Brisbane:
The ultimate school holiday guide

18 JANUARY 2023

School holidays have well and truly arrived, bringing the opportunity for quality time with the little ones along with them! We’ve put together our top Brisbane school holiday itineraries to keep them (and you) entertained during the spring and summer breaks. Here’s how you can experience the best of Brisbane, hassle-free.

Christmas in Brisbane

Searching for fun and festive things to do with the family in Brisbane this holiday season? Look no further! From holiday workshops in Queens Street Mall to festive stage performances, dazzling lights shows to live carols; there's plenty to enjoy this Christmas in Brisbane.

An image of two siblings playing on a playground.

South Bank Parkland Playground, South Bank

South Bank

South Bank - the ultimate kids playground. With so much to see and do, you’re guaranteed a fun day out with the entire family. With so much on at South Bank these school holidays, your kids are spoilt for choice. Whether it’s roaming through the Grand Arbour with an ice cream in hand, sitting back to relax and take in one of QPAC’s offerings, or enjoying an inner-city beach day at the iconic Streets Beach. Best part, there are restaurants and bars galore to keep you going while the kids run wild. 

People in a GoBoat on the Brisbane River going under the Story Bridge

GoBoat 

Brisbane City 

If you think The City is just for grown-ups, think again! Say Ahoy to GoBoat, Brisbane’s ultimate picnic boat experience. With eight people allowed on board, you can bring your whole family, even your fur baby. GoBoat offers a unique perspective of Brisbane; along Kangaroo Point Cliffs and underneath the iconic Story Bridge. When you’ve docked, make your way to Felons Brewing Co. for some live music and a cheeky local brew, while the kids occupy themselves on their giant ship playground. When they’re almost all tuckered out, fill their bellies at one of the many restaurants surrounding The City, with kid menus even we’re tempted to try. 

If you're looking for an educational experience for the kids, head to the Cross River Rail Experience Centre to participate in a large program of free school holiday activities. 

A mother pointing at the flowers with her daughter at Roma Street Parkland.

Roma Street Parkland

Roma Street Parkland 

Full of excitement, Roma Street Parkland has it all covered. Start the day strolling through the wonders of the gardens of hop on the Xpress Fun Train for a tour through the parklands. Don’t forget to pack hats, sunscreen, and plenty of snacks - there’s a lot to explore! Wind down in the evening, and make your way to the Moonlight Cinema (check website for timings) for a flick under the Roma Street Parkland stars. With plenty of family-friendly movies on offer, for all to enjoy. And don’t worry, there are snacks galore to keep the kids satisfied, as well as food trucks and bars for your needs too. 

Get active  

Need help expelling all that extra school holiday energy? River to Bay’s express boat to Moreton Island has a whole day of jam-packed adventure for you. Hop onboard one of their flash new boats, and explore Brisbane, Moreton Island and North Stradbroke Island through the lens of the locals. We’re sure the snorkelling at Tangalooma Wrecks is going to be all your kids will talk about for days to come. To keep the adrenaline racing, Riverlife has you sorted. With plenty of options to choose from, like kayaking, biking, water biking, and URB-E’s, the sky's the limit for you and your kids. 

The minute your kids see the Story Bridge, we bet they’ll ask “can I climb it?” - and the answer is, you sure can! Story Bridge Adventure Climb is a must-do to see The City from the perspective of Brisbane’s most iconic landmark. Suitable for any fitness level, you just have to be a minimum of six years old to climb. The family shots will be envied with this breath-taking background. 

Two children holding hay out to the camera, standing in front of camels.

Summer Land Camels, Scenic Rim

Nature and wildlife 

Animals and kids - the ultimate duo. Head just outside of Ipswich to Summer Land Camels, Australia’s largest wild camel training centre and dairy operation. Your kids can pat and feed their friendly camels, while you get some adorable pics and learn about the benefits of camel milk. Did someone say immunity and anti-aging?!  

If you’re keen to immerse your kids in Australian wildlife, Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary is Brisbane’s ultimate nature destination. Snap some pics of koalas high in the eucalyptus trees, walking amongst the kangaroos or try and capture the sleepy wombats. Or head to Walkabout Creek Discovery Centre, residing in the Enoggera Reservoir, for Ranger-led activities designed for all ages!  

Keen to combine wildlife with adventure, to really tire them out? Thunderbird Park at Tamborine Mountain in the Scenic Rim region pairs a rainforest playground, treewalk and mini-golf course, with natural bushland and walking tracks with hundreds of colourful birds for the best of both worlds. 

Looking for the ultimate springtime activity? Look no further than an epic flower hunting expedition! Journey to Kangaroo Point Cliffs to glimpse the city through vibrant red and pink florals, or visit New Farm Park to spot the jacarandas in bloom. Pack a picnic and relax with the family as you watch the sunset amongst the flowers.

A boy looking at people playing in water at Settlement Cove Lagoon at Moreton Bay Region.

Settlement Cove Lagoon, Moreton Bay Region

Day trips 

Not used to the Queensland heat, but still keen to experience all Brisbane has to offer? We do the outdoors best, so cool off with some of our refreshing day trip options. Settlement Cove Lagoon in Moreton Bay gives you a refreshing day out, with their 95m lagoon perched right next to the ocean. Paradise by the sea, this allows you to relax without worrying about your kids tackling the big waves, but still getting that salty breeze.  

The Wynnum Whale Park is another popular sea-side spot for families, and with a wading pool nearby there’s enough to keep everyone entertained for hours! Further afield in Redlands Coast, at the tip of Cleveland Point, the recreation reserve makes a perfect picnic spot. Home to the historic Cleveland Point Lighthouse and Café, and a nautical themed playground, the park is perfect for kids big and small.  

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