!
Want the most relaxed way to see the Brisbane skyline? The Wheel of Brisbane, right in South Bank, is your answer! Like the London Eye, you can see the Wheel of Brisbane from the river walkways and many places around the city. This giant Ferris wheel takes you 60 meters high in fully enclosed, air-conditioned gondolas. It offers breathtaking views of the skyline and the beautiful Brisbane River. Each ride lasts about 10-15 minutes, giving you plenty of time to spot landmarks and take photos. Kids really enjoy the audio guide filled with fun facts about what they see below.
Here is something you may not expect in Brisbane: camel rides! Summer Land Camels Farm, just outside the city, provides a fun outback experience that the kids will really enjoy. You can pet baby camels, learn fun facts about these gentle giants, and even try camel milk ice cream. The highlight? A bumpy but exciting camel ride through the farm. It is a relaxing way to enjoy nature and gives kids a fun story to tell when they get home.
Which kid does not like to learn how things work? SparkLab at Queensland Museum will inspire kids to ask questions, explore, and find out about the world around them. This fun and educational place is great for kids aged 6 to 13. With interactive activities, kids can spend hours exploring the energy, human body, sound, light, and the natural world. Kids can conduct real experiments, build flying machines, and play with robots. With more than 40 hands-on exhibits, parents also get into the fun!
Did you know there are only three bridge climbs in the world? One is the Story Bridge in Brisbane, which makes your family trip a fun and unique experience! For families with kids above 6 years, climbing the famous Story Bridge in Brisbane is an experience not to be missed. Do not worry – it is safe with proper harnesses and guide rails. The climb takes about two hours, and guides share fun stories about the history of Brisbane along the way. The views from 80 meters up are amazing, especially at twilight when the city starts to sparkle. It is a thrilling way to see the city from a different perspective.
Just an hour from Brisbane, Thunderbird Park is like stepping into a real-life adventure playground. This unique park in Mount Tamborine lets kids and parents zip through the treetops. The TreeTop Challenge has over 100 aerial games and ziplines. Kids can also enjoy mini-golf, horseback riding, and a chance to see native wildlife up close. But the best part is that this place is known for finding thunder eggs! The park has many fun activities for adventure lovers and nature fans. You can search for ancient thunder eggs or play jungle Laser Skirmish. For family-friendly fun, try Dig IT, Australia’s first mini excavator park. You can also enjoy playing championship mini-golf. Stay in their camping grounds or cozy cabins to make it a weekend adventure.
Ready to explore the family fun in Brisbane? While planning the Australia tour packages, do not make the mistake of skipping this sunshine city. Brisbane has a great mix of nature, fun adventures, and budget-friendly attractions that both kids and parents will love. Brisbane shows that the less obvious choice can make for the best family vacation!
Hi, This is Mukti Solia (Social Media Head-Flamingo Travels) I can say I am a lawyer turned travel curator. I completed my BBA in Finance and Marketing from HL college, Ahmedabad University. Later on, I moved to Mumbai to pursue Law. Currently, I work as Social Media Head at Flamingo group of companies as I believe that the Travel and tourism industry is no exception to digital transformation. Social media platforms give travel operators the chance to improve the customer experience.
