Things To Do In Brisbane With Kids To Bust Their Boredom

Fuel their imagination while keeping everyone entertained with the best things to do in Brisbane with kids.

No matter their age, travelling with kids is no easy feat. While the idea of exploring new surroundings is whimsical and idyllic, the reality is that kids need to be constantly entertained otherwise they’ll sink right into their devices. Luckily, Brisbane is full of wondrous activities to inspire miniature minds. From educational and cultural enlightenment to action-packed escapades, there are plenty of memorable things to do in Brisbane with kids. Allow us to shine a light…

1. Let them stay up late at Eat Street Northshore

Fostering a family of fussy eaters? Eat Street Northshore will sort everyone out. Open every Friday, Saturday and Sunday, the entertainment precinct is filled with more than 70 vendors cooking up internationally inspired bites.

a little girl holding a cotton candy at Eat Street Northshore — Treat your kid to some cotton candy. (Image: Tourism Australia)

Plus, there’s a games arcade, live music, roving performances and lolly shops to shoot them straight to Cloud Nine.

a family marvelling at Eat Street Northshore — Eat Street Northshore offers family-friendly activities that both parents and kids can enjoy. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

Address: 221D MacArthur Avenue, Northshore Brisbane, Hamilton

2. Scale the Story Bridge

You don’t need nerves of steel to climb the staggering Story Bridge. The monumental structure looming over the Brisbane River is so safe and secure that you and the kids can be attached via a harness to climb it (as long as they’re over the age of six).

a family conquering the Story Bridge Adventure Climb — Conquer your fear of heights. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

Thanks to Story Bridge Adventure Climb , you and your tribe will navigate the south-eastern cantilever of the bridge and if it’s a clear day, you’ll see beyond the city’s soaring buildings to the Glass House Mountains and Moreton Bay. The famed Brown Snake, meanwhile, will glimmer at you from 80 metres below.

the Story Bridge at sundown — The views are unbeatable from Story Bridge. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

Address: 170 Main Street, Kangaroo Point

3. Make cuddly new friends at Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary

Youngsters can help protect threatened Australian species by sponsoring a koala, dingo or wombat at Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary .

a close-up shot of a koala — How could you not want to sponsor one of these cuties? (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

The Fig Tree Pocket property has been instrumental in the conservation of native wildlife since it was established in 1927 as a refuge for sick, injured and orphaned koalas. Today, it’s grown to protect and nurture other endangered species whose numbers have also been severely depleted over the years.

two kids sitting next to a dingo at Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary — You can pet dingoes, too. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

Address: 708 Jesmond Road, Fig Tree Pocket

4. Spark creativity at the Queensland Museum Kurilpa’s SparkLab

Get their hands dirty while firing up their imaginations at SparkLab in the Queensland Museum Kurilpa . An innovative learning space for children aged six to 13, the melting pot of all things science, technology, engineering and maths is a non-stop eye-opener.

the planetarium inside SparkLab at Queensland Museum — Venture into the world unknown at SparkLab.

Watch them gasp as they catch live experiments and demonstrations at the Science Bar or stand back and let them figure out puzzling solutions in the Maker Space.

visitors come face to face with a dinosaur replica at Queensland Museum — See dinosaur replicas up close at Queensland Museum.

Address: Level 1, Queensland Museum Kurilpa, Grey Street and Melbourne Street, South Brisbane

5. Be inspired by a performance at Brisbane Powerhouse

No matter when you visit, there’s always some magical happening inside Brisbane Powerhouse .

the Brisbane Powerhouse on the Brisbane River — The arts centre sits next to the Brisbane River. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

Offering a year-round program of events spanning music, comedy, dance, film, visual arts, circus, theatre and more, there’s a kid-friendly and fabulous show for everyone. Plus, New Farm Park, one of the Brisbane locations that have inspired the kids’ TV series Bluey, is right next door.

visitors exploring inside the Brisbane Powerhouse — Brisbane Powerhouse fuels the city’s creative scene. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

Address: 119 Lamington Street, New Farm

6. Soar through the sky on board the Wheel of Brisbane

The Wheel of Brisbane has become a fixture on the landscape in the Queensland capital. Rising 60 metres off the ground, the white wheel of steel and glass sits right next to Brisbane River and adjacent to South Bank.

a mother and son riding the Wheel of Brisbane — Admire the city from a different perspective. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

