Going out with the family need not cost a packet. Here are some ideas to inspire and entertain the family – and they are all free!
SOUTH BANK PARKLANDS
Arguably Brisbane’s most popular destination for families is South Bank. Hugging the Brisbane River just across from the CBD, visitors can enjoy a sandy beach, a dip in a man-made lagoon, plenty of picnic spots, eateries, shops, cinemas and free live entertainment on most weekends.
CULTURAL CENTRE, SOUTH BANK
The state’s leading arts and theatre precinct is an exciting experience for young and old. It features the Queensland Art Gallery and Gallery of Modern Art, Queensland Museum, State Library of Queensland and the Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC). Kids, in particular, will enjoy the interactive activities at the Sciencentre.
BRISBANE BOTANIC GARDENS, MT COOT-THA
The Brisbane Botanic Gardens at Mt Coot-tha feature an oasis of some of the best native and exotic plant species in southeast Queensland, including a tropical greenhouse dome, Japanese gardens, 52 hectares of themed gardens, a lagoon and a window to the sky at the Sir Thomas Brisbane Planetarium.
DAISY HILL KOALA CENTRE
Want to see a koala up close? This koala education facility, just south of Brisbane, was built by the State Government and includes an outdoor koala enclosure and interactive displays. It is part of the Daisy Hill Conservation Park, comprising 435 hectares of open eucalypt forest and is a popular bushland retreat.
BRISBANE FOREST PARK
Take a walk through the bush on Brisbane’s doorstep. Brisbane Forest Park is located at The Gap and is part of D’Aguilar National Park, which has 14 separate recreation areas, over 30km of walking tracks and 60km of tourist roads.
BOONDALL WETLANDS
The Boondall Wetlands Reserve at Boondall offers an insight to the flora and fauna of Moreton Bay. At the wetlands’ environment Centre you can learn about the importance of preserving natural areas. You can also enjoy a picnic, traverse walking tracks, go for a bike ride or bring a canoe to explore the wetlands from the water.
BRISBANE POWERHOUSE
The historic Brisbane Powerhouse at New Farm plays host to live arts, weekend farmers markets and an outdoor cinema at selected times during the year. It is next to New Farm Park, another great place to relax or have a riverside picnic.
MT COOT-THA LOOKOUT
This is the place to go to take in a spectacular view of the Brisbane region. On a clear day, from the observation deck, you can see from the ranges to the bay. A cafe and restaurant are situated at the lookout and there are numerous walking tracks up and down the mountain leading to several picnic areas.