For The Whole Family: Things To Do In Brisbane

The clean, green island capital of Queensland is home to an array of big-city attractions, lined up in a sun-splashed riverside setting. If you're on the hunt for some family-friendly activities in Brisbane that won’t make you want to pull your hair out, then you’ve come to the right place. I have curated a list of some of the best things to do in this river city that are perfect for the whole family!

And don’t worry, these activities won’t leave you feeling like you need a nice cold drink at the end of the day (unless, of course, you want one!)

Hop on a cruise

Brisbane cruises are the best way to sightsee the city in a unique fashion, especially if you’re new here. The famous Brisbane River snakes its way through the heart of the city, and many of the city’s major landmarks perch up on the waterfront. The perfect mix of relaxation and adventure, it’s a great way for the whole family to gain a fresh perspective of the city skyline, while indulging in some local dishes. Some of the popular sights during the cruise include Kangaroo Point Cliffs, Story Bridge, and even some wildlife that gather along the mangroves in the bank.

Lose yourself in a green haven

Alright, this one may also find its way to the top of the best things to do in Brisbane for free. Brisbane Botanic Gardens Mt Coot-tha is only seven kilometres off the city centre and is renowned for their mesmerising collection of sub-tropical plants! Expect over 128 acres of horticulture which includes a number of themed gardens, subsections of fragrant and indigenous plants and the largest collection of Australian rainforest trees on the planet. The wee ones can check out the Hide ‘n’ Seek Children's trail, and you can take advantage of their free guided walks and minibus tours.

Head to South Bank

No list or blog of things to do in Brisbane would be complete without mentioning the vibrant South Bank Parklands. Just show up. That’s all you need to do here - no prerequisite itineraries! Buzzing with all sorts of family-friendly activities, spending a day here is great to enjoy some quality time with your loved ones. A Darling Harbour equivalent, here you can find plazas, parklands, pedestrian promenades, a man-made lagoon, restaurants, film screenings, live events and much more!

Snap a selfie with a koala

Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary is your ultimate ticket to a cuddling session with some of the world’s cutest critters. If you had a lifelong wish of cuddling a koala, it’s about time you make it come true. Kids will love getting up close and personal with over 70 species of the friendly Aussie residents including wallabies, wombats, dingoes, kookaburras, kangaroos, lorikeets and much more! You can combine a river cruise in Brisbane with a sightseeing tour of this sanctuary to make it all the more sensational!

Vacation to Gold Coast

A day trip to Gold Coast is inevitable if you’re in Brisbane. While technically not in the city, Gold Coast is just a short drive away and is a tourist hotspot packed with theme parks, beaches and wildlife sanctuaries. And if you haven't already, you and your kids can even have your first surfing lesson here! The young and old will equally love Sea World, the largest marine park in Australia, or, if you’re up for a bit of adventure with rewards, check out Tamborine National Park. In this green paradise, you can hike your way through serene rainforests, see waterfalls, walk through dense canopy of trees, and even listen to the call of the lyrebirds!