Despite being a slow journey to nowhere, doing a giant loop of the sky is a thrill for young and old. You’ll see the roads that spaghetti around the CBD, the curves of Mt Coot-tha in the distance and ferry boats leaving feathered trails down the river.

the Wheel of Brisbane against the blue sky backdrop — The Wheel of Brisbane rises 60 metres off the ground. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

Address: Russell Street, South Brisbane

7. Get their brains racing at The Cube, QUT

The Cube at the Queensland University of Technology (QUT) is a hands-on hot spot with one of the largest digital interactive learning and display spaces on the planet. Laid out over two expansive floors in QUT’s Science and Engineering Centre, The Cube makes science fun for everyone thanks to interactive exhibits such as Code-A-Bot where you get to program a robot. It’s a wonderful space, committed to inspiring the next generation of STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) leaders to thrive. Perhaps your child will be one of them.

two women looking at artworks on the wall, The Cube, QUT — Explore interactive art exhibits at the QUT.

Address: 2 George Street, Brisbane City

8. Hop on the CityCat to see the Brisbane River

Keep them entertained for a little while at least (don’t forget snacks) as you head from one side of Brisbane River to the other. With stops right along the stretch, the CityCat is uber-convenient and good to rest little legs before continuing your day of exploring. Run by Brisbane City Council as a free-of-charge initiative, it’s the ideal spot to look out for birds of prey, too.

the CityCat ferry on the Brisbane River — Ride the CityCat from one side of the city to the other.

Address: Multiple ferry stops include Howard Smith Wharves, South Bank, New Farm Park and West End.

9. Find perspective at Sir Thomas Brisbane Planetarium

Turn their attention to the sky a show inside the Cosmic Skydome at the Sir Thomas Brisbane Planetarium , located in the Brisbane Botanic Gardens Mt Coot-tha .

a family visiting the Sir Thomas Brisbane Planetarium — Plan a visit to the city’s only planetarium. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

Just five kilometres from the city’s centre, it’s a haven for learning, showcasing all the most fascinating elements of the solar system. Make the most out of your visit with a tour alongside an astronomer who can point out every planet and constellation worth marvelling at.

kids learning about the solar system at Sir Thomas Brisbane Planetarium — Take a tour of the observable universe. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

Address: Mount Coot-Tha Road, Mount Coot-Tha

10. Unleash mini speed demons at Slideways Go Karting

Put their pedals to the metals, safely, with a spin at Slideways Go Karting . Located just ten minutes from Brisbane’s CBD, kids over the age of seven are invited to channel their inner Michael Schumacher (or Hot Wheels’ racer) to tackle a two-level, 425-metre indoor track. A popular activity to seize if the weather Gods aren’t playing nice, the venue is suitable to experienced racers and total novices.

Address: 870 Kingsford Smith Drive, Eagle Farm

11. Release creativity at the State Library of Queensland’s Corner

Smack bang in the middle of South Bank’s cultural precinct is a sure-fire way to kill some kid time. The State Library of Queensland is home to The Corner, a brilliant kids’ zone complete with a revolving program of hands-on activities and learning experiences. Plus, once they’re done filling their cups, there’s a world of books to leaf through on their way out.

a look inside the State Library of Queensland — The State Library of Queensland is a stalwart of Brisbane. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

Address: Stanley Place, South Brisbane

12. Combine lunch and playtime at Victoria Park Bistro

Mini cheeseburgers, crumbed chicken and battered fish and chips are the perfect fuel ahead of a game of putt-putt golf at Victoria Park Bistro , one of the most kid-friendly restaurants in Brisbane. Nab a table on the wraparound balconies that overlook the golf course and Victoria Parklands, just two kilometres from the city centre. The eatery also has a kids’ games area that includes a repurposed farm tractor, rowboat and giant cubby house. Get there on a weekend to spy a weekly jumping castle, too.

a family enjoying a meal at Victoria Park Bistro — The bistro serves up a kid-friendly menu that the family can enjoy.

Address: 283 Herston Road, Herston

13. Embark on a Brisbane Greeters tour

There’s no better way to get to know a city, and tire out ankle biters, than by exploring it on foot. Tours run by Brisbane Greeters , an initiative from Brisbane City Council, offers visitors the opportunity to learn things about the city not even locals would know. Plus, kids are guaranteed to be zonked after it so it’s a lovely excuse to gain a little peace and quiet.

guests exploring the city during the Brisbane Greeters tour — See Brisbane on foot all while tiring the kids out. Win-win! (Image: Brisbane Economic Development Agency)

Address: Various locations across the city, so check out the website for options.

14. Foster their love of art at Queensland Art Gallery

The Kids Trail , staged throughout the Queensland Art Gallery , one of the city’s best museums, invites children to discover all the animals hiding within the venue’s Australian Art Collection.

kids exploring inside the Queensland Art Galley — QAGOMA offers an immersive art experience for kids. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

It’s an interactive experience that beckons little visitors to stickybeak a range of works and examine each piece closely to better engage with it.

a couple looking up at an artwork on the wall at Queensland Art Galley — There’s something for adults to admire, too.

Address: Stanley Place, South Brisbane

15. Fuel them with comfort food from Brooklyn Depot

If you don’t want to risk getting tomato sauce on the iPad, head to Brooklyn Depot at South Bank, where kid’s meals arrive with colouring in materials to keep them entertained. There are chicken nuggets, plain hot dogs and mac ‘n’ cheese for little ones to delight in.

a spread of food at Brooklyn Depot, Brisbane — Indulge in hearty American diner-style food.

Address: 172 Grey Street, South Brisbane

16. Cool them down at Streets Beach

Sand and waves in the heart of the city? Sign them up. Streets Beach is a man-made sanctuary in South Bank, complete with a lifeguard-patrolled beach, a lagoon-style swimming zone and a sandy beach to frolic along.

floating flamingos at Streets Beach, South Bank — Relax on floating flamingos at Streets Beach.

It’s packing come summer time so get there early to secure a spot, especially if you want to park right near the adjacent playground and ice cream retailers.

people swimming at Streets Beach, South Bank — The man-made sanctuary is ideal for swimming.

Address: Stanley Street Plaza, South Brisbane

17. Grab epic fish and chips at One Fish Two Fish

With three dishes on the kids’ menu — the ‘I Don’t Know’ (crumbed fish fingers), ‘I’m Not Hungry’ (crumbed calamari) and the ‘I Don’t Want That’ (mini pork sausages) — lunch is sorted in their language.

a spread of seafood dishes at One Fish Two Fish, Brisbane — Kids will be spoilt for choice with the seafood menu.

Whatever your children choose at One Fish Two Fish , let them pick at it as you throw back oysters, inhale Moreton Bay bug tagliatelle and fill up on all grown-up and ridiculously refined fish and chips.

oysters and shrimps on a plate at One Fish Two Fish, Brisbane — Adults can enjoy their usual oyster and shrimp platter.

Address: 708 Main Street, Kangaroo Point

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Exploring the world’s largest sand island starts with the perfect K’gari homebase.

The morning light is still soft, but it’s already a perfect sunny day. We left our K’gari homebase at Kingfisher Bay Resort with our guide, Peter Meyer, at 9 am to make the most of our time to explore all that the world’s largest sand island holds. The size of K’gari is hard to grasp until you arrive here. This is no sandbar. Stretching 120 kilometres, unique lakes, mangrove systems, rainforest, 75 Miles of beach, historic shipwrecks, small townships and even one of Queensland’s best bakeries are all hidden within its bounds.

But first, one of the island’s most iconic sights: the pure silica sand and crystal clear waters of Lake McKenzie.

Laying eyes on it for the first time, I’m finally able to confirm that the photos don’t lie. The sand is pure white, without the merest hint of yellow. The water fades from a light halo of aqua around the edges to a deeper, royal blue, the deeper it gets (not that it’s particularly deep, six metres at most). The surface remains surprisingly undisturbed, like a mirror.

Arriving with our guide before 10 am means that no one else is around when we get here. Which means we have the pleasure of breaking the smooth surface with our own ripples as we enter. As a self-confessed wimp with chilly water temperatures, my fears are quickly assuaged. Even in the morning, the water stays around 23 degrees – perfect for lazing about all day. But we have more sights to see.

Exploring K’gari

ariel of in lake mckenzie on k'gari fraser island — Relax in the warm waters of Lake McKenzie. (Image: Ayeisha Sheldon)

This was the Personalised 4WD tour offered by Kingfisher Bay Resort, and my absolute top pick of experiences. Over the course of the day, we had the freedom to create our own bespoke itinerary (plus a provided picnic lunch along the way), with an expert guide who had plenty of stories and local expertise to give context to what we were looking at. From the history of the SS Maheno shipwreck, which survived the First World War only to be washed ashore by a cyclone in 1935, to a detailed description of how an island made of sand could sustain such diverse flora.

If it’s your first time to K’gari, the Beauty Spots Tour is another great option. Departing daily from Kingfisher Bay Resort (you’ll start to notice a trend, as many of the tours do start and end here), an air-conditioned, 4WD bus takes guests to the island’s most iconic locations, including the best places to swim, like Lake McKenzie and Eli Creek. The latter offers a gentle current, perfect for riding with a blow-up tyre out towards the ocean.

The next day, for a look at a completely different side of K’gari, I joined one of Kingfisher Bay Resort’s Immersive Ranger-guided tours to kayak through the mangroves of Dundonga Creek. This long, snake-like stretch of creek winds its way inland from the ocean outlet we entered by, at times too narrow for three kayaks to be side-by-side. Small insects buzz from leaf to leaf, while birds call overhead. Occasional bubbles indicate we’ve passed some fish that call this place home.

kayak tour through the mangroves at k'gari island — Learn about the island’s mangroves from your Ranger. (Image: Reuben Nutt/ TEQ)

If kayaking isn’t for you – or if, like me, you simply want more – other ranger-led experiences include nature walks and a dedicated Junior Eco Ranger Program for kids ages five to 12 (these run every weekend, and daily over the peak December holidays). Just ask for a timetable of upcoming tours when you check in.

While during whale season, Hervey Bay Whale Watch & Charters operates tours from the hotel’s jetty to get up close to the famous Humpback Highway of Hervey Bay, from 7 November to 31 May, attention turns to the Aqua Oasis Cruise . Departing from the resort every Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday for resort guests, adventure along the island’s remote western coast, pointing out wildlife like dolphins, turtles, flying fish and eagles along the way.

The cruise drops anchor so guests can jump into the water using the boat’s equipment – from SUP boards to inflatable slides and jumping platforms. Then refuel with a provided lunch, of course.

Unwind at sunset

two people drinking cocktails at sunset bar, kingfisher bay resort — Unwind at the Sunset Bar. (Image: Sean Scott)

As much as days on K’gari can be filled with adventure, to me, the afternoons and evenings there are for unwinding. Sunsets on K’gari are absolutely unbelievable, with Kingfisher Bay on the west side being the best spot to catch the colours.

The Sunset Bar , located at the start of the resort’s jetty and overlooking the beach, is the ultimate location for sundowners. Let chill beats wash over you as you sip on cool wines, beers and cocktails in a relaxed, friendly vibe. Personally, a cheese board was also absolutely called for. As the sun sinks, the sand, sea and horizon turn a vibrant shade of orange, with the jetty casting a dramatic shadow across the water.

When the show is over, head back to the hotel for dinner at the Asian-fusion Dune restaurant, or the pub-style Sand + Wood. But if your appetite is still whetted for more lights and colours, the evening isn’t over yet.

Settle into the Illumina stage for Return to Sky, an immersive light and sound show leading viewers on a captivating journey through K’gari’s stories and landscapes.

Indulge and disconnect

woman setting up massage room at kingfisher bay resort Island Day Spa — Find bliss at Island Day Spa. (Image: Jessica Miocevich)

Of course, there is a type of traveller who knows that balance is important, day or night. While Kingfisher Bay Resort offers more than one pool for guests to spend all day lounging by (they’ll even serve you food and drinks while you do it), you’ll find me at the Island Day Spa.

The masseuses could match the magic hands of any big city spa, and I felt the warm welcome as I walked into the light, breezy reception. Choose from a range of botanical facials, beauty treatments and soothing massages using traditional techniques (obviously, I couldn’t go past a relaxing massage). All products used contain organic, native botanical ingredients with nutrient-rich plant extracts to soothe skin and mind. To really indulge, try out one of the packages, couples treatment or even a pre-wedding day offering.

Getting there

kingfisher bay resort 4wd tour driving passed ss maheno on k'gari island — The world of K’gari awaits. (Image: Jessica Miocevich)

Getting to K’gari is shockingly easy. Find daily flights into Hervey Bay from Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney. Kingfisher Bay Resort offers a shuttle bus between the airport, their headquarters in Hervey Bay and the ferry to take you to K’gari.

17 all-new things to do in Brisbane with kids